Cardinal rededicates chapel at Stonyhurst

His Eminence Keith Patrick Cardinal O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, led the Service for the Rededication of the Sodality Chapel at Stonyhurst College, the Jesuit College in Lancashire, on 19 February.

About 250 former pupils, pupils, parents, staff and friends joined in the rededication service - more than could fit into the Sodality Chapel itself.  The Service began in the College Chapel followed by a solemn procession to the Sodality Chapel for the Dedication and Blessing.  Some joined this part by video link to the Top Refectory.

With great reverence, four pupils carefully carried the handsome gilt reliquary and casket containing the remains of St Gordianus, to their former resting place in the Sodality Chapel.  The fact that February 19 is the Feast Day of St Gordianus gave the occasion an extra poignancy.

The Schola Cantorum featured prominently throughout the service, singing works by Tallis and a recently recovered setting of Laudate Pueri originally sung by the Sodality at St Omers.

Click on the link below for a full report of the Service of Rededication of the Sodality Chapel, including many more photos.

Note: A Sodality is a lay association with a special devotion to the Virgin Mary.


 Full report of the Service of Rededication