PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - A GUEST’S IMPRESSION

I am not a member of the Order of Lazarus, but my husband Peter is, being the Chancellor of the Commandery of King Offa. In May 2009 I joined Peter at the Annual Investiture of Londinium Commandery held at the magnificent Guards' Chapel in London and afterwards in the Officers’ Mess at Wellington Barracks for lunch. At the pre-prandial reception our little group was joined by the Grand Master who impressed us all by his charm and approachability. He told us of his wish to conduct a Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in the special Holy Year of 2010. I was immediately attracted by the idea, particularly as I am a lover of Spain and its culture. A couple of glasses of wine later and the decision was made.

On arrival at Santiago de Compostela airport, we climbed onto the first bus we saw and paid our 3 euros. Fortuitously, it dropped us off directly outside our hotel, at which about 18 other English pilgrims were staying. We had been advised to take umbrellas and mackintoshes as we were told the weather in that part of Spain (Galicia) was always changeable. Our experience, however, was very different - it was extremely hot, the sun shone every day from a cloudless sky and not a driop of rain fell during our stay. Most unfortunately, my enjoyment of these conditions was tempered by the fact that I spent the first couple of days in bed, owing to a virus I had contracted on the eve of our leaving the UK. God moves in a very mysterious way!

Santiago is an historic university town, abounding in Celtic symbols. It is a great centere for pilgrims of all ages and we saw many groups of young children, clearly on school trips, dressed as pilgrims. The old town was filled with numerous small shops, restaurants and tapas bars. Compostela also boasted a wonderful covered market where one could buy anything from Judea beans to umbrellas.

Although it was extremely busy I always felt very safe; the only beggar I encountered turned out to be English. We also encountered Princess Leia and a few Storm Troopers from a Star Wars convention being held there at the time!

The registration of pilgrims and splendid reception was held at the magnificent Parador Hotel de los Reyes Catholicos, where we later had drinks on the terrace with friends who were staying there. I was unable to take part in the actual Pilgrims’ Walk or attend the Cathedral Mass owing to my illness but Peter did and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was well enough, however, to attend the Gala Dinner, held in the Refectory at the Monastery. It was very crowded but the atmosphere was wonderful, despite the rather indifferent Spanish cuisine and the fact that, although I received both the vegetarian starter I had requested and my dessert, I never saw the main course!

On the Sunday we went to the specially arranged Anglican Communion Service at a little church by the side of a beautiful stream, a location we had come across while exploring a few days earlier.

The Pilgrimage, in a glorious world heritage site, accompanied by good friends and with a very special atmosphere, was an uplifting experience. I would like to return and see some of the things we missed. Thank you, Spain, and thank you, Grand Master, for enthusing us.

Kate Salt, Derbyshire

Pictures of the recent Investiture can be found by clicking here:

We are delighted to announce that during the first six months of operation, our agreements with easyfundraising and thegivingmachine have raised over £140 for our charitable causes, even though only a handful of members are supporting them.

This scheme costs those using it nothing more than a couple of clicks of the mouse when shopping online, yet generates a donation for every item purchased. Please promote the scheme not just to fellow members, but to friends and businesses that are known to you. There are over 2000 retailers taking part in the scheme, and everybody knows somebody who uses, for example, trains, planes, hotels and computer equipment, to name just a few.

To find out more, just visit the Charitable Work section of our website.

David Haywood (Web Master)

Chevalier Klaus-Peter Pokolm, Chairman of the Public Relations Commission, announces information about the DVD and CD recording the Order's pligrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Full details can be seen here.

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PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S IMPRESSION

What a memorable trip! My wife, Desna, and I were accompanied by Peter and Jennifer Hughes and it began with an early start from Stansted Airport, a smooth landing at Santiago and a hair raising taxi ride into town

After a quick change at our hotel, the former Monastery San Martin Pinario, (bult in the sixteenth century and believed to be one of the largest buildings in Spain), we were off to the first event, registration and a Welcome Reception, hosted by
the Grand Priory of Spain, at the “Hostel de los Reyes Catolicos”, now the local Parador but formerly a Royal Hospital founded by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The reception was an opportunity to sample local food and wine, meet old friends and make new – easily done as everyone displayed a name card on their chests. Here we caught up with Prof. Norman Doe, the new Commander of the Wales Commandery, and his wife Heather. They had travelled on a separate flight.

After a restful evening the real Pilgrimage began at 8.00 am on Saturday with a coach ride to the Monte do Gozo – Pope John Paul’s starting point when he visited Santiago. The six kilometre walk was the last stage of the “St James Way” and followed a route marked by brass shells set in the pavements. It was not too onerous but the temperature rose as the morning wore on. It culminated in the formation of a long queue of Pilgrims waiting to hug the figure of St James set in the high altar of the Cathedral – a very satisfying experience and worth the effort.

The Pilgrimage was followed by a Pilgrims’ Mass in the Cathedral. The service was, unfortunately, entirely in Spanish and consequently difficult to follow. Nevertheless, it was a most moving occasion, concluding with an enormous thuirible, hung from the chancel roof, being swung by six men pulling a sprung rope which caused it to reach the ceiling of the Cathedral at either end of its arc of swing.

The Solemn Investiture Ceremony was held in the magnificent church of the monastery of San Martin Pinario. It was a colourful occasion, there being many different uniforms on display. The Investiture itself saw about 30 members of the Order promoted to equestrian rank (Knight or Dame, or above) – a lengthy procedure, but the provision of service sheets in both English and Spanish allowed one to follow all that was happening.

The Gala Dinner following the Investiture was held in another large hall within the monastery in a room able to sit about 330 people. Probably not the best food in Spain, but one found oneself sitting with very interesting people, and made many new friends. During the evening the Grand Master bestowed upon Gareth Vaughan (Secretary to the Grand Magistral Council) the Award of Gold Cross of Merit, an act which was warmly applauded.

On Sunday morning (Pentecost) the Anglican priests under Canon David Skeoch celebrated the Eucharist at a delightful little church about a mile out of town beside a trout stream. Yet again the occasion was memorable, not just for its location and the service itself, but for the sense of fellowship which united the congregation. It was particularly magical as the sun shone through the open door and stained glass windows while Gareth Vaughan, who led the singing, soon had the congregation raising the roof. A great morning!

That the order was able to have the use of such ancient and historical buildings as the church of the Monasterio de San Martin and the old Royal Hospital was greatly appreciated, but to be able to sit in the magnificent Cathedral, the construction of which was begun in 1075, was truly the high point of the visit.

David Wheeler KLJ
Receiver-General
Grand Priory of England & Wales

GRAND PRIORY AUTUMN VIGIL & INVESTITURE

The Grand Priory's Autumn Vigil will be held on Friday 15th October at 6.30pm in Wesley's Chapel, 49 City Road, London EC1, followed by a finger buffet at the Honourable Artillery Company (also in City Road).

The Investiture will take place the following day, Saturday 16th, at 11.00am at St Paul's Church, Knightsbridge, followed by luncheon at The Royal Thames Yacht Club.

St Paul's, Knightsbridge, is situated at 32a Wilton Place, London, SW1. It is among the most beautiful Victorian churches in the capital. The Royal Thames Yacht Club, at 60 Knightsbridge, is the oldest sailing club in the country.

This wll be the last Vigil & Investiture of the Grand Priory before complete reunification takes place in 2011.

Full details will appear in the Events Calendar shortly.

PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - A SENIOR CHAPLAIN'S IMPRESSION

Leaving England on a beautiful May morning and arriving in Compostela in the same weather was itself a pleasure. The next five days continued the delight. Not having visited the city before, I was bowled over by the beauty of the buildings and the glory of the churches. I was impressed by a number of things: first, the pilgrims themselves, of all ages, races and classes; secondly, the friendliness of the people in restaurants and bars; thirdly – and this both delighted and surprised me – the music. The city seemed full of music of every kind: guitars, bagpipes, harps and singers – and the quality of the performances was especially pleasing.

Like many of the Order’s pilgrims, our little group stayed in the Monasterio de San Martin Pinario, a huge building just behind the main square. We had excellent rooms and every morning a good, slightly Germanic, breakfast. Part of the complex is currently the Diocesan Seminary, so there were young ordinands around from time to time. It was a wonderful time for meeting old friends from all over the world, sitting over drinks or a little lunch or dinner.

The pilgrimage itself was a moving experience, despite the somewhat chaotic arrangements, which drove our Grand Master to distraction. The clergy were afforded excellent seats in choir for the Pilgrimage Mass in the Basilica of St James on Saturday, at which our Spiritual Protector, His Beatitude Gregorios V, concelebrated, and at which the “botafumeiro” (the massive thurible which depends from the chancel dome) was ceremonially swung to the accompaniment of a hymn played on the wonderful organ. That same evening, a magnificent Investiture was held in the Church of San Martin Pinario, where a splendid choir provided some excellent music – mostly plainchant, Victoria and some less well-known Spanish composers of liturgical music, but accompanying the recession at the end of the service with Handel’s march from Judas Maccabaeus.

On Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost, the Grand Master had thoughtfully arranged for Anglicans to celebrate the Eucharist at the little Church of Carmen de Abaixo, where about thirty members of the Order – priests and laity – enjoyed a memorable celebration. I was privileged to preside and preach, while four other chaplains of the Order concelebrated – The Revd Chris Fallone, (Deputy Chaplain-General, Grand Bailiwick), The Revd Victor Bullock (Almoner, Grand Priory), The Revd Paul Bagott (Grand Priory) and The Revd Peter Bellamy-Knights (Grand Bailiwick). The Revd Colin Westmarland, Chaplain of the Commandery of the Castello, Malta, and The Revd Louis Baycock, Deputy Chaplain-General, Grand Bailiwick of England & Wales, also assisted in the sanctuary. The singing was led by Gareth Vaughan.

After taking a little light refreshment at an extremely friendly bar, some of us then attended the Patriarch’s Liturgy in the Church of San Fructuoso. Again, we experienced a memorable act of worship, assisted by the presence of a very fine Melkite choir. This was, as had been the Pilgrimage Mass, a great ecumenical occasion.
Our visit to Santiago also included two significant social gatherings. The first, on the Friday, was a lunch time reception, hosted by the Grand Priory of Spain, in the Hostel de los Reys Catholicos, attended by between three and four hundred members of the Order from all over the world. The second was the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening, after the Investiture, attended by a similar number.

Reluctantly, we left Compostela on Monday morning, having had a wonderful spiritual and social experience which, we hope and pray, will help our Order to draw closer together so that we may, as our Grand Master reminded us is our purpose, do our work more successfully.

The Revd Canon David Skeoch SChLJ, GOMLJ
Chaplain-General, Grand Priory of England & Wales

PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - A NEW MEMBER’S IMPRESSION

My husband, Barry, has been a member of the Order of St.Lazarus for many years. In April this year (2010) I was delighted to become a member of the Order myself at a Service of Investiture at Stonyhurst College in the beautiful Ribble Valley, Lancashire. It was, therefore, appropriate that the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela had been planned for just a few weeks later, and on 20th May we set off for our remarkable four-day vacation.

As soon as we arrived in Santiago de Compostela we were surrounded by a profound sense of love and fellowship. Meeting new people, making new friendships and renewing old ones was especially pleasing.

The Pilgrimage walk was approximately 5km along a traditional route to the city originally taken by believers from all over Europe visiting the shrine of St James. Walking in their footsteps gave me a sense of connection with the past and inspired feelings of humility and intense admiration for all those pilgrims who had been there before me over the centuries.
We enjoyed services in some of the city’s most beautiful churches. The Pilgrims' Service in the magnificent Cathedral itself, with over 400 members of the Order present, was, however, the most memorable.

Many pleasant and interesting excursions were organised for us by The Grand Priory of Spain, all of which we were delighted to attend as they gave us opportunites to meet and chat with members of the Order from all over the world, some from as far away as New Zealand.

The Pilgrimage was as much a holiday as an act of devotion, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions – heartwarming, moving and, most of all, memorable. I extend my deep gratitude to all those members involved in the organization of such a momentous occasion.

Consoeur Dianne Uttley MLJ, MMLJ

At the AGM of the Mersey Commandery, Chevalier Sab Losy KLJ retired after nearly five years as Commander. The Chancellor has been pleased to appoint Dame Lesley Martin-Wright DLJ as his successor.

Lesley writes: “I am both delighted and honoured to be the new Mersey Commander.

"By way of background information, by birth I am a native of Northumberland, and one of my ancestors was the highly regarded romantic painter, engraver and illustrator, John Martin. Sadly, I do not possess any of his paintings. I left the North East in my early twenties to spend 12 months working and living in Singapore, which was a wonderful experience. After my return I spent 10 years living and working in London, during which time I got was married and had two children (Alexander Martin-Wright, now 23, who joined the Order in the rank of Esquire in 2008). Approximately 20 years ago the family had the opportunity to relocate to Liverpool, which we now call 'home'. I have recently changed career, from head of marketing in a commercial law firm, to become Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber of Commerce.

"The North West offers huge potential, and, of course, immense challenges. In my new role as Commander of Mersey I will be continuing the excellent work commenced by Dr Andrew Zsigmond and continued latterly by Sab Losy. St Lazarus has an international remit and sphere of influence; the Mersey Commandery will continue to play an important part in raising funds and supporting the Order's charitable works across the globe. We will also strive to make an impact on those less well known charities within our borders, which, during these difficult economic climes, are also in great need. Mersey Commandery is drafting a programme of events for 2010-2011 which will be circulated and advertised shortly.”

We offer our congratulations to the following members of the Companionate of Merit, and of the Order, in the Grand Bailiwick & Priory of England and Wales who have been honoured in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List:

Norman Stoller, OBE, CStJ, KMLJ, Don2LJ, DL has been made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Norman has been an honorary member of the Commandery of John of Gaunt for many years, and, through the Stoller Charitable Trust, makes regular and significant donations towards the charitable work of the Order. He is consistently supportive and attends our events whenever possible. We are enormously grateful to Norman and his wife, Sheila, for the unstinting and often anonymous work they do for our Order.

Sir Christian Bonington, Kt., CBE, CMLJ, DL has been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO).

Sir Chris was admitted to the Companionate of Merit in the rank of Commander at The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, in October 2005. His distinguished achievements are well known and we are very grateful for his support for the work of our Order, especially in Cumbria Commandery, of which he is an honorary member.

Dan Clayton-Jones, TD, KStJ, KLJ, MMLJ, DL has been made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Major Dan Clayton-Jones (brother of the late Major Huw Bartle-Jones TD, GCLJ, CMLJ, sometime Chancellor of the Grand Priory of England & Wales) has been a long-standing member of the Commandery of Wales in which he was for some years Commandery Hospitaller. Among the many distinguished offices he holds, he is Deputy Chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, Chairman of the Committee for Wales. A former High Sheriff of the County of Glamorgan, he is currently also Chancellor of the Venerable Order of St John in Wales.

Following The Revd Gareth Powell's promotion to a senior administrative post at Methodist Church House in London, the Chancellor of the Grand Prory, Chevalier Vincent Keaveny KCLJ, has been pleased to appoint Professor Norman Doe OLJ as Commander of the Commandery of Wales.

Norman was admitted to the Order at the investiture at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff, in May 2009. Having experienced the hospitality and fellowship of the Order on numerous occasions before investiture, his admission was stimulated in large measure by the dynamism and potential of its ecumenical character, the value of its traditions of spirituality, and the importance of its charitable work to combat leprosy. Over the coming three years, he hopes to serve the commandery through the recruitment of new members (so that it enjoys a presence throughout Wales), the development of its liturgical life (in ecumenical celebrations of the days of obligation, and in exploring the possibility of retreats, pilgrimages and the formation of a rule of life for members in Wales). The promotion of hospitaller activities at home (particularly with regard to palliative care for children) and overseas (in support for institutions which work with leprosy) will be the prime focus of his commandery's charitable work.

Professor Norman Doe is Director of the Centre for Law & Religion at the Law School, Cardiff University.

On  a  lovely  June  Saturday, following  the  Annual Church Garden Party,  the  Commandery  hosted  an Organ  Recital  in  the  evening  for  the  local  congregation  of  Underwood  and  Brinsley  at  one  of  our  Commandery  churches.  The  event  was  a  perfect  ending  to  what  had  been  a  very  successful  day  for  the  church.  Our  Commandery  Organist,  Confrère  Mario  Rizzardi  MLJ, who  is  an  Associate  of  the  Royal  College  of  Organists, and  has  performed  for  the  Queen  at  Sandringham, was  the  host  for  the  evening, accompanied by Mr  Clifford  Bull  (baritone).  who  provided  us  with  stirring  renditions  of  several  old  favourites  including  ‘The  Holy  City’,  and  ‘Good-bye’  from  The  White  Horse  Inn.

The  only  downside  of  the   day  from  our  point  of  view  was  that  it  clashed  with  the  first  England  match  of  the  World  Cup, so  the  numbers  attending  were  reduced.  However,  the  40  or  so  persons  who  did  attend  were  treated  to  a rousing  and  unforgettable  evening.  Taking into account the proceeds from the raffle and refreshments at ‘half-time’,  we  managed  to  raise  over  £300,  to  be shared  equally  between the Church and the Commandery's charities.

To read the sermon of the Spiritual Protector, His Beatitude Gregorios III, delivered in the Church of San Fructuoso in Santiago de Compostela on the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday 23rd May 2010, please click here.

To read the text of the Grand Master's offering to St James, delivered in the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela on 22 May, 2010, please click here.

It is with great sadness that we announce that H.E. The Chevalier Angus Stevenson, MBE, CStJ, GCLJ, GCMLJ, GCrLJ, GMLJ passed away peacefully in hospital on Thursday 15th April 2010 at the age of 93.

Angus was one of the first members to join the Order in the UK in the Hereditary Commandery of Lochore (the first such Commandery to exist in the Order), and was instrumental in setting up the first English Commandery of John of Gaunt. He went on to become one of the most popular and highly decorated members of the Order, and in his role of Grand Custodian of Insignia was a great friend to many members of the Order worldwide. He served for many decades in the Venerable Order of St John from an early age, and was also very honoured to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.

Angus will be sadly missed by his many friends, and in particular by his daughter Linda and his two grandchildren. If you wish to send a card or letter it should be sent to:  Mrs Linda Dearnley, 34 Hollybank Ave, Upper Cumberworth, Huddersfield, HD8 8NY, telephone 01484 606795.

Angus's funeral took place on Wednesday 28th April at St. James Church, Huddersfield Road, Millbrook, Stalybridge, SK15 3JL, and a Guard of Honour both into and out of the Church was provided by a number of robed members of the Order and also by several uniformed St John Ambulance volunteers..

Only family flowers were requested at the funeral, but donations in lieu of flowers should be made payable to Macmillan Cancer Appeal and sent to Linda.

Requiscat in Pace

The Bailiff of the Grand Bailiwick of England & Wales, The Chevalier Charles Holloway KCLJ, has been pleased to appoint Chev. David Haywood to the position of Commander of John of Gaunt with immediate effect.

David will be well-known to most people in the Grand Bailiwick as he has been Receiver-General of the jurisdiction since 2007. His tireless work for the Order has earned him many awards, and the respect of his colleagues, not only in the Grand Bailiwick, but in the Grand Priory too, where he has recently been appointed a trustee of the St Lazarus Charitable Trust. He is a member of the Joint Implementation Commission, and was responsible for supervising the construction of the much-praised England & Wales website, of which he is webmaster.

David's genial nature makes him a popular and pleasant person with whom to work and I have no doubt that he will be a committed and inspiring Commander of the John of Gaunt Commandery.

We report with sadness the passing on 28th November, 2009, of The Rt Rev'd Dr Eric Kemp, ECLJ, former Bishop of Chichester and one of the most distinguished Anglican divines of our day.

Please click HERE to see his obituary, written by The Rev'd Canon Jeremy Haselock, EGCLJ, Bailiff of the Grand Priory of England & Wales.

On the first weekend in July, 2009, a group of 31 members of the Order, clerical and lay, of varied Christian backgrounds, went on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, a 20th century revival of one of the principal mediaeval pilgrimage shrines in Europe. In spite of traffic delays on one of the hottest days of the year, we all managed to be at the refectory in time for supper. Over that weekend, amid blazing heat, we prayed, ate and relaxed together. For some, it was the first time they had ever been on pilgrimage, but everyone soon got into the spirit of it and, I believe, we all had a good time – spiritually and temporally. We prayed for our Order and asked Our Lady to pray for us as we grow together in unity. It was a particular pleasure that Dame Mervyn Redding (Commander of Londinium) was able to be with us for the Saturday evening Pilgrimage Mass, representing the Grand Bailiwick of England & Wales. Significantly, she was making a parachute jump the next day as part of her campaign to raise money for DEBRA.

Although pilgrimage is a serious spiritual event, it is an opportunity for enjoyment too – of God, of course; of others; of our beautiful countryside; and of relaxation and good company, as we learn well from Chaucer. Pilgrimage, representing the spiritual journey of our lives to God, is also an important part of the life of our Order, especially the Pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the Holy Places. Our Grand Master is particularly keen that we remember this.

The Revd Canon David Skeoch SChLJ, GOMLJ
Chaplain-General (Grand Priory)

If you read the article under Charitable Aims about online shopping, you will see that we have links with Easyfundraising and The Giving Machine to enable the St Lazarus Foundation to receive donations every time you shop online. I have just made my first purchase using this link with Scotts of Stow, and it is so easy - it takes you to the retailer's standard site - you just have to remember to go through this site to do your shopping and earn a donation. Although I spent only £10, their donation is 5%, so our charity will receive 50p. Perhaps you could do the same? Click here to go to the page.

A number of new events have now been included in the calendar. Registered members of the Order can also view further information, and download booking forms, from the Members' area.

All members should be aware that the Grand Master is arranging a pilgrimage next year, and a special website has been set up with all the fine detail of the event, including:

• Invitation from the Grandmaster
• General Information about Santiago de Compostela
• Program (preliminary time table)
• Accommodation (Hotel reservation)
• Pilgrimage Registration
• Special Commemorative Medal of the Pilgrimage

Please note that a number of members from England and Wales have already booked at the Hotel Compostela, which is in the heart of the city, and have booked flights with Iberia from Heathrow departing Thursday and returning Monday. Rev'd Chris Fallone is co-ordinating the travel from this country, so please let him know if you are going.

 A direct link to the website can be found by clicking on the image below

The next Grand Bailiwick National Investiture will take place at Tavistock, under the banner of the Commandery of Avalon, on 10th July 2010. Further details can be found in the Events Calendar.