I’ve just received an e-mail from the Hilaire Belloc Society in the UK about a forthcoming Mass to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the death of Belloc next month. The Mass will be celebrated at Belloc’s parish church in West Grinstead in Sussex and will be followed by a picnic, folk music and a gathering in a local pub. Belloc would no doubt approve of such a rambunctious celebration of his life and legacy!

Visitors to the Ink Desk who reside in the UK might be interested in attending. Those who do so should pay their respects at Belloc’s grave in the churchyard but also should say a prayer over the graves of Sir James Gunn, the great artist who painted portraits of the Royal Family as well as those of Belloc and Chesterton, and also of Antonia White the Catholic convert novelist, both of whose resting places are within yards of Belloc’s.

Here’s the full text of the e-mail: 

This is advance notice of a Mass which will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Hilaire Belloc at the parish church of Our Lady of Consolation at 12 PM (on Saturday the 20th of July). This year is the 60th anniversary of his death. The sermon will be preached by Father John Emerson, who is the superior of the Fraternity of Saint Peter in Scotland. The chief celebrant will be Father Matthew Goddard, who is the son of the Rector of the church (which has a very interesting history).

After the High Mass there will be a absolution at Belloc’s grave (in the churchyard). This will be followed by a French military trumpet piece (which Belloc would have been familiar with during his time in the French Army).  We will then picnic and be treated to a small talk by the veteran Bellocian Blaise Compton. Thereafter, there will be poetry and a siesta. In the evening we hope to have folk music at the George and Dragon which is not far away. All said and done, even if there is no music, some of us will be retreating there later in the afternoon.

There will be a mini-bus leaving Clapham, in London, at 9.30 sharp. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. Those of you who are desirous of availing of this transport opportunity are invited to e-mail the blog administrator: hilairebellocblog@gmail.com

If there are any servers out there we are a little bit short at the moment.

Finally, if you are coming, don’t forget to bring your picnic!

Join up on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/552848911423089/

Link to the Hilaire Belloc Blog:

http://thehilairebellocblog.blogspot.co.uk