LATEST
18 MARCH 2024
710th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM (1314)
OF
jAMES OF mOLAY
(Jacques de Molay - the 23rd and last Mediaeval Grand Master)
(Paris, France - 18 March 1314)
Over the weekend 9 - 11 March 2018 nearly 700 Knights & Dames from 70 countries from all across the world gathered together in Paris, France, to celebrate the start of the 900th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Order in Jerusalem in 1118.
We were also there to Commemorate the Anniversary of the Martyrdom
in Paris in 1314 of Jacques de Molay, the last mediaeval Grand Master.
Five Knights and Dames of the Grand Priory of Wales attended the events.
(left to right: Chevalier Ormond; the present Grand Prior Graham; Dame Phoebe)
The Grand Prior of All Britain humbly suggests that each year, on the 18th March - the anniversary of the execution and martyrdom of the last mediaeval Grand Master (Jacques de Molay) in Paris in 1314 - and on Holy Saturday (the day following Good Friday and before Easter Sunday), each Knight, Dame, Esquire and Demoiselle should read The Rule of the Poor Knighthood of the Temple which forms part of The Primitive Rule of the Knights Templar.
This can be found on the next page on this website entitled: "Templars' History" (opposite, left) as the first sub-page there and shown as: "The Templars' Primitive Rule".
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St Patrick's Day
17 MARCH 2024
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuir!
(Happy St Patrick's Day to you!)
ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the Invocation
of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of
Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with
His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with
His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the
Judgement Day.
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto
reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.
I bind to myself today
God’s Power to guide me,
God’s Might to uphold me,
God’s Wisdom to teach me,
God’s Eye to watch over me,
God’s Ear to hear me,
God’s Word to give me speech,
God’s Hand to guide me,
God’s Way to lie before me,
God’s Shield to shelter me,
God’s Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury
to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.
I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false
prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of evil people,
Against every knowledge that binds
the soul of man.
Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against
burning,
Against drowning, against
death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my
left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ on the deck,
Christ in the heart of everyone who
thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who
speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of
the Trinity,
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.
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8 march 2024
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
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1 MARCH 2024
DEWI SANT HAPUS DYDD!
or
DYDD gŴYL DEWI HAPUS!
Happy St David's Day
Dewi Sant - Saint David
Dyuw ein Tad
Rydych yn enw dy was Dafydd
i gynnal y ffydd Gristnogol ymhlith pobl Cymru,
i'w hannog gan ei gadw at ymprydio ac ufudd-dod,
ac i ddangos tosturi iddynt trwy weithredoedd bach o gariad mawr.
Gan fod golau yn cael ei dywallt ar y bennau'r mynyddoedd
ac fel glaw ffres yn cael ei ysgeintio ar y bryniau,
yn ein helpu i fod yn ofalwyr da o un arall
ac o Eich Creation mawr a gogoneddus.
Amen.
† ‡ †
God our Father,
You called your servant David
to uphold the Christian faith amongst the people of Wales,
to encourage them by his observance of fasting and obedience,
and to show them compassion through small acts of great love.
As light is poured onto the mountain-tops
and as fresh rain is sprinkled on the hills,
help us to be good carers of one another
and of Your great and glorious Creation.
Amen.
† ‡ †
(This prayer was written by a former Anglican Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan)
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SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2024
Graduations at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff
We are delighted to send our whole-hearted congratulations to our husband and wife, Chevalier Keiron and Dame Ceri-Ann, on the award of their Batchelor of Theology (BTh) degrees. Both are currently in training for ministry in the Church in Wales and we look forward to their ordinations in due course. Very well-done!
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14 FEBRUARY 2024
St Valentine's Day
ASH WENESDAY - BEGINNING OF LENT
Ꚛ ______________________________________________ Ꚛ
SHROVE TUESDAY - 13 FEBRUARY 2024
The World-famous Olney Pancake Race
(Olney, Buckinghamshire, England)
Firstly Recorded in 1445
Warm Up Stand By
Get Ready Get Steady
Underway
Not Far To Go The Winner All Done
SHROVE TUESDAY - 13 FEBRUARY 2024
"The heavens declare the glory of God"
Two evening views from the Grand Prior's garden
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SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2024
His Majesty the King has expressed his thanks to the hundreds and thousands of people who have sent messages to him since he was diagnosed with cancer. He wrote:
"As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kinds thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."
"It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world."
King Charles concluded:
"My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience."
Queen Camilla said that the King was:
"very touched by all the letters and messages the public have been sending from everywhere ."
She added that the support had been:
"very cheering."
l
The King and Queen attending church at Sandringham today
Ꚛ We Knights Templar continue to pray for His Majesty and all the Royal Family Ꚛ
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18.05 : 5 FEBRUARY 2024
It was announced at 18.00 today that
His Majesty King Charles III
has been diagnosed with a form of cancer,
We Knights Templar send our very best wishes to His Majesty and we pray that God will protect and care for him and his family and will send one of his holy angels to stand beside them and assist in bringing about a satisfactory and early end to this most distressing news.
GOD SAVE THE KING
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27 January 2024
DIWRNOD COFIO'R HOLOCOST
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
Dysgn gwersi o'r gorffennol er mwyn
cren dyfodol gwell a mwy diogel
Learning lessons from the past
to create a safer, better future
We Knights Templar have reason to remember that in the 14th century Templar knights across Europe were rounded up and many killed or died in prison, all as a result of the trumped-up charges of heresy and the like brought against the Order by King Philip of France.
Today such an attempt to destroy a particular group of people on the basis of their perceived religious beliefs or practices would constitute an act of genocide.
However, and fortunately for the Order, the Pope eventually absolved the Order and its knights from the accusations. Unfortunately this was not until after the Order had been 'officially' disbanded throughout the areas of the Pope's authority.
But many knights escaped the persecution, either having fled abroad or they were already based in countries like Scotland, Switzerland or Portugal where they regrouped and survived thus enabling the Order to emerge again and today it thrives and is growing across the world including, of course, in All Britain!
"FIRST THEY CAME"
by
Pastor Niemoller
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist;
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.
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18 - 25 January 2024
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
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6 JanUARY 2024 : EPIPHANY
Epiphany is an ancient Christian festival and is celebrated across the world in numerous ways.
The word comes from the Greek έπιφάνεια (epiphaneia) which means the “manifestation” or the “showing forth” of Jesus to non-Jews (the Gentiles) after his incarnation (his birth).
In the Western Church we usually relate this to the arrival of the Magi at the house where the Holy Family were living, some 2 years after the birth of Jesus.
In the Orthodox or Eastern Church the word is Theophany (θεοφάνεια)
meaning the appearance of God.
According to the Holy Bible in the Gospel of St Matthew (Chapter 2:verse 11) they offered Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The Gospel account indicates that the Magi had been following a star
which led them to the house where they found Jesus, his mother Mary and Joseph:
The star which the Magi followed can remind us of the lovely Epiphany Carol
by William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898):
As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly household bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom Heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
As they offered gifts most rare
In that homestead plain and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!
Or as the Gospel of St Matthew (Chapter 2, verse 10) puts it:
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
This event is re-enacted by some children:
Epiphany can also represent the flight of the Holy Family into Eygpt
in order to escape Herod's anger and the murder of boys under 2 years in Bethlehem:
In Eastern churches, Epiphany usually celebrates the baptism of Jesus by St John the Baptist,
in the River Jordan:
Alternatively it also commemorates Jesus' first miracle at the Wedding Feast at Cana in Galilee,
where he turned jars of water into high quality wine:
All of these celebrations and images seek to illustrate 'Epiphany'
'the showing forth' or 'revelation' of Jesus to non-Jews (that is, the Gentiles) -
on various occasions during His life.
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NEW YEAR'S DAY
1 JANUARY 2024
A Franciscan Benediction
Attributed to the earliest followers of St Francis
May God bless you with discomfort
at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war,
so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference in the world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done
to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen.
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NEW yEAR'S EVE
31 DECEMBER 2023
OUR FIRST THOUGHTS MIGHT BE FROM ....
Minnie Louise Haskins' poem which as Princess Elizabeth, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, gave to her father, the late King George VI, to say during his Christmas broadcast in 1939:
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
"Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown."
And he replied:
"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way."
(So I went forth, and finding the hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.)
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28 December 2023
THE HOLY INNOCENTS
This is the day on which we remember, in particular, the young children (boys) in Bethlehem who King Herod ordered his men to kill in his attempt to destroy the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:16-18).
Jesus was unharmed because Joseph had been warned by God of this impending disaster and had left Bethlehem with Mary and Jesus and had fled into Egypt.
The Holy Family thus became refugees from violence and terror and surely today remind us of the fate of so many people across the world who leave their homes for the very same reasons and seek safety in other lands. They deserve our compassion and support.
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THE FEASTDAY OF ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
27 DECEMBER 2023
One of special days (a Feast day) which the Order observes is that of Saint John, the Apostle and Evangelist, Deacon and First Martyr:
In the first extract from the Holy Bible below we read St John's own account of his encounter with Jesus. The second piece is from St John's Gospel. St John is sometimes depicted as an eagle and similarly used in church lecterns to hold the Bible - carrying the Word of God across the world.
The Epistle
1 St. John 1.1-end
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, That God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un-righteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
The Gospel
St. John 21.19-end
Jesus said unto Peter, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, That that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.
A Prayer
Merciful Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church,
that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John
may so walk in the light of thy truth,
that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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SAINT STEPHEN'S DAY
26 DECEMBER 2023
Stephen's death (by stoning!) is recorded in the Bible as the first Christian to die for his faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen is the first Christian Martyr.
Here is that account as recorded in The New Testament:
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us." And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Then the high priest asked him, "Are these things so?"
And Stephen replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. You are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."
When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
(Acts 6: 8-7:2a,51c-60)
There are echoes of this action from the Old Testament in Psalm 31:
1 In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me.
3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.
4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, for you are my tower of strength.
5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, for you have redeemed me, O LORD, O God of truth.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols, and I put my trust in the LORD.
7 I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy; for you have seen my affliction; you know my distress.
8 You have not shut me up in the power of the enemy; you have set my feet in an open place.
9 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in trouble; my eye is consumed with sorrow, and also my throat and my belly.
10 For my life is wasted with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails me because of affliction, and my bones are consumed.
11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbours, a dismay to those of my acquaintance; when they see me in the street they avoid me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am as useless as a broken pot.
13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around; they put their heads together against me; they plot to take my life.
14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O LORD. I have said, "You are my God.
15 My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, and in your loving-kindness save me."
17 LORD, let me not be ashamed for having called upon you; rather, let the wicked be put to shame; let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be silenced which speak against the righteous, haughtily, disdainfully, and with contempt.
19 How great is your goodness, O LORD! which you have laid up for those who fear you; which you have done in the sight of all for those who put their trust in you.
20 You hide them in the covert of your presence from those who slander them; you keep them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the LORD! for he has shown me the wonders of his love in a besieged city.
22 Yet I said in my alarm, "I have been cut off from the sight of your eyes." Nevertheless, you heard the sound of my entreaty when I cried out to you.
23 Love the LORD, all you who worship him; the LORD protects the faithful, but repays to the full those who act haughtily.
24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD.
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CHRISTMAS DAY
Nadolig Llawen
(Happy Christmas)
*** *** ***
To everyone who reads this page we send our very
Best Wishes for
a Holy and Joyful Christmas
and
a Peaceful New Year
*** *** ***
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His Majesty King Charles III
The Christmas Message given by His Majesty King Charles III
Broadcast from Buckingham Palace at 15.00 (GMT) on 25 December 2023
"Many of the festivals of the great religions of the world are celebrated with a special meal.
"A chance for family and friends to come together across generations; the act of sharing food adding to conviviality and togetherness.
"For some, faith will be uppermost in their hearts.
"For others, it will be the joy of fellowship and the giving of presents. It is also a time when we remember those who are no longer with us and think also of those whose work of caring for others continues, even on this special day.
"This care and compassion we show to others is one of the themes of the Christmas story, especially when Mary and Joseph were offered shelter in their hour of need by strangers, as they waited for Jesus to be born.
"Over this past year my heart has been warmed by countless examples of the imaginative ways in which people are caring for one another - going the extra mile to help those around them simply because they know it is the right thing to do: at work and at home; within and across communities.
"My wife and I were delighted when hundreds of representatives of that selfless army of people - volunteers who serve their communities in so many ways and with such distinction - were able to join us in Westminster Abbey for the coronation earlier this year.
"They are an essential backbone of our society. Their presence meant so much to us both and emphasised the meaning of coronation itself: above all, a call to us all to serve one another; to love and care for all.
"Service also lies at the heart of the Christmas story - the birth of Jesus who came to serve the whole world, showing us by his own example how to love our neighbour as ourselves.
"Throughout the year, my family have witnessed how people of all ages are making a difference to their communities. This is all the more important at a time of real hardship for many, when we need to build on existing ways to support others less fortunate than ourselves.
"Because out of God's providence we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely.
"However, service to others is but one way of honouring the whole of creation which, after all, is a manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions.
"To care for this creation is a responsibility owned by people of all faiths and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our children's children.
"During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share.
"I find great inspiration now from the way so many people recognise this - as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of God's creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night.
"And at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the World, I pray that we can also do all in our power to protect each other.
"The words of Jesus seem more than ever relevant:
'Do to others as you would have them do to you.'
Such values are universal, drawing together our Abrahamic family of religions, and other belief systems, across the Commonwealth and wider world. They remind us to imagine ourselves in the shoes of our neighbours, and seek their good as we would our own.
"Soon this Christmas Day, my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves.
"I wish you all a Christmas of 'peace on Earth and good will to all', today and always."
@
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Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus.
The Bible placed on record the facts about Jesus. In the passage below one of Jesus's main followers (St John) set out some of the initial information. He referred to Jesus as 'the Word' and the man 'John' about whom he wrote is better know as John the Baptist, whose life story is also recorded in the Bible. The account here is taken from St John's Gospel, Chapter 1, verses 1-14. This is taken from the the Authorised or King James' Version of the Bible:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
A popular Christmas Carol, usually sung to a tune by Gustav Holst, is that written by Christina Rossetti in about 1872, entitled "In the bleak mid-winter" :
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ..
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
We light the 5th and final candle for the Advent season for the arrival of Jesus:
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24 DECEMBER 2023
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Our theme for this last Sunday in Advent is PEACE.
Here is a contribution by the Grand Prior's Chaplain, The Reverend Lady Sherwood DOTJ :
The angels proclaimed “Peace on Earth” when the Baby Jesus was born. Today we wonder, as we listen or watch news programmes, is peace possible?
We all need two kinds of peace in our lives. We need inner peace, but we also need peace with others. God addresses both of these. He tells us what to do to find such peace.
INNER PEACE:
Inner peace begins with a relationship with God, and it continues as we focus on His strength and trust Him to fill us. We can exchange our weakness for His strength - in any area of life. As you can read what is written in the Bible about God: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is focused on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
If inner peace is eluding you these days and anxiety is spilling over in your life, choose to trust God. You can choose to put your hand in His and draw from His patience and wisdom as you take each step. He will guide you through the maze of life if you ask Him. Choosing to trust God with those blind corners in your life will take you down the road to inner peace. Choosing not to trust Him will take you down the road to stress and worry. Inner peace is there for the choosing.
PEACE WITH OTHERS:
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Peace with others begins as we understand that God has called us to be peacemakers in our world.
Is there somewhere in your own world where you can be a peacemaker this Christmas?
Is there an invitation that needs to be extended to smooth over a fractured family relationship? Is there an apology to be made or a silence to be broken that has been a barrier for too long?
Don’t miss the blessings God promises in your life as you respond to His call to be a peacemaker in your own circle.
We can help to bring peace to our world - one heart at a time.
Our fourth Advent candle is lit
And now a prayer in English and Welsh:
Heavenly Father,
We ask that you keep our families safe while they travel for the Advent season so that we can celebrate the coming of baby Jesus.
Heavenly Father,
Please grant us all the wisdom in our leadership roles to do what is best for Your Kingdom and what Your will is for our people.
Amen.
Nefol Dad,
Gofynwn i ti gadw ein teuluoedd yn ddiogel, wrth iddynt deithio yng nghyfnod yr Adfent, fel y medrwn ddathlu genedigaeth y baban Iesu.
Nefol Dad,
Dyro i ni ddoethineb yn ein arwainyddiaeth, fel y gwyddom beth sydd orau i adeiladu dy deyrnas, yn unol a'th ewyllys di ar gyfer dy bobl.
Amen.
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Barnsley Museums has 'rediscovered' a carol for Christmas Eve written by a local man and it is getting a wide airing everywhere today and it's well worth while hearing and reading it. Below are the words and a link if you want to hear it.
Christmas Eve
(Arthur Godfrey)
The chime of bells inspires the midnight breeze,
And greets with fond caress the whispering trees;
The moon-white hills around, in snow-shine splendour crowned,
With pealing joys resound of Christmas Bells
Glad tidings of the Saviour bring;
Peace reigneth as ye gaily ring;
Ring on, ring on, ring on while the
merry breezes sing of Christmas Bells
From out the ageless Deep, where sleepeth Time,
Steal silvery dreamings of the deathless chime,
Heard long ago by men, whose wandering souls were then
Refreshed once more again by Christmas Bells
The child who to the earth the Father gave,
From maze of Darkness human souls to save,
Speak to mankind this hour, from every belfry tower
His voice the vibrant power of Christmas Bells
The echoes softly die within the night
But brighter shine the rays of Christmas Light
For lands and rolling seas, all nationalities
Sing to your harmonies Sweet Christmas Bells
Glad tidings of the Saviour bring;
Peace reigneth as ye gaily ring;
Ring on, ring on, ring on while the
merry breezes sing of Christmas Bells
Original words and music by Arthur Godfrey.
First published in the Barnsley Chronicle December 1933.
Edited version by Barnsley Museums December 2023.
To hear this carol sung, go to: https://youtu.be/orlqLBPFnxk
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22 DECEMBER 2023
Winter Solstice
Today is the shortest day of the year with 7 hours, 49 minutes and 42 seconds of daylight. Overnight (21st-22nd) the sky was lit:
Jupiter [top left] and the Moon[central]
In particular, the moon was thus:
[Photographs by the Grand Prior in his garden with a hand-held telephone]
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17 DECEMBER 2023
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Our theme for this Sunday in Advent is JOY. In the last few days there's been a lot of publicity about a discovery at Barnsley Museums of a 'hidden gem' - a traditional Christmas Carol -
written 100 years ago.
The last line of the first verse echoes our theme: "With pealing joys resound of Christmas Bells":
Christmas
Eve
The chime of bells inspires the
midnight breeze,
And greets with fond caress the
whispering trees;
The moon-white hills around, in
snow-shine splendour crowned,
With pealing joys resound of
Christmas Bells
Glad tidings of the Saviour
bring;
Peace reigneth as ye gaily
ring;
Ring on, ring on, ring on while
the
merry breezes sing of Christmas
Bells
From out the ageless Deep,
where sleepeth Time,
Steal silvery dreamings of the
deathless chime,
Heard long ago by men, whose
wandering souls were then
Refreshed once more again by
Christmas Bells
The child who to the earth the
Father gave,
From maze of Darkness human
souls to save,
Speak to mankind this hour,
from every belfry tower
His voice the vibrant power of
Christmas Bells
The echoes softly die within
the night
But brighter shine the rays of
Christmas Light
For lands and rolling seas, all
nationalities
Sing to your harmonies Sweet
Christmas Bells
Original words and music by
Arthur Godfrey.
First published in the Barnsley
Chronicle December 1933.
Edited version by Barnsley
Museums December 2023.
To read more about the history of the Carol visit: https://barnsleymuseums.art.blog/2023/12/12/a-barnsley-christmas-eve-carol-1933/
To hear the carol sung, go to: https://youtu.be/orlqLBPFnxk
We light the candle for this Third Sunday in Advent:
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14-15 DECEMBER 2023
Christmas Lights
The Geminid Meteor Shower
"The Heavens declare the Glory of God;
the skies proclaim the works of his hands."
(Psalm 19: 1)
To night (14 December) or tomorrow night (15 December) present two ideal opportunities to see one of the very best meteor showers visible in the night sky. The best time is about 19.30. Usually one can see 100 to 120 meteors every hour. They are also coloured, as the material (sand and small stones) are the remnants of the trail of a rocky asteroid through which the orbit of the earth passes each year. The colours - red, green, yellow etc - originate from the metallic elements which made up the asteroid. They appear to radiate from the constellation known as Gemini which can be seen to the left of the larger and brighter constellation of Orion (the hunter) - with its 3 stars making his 'belt' and 3 more making his 'sword' :
The darker the sky the more easily the display will be seen and this year is especially advantageous as there is a slim-looking new moon which should not interfere with a good view.
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12-13 DECEMBER 2013
SNOW AT CHRISTMAS ?
Have you ever wondered whether it actually ever snows at Christmas-time in the Holy Land?
You may remember the Christmas carol usually sung to a tune by Gustav Holst with the words written by Christina Rossetti in about 1872, entitled: "In the bleak mid-winter" :
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ..
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
So the question is whether Rossetti was writing with "poetic licence" or did she know that it did occasionally snow at Christmas-time in the Holy Land?
The answer is a definite 'Yes'. It certainly does snow there and the following photographs taken on 12 and 13 December 2013 show it snowing in Bethlehem and Jerusalem:
Jerusalem - Christmas 2013
A Palestinian youth throws a snowball in front of the Dome of the Rock
at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in the old city of Jerusalem
on 12 December 2013
as a winter weather front hit the region,
bringing early snow and a steep drop in temperatures.
The first Knights Templar believed that the Dome of the Rock was the original Temple of Solomon. Consequently, when they made the site their headquarters, they came to be known as the Knights of the Temple - in short the Knights Templar - hence our name today.
Jerusalem - 12 December 2013
Jerusalem - 13 December 2013
Jerusalem - 13 December 2013
Snowing at Christmas in Bethlehem
Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity
12 December 2013
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10 DECEMBER 2023
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Here are some thoughts by the The Reverend Elizabeth Kerl DCOT
Senior (Anglican) Chaplain in the Grand Priory of All Britain
For the second week of Advent, it is my pleasure to talk about Love. Love is the greatest gift of God.
‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3.16) A fact, of course, that we celebrate at Christmas.
Love is also the fulfilment of the Commandments. Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. (Matthew 22.37-40) So love - being loving - is both our duty and our joy. It is possible to love because God first loved us. (1 John 4.19)
It is possible, however, to feel that this is difficult for us to do. Perhaps we have been hurt in love. Perhaps we have loved and not been loved in return. Perhaps we have difficulty expressing our love. Do not be afraid if this is where you feel yourself to be at the moment. God leaves no-one behind.
After the resurrection, there is a beautiful account of Jesus meeting the disciples on the seashore. (see John chapter 21) Jesus speaks with Peter and three times. He asks Peter ‘Do you love me?’ And three times Peter says, ‘Lord you know that I love you.’ At first glance, this seems a bit cruel of Jesus to ask three times. But you will remember that Peter had denied even knowing Jesus three times just a few days before this meeting and had wept bitterly about it. Jesus was giving Peter the chance to ‘cancel out’ his earlier action and affirm his love for the Lord.
But there’s more. And here is one of the few occasions when the English language is inadequate, so allow me to take you one step deeper.
There are three key words in Greek for ‘Love’:
EROS (έρως) which means familiar love such as one has for family;
PHILIO (φιλιώ) which means friendship, respect, brotherly love; and
AGAPE (αγάπη) which is selfless, unconditional, Godly love.
Now when Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. The first TWO times, Jesus asks, ‘Peter do you agape me?’ Meaning, Peter do you love me unconditionally and selflessly in a complete and Godly way? And Peter answers, ‘Lord you know that I PHILIO you.’ That is – I love you like a brother with great respect.’ But the third time, when Peter gets a bit uncomfortable, Jesus actually asks, ‘Peter do you philio me’ and Peter answers, ‘Lord you KNOW that I PHILIO you – because I’ve just said that 3 times.’
This is so powerful, because Jesus is asking Peter - Peter who denied him - to step forward and declare unconditional love. Peter can’t in that moment because he is all too aware that, when the crunch came, he had succumbed to fear. When Jesus finally asks, ‘Peter, do you love me as a brother with great respect?’ Jesus is MEETING PETER WHERE HE IS. He is saying to Peter, ‘I know you cannot declare unconditional love right now, but if you love me as a brother, then that’s okay. I can still use you for the Kingdom.’
And look at what that love brought Peter: First, it brought Peter a task – a purpose for his next steps – ‘If you love me, Jesus said, ‘then give your life to shepherd the sheep and the lambs of my flock.’ And we know as we read the Acts of the Apostles and Peter’s own letters, that he went on and did just that. Still to this day, we continue to prove our love for Jesus by loving others.
Love is the greatest privilege in the world, but it also brings great responsibility.
As Peter served the Lord, we know that his love and closeness to the Lord grew. And here is the power of God at work in our hearts: Jesus told Peter on the beach, that day, when you are young, you can choose where you will go, but the day will come when they will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ The day did come when Peter was in Rome, that people came and they bound him and took him where he did not want to go. And the only thing Peter had to do was deny the Lord. They said 'Just deny him – and you can live!'
But Peter had been there before. He had denied Jesus before. He had wept bitterly before. He had carefully PHILIO’d the Lord before.
And he had stepped forward in the Lord’s name, and healed in His name, and taught in His name, and established churches in His name – and Peter had grown and prayed and learned and praised and loved. When it came to save his life or deny the Lord, Peter said: ‘I will not deny that Jesus Christ is my Lord and my God because I AGAPE him.’ And so Peter was crucified. Upside down, at his own request, as he felt unworthy to die as his Lord died.
Everything about today is about love.
God’s love for us and our growing love for Him.
Do not be afraid if you (only) PHILIO the Lord right now. Declare your Philio and allow the Lord to work with what you have; where you are at this moment. From that place of willingness, God is able to do great things. And in the meantime? Carry on with what God has called us all to do: Love Him and love our neighbour.
This week, embrace YOUR purpose, meet God where YOU are, as you are able and, with His help, go and be Christ’s light in the world around you.
Amen.
Let us pray:
Lord God, we thank you so much for sending your Son to share our life. We thank you that You love us so much, You meet us exactly where we are in this moment and help us move forward. As we think about love this week, we ask Your blessing to accept the love that You freely offer to us, to be filled with Your love and, in turn, when we are able, to share that love with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
We light the candle for this Second Sunday in Advent:
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3 DECEMBER 2023
Advent Sunday
Welcome to Advent, the general theme is one of light in the darkness. In many churches a series of five candles are lit - one extra each Sunday starting (today) on Advent Sunday.
We start with a hymn by Charles Wesley which looks ahead to the Second Coming of Jesus ...
Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
once for ev'ry sinner slain;
thousand, thousand saints attending
swell the triumph of his train:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Christ reveals his endless reign.
Ev'ry eye shall now behold him
robed in glorious majesty;
those who set at naught and sold him,
pierced and nailed him to the tree,
deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,
shall their true Messiah see.
Those dear tokens of his passion
still his dazzling body bears,
cause of endless exultation
to his ransomed worshipers.
With what rapture, with what rapture, with what rapture,
gaze we on those glorious scar!
Yea, amen, let all adore thee
high on thine eternal throne;
Saviour, take the pow'r and glory,
claim the kingdom as thine own.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.
Illuminated Letter 'A' - Venturino Mercati (c. 1450-1500)
An introduction by the Grand Prior:
Remembering that ‘Advent’, as a ‘season’ within the Church’s calendar, is a relatively recent innovation and not, strictly, ‘scriptural’, we should not limit our Templar contribution either to current woes of increased rent/mortgages or international wars and so on OR entirely relate these 4 weeks to a pre-Christmas bonanza overview, but rather look ahead to the Second Coming and the Promise made by Jesus that he would return and that we need to be ready at any moment and not be caught out unprepared or even caught up doing wrong and sinning but instead be expectant, anticipating, excited, and knowing that our filthy rags of this world will be changed to pure vestments fit to appear before the King of Glory – not a mere doll in a manger, annually revived at a school nativity play, but the Living God who is our crucified and risen Friend and Saviour, Jesus Christ. “Lo. He comes, with clouds, descending”. Amen.
And so we can light a candle for this First Sunday in Advent:
A prayer:
Creator God, you saw a world in darkness. And when you saw your people losing hope, you kindled a flame within them and sent hope to the world that was not an empty hope but a hope that has moved through your people and that has touched the hearts of many ─ the hope that we can bring and live out, that we can inspire others and bring your kingdom closer. Amen.
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FRIDAY 1 DECEMBER 2023
The Church-in-the-Park : Abington, Northampton
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SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2023
Christmas Pudding Sunday?
At this time of the year some people ask why it is that this particular Sunday is occasionally referred to as "Christmas Pudding Sunday". The very simple answer is that in those churches which still use the 1662 Book of Common Prayer the 'Collect' [the introductory prayer to the Sunday Service] for the day was this:
Taken from a 1701 Book of Common Prayer printed by the Oxford University Press:
The words "Stir up O Lord ... " inspired mothers and others to invite members of their family to join in making the annual Christmas Pudding by stirring the pudding mixture - usually in a large bowl on the kitchen table. Children were often invited to make a 'wish' - possibly related to what Christmas present they would like 'Santa Claus' to bring them for Christmas.
Hence an alternative name was to call the day "Stir up Sunday".
Meanwhile it is perhaps interesting to note that no matter how many Sundays had passed since the earlier Trinity Sunday (always more than 20), the Sunday before Advent Sunday, which could have been the 25th Sunday after Trinity, was always designated the Sunday in which this prayer was used. It's as if no one wanted to miss out on the opportunity to make a Christmas wish!
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SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2022
91st Anniversary of the death of John Fielding Williams VC
During a visit to the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh in March last year a group of us we were able view the original headstone from the grave of John Fielding Williams VC (on the left here) and therefore compare it (on the right here) with the present headstone in the churchyard of
St Michael & All Angels in Llantarnam.
Each year we hold a memorial service in the churchyard against this headstone. if anyone would like to know when this will be in 2024, please complete the "CONTACT US" form.
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THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2023
MORNING GLORY?
"Red sky in the morning : Shepherd's warning!"
[Photographed from the Grand Prior's garden]
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TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023
The Grand Prior undertook a pilgrimage to Tewkesbury Abbey and Pershore
(More details to come)
Tewkesbury Abbey
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ALSO BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
King Charles III General Mangum
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SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023
REMEMBRANCE DAY
AT THE CENOTAPH IN CENTRAL LONDON
11.00am : Big Ben tolls and the UK falls silent
King Charles III
The King's wreath
The words on the Cenotaph
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10 NOVEMBER 2023
ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RE-FOUNDATION
OF A PRIORY IN WALES
At an international Convocation which was held at St Andrews in Scotland Chevalier Brian Ansen was appointed to be the Prior of the Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH), Priory of Wales.
Subsequently, in September 2013, at an international Convention held in Edinburgh, and for the avoidance of doubt, the then Chaplain-General of the OSMTH Grand Priory of England (Dr Graham) was successfully able to establish that, as the Statutes did not permit the existence of a priory which extended over more than one nation, then the priory known as "The Priory of England and Wales" was unconstitutional. This was agreed by all present (and confirmed by the Grand Master) and the "Priory of Wales" was re-established (after a potential interlude of some 700 years). Dr Graham agreed to become the first Chaplain-General of the OSMTH Priory of Wales.
That Priory became the Grand Priory of Wales and following the death of Grand Prior Brian in August 2018, Graham was elected Grand Prior in April 2019. Unfortunately, OSMTH Grand Master Fontes had died in May 2018 and there appeared to be some dispute as to the result of the ‘election’ of a new OSMTH Grand Master, so we realigned ourselves in 2020 to the much longer established Sovereign and Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem [OSMTJ] under their Grand Master, General Ronald Mangum (US Army retired).
More recently, in 2023, the Order was re-registered in Belgium using its 1932 registration as the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem [OTJ] whilst retaining its earlier OSMTJ usage. For our part, both in the Grand Priory of Wales and the over-arching Grand Priory of All Britain, we shall mainly use the new title of the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem [OTJ]. This will help to distinguish us from those 'other' groups who claim to be OSMTJ or similar.
Should anyone require further information about this matters they should complete the 'Contact Us' form on this website
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REMEMBRANCE-TIDE
A Prayer for the Fallen
Remember, O Lord
all those who have died the death of honour and
are departed in the hope of resurrection to Eternal Life,
especially the Officers, Men and Women
of our Sea, Land and, Air Forces,
to whom it was given to lay down their lives
for the cause of Freedom and Justice.
In your heavenly place of Light,
where pain, sorrow, tears and mourning are no more,
give them rest, O Lord, the Lover of all people.
Grant this for Jesus Christ’s sake.
Amen.
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Thursday 9 November 2023
Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey
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Tuesday 7 November 2023
The State Opening of Parliament
by
His Majesty King Charles III
His Majesty was accompanied by Queen Camilla
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All Souls' Tide : Thursday 2 November 2023
Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis,
Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam
At this All Souls' Tide we remember past Knights Templar
and particularly those who have kept the Christian Faith
in their lives, actions, homes, hearts and minds.
Especially we give thanks to God for those who have died for the Faith.
Therefore we recall those Knights Templar who have suffered martyrdom,
including Jacques de Molay (the last medieval Grand Master) and
Geoffroi de Charnay (the Master of Normandy)
who were cruellly burnt at the stake in Paris in March1314
on the false orders of the King of France, Philip IV (known as Philip the Fair)
Jacques de Molay - Coat of Arms
Depiction of the Martyrdom of
Jacques de Molay, Grand Master and
Geoffroi de Charney, Master of Normandy
Nearer to home we remember our Patron Saint, St Thomas Cantilupe (1218-1282),
also known as St Thomas of Hereford.
He was a Provincial Grand Master of the Order
and Bishop of Hereford (including parishes in Wales):
Locally we recall our brother Knights Templar
who have passed from our sight in recent times:
Chevalier David Bergstrom (1946-2016)
Chevalier Jonathan Griffiths (1955-2017)
Chevalier Brian W Ansen (1941-2018)
Chevalier H John Sommerin (1946-2020)
Chevalier Richard Lewis (died 16 April 2021)
Chevalier John Robert Victor Iles (1942-2021)
In memoria aeterna erit iustus.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
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Wednesday 1 November 2023
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened
in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you -
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his saints
[Ephesians 1: 18]
The well-known hymn "For all the saints" is a favourite with Templars.
It expresses our hope and trust in the future and
calls upon us to follow the example of our forebears:
1 For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
3 O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
4 O blest communion, fellowship divine,
we feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
5 And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
6 The golden evening brightens in the west;
soon, soon to faithful warrior cometh rest;
sweet is the calm of paradise the blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
7 But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Words: William Walsham How (1864)
Tune (Sine Nomine): Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906)
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Tuesday 31 October 2023
His Majesty King Charles III & Queen Camilla paying a State Visit to Kenya
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Friday 13 October 2023
Friday 13 October 1307 is a day that will live in infamy in the history of the Knights Templar.
Founded around 1118 as a semi-monastic-style military order devoted to the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land following the Christian capture of Jerusalem in 1099 during the First Crusade, the Knights Templar quickly became one of the richest and most influential groups of the Middle Ages, thanks to lavish donations from the crowned heads of Europe, eager to curry favour with these fierce Knights. By the turn of the 14th century, the Templars had established a system of castles, churches and 'banking-like' arrangements throughout Western Europe. And it was this astonishing wealth that would lead to their downfall. For the Templars, that end began in the early morning hours of Friday, 13 October 1307. In the days and weeks that followed that fateful Friday, more than 600 Templars were arrested, including Grand Master Jacques de Molay, and the Order’s Treasurer. But while some of the highest-ranking members were caught up in the net of the French King Philip IV ("the Fair"), so too were hundreds of non-warriors; middle-aged men who managed the day-to-day banking and farming activities that kept the organization humming. The men were charged with a wide array of offenses including heresy, devil worship and spitting on the cross, homosexuality, fraud and financial corruption. Many were tortured and some died.
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In memoria aeterna erit iustus.
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
The just shall be in everlasting remembrance.
Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
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But today the Order lives on throughout the world and we, in the Grand Priory of All Britain, are open tp welcome into membership committed Christian men and and women who are willing to pray and work together for the wholesome good of all peoples, everywhere.
If you are interested do please get in touch via our "Contact Us" form (lower down of the menu). Please state whereabouts you normally reside.
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"All things bright and beautiful"
Seen in the Grand Prior's garden in September
Moth
Spider's Web
Rhododendron and a spider
Blackberry flower and fruit
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Senior (Wales) Staff Meetings : 7-10 September 2023
The Grand Prior of All Britain was in Wales for a few days carrying out a "Visitation" (mainly with Chaplains) to plan some of our activities in the coming twelve months.
The Grand Prior also met some members of our Guild of St Thomas Cantilupe.
He was accompanied by the Warden of the Guild.
During the course of the visit the Grand Prior went to the Parish Church of St Michael & All Angels in Llantarnam and paid his respects at the grave of John Fielding VC - one of the heroes of the Defence of Rorke's Drift in January 1879 during the Zulu War. He also inspected the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's headstone of local man, Guardsman Penry Morgan, which one of our members has been given permission to care for.
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2 September 2023