Requiem for Jack Conroy

This took place last Monday at St Aelred's Church in York. Fr Raymond Charlton said the Mass perched on the top step. He said it was like being on the north face of the Eiger. Despite this difficulty, caused by the altar having been moved to the front of the footpace, everything went very well. Assisted by Ben Whitworth, Fr Charlton sang the propers.

There was a very good attendance, including many of Jack's relatives and a good number of local parishioners. It is very gratifying that Jack Conroy was able to have his funeral in the ancient form, something that I am sure he very much wanted.

It is perhaps timely to remind all readers that anyone can ask to have a traditional Requiem, and that such a request should be granted. This was agreed by the Bishop's Conference many years ago and the position has been reinforced by the motu proprio. In theory, the person arranging the funeral should simply just have to ask the parish priest for a traditional requiem and it should be arranged. If he is unable to say it himself, he should arrange for another priest who knows the the older form. In practice, there may be difficulties. For example there may be no east facing altar in the church, there may be difficulties finding a priest who knows the old Mass or there may be no server available. These are all matters that usually can be resolved in one way or another. If there are difficulties, contact the Latin Mass Society for advice.