FSSP House in Reading Canonically erected

This is important and very pleasing news!

From Fr de Malleray FSSP

Sunday 1st August 2010, St John Fisher House, Reading.

Dear Faithful and Friends,

It is with great joy that I share with you an important news: the house of the Fraternity of St Peter in England, based in Reading, Portsmouth Diocese, is canonically erected as of today. It has been four years since the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter has started offering Mass here every Sunday. It is almost two years since we have moved our permanent residence to Reading. It is one and a half year since we have started leading communal life here with Fr Leworthy. It is one year since we have had our offer accepted for the purchase of our house on Eastern Avenue.

Canonical erections of our houses worldwide are made by the Superior General of our Fraternity, Very Rev Fr John Berg. But by law, canonical erections necessary require prior consent in writing of the diocesan bishop. We are very grateful to Bishop Crispian Hollis who has granted permission for the canonical erection of St John Fisher House in his diocese (Reading). [The quotes below from the Code of Canon Law of the Church will detail for you the meaning of this step.] A precious consequence of this is the permission to have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in our oratory. Also, there is no limit of time as to the duration of the canonical erection, by itself a permanent status.
Many faithful, also in other dioceses, have contributed to this good result through their material and spiritual support. Today’s Solemn High Mass will include all their intentions. Deo gratias.

Canonical erection of a house: Canon Law
Can. 609 §1 A house of a religious institute is established, with the prior written consent of the diocesan Bishop, by the authority competent according to the constitutions. Can. 610 §1 In establishing religious houses, the welfare of the Church and of the institute are to be kept in mind, and care must be taken to safeguard everything that is necessary for the members to lead their religious life in accordance with the purposes and spirit proper to the institute. §2 No house is to be established unless it is prudently foreseen that the needs of the members can be suitably provided for.
rights assured on bishops consent to erect
Can. 611 The consent of the diocesan Bishop for the establishment of a religious house carries with it the right: 1° to lead a life according to the character and purposes proper to the institute; 2° to engage in the works which are proper to the institute, in accordance with the law, and subject to any conditions attached to the consent; 3° for clerical religious institutes to have a church, subject to the provisions of can. 1215 §3, and to conduct the sacred ministries, with due observance of the law.

Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP
Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, St John Fisher House, 17 Eastern Avenue, Reading RG1 5RU
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