New National Chaplain for the Latin Mass Society

Fr Southwell has now gone to Rome, for his much-deserved study sabbatical; see here for his send-off. We are very lucky to have Mgr Read as our new chaplain: I am really delighted. Our press release follows. The photos are mine, from the London Colney Priest Training Conference in 2009.

The LMS is very pleased to announce the appointment of Mgr Gordon Read, Chancellor of Brentwood Diocese, as its new National Chaplain, following the recent departure, for two years of study at the Angelicum in Rome, of Fr Andrew Southwell. He will take up his new office with immediate effect. Mgr Read is parish priest of St Mary Immaculate and The Holy Archangels, Kelvedon, Essex, and has been a long time supporter of the work of the Society.

He is widely held in high regard by many Catholics of all persuasions. In addition to his responsibilities as parish priest, he is rural dean of Colchester, Chancellor and Judicial Vicar of Brentwood diocese, a member of the Bishop’s College of Consultors, Vice- chair of Governors, St Benedict’s College, Colchester, and Trustee of the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

A frequent contributor of articles to canon law journals, his advice on canonical matters is widely sought. In 1998 he was appointed honorary Papal Chaplain by Pope John Paul II in recognition of his work for the Diocese of Brentwood. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Prelate of Honour. Commenting on the new appointment, LMS Chairman Dr Joseph Shaw said: 'We are delighted that Mgr Read has agreed to be our National Chaplain. He is a very long-standing friend of the Society, and a priest regarded with great affection and respect in both the Society and his diocese. His expertise, practical experience, and wisdom will be a great assistance to us in our ever-expanding work.'