As many of you know, this falls on Tuesday 21 July, and originally we had hoped to celebrate in both parishes this weekend before the schools close at the end of the week. I had also hoped to be able to celebrate Mass on the day itself at St Mary’s, Clapham, where I was ordained. Since none of that is now possible and many of you have been offering me wise counsel, we think the simplest way in which we can all celebrate is by joining in another streamed Mass next weekend.

This is very fitting because it coincides with our titular Redemptorist Feast: the Solemnity of the Most Holy Redeemer. Therefore, we will wait until the following weekend before introducing Sunday Masses. I trust you will all see the wisdom behind these decisions. May the Lord continue to bless and protect each of us and reward us with patience and understanding.