Corpus Christi Church, London, where the Fraternity was born
(statue of St Genesius on the pillar on the left).
Today the Fraternity of St Genesius celebrates its foundation day. Today four years ago the association came into being and the work began.
For those who do not know the story of the foundation, it is interesting. We say that the Fraternity was born in London and founded in Drogheda. In a little church in London, Corpus Christi in Covent Garden, where there is a shrine to St Genesius, the inspiration came during periods of prayer, holy hours before the Blessed Sacrament. Over a period of three years the idea was being discerned and in June 2006 it was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady in Fatima. Finally on the 19th January 2007 we decided to give it a go, and various blessings, graces and signs have confirmed the inspiration.
We received the formal approval of the Church in August 2007 and we are now a Private Association of the Faithful according to the Canon Law of the Church, of diocesan right, the first step towards universal recognition. We have almost a thousand members praying each day for those in the theatrical and cinematic arts, and growing.
This evening we have a Mass in the Church where the Fraternity was founded, St Mary's in Drogheda, where we will mark the day, give thanks for graces received and pray for the grace to continue our work. Mass is at 7.30, so if you can make it, please come. For those of you around the world, unite yourselves in spirit with our prayer, and if you are not a member yet,
why not consider joining? No better day to do so than today.
Tonight we will also bless a new image of St Genesius, a painting by the Irish artist Richard Moore, it is a striking image - an interesting face, so I will look forward to seeing the reactions to it. It is a beautiful piece that has captured a vibrant personality - just what we wanted. I will put it up tomorrow.
