Your answers

What is going on? We have been told that the Bishops have made the Ascension and Pentecost “lesser festivals”, and no longer of obligation. I believe that every parish should have a celebration of holy communion on Ascension Day.

Ascension Day and Pentecost are principal feasts throughout the Church of England, and no change in their status has been discussed. On these days holy communion is to be celebrated in every cathedral and parish church, in accordance with Canon B 14. Such a celebration may be dispensed with only in accordance with the provisions in Canon B 14A, which allows for local variation.

It is also worth mentioning that the Calendar and Lectionary do not provide for the transfer of the observance of the Ascension to the nearest Sunday.

(Dr) Matthew Salisbury, Church of England National Liturgy and Worship Adviser

London SW1

Your questions

In a big community street procession following a patronal-festival mass, a French parish priest (not in episcopal orders) was walking along and blessing his people. To me it seemed perfectly natural but is it acceptable?

G. S.

It is known that John and Charles Wesley prayed the rosary regularly in their private devotions. Does anyone know anything about a book on the rosary by Charles Wesley? I have it on very good authority that such a book exists, but have been unable to track it down.

K. D.

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