FAQ

 The Shrine of Saints Peter Paul and Philomena

What is a Shrine?

           A Shrine is a canonical entity established by the Bishop for the good of the faithful to promote a special devotion. It differs from a parish that is set upon a certain territory. The Shrine of Ss. Peter, Paul and Philomena is set on the territory of Holy Apostles and martyrs' Parish.

           This Shrine is set to promote the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament in the Diocese of Shrewsbury through the use of the so called “extraordinary form of the Roman Rite” of the Catholic Church. The Liturgy is said in Latin. The Shrine of Ss. PPP has been granted the privilege to have all the sacraments according to the 1962 missal and is entrusted to the care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, an Institute of  apostolic life of Pontifical Right based in Florence, Italy.

The Shrine offers you a daily Adoration at 6pm at the foot of the Blessed Sacrament.

Who can come to the Shrine?

  Everyone is welcome at the Shrine. There is no special knowledge about Latin needed. The Shrine is fully part of the Diocese of Shrewsbury like any other parish. Any Catholic can attend.

What about my parish affiliation?

  Technically speaking you belong to your own territorial parish (The one covering your geographical habitation). Formerly you had to stay in your own parish. The rule today is loosened and we can choose a parish of election according to the priest, the community and even the form of the rite. We all can and do choose the parish, the church, and the shrine that we prefer.

Can I receive the sacraments at the Shrine?

  Yes indeed. If you become a regular member of the Shrine, there is nothing more to do than the canonical preparation for the intended sacrament. If you do not, but still desire to be baptized, confirmed, married, or buried at the Shrine for one reason or another (beauty of the church, your parents have been married here… etc) you will need the permission of your legitimate pastor.

What do we do at a Latin Mass?

  The same as you do at any Mass. It is the same Sacrament and Sacrifice. The participation at the Latin Mass though is centered upon personal prayers. Instead of ‘turning his back to the people’, the priest is a leader conducting his flock toward Christ – all together in the same direction. Books are available at the back of the Shrine containing the English and Latin parts of the Mass. You are welcome to use them. The structure of the ceremony is the same as you are accustomed to: First Part is preparation and readings, then the sermon, then the offertory (procession of the gifts), the Consecration with both elevations of the Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ, Communion rite and final blessing.

What about receiving Communion?

We believe and profess that Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the virtue of the words of the Consecration, is substantially and really present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, though under the appearances of bread (the host) and wine. Through communion we profess the same faith but it is not only a sign of unity, it is receiving Jesus within us. That is why one needs to be prepared for this reception. To approach Communion, the Blessed Sacrament, one needs to be a baptized Catholic, be in a state of Grace (no mortal sin on your conscience) and have fasted at least one hour before communion. For communion, the Older Form of the Roman Rite requires kneeling (if possible) and reception on the tongue. Communion is not given in the hands.