London...

..and a procession through the streets of theatreland and Soho, to mark the feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is an annual event, and starts with an International Mass at St Patrick's, Soho Square: this year it was concelebrated by young clergy led by an Ordinariate priest. I arrived a little bit late, and it was a joy to be drawn in to the glorious Latin chant and to find a place in the well-filled pews.  Young people read the Bidding Prayers in various languages, there was a sermon in English repeated in Spanish. At the end, four men lifted the statue of Our Lady aloft and we gradually formed up in front and behind and went out into the streets, singing. We scooped up handfuls of medals as we left the church, to distribute to passers-by: there were also small gifts-bags for the same purpose, each containing a Scripture verse, a medal, a small leaflet, and a sweet.

There are some touching encounters as we give out the medals, wishing people a Merry Christmas and saying "God bless you". Some people fumble as if for money and one has to say "No, no - this is just a gift!" Most say "thank you!" and are glad, some cross themselves. A few refuse, none rudely.One girl asked for prayers...

We complete the procession at the Church of Notre Dame de France, where we pray a decade of the Rosary and sing the Salve Regina...