The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church "A sacramental, apostolic, and inclusive Old Catholic Church rooted in ancient tradition and committed to serving the modern world."

Blessed Feast Day of Blessed Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi, O.Carm.Blessed Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi was a Carmelite pri...
17/08/2026

Blessed Feast Day of Blessed Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi, O.Carm.

Blessed Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi was a Carmelite priest, teacher, reformer and renowned preacher who lived in Florence during the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries. Born near Florence sometime before 1386, he entered the Carmelite Order and was ordained to the priesthood.

Angelus became known for his deep commitment to the Carmelite way of life, particularly its emphasis on prayer, contemplation and faithfulness to the Gospel. He taught theology in Florence and Frascati and served several times as prior of Carmelite communities. He was also closely associated with a reform movement known as the Observance of Our Lady of the Wood, which sought to renew Carmelite life by returning more faithfully to the spirit of the Order's Rule.

Above all, Blessed Angelus was remembered as a gifted preacher of the Word of God. His preaching was rooted in a profound devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His holiness, humility and ability to communicate the Gospel inspired others to deepen their Christian lives.

Tradition tells that during one of his sermons, roses and lilies appeared to come from his mouth, which angels gathered and wove into a crown—a beautiful image symbolising the grace and spiritual beauty associated with his preaching.

Blessed Angelus died in Florence on 17 August 1438 and was buried in the Carmelite church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Devotion to him continued after his death, and Pope Clement XIII formally confirmed his cult and beatification on 7 March 1761. His Carmelite memorial is observed on 17 August, and he is especially remembered as a patron of preachers.

His life reminds us that preaching the Gospel is not simply about eloquent words, but about allowing those words to flow from a life of prayer, humility, love and faithfulness to Christ.

Blessed Angelus Augustine Mazzinghi, pray for us.

Blessed Feast Day of Saint Stephen of HungaryStephen I of Hungary, also known as Saint Stephen of Hungary, was the first...
16/08/2026

Blessed Feast Day of Saint Stephen of Hungary

Stephen I of Hungary, also known as Saint Stephen of Hungary, was the first King of Hungary and is remembered for establishing Christianity firmly within the Hungarian nation.

Born around 975, Stephen became king around the year 1000 and devoted his reign to building a Christian kingdom. He encouraged the establishment of dioceses, churches and monasteries and worked to organise both the spiritual and civil life of his people.

Stephen was known not only as a ruler but also for his personal devotion to the Christian faith and his concern for the poor. Tradition remembers him as a king who understood authority as a responsibility to serve God and the people entrusted to his care.

He died on 15 August 1038 and was canonised in 1083. Today, Saint Stephen is honoured as the patron saint of Hungary, and his life offers an example of faithful leadership, generosity and service.

Prayer:
God of wisdom and grace, you called Saint Stephen to serve his people with faith and devotion. Grant that, following his example, we may use whatever gifts and responsibilities we have in the service of others, seeking justice, peace and compassion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today is the Feast of Assumption, it marks the end of the earthly life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she was taken ...
15/08/2026

Today is the Feast of Assumption, it marks the end of the earthly life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, when she was taken up into heaven in body and soul.

Blessed Feast Day of Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar, priest, mi...
14/08/2026

Blessed Feast Day of Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941)

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar, priest, missionary, and martyr remembered for his extraordinary courage and self-sacrificing love.

Deeply devoted to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Maximilian used the printing press and radio to spread the Christian message. He founded the Militia Immaculatae and established religious communities dedicated to prayer, evangelism, and service.

During the Second World War, Maximilian sheltered refugees, including Jewish people, at his monastery. He was eventually arrested by the N***s and imprisoned at Auschwitz.

In July 1941, after a prisoner escaped, ten men were selected to die by starvation as punishment. One of them, Franciszek Gajowniczek, cried out in anguish for his wife and children. Maximilian stepped forward and offered to take his place.

His offer was accepted. After enduring nearly two weeks in the starvation bunker, Maximilian was killed by lethal injection on 14 August 1941.

Pope John Paul II canonised him in 1982, describing him as a “martyr of charity.” His feast day is celebrated on 14 August.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe reminds us that Christian love is more than words. His life demonstrates a love willing to sacrifice, stand alongside the persecuted, and recognise the dignity of another person even amid hatred and violence.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us, that we may have courage to love, strength to serve, and compassion for all who suffer.

This is your Friday reminder for “Peace Prayer Friday”
14/08/2026

This is your Friday reminder for “Peace Prayer Friday”

Blessed Feast Day of Saints Pontian and HippolytusBishop and Priest, MartyrsFeast Day: 13 AugustSaints Pontian and Hippo...
13/08/2026

Blessed Feast Day of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus

Bishop and Priest, Martyrs
Feast Day: 13 August

Saints Pontian and Hippolytus are remembered as powerful witnesses to reconciliation, unity, and faithfulness to Christ.

Saint Pontian served as Bishop of Rome in the third century during a difficult period for the Church. Hippolytus, a learned priest and theologian, had opposed the leadership of the Church in Rome and became associated with a division within the Christian community.

During persecution under the Emperor Maximinus Thrax, both Pontian and Hippolytus were exiled to the harsh mines of Sardinia. Faced with suffering and persecution, their former divisions were overcome, and Hippolytus was reconciled with the Church.

Both men eventually died as a result of their suffering and are honoured together as martyrs.

Their story reminds us that reconciliation is always possible. Differences and disagreements need not have the final word. In Christ, division can give way to forgiveness, communion, and peace.

Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, pray for us, that we may seek reconciliation, remain faithful in times of difficulty, and work always for the unity and peace of Christ’s Church. Amen.

Blessed Feast of Saint Clare of AssisiSaint Clare of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1194. Inspired by Saint Franci...
11/08/2026

Blessed Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Clare of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1194. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, she left behind a life of privilege to follow Christ in simplicity, poverty, prayer, and service.

Clare founded the community that became known as the Poor Clares, embracing a contemplative Franciscan way of life centred on prayer, sisterhood, humility, and care for those in need. She remained a close spiritual friend of Saint Francis and was deeply committed to living the Gospel with simplicity and joy.

Tradition remembers Clare for her profound devotion to the Eucharist and her courageous trust in God. She died on 11 August 1253, and her feast is celebrated on 11 August.

Saint Clare continues to inspire Christians to live simply, love generously, pray faithfully, and recognise Christ in all people.

Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us.

DISCERNING A VOCATION? — COME AND JOURNEY WITH USThe Metropolitan Old Catholic Church is welcoming enquiries from those ...
10/08/2026

DISCERNING A VOCATION? — COME AND JOURNEY WITH US

The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church is welcoming enquiries from those who feel called to explore a vocation of faith, service, prayer and community.

We are particularly seeking people who wish to discern:
Ordained Ministry
• Diaconate
• Priesthood
• Permanent Diaconate

Lay Ministry
Serving the Church and wider community through your gifts, experience and calling.

Contemplative Life
For those drawn towards a deeper life of prayer, contemplation and spiritual service.
Whether your calling is at the altar, among the community, or in the quietness of contemplative prayer, we invite you to begin a conversation with us.

We are an inclusive and welcoming Old Catholic Church, and we believe that God calls people from many different backgrounds and walks of life.

Could God be calling you?

For more information or an informal conversation about discerning your vocation, please email:
[email protected]

AMOR EST CARITAS — LOVE IS CHARITY

Blessed Feast Day of Saint LawrenceSaint Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrSaint Lawrence was a deacon of the Church in Rome wh...
10/08/2026

Blessed Feast Day of Saint Lawrence

Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Saint Lawrence was a deacon of the Church in Rome who was martyred in AD 258 during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian.

Lawrence was especially known for his care of people who were poor and vulnerable. According to tradition, when Roman authorities demanded that he hand over the Church’s treasures, Lawrence presented those in need and declared them to be the true treasures of the Church.

He was later martyred for his Christian faith and became one of the most honoured saints of the early Church.

Saint Lawrence reminds us that the Church’s greatest treasure is its people and that Christian ministry is rooted in love, service, generosity and courage.

Saint Lawrence, pray for us.

Blessed Feast of St. Dominic St Dominic (1170 - 1221)He was born in Castile (part of modern Spain) and became a canon of...
08/08/2026

Blessed Feast of St. Dominic

St Dominic (1170 - 1221)

He was born in Castile (part of modern Spain) and became a canon of the cathedral of Osma. He accompanied his bishop (Diego de Azevedo) in a mission of preaching against the Albigensian heresy, which was then strong in southern France.

While the official missions lived in formality and splendour, Dominic and Diego lived in extreme poverty, and prepared with great diligence for the debates that they held with their opponents. When the suppression of Albigensianism was undertaken by invasion and war of a particularly savage kind, Dominic continued to try to preach and persuade.

In 1216 he founded the Order of Preachers, dedicated to saving souls by preaching and persuasion. Like the Franciscans, founded a few years before, the Dominicans put great importance on poverty, both of the individual and of the community, and of the need to be involved directly in the world while still living some form of monastic life.

At a time when the settled Benedictine monasteries had grown into great and rich institutions, this was a revolutionary and to some a subversive concept. The Friars made a lasting impact on the life of mediaeval Europe, and the Dominicans in particular altered the course of intellectual history by making a well-thought-out and rational response to the new learning that was appearing as long-forgotten thinkers such as Aristotle became known once more in the Christian West.

Address

Evesham

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Metropolitan Old Catholic Church posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category