When we came to Chilworth ten years ago, we had just read in the Refectory, while we at supper, The Spirit of the Liturgy, by Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Some of us had been very moved by his advocacy of celebrating Mass facing East, in that book.

Visiting Chilworth for the first time, we were all overwhelmed by the beauty of the church, not least because of the spaces it provided for celebrating a worthy liturgy. It also possessed an imposing altar, intricately carved in marble, facing East.

A modern altar facing the congregation had also been installed; which it was quickly decided to give away to another group, who were in need of it. 

Also, permission was quickly sought to restore the floor of the church to its original condition; by removing the platform which had supported the modern altar.

The floor was then cleaned and polished, as a result of a very generous benefactor; revealing its beautiful parquet patterning, particularly in the oak and teak on the three altar steps, which were then newly carpeted in red.

So, from the first public Mass celebrated by us at Chilworth, we faced East. This changed our practice from Ramsgate; which faced the people.

Was the reason simply aesthetic? No, most of us agreed with Pope Benedict, that priest and people should all be facing in the same direction and following the ancient practice of the Church. A tradition which powerfully shows, that because the Mass makes present the Lord; not only of history but also of the cosmos, it is appropriate that everyone faces and prays towards the place where the sun rises. 

We do not, however, celebrate Mass in the Extraordinary Form, sometimes called Tridentine. Mass is in the Ordinary Form, with Introit, Alleluia, Offertory, Communion and Ordinary all sung in Latin Plainsong settings.

The Prayers and Readings are all in English.