'These Walls have Spoken' - Celebrating St John's Seminary, Wonersh

Image: Marcin Mazur

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark

During the early evening of 20th July 2023, Archbishop John Wilson presided over a poignant Solemn Vespers of St John in Saint George's Cathedral, Southwark, marking the final liturgy in honour of the venerable institution of St John's Seminary in Wonersh. which formally closed in 2021. The Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Diocese, delivered an insightful homily, emphasizing the significance of St John's Seminary and encouraging the congregation to hold on to their cherished memories associated with it. He also thanked Mgr Gerald Ewing for the work that had gone into the production of a commemorative book that would be launched after the service,

Distinguished clergy also included Archbishop Emeritus Kevin Macdonald and former St John's Seminarian, Archbishop Bernard Longley, now the pastoral leader of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Recently ordained priests and deacons, all of whom had studied at the Seminary, contributed to the liturgy as Cantors, Gospel Reader and Acolytes.

After the service invited guests made their way to Amigo Hall for the launch of 'These Walls Have Spoken': a book written in celebration of St John's Seminary. Guests were welcomed with a glass of wine and gentle jazz, as greetings were exchanged and conversations filled the room as attendees shared memories of their time at Wonersh. The Diocesan Archivist, Jenny Delves, curated an engaging display featuring seminary artefacts, including a hand-drawn cartoon entitled 'First Term Depressions' describing a lack of hot water, against which Archbishop Wilson light-heartedly referenced his own seminary days at the English College in Rome, evoking laughter among guests.

Mgr Ewing, the final Rector of St John's, introduced Elena Curti, Editor of 'These Walls have Spoken', who acknowledged, with great humour, the remarkable collaboration that shaped the book, and praised the contributors who captured the life and essence of St John's Seminary, including Andy Bates, illustrator and designer, Alex Ramsey, who captured approximately 500 pictures, and the many former seminarians who had contributed articles.

Mgr Ewing expressed gratitude to the Wonersh Commemorative Publication Working Party (WCPWP) highlighting individuals for their pivotal roles in the production of the book. He also thanked the Patrimony Committee for their unwavering support and dedication in finding suitable new homes for the many sacred and secular objects associated with St John's, which now grace churches, seminaries and museums across the world. Speaking with affection of St John's, he said.

"St John's opened well, and we hope in the final piece of the jigsaw, the publication of the book, and all it records, we have closed it well too. This book is our attempt to honour all those connected with Wonersh, in any way, over is 132 year history… this book has been written in celebration, and using the words of our beloved Patron, St John, from the reading at Vespers this evening… 'we are writing this that our joy may be complete.' .. and it is!"

Archbishop Wilson thanked a range of people and offered his heartfelt appreciation of all those formed, and shaped at St John's Seminary. Speaking with enthusiasm, he invited guests to return once more when Our Lady's Altar, previously resident in the Seminary Chapel, is fully installed in St George's Cathedral. Finally, he applauded Mgr Ewing, noting his rare skills in achieving a good outcome at a challenging time.

The speeches concluded with a toast to St John's Seminary, Wonersh, followed by a moving rendition of 'Ad multos annos' performed by former students, many of whom are now serving as clergy throughout England and Wales. 'These Walls have Spoken' encapsulates the spirit of St John's Seminary, serving as a testament to its life, history and enduring legacy.

LINKS

'These Walls have Spoken' is available for purchase, priced at £25, plus P&P from https://wonersh.shop/

Video Homily by Bishop Richard Moth: https://youtu.be/XK7zfGUdG_0
Recording of the Book Launch Speeches: https://on.soundcloud.com/yebPC
Photographs of Solemn Vespers and Book Launch (courtesy of Marcin Mazur): www.flickr.com/photos/catholicism/albums/72177720309951823
Detailed article: www.rcaos.org.uk/TheseWallsHaveSpoken