Dear Fathers & Brethren in Christ,

It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation as Bishop Metropolitan in the Old Catholic Church in Europe (OCCE) with immediate effect (13th March 2008).

I am in the process of handing over my responsibilities to the new Bishop Metropolitan, The Rt. Revd. Dennis Beevers OSP. This decision has not been taken lightly but only after considerable prayer and sleepless nights.

I feel it is now time to move aside and allow the next chapter for OCCE to be led by others. I intend now to retire totally from all church activities and enjoy a long earned rest.

Those of you who were with me from the beginning will recall how OCCE, which started life as the English Catholic Church back in 2000, was started by myself and Bishop Anthony Earl-Williams. Much water has passed under the bridge and my failing health over the past several years has made it difficult for me to devote entirely to OCCE.

I am confident now that a strong and devoted team is in place who can lead OCCE onwards. Can I thank all those who have shown me such loyalty and friendship.

Every Blessing to you all,

+Robert McBride BA (Hons), OSP

Kettering, UK.

The OCCE welcomes Fr. Brendan Fleurinck who has very recently been Incardinated into the church. Fr. Brendan's mission is based in Aalst in Belgium where he practices his vocation by following a monastic life of prayer within his local community.

We look forward to embracing Fr. Brendan into the OCCE and its wider mission in Europe.

Bishop Dennis Beevers OSP and Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP spent the weekend with the Saint Francis, Southampton, congregation on Sunday 21st October where Bishop Dennis regularised the Orders of Father Martyn Douglas and Father Terence Merrified during the Mass in front of congregation members.

Both Fathers Martyn and Terence joined the OCCE during the summer following the sad demise of their previous jurisdiction. The Metropolitan Bishop formally welcomed them both when they attended the Consecration of Bishop Dennis, in Barnsley, and it is fitting that they should be the first candidates Ordained by the new Bishop.

The Bishops were shown around Southampton, a busy and prosperous city and port on the English South Coast, and entertained to lunch with Father Douglas who is an experienced priest of many years standing. Both Bishops would like to thank the newly Ordained Priests for their kindness and hospitality whilst visiting Southampton.

Bishops Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP, Dennis Beevers OSP and Anthony Earl-Williams OSP made an Episcopal Visit to Cardiff, Wales, from Tuesday 28th to Thursday the 30th of August. During the visit a Mass was celebrated at Worcester Court, Grange Town, by Bishop Anthony and the Homily preached by Bishop Dennis as his first official visit since his Consecration.

Left to right: Bishop Robert (sitting), Bishop Anthony (Celebrating), Bishop Dennis

The service was also attended by the Priest in Charge, Father Mark Paris, who organised the event. Following the Mass there was time for the Bishops to mingle with the many faithful who support the Mission and work of Fr. Mark. A buffet lunch was also provided and Bishop Robert drew the raffle with many excellent prizes provided by local businesses who are very supportive of the fine work Fr. Mark does within the Grange Town area of Cardiff.

The Altar before Mass

During the three day visit there was time for the Bishops to visit the many attractions in Cardiff including a tour of the Bay and fun fair; Cardiff Roman Catholic Cathedral, with its fine statue of Our Lady of Penrhys much venerated by Bishop Anthony, and of course the famous Castle which was given a Gothic "makeover" by the Earl of Bute in the 19th century. Indeed, the three Bishops were very kindly given a private, guided tour of the castle to view the most excellent Gothic rooms many of which are currently under restoration.

Bishop Anthony, Father Mark and Bishop Dennis at the fair, Cardiff Bay

The Bishops would like to extend their grateful thanks to Fr. Mark, John, Helen and all at Worcester Court for helping to make their visit both a memorable and spiritual one. They look forward very much to visiting Cardiff and of course Wales again.

Bishop Dennis Beevers OSP was Consecrated on Sunday 8th July at the Chapel of Saint Maria Goretti, Barnsley, by Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride BA (Hons), OSP. Bishop Robert was assisted by Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams of the Confraternity of Our Lady of Victories and Bishop Metropolitan David Bowler SCR (UK), Superior of the Society of Christ the King (UK).

Bishops, left to right: Bp. David Bowler, Bp. Robert McBride, Bp. Dennis Beevers, Bp. Anthony Earl-Williams

The service was extremely well attended by many of the clergy and local congregation members followed by a buffet. It was a most moving and memorable occasion and chance for many to meet up as the OCCE and fellow Union Members continue to grow.

Bishops with Clergy: Middle left, Fr. Martyn Douglas with Fr. Terry Merrifield. Bottom row left, Fr. Mark Paris with Deacon David Bradley

Bishop Dennis will be responsible for the northern area and also undertake on the major responsibility for matters pastoral within OCCE. The new Bishop is a well known and well respected clergyman both in his native South Yorkshire and further afield with a particular interest in healing ministry.

Brother David Bradley was Made Deacon on Saturday 30th June by Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP at the Oratory of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The Bishop was assisted by Canon DennisBeevers OSP and Fr. Emilio Tundidor OSP.

The congregation included family members and Fr. Stuart Finch who traveled from his Mission in Norfolk to attend.

Canon Dennis Beevers OSP is to be Consecrated Bishop of Dunstanburgh on Sunday 8th July, 2007, at the Chapel of St Maria Goretti, Barnsley at midday. The Principle Consecrator will be ECC Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride OSP assisted by Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams OSP and Bishop David Bowler SCR.

See the Apostolic Mandate: Mandate

It is anticipated that a large number of clergy and many friends will attend the service which promises to be a memorable occasion and opportunity to further cement the excellent relations enjoyed by loyal signatories of the Union Agreement.

Bishops & Clergy from COUSPP gathered in Hampstead to celebrate St Pancras commencing with Mass celebrated by Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams. As well as faithful members of the Hampstead congregation they were joined by Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride, Bishop Francis Dunlavey, Bishop Elect, Canon Dennis Beevers and Fr Emilio Tundidor who served the Mass. Following the Mass Bishop Robert and Canon Dennis were received and installed as Knights of the Order of St Pancras by Bishop Anthony. Following the Mass all gathered recited the Little of St Pancras together.

Left to right: Bishop Francis Dunlavey OSP; Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams OSP; Bishop Elect Canon Dennis Beevers OSP; Bishop Metropolitan Robert McBride BA (Hons), OSP

Following the Mass and other formalities Clergy and Lay folk enjoyed a buffet lunch kindly provided by Bishop Anthony and his London congregation. Both Bishop Metropolitan Robert and Canon Beevers were delighted to meet with old friends and to renew contacts and build and support further the work and witness of COUSPP. All the clergy confirmed their continued support for COUSPP and to working towards closer ties between the Confraternity of Our Lady of Victories and the Old Catholic Church in Europe.

Bishop Metropolitan Anthony Earl-Williams with Dame Della Edling OSP who is a very old and respected friend and senior Member of The Chapter of Advice

In an historic move the COUSPP was agreed and formed by Bishops Metropolitan Robert McBride, Thomas Bodkin, Alan Munday and Anthony Earl-Williams following a period of intense negotiations. At a meeting on 31st March in London the bishops agreed to and signed a document called the London Agreement. This agreement of Union provides a formal forum whereby the bishops from several independent churches can come together in the spirit of Christian Brotherhood. The Union draws the Old Catholic Church in Europe; Arch-Confraternity of Our Lady of Victories; and Ecumenical Orthodox Catholic Church closer together.

The London Agreement can be read via the following link: The London Agreement

It is anticipated that closer ties will develop over time.