Introducinng the Juventutem London Schola

The Juventutem London Schola, in the sanctuary at St Patrick's Soho Square.

The Juventutem Movement is an international movement of young people attached to the Traditional Mass, a phenonemon observed by the Holy Father when he wrote that 'young persons too have discovered this liturgical form, felt its attraction and found in it a form of encounter with the Mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist, particularly suited to them.' The movement has groups in a number of towns and cities around England, and a particularly active one in London.

One of the features of the group is a particular love of Solemn Mass, ie Mass with celebrant, deacon and subdeacon. It should always be remembered that, although Missa Cantata and and Low Mass are indispensible elements in parish life, it is Solemn Mass which is the normative form of Mass, giving it the full honour which is its due. Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form is extraordinarily beautiful, with many ceremonies which are cut down, or omitted, in Missa Cantata. Obviously a choir is necessary for Solemn Mass, and after some experimentation and development (including a couple of Masses accompanied by the Schola Abelis, who had travelled from Oxford for the occasion), the London Juventutem group has now established a schola of its own, which even has a blog.

Polyphonists at the LMS Pilgrimage to Aylesford, with the Juventutem London Schola.

Its director is Matthew Schellhorn, a professional pianist and the Latin Mass Society Representative for Southwark North. The Juventuetem Masses are monthly, on the last Saturday of each month, and alternative months are sung with polyphony. The core of the choir is however a small chant schola, led by Matthew and drawn from the young congregation. They can also on occasion sing elsewhere, and did so at the LMS Pilgrimage to Aylesford. They have joined the GCN and have been added to the list of affiliates and the map.

The chant schola singing during communion at Aylesford (at the back of the photo).

Juventutem London is now established at St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon Street, EC2M 7LS, and their next Mass will be there at 6.30pm on December 23rd.

Get in touch with them by email: juventutemlondonschola@gmail.com