Middle-earth Journeys

Yes, we will, and perhaps visit the cemetery at Rednal. The whole area seemed very familiar to me, going back after our initial visit.

I'm not sure what Tolkien would have made of the open-air service - but he would definitely have approved of the large parts of the Mass which were in Latin

The closest thing to a liturgy in LOTR was held in an open field: Praise them with great praise!

I've discovered another link between Tolkiien and the beatification of the Blessed Cardinal Newman. Tim Tolkien - who is Hilary Tolkien's grandson - was commissioned by the Church to sculpt a statue of Cardinal Newman which the Pope blessed at Cofton Park during the ceremony. You can read a little more here and there's a video for those who can access it. You can find out more about Tim Tolkien here.

Finally catching up here - it's a small world isn't it? How is that?

It's such a small world it makes my head spin sometimes