A View From The Pew – August 2026
“The Hidden Gem” (ILMODB)
Visitors to Friars Lane in Brailes will see the Papal flag in the grounds of the chapel and presbytery.
One of the main reason for it to be flying is that this year the chapel of St Peter and St Paul is celebrating its three hundredth year since its opening in 1726.
Prior to the Reformation, the village and parish were under the care of the Augustinian Friars who looked after the large St George’s church, and resided at what is now the Old Rectory or Rectory Farm as it was once called. The present chapel is a converted Malt barn.
Following the Dissolution in 1538, the property was taken over by the Bishop family and, remaining true to their Catholic faith, held secret Masses in the former Rectory, building two Priest hiding holes. The family must have been well liked and respected by the villagers as they were never reported to the authorities for this action.
On Saturday 27th June, the Very Rev Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, celebrated Mass in the chapel, appropriately on the Vigil of the Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul. The chapel is named after these great apostles: St Peter symbolising unity with Rome. And St Paul symbolising missionary endurance. As part of the celebration we had a book launch also of “The Catholic Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, Lower Brailes, 1726-2026”.
The book was compiled by four members of the parish and it gives an in depth tour of the present chapel, which will be a useful guide for any visitors in the future. The book is made up of six sections and as well as giving a tour of the chapel, gives a timeline of events in and around the chapel from 1500 to the present day.
It gives an explanation of the founding of the chapel and the challenges faced by its early congregation. It gives a description of what life was like as a Catholic in penal times when Catholic Mass was outlawed and it gives a biography of Dr William Bishop, one of the most significant figures in the chapel’s history. The book concludes with memories and comments from parishioners reflecting on the history of the chapel and the part it has played in their lives.
I do hope that if you have not already taken time to visit the chapel in Brailes, then you will do so in this jubilee year. I do hope that you might think about purchasing this book so that you can become more aware of this wonderful historical chapel-
“A hidden gem,” as one parishioner describes.
And I hope also that it might help you in your own faith journey- drawing on the inspiration of the two great Apostles and the enduring faith of the priests and people of the time when the practice and living of the faith could be punished by death.
We thank God for them and honour them this day.
St Peter and St Paul pray for us.
God Bless, Fr David Tams