Presbyterian Belfast church bought by Latin Mass lovers

A Latin Mass community has announced the “very good news” they’ve bought a former Presbyterian church in Belfast, thanks to financial support from an anonymous family.

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest are jubilant as they start a “new beginning” at Fortwilliam and Macrory church.

The family, from the UK, gave them an interest free loan to be repaid in five years on the condition that they bought that particular church, with Canon Lebocq, the Irish provincial of the Institute saying “the family insisted that loan would be made if the church was purchased, we had to respect the intention of the family, our benefactors”.

“This church was made available, we have been serving in the diocese in this part of the city were many people are very involved. It just happened that the church was at the same location, so we saw that as a sign of providence,” he told The Irish Catholic.

“The community have been very receptive and touched by the Latin Mass. It’s very good news and everybody is very happy, especially the faithful and the local clergy.”

The Institute thanks the Elders and community at Fortwilliam and Macrory church for the opportunity to take over the building as well as the Bishop of Down and Connor for granting permission for the acquisition.