This Lent there is a rare opportunity to access London’s Heythrop Library and the British Jesuit Archives to see all manner of relics, rare books, historical documents and photographs drawn from Catholic and Christian history, especially relating to the British Isles and to Ireland.
Heythrop Library is usually only accessible to members, with non members often needing to pay for accessing its collections, while the British Jesuit Archives is a private archive and visits are usually by appointment only.
The library and archives will be holding a joint open day on 20 March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow “anyone who is interested”, reportsIndependent Catholic News (ICN), an opportunity to dive into the likes of relics and documents of Edmund Campion, the English Jesuit priest and martyr who was canonised in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Campion was also the subject of Evelyn Waugh’s masterful “Edmund Campion: A Life”, which highlights the persecution of Catholics in 16th-century England.
“It is always difficult to select only a few items to put out on display as we are privileged to care for such a wonderful collection,” says Rebecca Somerset, the Province Archivist. “We try to include not just visually pleasing items but also to showcase the variety of records in the archives and hope that everyone finds at least one thing of interest.”
In addition to the Campion material, exhibited items will include a letter by Robert Parsons SJ – an English Jesuit priest who was a major figure in establishing the 16th-century English Mission of the Society of Jesus – an illuminated manuscript, Second World War medals and old photographs from across the ages.
There will also be a chance to see both institutions’ reading rooms and to enquire about library membership and how to conduct research in the archives, notes ICN. Archivists and librarians will be on hand to showcase the items and bring “the Jesuit Province’s rich history to life”.
“We say ‘Don’t judge a book by its covers’ and so one theme of books on display is intended to challenge this expression, and maybe yourself,” says Heythrop Librarian Clemens Gresser. “They cover an introduction to Christian theology, Christian values and finance, the Catholic Church in Ireland, Christian Counselling and Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises.”
Gresser says that other themes covered “include books on women philosophers and Jesuit missionary activities”.
The invitation is open to all and there is no need to reserve or book – simply report to the main reception at 114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH, on 20 March 2024 (a Wednesday).
“This is one of the best pieces of news for ages – a free opportunity to visit just for one day Farm Street library, books and relics,” says Josephine Scott, a London-based parishioner. “Oh joy in the midst of Lent.” (Photo: Screenshot from www.jesuitarchives.co.uk.)
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