A Night of Revelation and Fraternity at Ceylon Lodge No 6436
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A Night of Revelation and Fraternity at Ceylon Lodge No 6436
Bro Anthony Cherrett writes:
At Ceylon Lodge No 6436, meeting at Freemasons' Hall, London, we pride ourselves on being a truly diverse and welcoming Lodge; one that reflects not only the richness of London itself, but also the enduring universality of Freemasonry.
Our recent meeting proved to be a powerful reminder of both, combining a deeply personal moment of family revelation with the strengthening of international Masonic bonds.
A Moment of Surprise and Legacy
On April 24th 2026, we had the great privilege of initiating Mr Sunil Bagga, the son of our W Bro Shiv Bagga. Initiations are always special occasions, but this one carried an added and deeply personal significance that set it apart from the ordinary. Unbeknownst to the candidate, several members of his own family were already Freemasons.
As the ceremony progressed, there was a quiet sense of anticipation among those present who were aware of what was to come. The Lodge room, already charged with the solemnity and dignity of the occasion, seemed to hold an added layer of expectancy. When the moment of revelation finally arrived, it was met with genuine surprise and emotion.
Sunil's reaction was unmistakable. What had begun as a personal step into the unknown suddenly transformed into something far more profound – a connection not only to the Brethren around him, but to his own family in a way he had not anticipated.
For those witnessing it, the moment was both powerful and deeply moving. It served as a reminder that Freemasonry is not simply about ritual or tradition, but about people, about shared values, continuity, and the strengthening of bonds that extend beyond the Lodge room. In that instant, the principles we speak of so often – Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth – were not just words, but something tangible and visible.
Strengthening Bonds Across Borders
Adding further significance to the evening, we were honoured to receive distinguished visitors from France, Nominoë Lodge No 436's Brethren; who had travelled to join us in both our work and our festive board. Their presence was not only welcomed but genuinely appreciated. In an age where travel is easy but meaningful connection can still be rare, the effort made by our French Brethren to visit us in person spoke volumes about the importance they place on Masonic friendship.
From the outset, their warmth and enthusiasm were evident. They engaged fully in the evening, embracing both the formality of the ceremony and the camaraderie that followed.
In a gesture of great generosity and symbolism, W Bro Alain Locatelli presented our Worshipful Master Connor Gosling with a ceremonial flame-bladed sword – a striking and memorable gift. Beyond its physical presence, the sword stands as a lasting emblem of the friendship between our Lodges and the shared values that unite us. It is gestures such as these that elevate a visit beyond mere attendance, transforming it into something lasting and meaningful.
At the festive board, any remaining formality gave way to easy conversation, laughter, and shared experiences. Despite differences in language or background, the sense of common purpose was unmistakable. It was a clear demonstration that Freemasonry, at its best, transcends borders, cultures, and national identity.
A Timely Reminder
In what can often feel like uncertain or turbulent times across Europe and the wider world, evenings such as this carry an added importance. It is easy to focus on what divides us – geography, language, culture – but Freemasonry offers a different perspective. It reminds us that there are principles which unite us, and that these principles can be lived, not just discussed.
Here, in a single meeting, we witnessed something quietly powerful:
- A son discovering his place within a family tradition
- International Brethren travelling to strengthen bonds
- New friendships formed, and existing ones reaffirmed
These are not grand gestures played out on a public stage, but they are no less significant. They represent the steady, enduring work of building understanding and goodwill – something that feels increasingly valuable in today's world.
Freemasonry does not claim to solve the challenges of our time, but it does offer a framework in which respect, integrity, and fraternity can flourish. Even in small moments, that has real meaning.
Looking Ahead
Ceylon Lodge No 6436 looks forward to continuing this relationship with our French Brethren at Nominoë Lodge No 436 and to welcoming them again in the near future, perhaps in even greater numbers.
Equally, we anticipate the opportunity to visit them in return, strengthening further the ties that bind us not only as members of individual Lodges, but as Freemasons across nations.
The bonds formed this evening were not fleeting; they are part of something ongoing; something that will continue to grow through future visits, shared experiences, and continued friendship. For those present, this was more than just a meeting. It was a reminder that wherever we come from, and whatever our background, we meet on the level.
This article is part of Arena Magazine Issue 61 – Summer 2026.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in Arena Issue 61 here.
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