The Church in Our Times

“Project Bonhoeffer will be holding a free online conference on Christian responses to the migration crisis, entitled 'Faith and Frontiers' on Saturday 17 September rom 10am to 4pm.

“Speakers will include Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, Dr Ulrich Schmiedel of the University of Edinburgh, an authority on religion and migration, and Rev Dr Keith Clements, a noted Bonhoeffer scholar, who will be joined by people from groups currently working to meet the needs of asylum seekers in Calais, Kent and the north of England.

“The Project, set up in 2011, aims to inform and remind today's Christians - especially the young as well as the not-so-young - of the challenges of discipleship that Dietrich Bonhoeffer addressed in his radical theology and in the Christian witness that led to his execution by the Nazis at the end of the Second World War.

“The project's events seek to enable people to put Christian faith into action in ways that make a positive difference in the world, engaging with the key social and political challenges we face. It encourages and resources theological reflection, conversation and community-building around Bonhoeffer's work and life and its implications for today.

“The goal is not unlike that of the well-worn Pastoral Cycle, providing opportunities for people to think and to act - reflecting on faith … and then doing something about it in the context in which they live and feel called to serve.

“Book at: www.projectbonhoeffer.org.uk/events/ “

 Independent Catholic News, Ben Bano, 17 Aug 2022,  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45300

“[Sister Annie Demerjian of Aleppo, Syria] ministering to persecuted Christians in Syria has warned that "a big bomb" of hunger is exploding across the country. ‘… the country's deteriorating economy had caused a mass exodus.’…

“Spiralling poverty, rising inflation and a stagnant job market have left ordinary Syrians living on the breadline.

“… Western sanctions against the Assad government are making life harder for ordinary Syrians.”

Fionn Shiner, 8 July 2022, Source:  ACN

For more insight, see https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45058 ; with permission, Independent Catholic News

"Although modern means of communication can be ‘a powerful means of fostering communion and dialogue within our human family,’ they can also become ‘places of toxicity, hate speech, and fake news,’ Pope Francis warns in a message to the lay communications network SIGNIS, which is holding its annual World Congress in Seoul from 15 - 19 July.

“Pope Francis says: ‘It is appropriate that, in these days marked by new outbreaks of violence and aggression in our world, you have chosen as the theme of your World Congress “Peace in the Digital World.”’

“He points out: ‘The use of digital media, especially social media, has raised a number of serious ethical issues that call for wise and discerning judgment on the part of communicators, and all those concerned with authenticity and the quality of human relationships...SIGNIS can play an important role’ in meeting this challenge, especially through ‘media education, networking Catholic media, and countering lies and misinformation.’

“In his message, the Pope encourages SIGNIS members to persevere in their efforts by helping people ‘develop a sound critical sense, learning to distinguish truth from falsehood, right from wrong, good from evil, and to appreciate the importance of working for justice, social concord, and respect for our common home.’ At the same time, recognising that many communities have limited access to ‘the digital space,’ he calls on SIGNIS communicators to make ‘digital inclusion a priority’ in their planning.

“The Holy Father also calls attention to the importance of listening ‘as the first and indispensable ingredient of dialogue and good communication,’ an issue he highlighted in his message for World Communication Day 2022.

"’Communication is not just a profession, but a service to dialogue and understanding between individuals and larger communities in the pursuit of a serene and peaceful coexistence.’

"’Listening, is likewise essential to the synodal journey that the whole Church has undertaken in these years,’ he says, recalling the ongoing Synod on Synodality that will culminate at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023.

“Pope Francis says: ‘It is my hope, that, in your communication, you will contribute to this process by assisting the holy and faithful people of God in our commitment to listen to one another, to the Lord's will, and to grow in the awareness that we participate in a communion that precedes and includes us.’

"’In this way, your efforts to foster “Peace in the Digital World” will help to create an ever more “symphonic” Church, whose unity is expressed in a harmonious and sacred polyphony.’"

Independent Catholic News, Source: Felix Lee, Archdiocese of Seoul/Vatican Media, 18 July 2022,                     https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45115

The Independent Catholic News has published a list of websites that offer a good selection of cards and presents that form a Catholic alternative to other shopping sites.  Visit https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/46096

Used with permission, Independent Catholic News, 11 Dec 2022 (Updated 13 Dec 2022)

“Being so distracted that one does not notice God’s presence in daily life is a warning sign that one is not being vigilant enough, Pope Francis cautioned.  Vigilance during Advent is key, Pope Francis said, because Jesus ‘warns us: there is the danger of not realizing his coming and being unprepared for his visit.’…

“’God is hidden in our life,’ Pope Francis explained; ‘he is concealed in the most common and most ordinary situations in our life.’…The truth is that God is present ‘in our daily work, in a chance encounter, in the face of someone in need,’ Pope Francis said. ‘Even when we face days that seem grey and monotonous, it is right there that we find the Lord, who calls to us, speaks to us and inspires our actions.’

“During Advent, Pope Francis said: ‘Let us be shaken out of our torpor and let us awaken from slumber!’ …To help the process, he suggested people ask themselves: “‘Am I aware of what I am doing? Am I alert? Am I awake?'”…

Used with permission from Universe Catholic Weekly, 28 Nov 2022

For a complete version of this article, visit the following web link:   https://universecatholicweekly.co.uk/advent-pope/

“On 1 August, Bishop John Sherrington visited the Syria Summer Camp, an educational, fun and therapeutic event for children from refugee backgrounds hosted by Newman Catholic College and supported by Caritas Westminster. Now in its sixth year, it was initiated in 2016 by Amanda Wooster as a summer activity for refugees who came from places such as Syria and Afghanistan. Bishop John shares his experience of the visit.

“I was warmly welcomed by Inayat and Anisa. Inayat, a young man and student at Newman Catholic College, whose name means 'bounty, kindness, favour', enthusiastically introduced me to other groups of young people at the Syrian Summer Camp. Anisa, an older woman, known as Auntie, whose name means 'pleasant companion' was a quiet and comforting presence with us throughout the day. Sister Silvana from Caritas Westminster, a passionate and dedicated promoter of the summer camp, had organised the visit and accompanied us.

“We first met the young lionesses, younger children, being coached by a QPR woman trainer.… They were enthusiastic about football, if a little shy in our presence. The next group were waiting patiently to travel by train to London Zoo. The boys were keen to see the lions which were their favourite animal ….

“Inayat introduced us to a group of boys who were discussing the meaning of culture. With origins in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and other countries, they talked about whether they had grown up in a city or a rural area, the meaning of flags, sport and the culture they had left behind. They said that London was a safe place for them and that was more important than many other things. Learning English to communicate was at the heart of this activity. Football crossed all boundaries.…

“A further group of teenage boys and girls were exploring the meaning of their names. Each told me their meaning which was beautiful and very moving…. They were painting a symbol of their names to express the meaning. Many included light and sun, though some were much darker. I was asked about the meaning of the white collar in my shirt. I explained that it is a sign of being a bishop or priest.

'What does a ring mean,' I asked? They spoke of marriage and love. I said a bishop's ring is a sign of the love of Christ and his Church. Sr Silvana explained the meaning of her ring of consecration as a woman religious. We then discussed some common elements of Christianity and Islam, pilgrimage, prayer times, almsgiving and charity….

“The final visit was to group of very young children exploring sound and movement with a patient teacher. They created a dance with rhythm and movement which they all thoroughly enjoyed ….

“Hospitality is central to Arabic culture and so we enjoyed the blessings of lunch together. Inayat presented me with his Afghani wristband and spoke of his hopes for … the future. Anisa remained the motherly presence throughout the day.

“Driving home from Harlesden made me think about the journeys they had made to be in a safe place in London….”

 Independent Catholic News, Source:  Caritas Westminster, 10 Aug 2022,  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45259

“Archbishop Eamon Martin has launched this year's interactive digital Advent calendar. … Behind the 28 virtual doors, it offers resources for schools, parishes and the home with short inspirational video messages, some seasonal crafts for children and prayers to help us keep Christ at the centre of our Christmas preparations.

“Archbishop Eamon Martin said: ‘Advent is often described as a journey. Over the next four weeks we will journey towards Christmas while reflecting on the big themes and the personalities of the Advent season….’

"’The Advent calendar invites each of us to make space for God in our lives every day over the next four weeks….’

“… The 2022 Advent Calendar will go live on Sunday 27 November here: www.catholicbishops.ie/ “

Used with permission from Independent Catholic News, Source: Irish Catholic Media Office, 22 Nov 2022

For a complete version of this article, visit the following web link:  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/45962

“Pope Francis sent a message to Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, expressing his prayers and good wishes on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.   

“The Holy Father wrote: ‘On this joyful occasion of your Majesty's birthday, and as you celebrate this Platinum Jubilee year, I send cordial greetings and good wishes, together with the renewed assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will bestow upon you, the members of the Royal Family and all the people of the nation blessings of unity, prosperity and peace.’   

“In a previously-unpublished message sent to Queen Elizabeth on 29 March, the Pope said he joins with those expressing appreciation for her persevering and steadfast service to the good of the nation, ‘the advancement of its people, and the preservation of its illustrious spiritual, cultural and political heritage.’   

“In recognition of the monarch's commitment to the care of God's creation, Pope Francis is donating a Cedar of Lebanon to the Queen's Green Canopy initiative.   

“He expressed the hope that this tree, ‘which in the Bible symbolises the flourishing of fortitude, justice and prosperity, would be a pledge of abundant divine blessings’ upon her realm. “The project invites people from across the United Kingdom to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'.   

“As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen's Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty's 70 years of service.  Queen Elizabeth II and her late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, met with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014. The meeting marked the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See. Following that meeting, Pope Francis gave the couple a facsimile of Pope Innocent XI's order extending the cult of St Edward the Confessor…. 

“Queen Elizabeth has met four Popes as Queen, five in her lifetime. She ascended to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25, after the death of her father, King George VI.   

“The monarch first visited the Vatican in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth. The Pope at the time was Pius XII. Queen Elizabeth's first visit as Queen took place on 5 May 1961. She and Prince Philip were received in audience by Pope John XXIII. “In 1980, Queen Elizabeth made a state visit to the Vatican and was received in audience by Pope John Paul II. Just two years later he made a pastoral visit to Great Britain.  

“With the dawn of the new millennium, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the Vatican once again, in October 2000. “In September 2010, Pope Benedict XVI visited Great Britain on an Apostolic Journey on the occasion of the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman and met the Queen in Edinburgh.”

            With permission, Independent Catholic News, Source: Vatican News, 2 June 2022,

                                                     https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/44822 

“On many occasions the late Pope John Paul II reminded the church of the universal call to holiness. ‘Everyone in the Church,’ he wrote, ‘precisely because they are members, receive and thereby share in the common vocation to holiness.’ The Second Vatican Council put it this way: ‘All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love.’ This holiness, the council said, grows out of giving glory to God, serving others and ‘doing the will of God in everything.’     

“But what is holiness, and how do we respond to the call? Can we do the will of God in everything?

“St. Benedict, the founder of monasticism in Europe, wrote that the keeper of the pots, pans and ‘all utensils and goods of the monastery’ should regard them as ‘sacred vessels of the altar.’ The holiness of pots and pans points to the holiness of everyday life. The things we do in everyday life lead us to holiness if we do them with an awareness of the presence of God.     

Thérèse of Lisieux, Mother Teresa, and Dorothy Day are three modern Catholic women whose lives show us how the path to holiness is a little way. ‘We can do no great things—only small things with great love,’ Mother Teresa said.     

“These words very well describe the way to closeness to God that Thérèse, Mother Teresa and Dorothy followed and offer to us. In littleness we can find beauty and the love of God. Little things, even the least, hold the power of big things, for in them God reveals his presence.   

“We can respond to this presence with devotion to and love for the ordinary activities and encounters of everyday life. Rather than letting our days fly by, mechanically performing our daily tasks in order to get them over and done with, we can see little drops of grace in all the things we do. We can see in them new opportunities to respond to the ocean of God’s love flooding the world.     

“Seeing God in every moment leads us as well to total reliance on God in every moment. This little way to faith and trust can help us accept ourselves for who we are, redefine how we see success and failure and cope with suffering and the sacrifices of daily life….”

  Used with permission from Franciscan Media (www.FranciscanMedia.org); Joel Schorn, May 3, 2022.        https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/modern-models-of-holiness  

“The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales held their plenary meeting in Cardiff from 2 - 6 May 2022. The was the first full plenary meeting in Wales since November 2004. At the end of their meeting the Bishops issued statements on migration and on the return to Mass after the pandemic. Other issues discussed were the food crisis and cost of living, the Synodal process, the forthcoming tour of the relics of St Bernadette and the environment. There were also reports on the work of Stella Maris and Missio.     

“During an online press conference today, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: ‘This was the first opportunity we've had in a while to discuss the migrant issue.’ He pointed out that there was a ‘mismatch’ between the generosity shown by the British public in response to the scheme for families to take in Ukrainian refugees - and the slowness with which visa applications are being processed. Afghan refugees are still being kept in hotels, he pointed out. The upcoming Nationalities and Borders Bill could lead to migrants being deported.     

“The Cardinal said: ‘We support a concerted effort against human trafficking, but lets not punish their victims... Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker; to claim asylum is a human right.’     

“’Those seeking refuge in the UK should be provided with safe routes for travelling, have the opportunity to tell their story, be listened to and have their cases assessed justly. We keep in mind that there is no illegal asylum seeker; to claim asylum is a human right.’   

“The Cardinal said Bishop John Arnold, Spokesperson for the Environment for the Bishops' Conference gave reports at each meeting on the progress of the Laudato si' programme. Dioceses are working to lower their carbon footprint. They are developing interdiocesan fuel management for parishes, and particularly focussing schemes linking the Laudato Si platform with RE in schools.     

“Read the Bishops' Spring Plenary Resolution statements on the following links:     

“Returning to Mass at Pentecost - www.cbcew.org.uk/spring-plenary-2022-resolution-returning-to-mass-at-pentecost/     

“Migration - www.cbcew.org.uk/spring-plenary-2022-resolution-migration/ 

                With permission, ICN, Jo Siedlecka, Source:  CBCEW, May 9, 2022.

                                               https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/44649  

“Emphasizing the relationship between catechesis and kerygma, the proclamation of the Word of God, [Pope Francis] said: ‘Catechesis is the echo of the Word of God.’

“At the heart of the kerygma is a Person, Jesus Christ; catechesis, therefore, ‘is a privileged space for a personal encounter with Him.’ And so, the Pope said, catechesis ‘must be interwoven with personal relationships.’ Catechists are witnesses who have themselves encountered Jesus, and wish to lead others to encounter Him. Pope Francis emphasized that catechesis must be given in the language of the people, ‘in dialect, that is the language that comes from the heart.’

“To do so, he said, we must remember the elements of catechesis that are most needed today: expressing God's saving love, appealing to freedom, marked by joy. Similarly, this demands ‘certain attitudes’ on the part of catechists, including approachability, openness to dialogue, patience, warmth, and welcome.”

          With Permission, Independent Catholic News, Source:  Vatican News, 31 January 2021

                          https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/41448

Prayer:

Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.                        Book of Common Prayer

Prayer: 

All‐wise God, as you have granted us to drink with delight from the Word that leads us to know you, in your goodness grant us also to come at length to you, source of all wisdom and stand for ever before your face.

                                    Based on a prayer of the Venerable Bede

"’Will the bright spotlight on Beijing throw Uyghur suffering into the dark? Or can we ensure that some residual light reveals the true horrors of China's repression? It is up to us all.   

"’Sport can be a thrilling exemplar of the best of humanity - excellence, endeavour and friendship. But the sentiment encapsulated in the games' motto -   

'Together for a shared future' [italics added]- will ring very hollow to all those suffering the brutality meted out by the host nation. It is up to us all to use this moment to demand that the Uyghurs and other minorities can begin to share hope for the future.’   

“Ethnically Turkic and Muslim by faith, the Uyghurs are a Chinese minority population, concentrated in Xinjiang Province, which Uyghurs call East Turkestan. In recent years, there has been growing evidence of systematic and widespread human rights abuses by the Chinese state against Uyghurs - including mass internment, forced labour, organ harvesting, forced sterilisation, and cultural and religious repression. On 9 December 2021 in London, the Uyghur Tribunal concluded that the Chinese government was guilty of genocide.”

                              With Permission, ICN, Feb 3rd 2022, Source: Rene Cassin - www.renecassin.org 

                              https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43995 

“This year's theme is 'You shall be my witnesses' (Acts 1:8). Pope Francis described Christ's words in the Acts of the Apostles as 'the heart of Jesus' teaching to the disciples'.

“'You shall be my witnesses'

“In his message, Pope Francis emphasised that every member of the Church has a shared responsibility to witness to Christ. He drew on Pope Paul VI's 1975 document Evangelii Nuntiandi, which sought to give a new momentum to evangelisation.

“Describing the Apostolic Exhortation as 'a document dear to my heart,' he cited its much-quoted line: 'Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses'.

“Pope Francis wrote in his letter that: 'In evangelisation, then, the example of a Christian life and the proclamation of Christ are inseparable. One is at the service of the other. They are the two lungs with which any community must breathe, if it is to be missionary... This kind of complete, consistent, and joyful witness to Christ will surely be a force of attraction also for the growth of the Church in the third millennium'.

“Welcoming and caring for migrants

“The Holy Father recalled that St Paul VI underlined the responsibility of immigrants to evangelise the countries that receive them. He explained: 'More and more, we are seeing how the presence of faithful of various nationalities enriches the face of parishes and makes them more universal, more Catholic. Consequently, the pastoral care of migrants should be valued as an important missionary activity that can also help the local faithful to rediscover the joy of the Christian faith they have received'.

    With Permission, Independent Catholic News, Source:  article in ACI Africa, 19 January 2022

                                          https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43893

“The Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge is hosting a fascinating eight-week online lecture series entitled “Women Who Changed the Church” starting on January 20.

“The lecture series explores inspirational women whose lives and actions have been transformational within the Catholic Church.  This series is designed to celebrate, uncover, and critique the contributions of women … throughout Church history.

“Speakers include: 

Dr Sue Price of MBIT on Mary Mother of God and More (January 20); Prof Charlotte Methuen of Glasgow University on Women in the German Reformation (January 27); 

“Dr Sr Jo Robson OCD on St Teresa of Avila (February 3); 

Dr Carmen M Mangion of the University of London on Women Religious, Charitable Ministries, and the Welfare State (February 10); 

Sr Pavlína Kašparová on Female Self Understanding and the Idea of Religious Femininity (February 17); 

Dr Phyllis Zagano, an internationally acclaimed Catholic scholar and lecturer on contemporary spirituality and women’s issues, on Women Deacons and the Synod (February 24); 

“Prof Jeana Del Rosso of Notre Dame of Maryland University on Unruly Catholic Nuns (March 3); 

Prof Shannen Dee Williams of University of Dayton (Mary Ward Lecture 2022) on Experience of Black Religious in the African American Freedom Struggle (Free) (March 10).

“You can register online on Eventbrite for the thought-provoking Thursday afternoon (2 to 3.30pm) series on, from January 20 until March 10. Each lecture only costs £10.  For more details visit: www.mbit.cam.ac.uk/events/ “

                       With permission, Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, January 19, 2022

                        https://www.rcdea.org.uk/women-who-changed-the-church-online-series/

“Peace Sunday follows the international World Day of Peace and will be celebrated in the parishes of England and Wales on the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. In 2022 this falls on 16 January.

“The theme is taken from Pope Francis' message for the 55th World Day of Peace: Dialogue between Generations, Education, Work and Dialogue: Tools for Building Lasting Peace.

“Pax Christi[‘s]… National President, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool, says: ‘This year has been one of unprecedented and continuing challenges. We are all conscious of the need to restore and rebuild our communities here and around the world, accepting that we need new ways of working and relating to each other.

“‘The Christian message of peace, through reconciliation, justice and nonviolence, can offer hope and direction in these times.’…  Visit the Pax Christi website for more.”

“Prayer
“O God of peace, who are peace itself and whom a spirit of discord cannot grasp, nor a violent mind receive, grant that those who are one in heart may persevere in what is good and that those in conflict may forget evil and so be healed.
Amen

“Prayer of the Faithful …

“For peace between nations, a lasting peace with justice.

“For individuals, groups or movements that promote war and conflict,
that Christ, the Prince of Peace, might turn hearts to a culture of life.

“See more on: www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/Cycle/WinterCP.shtml#Peace“    [emphasis added] 

                     ICN 7 Jan 22,  https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43810

"...is looking for donations of old mobile phones and technology to provide refugees with the means to stay connected during this difficult time. This technology helps refugees access vital support, legal advice and stay connected with loved ones. If you have an old phone or tablet sitting in a draw, do get in touch with JRS! For more information visit: www.jrsuk.net/news/donate-your-smartphone-and-make-a-difference/ "

                             (With permission) Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, January 9, 2022

                        https://www.rcdea.org.uk/peace-sunday-refugee-phone-plea-carers-survey

From this Sunday, the Obligation for Catholics to attend Sunday Mass has been reinstated, however, the Bishop’s write: “When the Church speaks of the Sunday Obligation, it reminds us that attending Mass is a personal response to the selfless offering of Christ’s love. At this time, we recognize that for some people there may be certain factors which hinder attendance at Mass. The pandemic is clearly not over. The risk of infection is still present. For some, there is legitimate fear in gathering together. As your bishops, we recognize that these prevailing circumstances suggest that not everyone is yet in the position to fulfil the absolute duty attend freely Sunday Mass.” “We now encourage all Catholics to look again at the patterns which they have formed in recent months with regard to going to Mass on Sundays” 

Read the full statement here.

“Bishops speak about importance of honouring Sunday…

“We now encourage all Catholics to look again at the patterns which they have formed in recent months with regard to going to Mass on Sundays….

“The Sunday Mass is the very heartbeat of the Church and of our personal life of faith.  We gather on the ‘first day of the week,’ and devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).  The Eucharist sustains us and spurs us on, renewing our gratitude and our hope.  When we say ‘Amen’ to Christ in receiving his Body and Blood, we express the love of God which is deep within us, and at the end of Mass, when we are sent forth, we express our love for our neighbour, especially those in need. These two dimensions reveal the full meaning of our faith.  We are gathered together and sent out, we pray and are fed, we worship and we adore; these are intrinsic to our lives as those baptised into Christ.”    

                       With permission, Diocese of East Anglia, Keith Morris, 19th Nov. 2021

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/bishops-speak-about-importance-of-honouring-sunday/

“(Lk 3.23–38)
“1 This is the list of the ancestors of Jesus Christ, a descendant of David, who was a descendant of Abraham.

“2-6a From Abraham to King David, the following ancestors are listed: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah and his brothers; then Perez and Zerah (their mother was Tamar), Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz (his mother was Rahab), Obed (his mother was Ruth), Jesse, and King David.

“6b-11 From David to the time when the people of Israel were taken into exile in Babylon, the following ancestors are listed: David, Solomon (his mother was the woman who had been Uriah's wife), Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, and Jehoiachin and his brothers.

“12-16 From the time after the exile in Babylon to the birth of Jesus, the following ancestors are listed: Jehoiachin, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, and Joseph, who married Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was called the Messiah.

“17 So then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, and fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from then to the birth of the Messiah.”

                                                        (With Permission). The Bible Society.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/read/eng/GNB/Matt/1/#MAT.1.6b-MAT.1.11!x.1

“Have you considered adopting a vegan lifestyle?

“This is one of the suggestions in a list of New Year resolutions offered by Green Christian.

“Carbon emissions caused by the farming of animals, poultry and fish for food are calculated as contributing at least 14.5% of world-wide CO2 total. Being vegan is a way of living which seeks to exclude as far as possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. Vegans avoid meat, fish, shellfish, insects, dairy, eggs and honey as well as products tested on animals, and products such as leather which is only available because an animal has been killed.

“Or what about resolving to divest your bank, savings and pension funds from fossil fuels?

“Questions around how we use, share and act justly with money are found throughout the Bible. Resources are available to help make connections between money, faith and a transition to sustainable development.

“What about supporting the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill?

“The Bill calls for the UK to make and enact a serious plan. This means dealing with the UK's real fair share of emissions so that the UK's entire carbon footprint - in the UK and overseas - is taken into account when calculating the carbon footprint. It also calls for the protection and conservation of nature at home and overseas along supply chains, recognising the damage caused through the goods we consume in the UK.

“Or work with your MP on Climate Change.

“Meeting net zero targets is fundamentally about transitioning to low carbon infrastructure. Many decisions around new and existing infrastructure - such as buildings, roads and utilities - are made at the local level. If targets are to be met it is essential that the public holds local politicians accountable, as well as providing them with a mandate to take decisive action.

“Meeting an MP can sound intimidating, but it can be as simple as sending a letter and having a 20-minute meeting. 

“More ideas at: https://greenchristian.org.uk/new-year-resolutions-2022/ “

                           With Permission, ICN, Ellen Teague, Dec 28th 2021 

                              https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43758

“With your help, 2021 was a year of real change. Together we resolved to stand alongside the world’s most vulnerable communities. Here’s how!  

“Walk for Water 

“Last year we asked you to help give the boot to water poverty by joining our Walk for Water challenge… during Lent…. 

“This year we're asking you to help stamp out hunger, one step at a time. 

“There are 200 million children in the world whose lives are at risk from malnutrition. So, this Lent, challenge yourself to conquer 200k (5k a day for 40 days!) and help give hunger its marching orders. “Inspired …? Take on this year’s Walk against Hunger!  

“Campaign against the climate crisis 

“In 2021, with the eyes of the world on the UK as hosts of COP26, we asked you to help reclaim our common home. … 

“This year, it's time to tackle corporate abuse of human and environmental rights. We're calling on the UK government to introduce a new Business, Human Rights and Environment Act to hold business to account when it fails to prevent human rights abuses and environmental harm. 

“Keen to join … in the fight for our rights? Join our new campaign to protect people and our common home!  

“Make your will and make a difference 

“We also invited you to tackle the to-do list and take advantage of our New Year will-writing offer. … many of you took us up on the invitation, enjoying the peace of mind that comes with knowing the people and causes you love will be taken care of…. 

“Fancy taking up our New Year will-writing offer in 2022? You can make your free will in person, over the phone or online.

                               (With permission), CAFOD, 1 Jan 2022.

                                https://cafod.org.uk/News/UK-news/New-Year-s-resolutions

In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, providing commentary, reflection, and prayer along the way. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year podcast follows a reading plan inspired by The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by renowned Catholic Bible scholar Jeff Cavins. For each period in the timeline, Jeff will join Fr. Mike for a special episode that will help you understand the context of each reading.   

To listen and for full details go to https://bibleinayear.fireside.fm/ , alternatively, if you have an android phone (Samsung etc) you can download the ‘Bible in a Year App (Ascension Press, Fr Mike Schmitz) directly to your phone. if you have an iPhone go to podcasts on iTunes and subscribe to Bible in Year daily podcast

“The December 2021 Alive in Faith newsletter has been published online and contains details of the amount raised so far and how the money is being spent.  [Click on the link below.] “This includes updates on parish projects, retired clergy, seminarians and social outreach grants.”

  https://www.rcdea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AliveInFaithNewsletterDec21.pdf ]

                       (With permission) Diocese of East Anglia

                      https://www.rcdea.org.uk/alive-in-faith-december-newsletter-is-out-now/

“… Pope Francis praised the work of researchers and scientists in producing safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines.

“’Thanks to God’s grace and to the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from Covid-19,’ he said ….

“He added that vaccines ‘bring hope to end the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we collaborate with one another.’ [italics added]

“Vaccination is an act of love
“… Helping other do the same, he said, is also an act of love. “Love for oneself, love for our families and friends, and love for all peoples. Love is also social and political.”

“The Pope noted that social and political love is built up through ’small, individual gestures capable of transforming and improving societies.’

“’Getting vaccinated is a simple yet profound way to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable,’ he said.

“Pope Francis then prayed to God that ‘each one of us can make his or her own small gesture of love.’“’No matter how small, love is always grand,’ he said. ‘Small gestures for a better future.’”

                (With permission) Keith Morris, August 20th , 2021, The Diocese of East Anglia                   

                                                                                                               [Source: Vaticannews.va] 

                     https://www.rcdea.org.uk/pope-francis-calls-getting-covid-jab-an-act-of-love/ 

“The Rt Rev Terence Drainey, Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, has joined 14 senior North East church and faith leaders in an open letter calling on the Government to make the £20 uplift in Universal Credit permanent.

“In response to the pandemic, the Government 'temporarily' increased Universal Credit by £20 in April 2020, and extended the uplift by six months in the 2021 spring Budget. The Chancellor is moving forward with plans to end the uplift in October.

“Bishop Paul and the other signatories of the open letter have joined a growing coalition of secular and faith groups urging the Government to reconsider.” 

                                                                  (With permission), Aug 17th 2021, Independent Catholic News

                                                                   https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/42853

“The Lay Community of St. Benedict is hosting a Virtual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, with different guides, starting on Monday, 6 September and every Monday until 1 November at 7.30 pm for 40 minutes. Each session will include: a Pilgrim Prayer. Scripture Reading for the specific place. Verbal introduction with visuals. Feedback from fellow pilgrims. Prayers or short Liturgies and a Pilgrim Blessing.

“Pilgrims will be visiting the following Holy Sites: -

6 September Ein Kerem-Nazareth with Fr Tom Grufferty

13 September Nazareth-Bethlehem with Jacky Chong.

20 September Baptism/Galilee with Sue & Walter Essex

27 September - Bethsaida: Mt Tabor/Cana with Bridie Stringer

4 October Jericho/Masada/Good Samaritan with Chris Bryden

11 October Bethany/Jerusalem - Sara Oliver.

18 October Passover Supper/Agony in the Garden/Trial of Jesus - Margo Price

25 October - The Way of the Cross. Crucifixion and Death with Vivienne McCabe

1 November Holy Sepulchre/The Garden Tomb/Ascension with Jacky Chong/Tom Grufferty.

Join the Virtual Pilgrimage here: www.lcsb.uk/pilgrimage “Recordings are available on the website a day or two after each session.  

                         (With permission) Fr Tom Grufferty, Aug 29th 2021, Independent Catholic News

                          https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/42926

'We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard'

“World Mission Sunday - the one day in the year when the entire global Church comes together in support of mission – [is today]. Coordinated by Missio, this special day is celebrated in every Catholic community in the world. It is a moment of grace to express solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living in situations of poverty, violence and oppression.

“The theme the Holy Father has chosen this year is: 'We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard' (Acts 4:20). In his message for World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis says: ‘Once we experience the power of God's love we cannot help but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard. Jesus' relationship with his disciples and his humanity shows us the extent to which God loves our humanity and makes his own our joys and sufferings, our hopes and our concerns.’

“Fr Anthony Chantry, Missio's National Director in England and Wales said: ‘Celebrating World Mission Sunday is so important and relevant in these times. If we are to emerge from all our present global problems stronger in our commitment to Jesus and the coming of his Kingdom of peace and justice, we must work together, helping and supporting each other across the world. World Mission Sunday is about expressing the solidarity that comes from being the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.’"

                            With permission, Independent Catholic News, Source: Missio, Oct. 15th 2021

                             https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/43257

"... is vital to the growth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel in predominately impoverished and remote areas overseas. Masses and collections will happen in every diocese across the world, and every single donation supports churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor.’”

                                With permission, Keith Morris, Oct. 4th 2021, Diocese of East Anglia

                                https://www.rcdea.org.uk/world-mission-sunday-october-24-save-the-date/

“Rev Fr Henry Longbottom of Leeds Diocese has put together this good practice Guide to help Readers at Mass “This good practice Guide includes a general list of the role and responsibilities of Readers, their Biblical mandate, important information on the Lectionary and some good practice tips.”

Available for download from our website: https://stthomas-stjohnparish.com/church-services

The God Who Speaks, 12 Jan 2021, https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/the-god-who-speaks/our-dioceses/a-guide-for-readers/

[from] The God Who Speaks website [useful at home too]

“The Diocese of Westminster’s Education Service have shared their excellent PowerPoints on the Bible for primary and secondary schools. [emphasis added] 

“You can download their full series of Old Testament PowerPoints on their website: education.rcdow.org.uk 

“Their current series is on the Women in the Bible and they … continue to add a new PowerPoint to their website each week.” [Also New Testament PowerPoints]

                                                                                  With permission, The God Who Speaks, 5th May 2021

                           https://www.godwhospeaks.uk/the-god-who-speaks/our-dioceses/school-resources/

Following Christ’s journey through Lent, we should be amazed at His generosity in teaching, healing and loving all he met: and we should experience our own humility that we can share these gifts too. But what is this humility?

“Taking the knee” has become a widespread symbol of opposition to racism. It is a genuflection with the specific purpose of committing oneself to a particular cause, to act in solidarity with others of like minds. The same action has been, and still is, used for a variety of purposes. People kneel to show respect for others and to acknowledge they are, in some way, higher in status to us (e.g. they have authority over us). We may kneel in making a commitment to others (as when someone is knighted). We kneel to ask someone to marry us, an act of commitment to loving that person.

We are used to genuflecting. At Mass, we “take the knee” before the tabernacle. When we do, we are signalling three very important things about the nature and depth of our faith:

• As an act of submission, we acknowledge God’s authority, in Jesus who is in the tabernacle;
• As an act of service, we are saying to Jesus that we are willing to serve him in fulfilling his mission;
• As an act of love; we are asking him to accept our love for Him, just as He offers his love to us. 

Humility is something that gets a bad press in these days of so-called self-dependence. Fortunately, one blessing of the Covid 19 disease has been the way in which most people have moved away from such selfishness to help one another. That, though heartening, is not what is meant by christian humility. 

True humility includes helping those who need it: however, it can lead us into self-gratification and a swift stroll down the path taken by Dickens’ Uriah Heap, who was proud of saying the he was “very ‘umble”, although all the while being a hypocrite. 

For christians, humility is a fundamental act of giving – giving not just material things, but surrendering to Jesus everything – all of us. In the words of the old song, we act with humility when we can say to Our Lord “All of me, just take all of me.”                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                     TC

Whatever Mary was planning for her life with Joseph, it did not include becoming pregnant outside that relationship. An unexpected word interrupts the routine of ordinary time and proposes a ground-breaking diversion from what is planned; nothing less than a startling new future is proposed. Will Mary stay with her own domestic plans or risk an uncharted adventure as God’s collaborator? Mary’s annunciation to the angel enshrines her response in consenting to the word of God happening to her. “I am the handmaid of the Lord … let what you have said be done to me.” (Luke 1:38). Mary gives up her own wishes an adopts God’s desire; she gives up personal control of her life in favour of God’s promise; in her response she pledges her body and spirit to the purposes of God. Mary welcomes the unforeseen and adjusts her life to this new adventure. [Mary] …… is the one who, when hearing the word of God, gladly allows that word to form her life. Later, her son will say during his public ministry: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice (Luke 8:21). Mary is now presented as the perfect disciple who is the bearer of the word and a doer of the word. With that response the angel takes his leave. Thus, Mary becomes the literal embodiment of the promise of God: she conceives the promise, she becomes pregnant with the promise and she will give birth to the promise. The choice she makes and honours will earn her the first title she was accorded by the Church: theotikos, God-bearer. The promise will be called “Holy, the Son of God.  

“Mary showed complete trust in God by agreeing to be used as an instrument in spite of her nothingness because she knew that he who is mighty could do great things in her and through her. Once she said ‘yes’ to him, she never doubted. She was just a young woman, but she belonged to God and nothing nor anyone could separate her from him.”                                        Sr Teresa of Calcutta                                       

                                               From Throughout the Year with Mary • Denis McBride C.Ss.R. Diary 2021

“Friendship …. Should be a wonderful kind of togetherness where each of the friends encourages and liberates each other into the fulness of their own potential. Friends very often become habitual with each other and they limit the potential of their friendship. If you feel with your friend that you are called to the outer frontiers, then the friendship is in growth, and it also has a bit of danger in it, and risk; and without risk in the world of the soul, nothing really grows.”
Walking on the Pastures of Wonder John O’Donohue • Veritas 2015

Do not fall into the trap that, because we are physically distanced from our friends, whether by yards, miles or continents, we fear that friendship will languish. I don’t need to list the variety of ways though which we can keep in touch with others. Even if we have to adopt a holding position during this period of lockdown, we now have some strong indicators of when we will be hugging them again. First among these friends, and unaffected by lockdown, should be Jesus. Now is the time to begin preparing for that closer re-union:think about what you can do to take friendship further to the “outer frontiers”.
                                                                                                             TC

“Silence is something sacred. It ought to be greatly respected and avidly cultivated, for God abides in eternal silence. It is in that eternal silence that the Father uttered a Word. And the Word became flesh to communicate to us the meaning, the mystery of that divine silence. It is our duty, therefore, to keep a silent space within our hearts, so that we may be able to hear the Word.

In spiritual life, the practice of exterior silence and that of interior silence have always been intimately connected. One does not exist without the other. When the heart, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, … [is[ …truly silent and pacified , the divine life hidden within is revealed. …… an ancient monk used to encourage in his disciples the practice and necessity of silence by telling them ‘The love of silence ultimately leads to the silence of love.’ “
                                                            Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette • Blessings of the Daily

Whatever trials and tribulations the Covid 19 Pneumonia and government regulations and advice may bring us, one gift is the opportunity to be silent. This is important. Many lead isolated lives at present: all of us may fear those times when we have no-one to talk too, or when others are too absorbed in their own fears and worries to listen to us or to express their anxieties. Yet for us, it is a golden opportunity to ask for the support of the Holy Spirit in adopting the silence that leads to peace of heart and the recognition of God’s love.

You might start with reading the Gospel of the day in your missal, or silently praying the Lord’s Prayer or saying a Hail Mary to seek her intercession. Think about the words of these prayers. Don’t try to analyse them but allow them to float around in your head, until they fade into silence. You are now on your way to the spiritual silence that, by leading to peace of soul, brings with it peace of mind and body.                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                              TC

Walking from Mildenhall to Eriswell the other day, I was reflecting on the fact that I have slowed down. I used to be able to walk four miles an hour; I now can only do a little over three miles. Age is catching up on me, I thought; then realised that was silly. Ageing is a good, though not always accurate, indicator of what we can do or no longer take for granted, a reminder that nothing stands still and that change is a persistent and personal experience.

As we realise that there are some things we can no longer do, or do as often or as frequently or as competently, we need to face up to the importance and difficulty of being patient. This is a Christian issue. Jesus practised patience each minute of his life – in loving his parents and disciples and waiting for their slowly growing grasp of who he was and what he was doing. He needed patience to deal with the tricks of scribes and pharisees who tried to trip him up regularly. His love of the sick and poor made him patient in coping with the not necessarily grateful demands of those who came for his help; the fatigue and tiredness he experienced day by day in pursuing his mission required patience as did his suffering during his Passion.

Our commitment, our responsibility, our burden and joy, as Christians, is to follow him. As St Polycarp often said to his disciples “let us be imitators of his patience.” St john Chrysostom wrote: “Patience means that we should endure as Christ endured ……. Also, we should wait for him, that is, we should be prepared …... For this is to love God, to endure and not to be troubled”

Today as we prepare for Lent and continue to cope with the challenges and demands of living with a deadly virus amongst us, let us practice patience: patience to wait for the decline of Covid 19 and its effects; and patience to follow Jesus to his death and resurrection knowing that such loyalty will bring the joy of redemption.
                                                                                          TC

Bury St Edmunds, has been selected by Suffolk County Council to provide education for children with moderate learning difficulties. This means a purpose-built unit of three classrooms will be built on site. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop education for the most vulnerable within our community and live our mission as a Catholic school. It will be the first unit in the Diocese. We hope the parish community will add their support to this exciting venture by going to the planning application and leaving a comment.

 http://suffolk.planningregister.co.uk/Planning/Display?applicationNumber=SCC%2F0013%2F21B

“The Ignite Team have posted a series of First Fridays chat shows which share the inspirational stories of Catholics from around the Diocese and beyond.

“Each episode features the faith journey of a different guest as well as a musical segment and a time of prayer. Interviewees have included Sr Theresa Weight from the Dereham-based Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, Fr Simon Davies from St John’s Cathedral in Norwich, lay missionary Shelina Guedes from Peterborough and many others all sharing their diverse and unique experiences.

“’We’ve had quite a variety of people on the show,’ remarked show presenter and Ignite Team Leader Ciaran Losasso. ‘The stories they’ve shared have ranged from fighting poverty to trying seminary to teaching others about sex and relationships and everything in-between.’

“’It’s been a real privilege to hear each of their stories and quite enriching for me personally. I found that each guest gave me something to think about afterwards and there is always something powerful about hearing how God has worked in someone’s life.’

“The musical segments of the shows are also varied and have included contributions from local teenagers as well as from accomplished artists. The latest episode even includes a song from Great Yarmouth priest Fr Alvan Ibeh. 

“The full series, which is now completed, is now available on Ignite’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/igniteyea along with a selection of other content for young people, and including highlights from the recent Ignite Festival Online. A podcast of selected First Fridays interviews is also available on Spotify and other major podcast platforms under the name First Fridays with Ignite.

                                          (With permission) Eldred Willey, 19 July 2021 in The Diocese of East Anglia, 

https://www.rcdea.org.uk/faith-journeys-inspire-young-people-on-youtube/.

JOIN THE IGNITE TEAM

“The Ignite Team is the Youth Mission Team for the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia and was established in 2014. Full-time members of the team join for a year at a time.” Youth, 18-29, join in Sep 2021, Jan or Sep 2022. 

                 (With permission) The Diocese of East Anglia, https://www.rcdea.org.uk/youth/igniteteam/

“How often is the intimate encounter of two persons an expression of their total freedom? Many people are driven into each other’s arms in fear and trembling. They embrace each other in despair and loneliness. They cling to each other to prevent worse things happening. ……”

However:

'Something which has existed since the beginning, that we have heard and have seen with our own eyes that we have watched and touched with our hands … this is our subject … God is light…. If we live our lives in the light, as he is in the light, we are in union with one another … (1 John 1:17)

“Suddenly everything is converted into its opposite. …. With irresistible strength the voice breaks through the vicious circle of our existence saying:

“Let us love one another since love comes from God … (1 John 4:7). In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love; because to fear is to expect punishment, and anyone who is afraid is still imperfect in love (1 John 4:18). (But) God is greater than our heart (1 John 3:20). We have to love, because he loved us first (1 John 4:19).”

                                                               Henri Nouwen Making All Things New Fount/Harper/Collins 2000

On May 31, the last day of Mary’s Month, we celebrate Our Lady’s Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. Both are pregnant, one with Jesus and the other with John, who would become John the Baptist and prepare the way for Jesus. Mary’s joy is well known through the Magnificat. This poem reflects on what Elizabeth might have been thinking. 

Rehearsal

“It wasn’t enough for God to bless us, after many barren years waiting, with a child: nor to stop my husband’s tongue, though the blight on his priestly duties brought some respite as I went about my tasks without his pernickety instructions.

No. The joy of having John inside me was magnified (if I can put it thus) by Mary bearing here into our house the promised Lord. And, you know, I did not delight alone – in joy, the babe danced too.”  At Hebron, on a high hill in Judah God greets his prophet: Jesus invites John to join the dance, a pas de deux to shake the world and challenge Narcissan selfish greed with selfless love, ransom for mankind’s perjured soul. The Long Awaited One dancing with his Pathfinder on salvation’s road?  Not yet. These souls’ dance is a foretelling of what’s to come. Now is just a try-out, testing the eternal embrace twixt God and man, foregoing its price, future pain.

                                                                                                                                 TC

“As an upright Jewish family, Mary and Joseph want to honour the Law and consecrate their first-born son to the Lord. The family’s destination is to the Temple where they are welcomed by two ancient figures, the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna. In spite of being an old man, Simeon looks forward, not backwards; he looks ahead to the consolation of Israel. He is not captivated by the past, the world that populates his memory, but is attentive to the present moment and what is yet to happen.  

So, we have the meeting between youth an old age: between the young mother and the old venerables: between promise and fulfilment, between waiting and completion. You watch Simeon take the child into his arms; you watch old age reach out for the flesh of a promise fulfilled, gathering this assurance into his quieting arms, as he breaks into the poetry of the Nunc Dimittis.  

And Anna: she is the attentive woman who prays and waits and watches. Anna is always around the Temple night and day: she makes herself God’s neighbourhood watch. An inquisitive woman of faith, she is on permanent lookout: this valiant eighty-four-year old woman now carries her story to all who have been looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.  

As Mary fostered this chid within her, so she now shares him with a waiting world. This child is given, as Simeon prophesied, as a light to enlighten all peoples. That is why we celebrate Mary as a model for all Christians: we are challenged to carry Christ, not in wombs, but in hearts and minds, to carry him to those who have spent their lives waiting for the day when they can, at last, sense that good news is within their reach.”                

                  Denis McBride C.Ss.R. Diary 2021 • Through the Year with Mary • Redemptorist Publications

Now, Lord, you have kept your word: 

let your servant go in peace. 

With my own eyes I have seen the salvation  

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:  

a light to reveal you to the nations  

and the glory of your people Israel.

They returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favour of God was upon him. LUKE 2:39-40  

Jesus’ mission became public when he was thirty. We know little about his life during this earlier period, but Charles de Foucauld has described vividly his idea of what it must have been like:  

“Yours was the life of a model Son with your humble working parents. … This was the visible half. The other invisible half was your life in God which was perpetual contemplation. You worked and helped your parents and had holy tender exchange with them and prayed with them during the day, but in the solitude and shadow of night your soul poured itself out in silence.  

Always, continually, you prayed, for praying is to be with God and you are God. But your human soul continued this contemplation through the night, as, all through the day, it was united to your divinity. Your life was a constant outpouring before God, your soul looked always upon God, always contemplating him. What then was this prayer that was the half of your life in Nazareth? Before and above all things, it was adoration, contemplation, silent adoration which is the most eloquent of all praise – a silence that expresses the most passionate declaration of love.” 

                                                                                   Charles de Foucauld • Meditations of a Hermit • 1930  

As children of God we can, each day, follow Christ in our way of life. Being “a little less than gods” we cannot hope to replicate his life in detail, but we can imitate it in leading a prayerful life. This means more than following a cycle of formal prayers, spiritually nourishing though that can be. ‘Silent adoration’, especially, can be a practice throughout the day, as we silently devote each of our actions to God’s glory, deliberately seeking God’s help and love in all we do.                                      TC  

-----------------------------  

Following Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord is the first week in Ordinary Time -- the period between the Church’s great festivals, Christmastide and Eastertide. In our everyday lives, of course, current circumstances make our time far from ordinary. Indeed, there’s much speculation about what the ‘new normal’ would or should involve.  

Ordinary Time in the daily life of the Church should come as something of a relief, in that it doesn’t change. True, we live with restrictions in important areas of our lives, but at least we can still enjoy Mass in our churches, on Sundays and through the week. Otherwise our routines of prayer, christian acts of care, helping others, friendship and love for others, especially within our families, can continue.  

To understand more about ordinary life in Ordinary Time, consider Christ’s life in Nazareth. He spent the first 30 years as infant, youth and young man mostly in Nazareth, living with Mary, Joseph and other relatives and neighbours.  

“The Gospels record little about this time in Nazareth, but it is extremely important to Jesus’ subsequent ministry. Those quiet years in the company of his parents and friends who so deeply loved him were the best preparation for his announcement of the Kingdom of God and the redemptive sacrifice that followed. Jesus even chose to begin his ministry in Nazareth (Lk 16-21). Jesus’ life in Nazareth was one of silence, study, prayer, friendship, work and obedience to his parents …. forever growing “in wisdom and stature and in grace with God and men.” 

                                                          Blessings of the Daily • Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette  

Here then is a clear recipe for fighting off the negatives of living with the threat of Covid Pneumonia through following Jesus and enriching our Ordinary Time and, for everyone, making it the new normal.                                                                                TC

The Epiphany is one of the oldest feasts of the Church, celebrating the revelation that Jesus was and is the Son of God. As a Feast Day it predates the celebration of Christmas as December 25th .   Before then, January 6th commemorated the Nativity, Visitation of the Magi, Baptism of Christ and the Wedding of Cana all in one feast of the Epiphany. At the Council of Tours in 567, the Church set both Christmas day and Epiphany as feast days on the Dec. 25th and Jan. 6th, respectively, and named the twelve days between the feasts the Christmas season. Over time, the Western Church separated the remaining feasts into their own celebrations, leaving the celebration of the Epiphany to commemorate primarily the Visitation of the Magi.

In the modern Calendar Epiphany is celebrated on different dates as its often transferred to the second Sunday after Christmas. This year, however, the bishops of England and Wales have moved the Epiphany back to its original day of the 6th January. (where it will remain for the foreseeable future) This important feast would typically be a Holy Day of Obligation, but given the current Covid-19 restrictions, Holy days of obligation have temporarily been suspended. Therefore, there will only be the usual 10:00 am Mass on Wednesday 6th Jan at Brandon, which will be streamed and recorded (allowing people to follow online later, should they wish)   

The Christmas season culminates in the feast of the Baptism of the Lord next weekend. Following ancient tradition, however, the nativity scenes in both our Churches shall remain in place until the feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemass) on 2nd February.

Now is the time when we are encouraged to make New Year Resolutions. We are expected to plan improvements and reforms in the way we live. Unfortunately, these avowals come with two common risks:that we will focus on irrelevant, too easy or trivial things; and that we will give up on them sooner rather than later. In short New Year Resolutions are short-lived and not to be taken seriously. So, if you are thinking about them, don’t bother, you have better uses for your breath! This not to say that we have no hope of improvement. But the hope we should have and use to set and achieve worthwhile resolutions should spring from the reality of our faith and the urgent needs of others. Pope Francis has pointed out why it is important to think this way: “What the Lord asks of you today is a culture of service, not a throwaway culture……. You have to open your eyes and let the suffering around you touch you, so that you hear the Spirit of God speaking to you …” 

                                                                         (Pope Francis “Let us Dream” Simon and Shuster 2020)    

The Pope here calls each of us resolve to improve our lives by focusing completely on helping others to improve their lives, whether that means selfless love for neighbours, acts of charity, support for agencies that bring relief and hope to people in this country and in others, taking care of those in need, and so on. This may not be as big a challenge as it appears:    

“In this past year of change and crisis, my mind and heart have overflowed with people. People I think of and pray for, and sometimes cry with; people with names and faces, people who have died without saying goodbye to those they loved, families in difficulty, even going hungry, because there’s no work. 

“… I find it helps to focus on concrete situations: you see faces looking for life and love in the reality of each person, each people. You see hope written in the story of every nation … So rather than overwhelm you, it invites you to ponder, and to respond with hope.”

                                                                                            (Pope Francis ibid)

                                                                                                                                      TC

Waiting 

In the darkness, a sleeping lion cub stirs,  

familiar smell of sheep a new kind  

of dream, not of eating but couching lamb.  

Startled, the cub wakes, crawls to its mother,  

lick and growl assure, life’s back to normal.  

Above Bethlehem, three sleep-robbed shepherds  

wait for dawn to unlock their watch. The psalms  

they sing thank God for starlight that lays bare  

feared predators’ lairs and plots. They know well  

their future’s in their flock. Could they know it,  

the flock they’re in is in God’s waiting hand. 

The eastern sky brightens, their relief grows,  

not yet knowing, more than day approaches.  

Under that same sky, three foreigners,  

travellers from the far east, though whether  

kings, rogues or refugees could not be told,  

plod on, forgoing sleep, Jerusalem  

bound, planning what tale would gain admittance,  

waiting for dawn to announce their entrance.   

Into an Untrusting world 

Into an untrusting world  

Faith is born,  

Into a world of cynicism  

Hope is born,  

In the midst of hate  

Charity is born.  

This three-times gifted child  

Is come to die that we may live,  

Stewards of God’s world of love  

Lived through Christ’s beatitudes.

Halket Street was built in 1832 as part of a larger scheme to house the increasing number of Irish people coming to build docks and railways, work in Iron foundries and engineering factories and build properties of all types in the growing city. It quickly obtained a reputation as a slum and as a place no ‘decent’ person would go near. By 1890 it was a place of desperate poverty, unemployment and low-level crime. Over the course of a hundred years its name was changed to White Street and Avon Street – feeble and failing attempts to improve its respectability. It was a place of degradation that never shook off its reputation, even after repairs and re-construction.

Christmas 1954 was a difficult time for everyone in the street. Autumn flooding – a regular occurrence – had damaged most of the houses. Snow now covered the ground, pretty but unwelcome to most families who had little coal to keep the house warm. In the 40 households, 23 had lost their men: 8 were in prison, 7 at sea, and 8 had run away. Money was tight and few could afford more than cheap meat for Christmas dinner. Of the 61 children in the street, only 22 would have a Christmas present, other than a small chocolate bar. Halket/Avon Street was demolished in the 1970s, to be replaced by a Medical Centre and large Shoppers’ Car Park. The Street is gone. But poverty, ignorance, child abuse, malnutrition, racism and all human failings are still around us here and across the country.

Now is the hour to make amends for the way Christmas was (not) celebrated in the past. Now is the time to take something extra to the food bank, to help out where comfort – even at a distance – can be offered to the needy, to pick up the phone and speak to someone (they may be in your family) who is isolated, lonely and alone, and to share the love that Christ has for you with others.
                                                                                                     TC

Advent is a time of hope when we should be completely intent upon the joy to come. It invites us to look towards the fulfilment of God’s promise, as envisioned by the Prophets especially Isaiah.  

“Hope is an ‘insignificant little girl’ besides her two big sisters, faith and charity … nevertheless, it is she ‘who moves the others’. If we did not expect a great good, if we did not believe it possible, we would not be capable of any effort.” [From Advent to Pentecost: Carthusian Novice Conferences (CNC) 1999}  

The confidence and joy hope gives us are crucial. As St Francis de Sales said, it is not enough to do good; one must do it cheerfully. God loves the one who gives with joy. This joy springs from our confidence that what we hope for will be granted - that is, God giving himself to us with all that he is and all that he has. “God gives himself as God… God is simple … [and] each of us receives this infinite gift …” (CNC)  

Advent begins on November 29th , 3 days before the end of the current lockdown period. Let us prepare for Advent and the relaxing of coronavirus restrictions with intense hope, as we await the Christmas Miracle by reflecting on God’s goodness and our own fragility. Let us review the hope we have and rejoice that Christ’s coming will soon overwhelm our weaknesses with divine love. Let us hope that this year’s Nativity will renew our joy of, and commitment to, spreading the Good News in our community.                                                               TC

In the first Advent a large crowd must have been making their way to Jerusalem and its neighbouring towns because of the census imposed by the Roman authorities. Amongst these, either as part of a group or on their own - we don’t know which – were a young pregnant woman and her husband. This pair were ordinary people, he a carpenter, she a new housewife, young, inexperienced, but carrying with her baby a secret of awesome significance for the whole world.

Being a carpenter in those days was to be recognised and honoured as a man of skill. Joseph, this carpenter, had proved himself both skilful and courageous. He had accepted responsibility for adding to his skills those of fatherhood for a child not his. It would have taken courage to do this in the face of gossip and raised eyebrows in the close-knit village of Nazareth. Possibly with some reservations lingering, he had accepted his wife’s explanation that she bore the child of God.

Mary herself had been through an experience at first terrifying and then uplifting, as she was told that she had been selected to bear the Messiah. What courage, as well as humility, that required!

God had chosen a child to bear His Child, in the most difficult circumstances: - amongst the poor of the world, in a country conquered by a cruel empire, whose puppet kings exploited and harried the people, in a culture where religious orthodoxy and materialism fought tooth and nail.

This is the mission both were charged with: these were the challenges they faced. Mary and Joseph, beloved of God, too often forgotten as the greatest of heroes.

The Catholic Church in England and Wales has welcomed the report, published 10 h Nov from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, relating to the institutional response of the Church in its duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.

Read more and access full statement here: https://www.rcdea.org.uk/catholic-churchwelcomes-iicsa-report-into-abuse/

Covid-19 disease is having many negative impacts on our society, over and above the suffering of those who have contracted it, and grief over those who have died from it. Anxiety and fear are everywhere. How do we cope with it, especially since we are urged by shops and social media to spook one another on Halloween and after? I listened recently to an audiobook version of the late John O’Donohue’s Walking in Wonder. That night I dreamt I had a conversation with him about Fear and Death. A wise advisor, this poem records what he had to say:

Dark Companion
A dreamt conversation with the late John O’Donohue

A dark companion waiting at our birth, you said, lifelong at our side, Death’s mantle hides insistent fear’s root and source, as we tread across the years on roads we fool ourselves will lead in time to finding him.

For our pretence is twofold: to assume we walk to death, when he’s hand in hand with us; and to think fear’s a thing that’s ours to suffer, own, command and overcome. Fear, you say, is death’s tenacious sister, working to enable death’s triumph.

Fear is the Dark side of wonder.  Wonder’s Light hosts the means to fend off fear, exchange obsessive gaze on darkness’ entrancing secrets, to bathe in the Light’s greater truth:  “Could we but see through eternity’s dark glass, discern the form of everlasting life, death’s hollow valedictory as we pass could no longer wound as with a knife.”

The Light, of course, is God’s Love.                                         TC

I was talking the other day to a friend who had just finished a bout of shopping. He was quite agitated and it soon emerged that he had had a very mixed experience of customer service. In one place, the person serving him had been extremely helpful and he was impressed. In contrast, in other stores he experienced what he described as rudeness, indifference or patronising behaviour (he’s 82) and was furious about it. “I hate people like that and the shops who employ them!” he proclaimed. This friend is an ordinary man, even-tempered, friendly and kind. It must have taken some severely negative behaviour to make him so angry.  

After we had parted, I thought about the way anger and hatred seem to be too common a part of daily life. It seems, and is, natural to react to insults by responding in kind. But if we stand back and think, we should recognise the encounter as a message from God, asking us to show the other person the christian way of dealing with people. Turning the other cheek is a good thing, though not always the best. On these occasions God offers us a blessing, an opportunity to demonstrate our faithfulness to Jesus, our own freedom from hate or resentment, from self-pity, freedom to show goodness and kindness to our adversary.  

“To live by faith means to put ourselves in the hands of God, especially in our most difficult moments” Pope Francis  

What better time to show our love for God than in the hurry-scurry of the lead-in to Christmas? What better time to show our joy in our faith and the meaning of Advent in the way we respect and honour those around us, especially those toiling with the stress of coping all that consumerism AND fear of coronavirus, who maybe vent their frustrations on us?                                                                                             

                                                                                              TC

Remembering those – military and civilian - who have died in war and because of its consequences, pray the Beatitudes:  

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land
• Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall have their fill
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’s sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

Although millions, or even billions of people may already be saints, All Saints' Day tends to focus on known saints -- that is, those recognized in the canon of the saints by the Catholic Church. All Saints' Day is also commemorated by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as Lutheran and Anglican churches.  

Generally, All Saints' Day is for us a Holy Day of Obligation. Other countries have different rules according to their national bishop's conferences. The bishops of each conference have the authority to amend the rules surrounding the obligation of the day.  

The practice of commemorating the Saints grew in the early days of the Church and was celebrated on the Sunday After Pentecost. All Saints' Day was formally instituted by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD. Boniface IV also established All Souls' Day, which follows All Saints. The feast remained on May 13 until Pope Gregory III (731 – 741) changed it to November 1st.

There are two meanings to “waiting”, depending on which preposition you use: “waiting for” means allowing time to go by until something happens: “waiting on” means serving someone, usually with food and drink.  

I have experience, supported by what others have told me, of the habits of Parisian waiters. At a typical café, one can wait for the waiter to wait on you. They will then wait for you to pay and give them a suitable tip. Typically, this experience is spiced up by the waiter waiting for you to get his attention and decide to wait on you. All Parisian waiters go through a rigorous training programme to qualify for their jobs, though I’m not sure ‘Making the (foreign) Customer Wait’ is part of it. If not, they learn the art very quickly: - it is clearly an entertainment which they value as a diversion from the ennui of their daily work. I wonder sometimes whether it is actually a gift of the Holy Spirit God’s reminder to us that we have to be patient wait for things. We wait for blessings, we wait for love to come along, we wait for a pay rise, we wait for death and salvation, and so on. Also Parisian practice is a good reminder that though some may serve us, none are less than us, and, in fact, we are all servants – of God and of one another.  

At this moment we wait for the ‘end’ of the Covid 19 disease, and a return to ‘normality’, even though the signs are that we face creating a new ‘normality, if only because Covid 19 is not going to go away. Our new ‘normality’ will include learning how to live side-by-side with it waiting for outbreaks which, hopefully, will be better managed as we learn more and more about its treatment.  

Becoming more patient and more resilient, then, is a big challenge for generations brought up to expect instant gratification who will be in a time when ‘waiting for’ becomes both important and critical. Except in one respect. No, Parisian waiters have not been blessed by the Holy Spirit. Their practice cannot be God-given, since God does not want to place us in contexts where impatience (from ‘waiting for’) and resentment (for ‘waiting on’) breed sins of intemperance and anger. God is Love. A love we need not wait for, since it is available to us all the time. All we have to do is to stretch our hands out to grasp it, and our souls will be filled with His Love. Simple!  

                                                                                          TC                                                                                         

Last week I wrote about ‘waiting’ and its two meanings. This week is about ‘attend’ and its derivative, ‘attention’. Fear not! This is not the start of weekly lessons about words and their etymology. ‘Attention’, “attending’ and “attend” are all linked to the idea of waiting in a way that is crucial for anyone trying to meet God, especially through the Mass. To “attend” is derived from the Old French ‘atendre’ meaning ‘to wait for’, ‘to expect”, (Modern French ‘attendre)’. In turn this is from the Latin for ‘give heed to, stretch toward’: in other words “stretching one’s mind toward something’ or ‘concentrating’.  

‘Waiting’ and ‘attending’ share the idea of’ expecting something to happen. However, waiting is passive, and comes to an end when something expected happens. Attending is the opposite: it is active and the person who ‘attends’ does more than letting time pass by. To attend they must ‘stretch’ their mind towards what is happening. For example, we may wait for the priest to enter, come to the altar and begin the Mass. From that point onward, we should engage in its celebration. It is unfortunate that nowadays “attend” carries with it the meaning “be there and watch”. We might ‘attend’ a wedding, or a wrestling match (there is a difference!) or the opening of parliament or the placing of wreaths on Remembrance Day. We are there, but not expected to take part, just to observe. Perhaps we sometimes think like this about going to Mass. “Oh I’ll think about it on Sunday, after I’ve been to Mass.”  

Equating ‘attending mass’ to no more than “going to mass” or “being at mass” is understandable, but disappointing. Mass is the opportunity to meet and embrace Christ, experience His love for us and commit ourselves to his service. We cannot do this unless we plunge ourselves into the liturgy of the Mass, paying attention to each of its elements and taking an active part, not only in prayers, hymns and responses but also in concentrating on what is said, sung and preached – “stretching our minds to grasp their meaning” and hearing – not just listening to – God’s Word. Really, we should leave church after Mass exhausted by the effort we’ve put into it – tired but joyful that once again we have encountered God through his Son.

                                                                                        TC

“Authentic simplicity implies both detachment and renunciation. The Desert Ascetics …. Deliberately withdrew from a society and a church that had been corrupted by power and materialism. In the desert, these athletae Dei, or ‘athletes of God’ gave themselves fully to ascetic practices and continual prayer, both of which paved the way that leads to union with God. ……  

In contrast to the questions we might ask of ourselves today, they asked themselves instead: How much more can I renounce? What can I do without? How can I learn to love as Christ did, with true compassion and without judging others? And, ultimately, How can I truly love my God?  

Seeing all things through the ‘prism’ of simplicity inspired the early ascetics to become living embodiments of the truth emanating from the Gospel. This view is antithetical to the falsehood of the ways of the world. While Society, then and now, stressed the accumulation of possessions, the manipulation of others, the glorification of the individual, and the exaltation of the self, the desert ascetics found perfect contentment in the practice of …. simplicity, humility and frugality. Such practices made ample space within for God’s love and his Kingdom.”

                                   Blessings of the Daily • Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourette  

‘Turn off the lights’, ‘Don’t put the heating on, put on more clothing.’ ‘Walk, don’t use the car’ – these are some of the many ways in which we are encouraged to live simply. They are laudable and practical steps we can take. However, they scarcely touch the simplicity, humility and frugality Brother Victor-Antione describes. the present restrictions because of the pandemic does give us an opportunity to review that value of what we (used to) do in ‘normal life’. How much have we done without and what real difference has it made? What more could we do without? How much more could we give up? How can we make amends with the people we have fallen out with? How can we stop grumbling? And what would we have instead? Hopefully, more time for chatting with God. More time for listening to God. More opportunity to experience and share His love.                              TC

What is it?
World Communications Day was established by Pope Paul VI in 1967 as an annual celebration that encourages us to reflect on the opportunities and challenges that the modern means of social communication (the press, motion pictures, radio, television and the internet) afford the Church to communicate the gospel message.  

Where did it come from?
The celebration followed the Second Vatican Council, which realised it must engage fully with the modern world.   

Why it is celebrated every year?
In setting it up on Sunday 7th May 1967, less than two years after the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI wanted to draw attention to the communications media and the enormous power they have for cultural transformation.  

Engaging with the communications world
Increasingly aware of the world as a global village and the power of the media as a free market place for philosophies and values, the Church has sought to be in there with its message and to use the media to proclaim the values it sees are beneficial for human development and for the eternal welfare of people.  

Analysis and action
Two important documents of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications – Communio et Progressio (1971) and Aetatis Novae (1992) have presented an analysis of the world of the communications media and made recommendations for the Church’s action.

This year Pope Frances has a special message:  “I would like to devote this year’s Message to the theme of storytelling, because I believe that, so as not to lose our bearings, we need to make our own the truth contained in good stories. Stories that build up, not tear down; stories that help us rediscover our roots and the strength needed to move forward together. Amid the cacophony of voices and messages that surround us, we need a human story that can speak of ourselves and of the beauty all around us. A narrative that can regard our world and its happenings with a tender gaze. A narrative that can tell us that we are part of a living and interconnected tapestry. A narrative that can reveal the interweaving of the threads which  connect us to one another.:                                     
                                                                    Message from His Holiness Pope Francis  

Get the whole of Pope Francis’ Message from http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20200124_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html - it’s a good read!

Those who have visited the Holy Land and seen the Shrines and other holy places will probably have been to Bethany on the Mount of Olives and seen the place from where Christ is said to have ascended into heaven. This place of wondrous joy is also remarkable because one can see, it is claimed, the print of Our Lord’s foot in the ground. I can’t remember whether it was the right or left foot. What was remarkable was that it was about 20 inches long!  It is things like this that can undermine religion and the faith on which it is built. It can disillusion those who have a literal  view of the events described in the Bible. It can confirm the scepticism of those who reject Christianity or, indeed, all religions. It can encourage a pick-your-own attitude to belief, making it adapted to individuals’’ preferences, rather than embracing the whole rich and rewarding scope of faith, and the teaching of the Church.  

I doubt there are many people who believe that Jesus had 20” feet. Equally it would be no surprise to find that the majority of Christians dismiss the ‘relic’ as, at best, a misunderstanding, and, at worst, a trick to squeeze a bit more money from tourists. Both reactions miss the point, because this is a symbol, rather than a true representation of our saviour’s anatomy. Whist we can be aware of symbols (such as road signs) we are used to interpreting them for their relationship to the ‘real’ world. We think we see a representation of an outsize foot and respond by reference to our understanding of foot sizes that humans have. That’s understandable, but irrelevant. In terms of faith and what we believe, we need to ask what it could mean to have such an image before us. Perhaps it is meant show, not how big, but how great God is, or how powerful Jesus was – or both.  

This time of the year celebrates five great events and mysteries of our Faith: Resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, The Most Holy Trinity and the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The truth of each lies in what we are asked to believe and the strength of our belief is to be found in what the Church teaches, and our reflections on the meaning of these events. For example, why should God visit the apostles in the person of the Holy Spirit to ensure they understood their missionary role? What is the significance of the fire at Pentecost? Reflecting on these things and reading about them can help us understand both their actual and symbolic roles in our Faith.                                                                                                      
                                                                                    TC

• “Some Christians seem to have a very limited image of the Holy Trinity: nasty God the Father in heaven, lovely Jesus … and the bird! While the creeds teach that there is one God in three persons, they act as one in creating, saving and inspiring.” [Richard Leonard The Tablet 25 April 2020]

This is important if we are to understand plagues and other disasters and what they might mean. In ancient times, plagues, floods, earthquakes and other unexpected catastrophes were often interpreted to mean that God was saying something, usually by way of warning or punishment. That belief has lasted, so that, for example, people took the Black Death (a fourteenth century pestilence) as God punishing the world for its sins. This belief in God the Awesome Avenger lingers today in some communities, and in some people’s beliefs.

Such vindictive action is nothing to do with the Christian God. As Richard Leonard points out in his article, “Jesus never sends a plague, a natural disaster, or turns anyone into a pillar of salt. If Jesus isn’t into murderous retribution, nor …… is God the Father. Jesus is the incarnate correction to false views of how God works in the world.”

It makes sense doesn’t it? If God is Love, and loves us so much that he asks his Son to take human form to guide us to a better understanding of that love and to sacrifice himself for the sake of that love, it makes no sense whatsoever to believe that the same God would act so punitively towards us.  God did not send us COVID-19, whatever its origins. It is in great part the result of poor human practices and bad decisions.

“Spiritual sanity in these difficult days rests in seeing that every moment of the day God does what he did on Good Friday: not intervening to prevent humanity killing Jesus, but not allowing evil and despair to have the last word.”   [Richard Leonard ibid.]                                                                                                    

                                                                     TC

As the lockdown continues, the stress of having very limited freedom of movement and action is affecting people differently. Each of us, I guess, can get low and fret for an end to the restrictions. That end seems as far away as ever. This is particularly the case if we get bad news. For example, I have just heard that a very good friend has tested positive for the virus.  Shocking and painful though this news is, I find some help in the writings of Blessings of the Daily:  

“There are moments when one arrives at a point of despair and senselessness. But those moments are always God’s hour. It is then that he is most at work in us. It is out of sheer despair that I gaze at Jesus, both Crucified and Risen. I see the marks of his passion, the wounds he endured during his crucifixion, and, suddenly, I see this human body that endured so much suffering being transformed by the power of God into the glory of the Resurrection. He …. is rewarded precisely because of his immense sufferings…. It is this that gives me hope to look beyond my own struggles, my limitations, my own sense of despair …... As Christ’s disciples, we are called to follow him through his death into his Resurrection…. It is through faith that I can see light at the end oi the tunnel.”                                                                

                                                      Blessings of the Daily Brother Victoire-Antione d’Avila-Latourette  

We are never alone on our journey. Even at the darkest times. Jesus is with us, just as he was with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, as we hear in today’s Gospel. Like them we may not always recognise his presence, but our faith tells us he is there, with crook and staff, the inspiration of our courage, the guardian of our hopes, the shepherd of our souls.                                                                                  

                                                                      TC

The Bishops of England & Wales have declared this year a Year of the Word called ‘The God Who Speaks”. During this year we are encouraged to re-discover the Word of God in our Bibles and renew our love for Scripture. To help us do this I will make available each week a resource sheet called ‘The Wednesday Word’. The sheet contains the following: Sunday’s readings and guidance for a prayerful reading of scripture in order to prepare more fully for the. coming Sunday’s Mass.  

Sheets are at the back of the church and available at the website http//www.wednesdayword.org/

Please watch this space for news of other initiatives throughout the year. A deanery retreat day on the Bible is also planned for later this year.

In Western Europe, it has been customary for many centuries to include the name of a saint when naming a child– usually as the first personal name, and again after Confirmation. In the UK, there is a wide variety of first names given to boys and girls, but the most popular names seem to remain constant.

For example, the ten most popular name for girls in 2000 were, in order  of  popularity:  -Chloe,  Emily,  Megan,  Charlotte,  Jessica,  Lauren,  Sophie,  Olivia, Hannah, and Lucy.
18 years later the ten most popular girls’ names were: Olivia, Amelia, Ava, Isla, Emily, Mia, Isabella, Sophia, Ella, and Grace.

What seem to be significant changes are not so revolutionary, since all these names were in the top 50 list for both years. We may be in for some startling changes next year, if you accept Harper’s Bazaar’s forecast that the top ten will be Adah, Reese, Mika, Paisley, Amina, Teagan, Nova, Aura, Pearl, and Billie, completely different from what went before.

So what is happening to the convention of naming children after saints? It seems that parents now resist pressures to name their children after their parents or relatives. Instead, a growing habit is to find attractive, or interesting, or ‘celebrity,’ names. This is a pity. The use of saints’ names has a purpose over and above carrying on a ‘family name’. By naming a girl Elizabeth, or a boy John, one is seeking a spiritual ‘sponsor’ and role model for the child. (That is not to suggest that choosing ‘Catherine’ brings with it a wish for the child to be martyred! Rather it offers St Catherine’s depth of faith as a model.) Getting to know about one’s patron saint is a splendid – and often exciting – way of learning about how Christians put their faith into practice and the spiritual strengths they have to support their actions. In a community where multiple faiths (and none at all) flourish, using a Christian name is a way of declaring our identity as children of God. Getting to know more about our patron saints can also lead to more reflection about whom we name when we say In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!

The Lord knows full well how His children have limited the time they have for each of the many tasks they put upon themselves to the point of exhaustion. This seems especially true today when life seems lived at breakneck speed.

So, in May we have the chance to slow a little, take time out from the daily hustle. This is because May is the Month of Mary, Christ’s Mother and, thus, the Mother of the Church.

She is the example, as well as the guide and inspiration, of everyone who, in and through the Church, seeks to be the servant of God and our sisters and brothers, and the obedient agent of the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

We have no evidence that Mary rushed about trying to do an impossible number of things all at once; nor that she scolded anyone; nor that she gossiped, argued or nagged to get her way. She took Time and did not let Time take her.

For Mary, God’s way determined her way (as in the Annunciation): she also knew that what she could not do, her Son would (Cana). Most of all, she understood that love - not the overbearing pressure of time - is the foundation and framework of a satisfied life,. Love springs from Faith and Mary lived a life of faith and piety. Piety is the virtue that protects us from reducing faith to unfeeling, loveless dogma and mindless praying.

So May is the time to renew our acquaintance of and love for God’s Mother. Saying one Hail Mary thoughtfully, or the Litany of Mary, are simple ways of renewing our reverence for her and reminding ourselves of the selfless, patient and faithful way she responded to God’s plan for her.

May this be the example we can follow in peace, freed from stress, now that the earth yields its fruits for us once more.

According to tradition, in an apparition to Lady Richeldis, the Blessed Virgin Mary fetched Richeldis’ soul from England to Nazareth during a religious ecstasy to show the house where the Holy Family once lived and in which the Annunciation of Archangel Gabriel occurred. Richeldis was given the task of building a replica house in her village, in England. The building came to be known as the "Holy House", and later became both a shrine and a focus of pilgrimage to Walsingham.

In passing on his guardianship of the Holy House, Richeldis' son Geoffrey left instructions for the building of a priory in Walsingham. The priory passed into the care of the Canons Regular of S Augustine, sometime between 1146 and 1174.

An immensely popular place of pilgrimage during the middle ages, the shrine was destroyed during the Reformation and restored in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Slipper Chapel is now the centre of what has become the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady and is regularly visited by people from the English dioceses and beyond. In mediaeval times this was the last staging post, where pilgrims began a 1 mile barefoot walk to the Shrine in the village. (Hence ‘Slipper’)

Carfin Lourdes Grotto, is a shrine in Scotland dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, and was created in the early twentieth century. The "Carfin Grotto", as the shrine is locally referred to, was the brainchild of Father, later Canon, Thomas N. Taylor (died 1963), parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Parish in the small, mining village of Carfin, two miles east of Motherwell.

Following a trip to Lourdes, Canon Taylor's vision was to build a religious memorial in honour of Our Blessed Lady. Since its opening in the early 1920s, the "grotto" has attracted pilgrims in the hundreds of thousands. For the past 90 plus years, the grotto shrine has offered a pilgrimage season with Sunday processions, rosaries, outdoor masses and dedicated Feast Day events which runs annually from early May until late September. 

The evening of Thursday, 21 August 1879, was a very wet night. At about 8 o'clock the rain beat down in driving sheets when Mary Beirne, a girl of the village, accompanying the priest's housekeeper, Mary McLoughlin, home, stopped suddenly as she came in sight of the gable of the little church. There she saw standing a little out from the gable, were three life-size figures. She ran home to tell her parents and soon others from the village had gathered.

The witnesses stated they saw an apparition of Our Lady, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist at the south gable end of the local small parish church, the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Behind them and a little to the left of Saint John was a plain altar. On the altar was a cross and a lamb (a traditional image of Jesus), with adoring angels

This is now Ireland’s National Marian Shrine, and is a popular pilgrimage centre, especially for those with illnesses or disabilities. 

Legend tells how, in the Middle Ages, a beautiful statue of Our Lady, her Son on her lap, and a burning taper in her hand, appeared on the banks of the River Teifi in Cardiganshire. Any attempt to move the statue to the parish church in Cardigan resulted in its reappearing at the spot where it first appeared. It became a place of pilgrimage and St Mary’s church was built on that spot in 1158. The original statue was destroyed in the Reformation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, monks from Brittany gave their abbey church the name of Our Lady of Cardigan and revived the devotion. They made the same dedication to the small church they built in Cardigan in 1912 The monks left in 1916 and the devotion lapsed.

In 1952, Bishop Petit learned that there had once been a shrine in Cardigan and decided to restore it. He commissioned a new statue, which was blessed in Westminster Cathedral in 1956.

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Taper is now the national shrine for Wales and parish for the people of Cardigan and surrounding areas.