...and...

...the diocese of WESTMINSTER has its traditional Chrism Mass tomorrow (Tuesday) and the diocese of SOUTHWARK on Wednesday. And at both of these, there will be groups of us welcoming the priests and thanking them for their dedication and service to the Church.  We have a big placard that says:

THANK YOU TO OUR PRIESTS

and we give them small holy cards with our thanks....

We began this some years ago and it is has flourished and flourished, with new people joining in each year and a sense of a strong tradition having been established.  And a particular pleasure is being able to greet so many priest friends and exchange greetings and good wishes...

Attending the different Chrism Masses  is also a good introduction to Holy Week. Somehow, it sets the tone - the reality of the Church and an ability to "see" the events of  two thousand years ago, and the hugeness of it all...