Monday, November 28, 2016

Mario czy ty wiesz...

..."Mary, did you know?"  A choir of enchanting Polish children, the Schola Swiatio from St Andrew Bobola Church, Hammersmith,  sang at the opening of the TOWARDS ADVENT Festival at Westminster Cathedral Hall. They sang new and old Polish carols, with a lovely violin accompaniment, and then led us all in "O come O come Emmanuel..."   Bishop Nicholas Hudson spoke beautifully as he welcomed everyone and declared the Festival open. The day's events included the De Satge Music Workshop, honouring Jeremy de Satge who did so much for Church music in Britain and played a major role in getting the whole Festival flourishing - and we invited Catherine de Satge to come and it was lovely to give her a bouquet and commemorative gift.  We also had a special guest, Mgr John Armitage from Walsingham, who  attracted a good-sized audience to hear the news of the great developments at the Shrine. We announced the winners of the St Nicholas essay competition - from St John Bosco College Battersea, and St Edmund's College, Ware. And the Cathedral Hall was thronged with people visiting the stalls and displays from a vast range of Catholic groups and organisations while the Association of Catholic Women  did a roaring trade in freshly-brewed tea and coffee and excellent sandwiches and cakes...

The Festival began at the Millenium and is now an established part of Catholic London life...

Friday, November 25, 2016

The Catholic Union of Great Britain...

...founded in the 19th century and with plenty to do in the 21st, held its annual meeting at Westminster on Thursday. The sung evening Mass  was dedicated to the work of the Union, and afterwards members gathered in Vaughan House nearby to hear reports and tackle plans for the year ahead. Sir Edward Leigh, President, spoke about religious freedom, alluding to the Red Wednesday witness of the previous day, and a major gathering in Parliament that had followed that very morning. Christians are being persecuted on a significant scale in various parts of the world, and the importance of true religious freedom needs to be promoted with vigour...

Sir Edward also spoke of the popularity and value of Church schools - noted recently by the Government which is giving encouragement to their development and removing restrictions on their growth.  It seems likely that we will see more new Catholic schools opening as demand for places is so high...

Among other reports and discussions, I was invited to report on the Catholic Young Writer Award and the "Our Father" project  in schools - both have been very popular this year and are planned again for 2017.

The Young Writer Award was initially run by The Keys, the Catholic Writers' Guild, but it grew  and flourished and the Catholic Union stepped in to help and now runs it every year, with Catholic schools across Britain taking part...

The Catholic Union's AGM is always an enjoyable gathering - J. and I have been members for years and been involved with  so many of its campaigns and projects  and we enjoyed the evening and its sense of solidarity, being among  so many friends  and with much lively discussion...

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

FLOODLIT for Red Wednesday...

... and I have just come from Westminster Cathedral, where it's all happening...

Major Cathedrals, plus other places of worship, will be floodlit in red at dusk today, as people are asked to think of all who are persecuted for their faith across the world. It's Red Wednesday, and in London, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Cathedral, will all be floodlit in blood-red. Organisers are the great international charity Aid to the Church in Need   and the message is MAKE A STAND FOR FAITH AND FREEDOM.

I spoke to John Pontifex, ACN's spokesman, on Westminster Cathedral piazza.  He has spent the past several years travelling to various places where ACN's help is needed...countries where Christians have been attacked, their churches torched, their homes destroyed...Floodlighting our major buildings and places of worship in red is a rallying-call to prayer and solidarity...

In Rome, the Tevi fountain will flow red today..  Catholic groups including Communion and Liberation, Focolare, and the Christian Workers Movement are all taking part in special services, vigils, and acts of public witness.

You can be part of it too: let's all join in with prayer...


Monday, November 21, 2016

...and it's just as well I was enjoying Devon, because...

...when I got to the railway station at Newton Abbot, I found I couldn't leave.

The line to London has been flooded in several places...all trains to Paddington cancelled. A phone call home, the glad discovery of a pub with bed-and-breakfast, and I'm sitting here with a glass of sherry, a comfortable room, a book of CS Lewis' essays bought at the excellent Abbey bookshop, and a pleasant evening ahead. A cheery chat in the bar downstairs - not many people around on this rainy night, and everyone was friendly - and a feeling of a bonus holiday evening.

...and then a glorious Abbey, and a splendid ceremony...

... in the Medieval hall at Buckfast ,  where amid formal academic robes and speeches,  the Bishop of Plymouth presented certificates gained at the School of the Annunciation. . Guest lecture by Francis Campbell, vice-chancellor of St Mary's University, Twickenham. A magnificent academic Mass in the great Abbey Church - wonderful music - and then a grand Lunch in the Grange...

The Abbey  will be a thousand years old in 2018. Destroyed under Henry VIII, rebuilt and flourishing...as the ceremonies were taking place in the Medieval Hall, the magnificent bells were ringing out glorious peals.  It was a wonderful day, and it was hard to leave...

A traditional...

...church on a green, along by the Devon coast, and hymns on a Sunday morning.  But this church has a special story. It was built in the 19th century as a Wesleyan Methodist chapel, and is today a Catholic Church dedicated to Our Lady of Walsingham and St Cuthbert Mayne, in the care of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. It's at Chelston in Torquay.   After Mass, a delicious, talkative  and enjoyable lunch with the rector and parishioners in the well-equipped  parish centre. Fr David and his family have now moved into part of converted living quarters in  old church offices and cloakrooms behind the church:  stairs lead up to what is a slightly gothic but cosy sitting-room, and what was once a gents' loo now houses the family washing machine...

The church is charming and is being turned into a very lovely place of worship - all the work being done by the parish. There is much local goodwill, with the Methodists glad that the building has gone into good hands: at a farewell service the minister formally lit a ceremonial candle and passed it to Fr David with a prayer that "The light of Christ  may keep burning in this place". It is indeed burning, bright. with daily Mass and  a busy parish life. The weekend had seen a cheery bazaar (I  bought up the last two jars of marmalade for  J. as he is partial to it) and there are plans for an outdoor Nativity scene on the green, and all the usual Christmas events...

Saturday, November 19, 2016

On Amoris Laetitia...

...the most practical response is given here...

When the document was published, there was a flurry of comment and disappointment because it failed to announce a change in the teaching of Christ and the Church on divorce, remarriage, and Holy Communion.

People had sort of wanted a row about this. Some believed that Pope Francis would "liberalise" Christ's laws...he can't and won't.

But people tried to find ways to pretend that he could. So there have been attempts to read something into  a footnote here or there -"ooh look, surely here we can, um, interpret something that sort of might say that, um, somehow you can sort of have more than one spouse and still announce that you are in good faith, and receive Holy Communion,..er...um..."

The document doesn't allow for that interpretation, and attempts to get the Pope to "clarify" it won't change Church teaching either. The Church's teaching is not changeable: it is rooted in the clear teaching of Christ.Stirring things up will make no difference.

Marriage binds a man and a woman for life: it establishes a new family, it is as binding as the union of Christ and his Church, it is a sacrament, it was planned by God from "the beginning". Going through a civil divorce procedure does not release anyone from the lifelong bond of  marriage: it does not that mean that either spouse can take a new partner, and none of this is ever going to change because it is not a random rule but the very core of God's plan for men and women.

Orthodox Catholics should teach about marriage, and Amoris Laetitia  will often be useful in doing so.Other documents to which it refers, including Familiaris Consortio and Deus Caritas est, will also be extremely useful.

Amoris Laetitia hasn't, can't, and won't change the Church's teaching or discipline on marriage, divorce, and Holy Communion and nor does it suggest that any individual bishop, priest or canon lawyer can do so either.








in bright sunshine...

...an afternoon History Walk.  A good number of people were waiting on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral, and we set off for a glorious ramble through the streets:  golden  and russet leaves cascading into the churchyard, history around our footsteps as we ventured into St Vedast-alias-Foster and then down to Guildhall and on to Lothbury...we always finish these City walks  by the site of Bl John Henry Newman's birth, around the back of the Bank - a modest plaque marks where once the house stood...

Time for a quick cup of tea back across the river at Precious Blood church. Bright illuminated children's calligraphy is on display in the Lord's Prayer project  at the back of the church. On to Westminster for a useful chat at the Cathedral Hall, plans for the TOWARDS ADVENT Festival well in hand. A prayer group was gathering - they get some 150 each Friday evening for prayer and a guest speaker. A bonus to meet them  - I was able to pass on a couple of prayer requests...

Late train to the West Country for a family visit.Somerset  enchanting in glowing Autumn colours. Everywhere, posters announcing various Christmas events, carol services, concerts.  "Come and join the Minehead lifeboat crew and Minehead Street choir for some festive community singing...mulled cider, apple juice and mince pies provided...."    "Christmas Fayre, St John's Church"  "Santa charity fun run..."


Thursday, November 17, 2016

...and London in rain...

...and St Paul's Cathedral on a November evening. It was absurd really: I had to be there on the steps at 6.30pm, even tho'  I knew that no one was likely to turn up for the History Walk...and, sure enough, no one did. But it was actually rather enjoyable standing there, with Ludgate Hill and cheery red buses and people hurrying about, all in splashy rain and lamplight, pondering all the history of this enormous building and this great city...

I was warm and dry because that vast  pillared portico provides excellent shelter, and there were various stray people there, a canoodling couple, a tourist or two...and I had a sudden memory from over  thirty years ago, and that Royal bride and groom emerging to cheers from these great doors and coming down these steps...and the vast crowds...and among the latter a group of  young Army cadets from Sandhurst including a young J. Bogle and his young wife...

And the rain turned to a drizzle and I ventured out into it, and caught a cheery red bus via Aldwych to Piccadilly,  and thence to Farm Street for a meeting of the Catholic Writers' Guild, and then to our cosy home.

parish life...

...on a winter evening. Rain splashing down outside...the parish room warm and welcoming... over freshly-brewed tea and some good cakes, a talkative gathering of ladies, organising carol singing, projects for children, stall at TOWARDS ADVENT Festival, plans for 2017 with a pilgrimage to Walsingham...and the Rector hurries in to get tea and some food for some one at the door who needs help...and then there is chatter and laughter as we work to put up a display of some of the (really excellent) work produced by children in the 2016 "Our Father" project to make a display...

And  the evening drew to a close, and we went through to the church, carrying the display-boards down to the back and arranging everything quietly.  In the sanctuary there was a candle by the box carrying the names of those who will be remembered in All Souls prayers throughout November, and of course the sanctuary lamp glowed above the altar, and the ordinary London brick church has its own beauty and atmosphere...and  we had had a busy and pleasant evening and some one said "I love it when it's like this..."

Monday, November 14, 2016

Commentators...

...in the USA and here in Britain  are still trying to analyse the American election.   Obviously there's a lot to discuss and a lot to ponder and digest.

But the one thing that shouldn't really puzzle anyone is the fact that a lot of women voted against Mrs Clinton.  Why is anyone surprised?  Poor Mrs C. had become a dedicated - almost fanatical - supporter of abortion.  And the reality is that, for most people, aborting a baby is a tragic thing, not to be seen as something healthy or good, much less as something that is a "right".  Even among those who would hesitate to link themselves with the ProLife lobby, there is a sense of sadness and better-not-to-do-this over the whole idea of aborting a child.   At one stage the USA's Democratic Party used a slogan about making abortion "safe, legal, and rare"...then it morphed into somehow celebrating abortion as something that every American woman deserved. And then they wonder why women said "Ugh"  and voted against it.


Saturday, November 12, 2016

Every day...

...I pick up at least one piece of litter, and place it in a litter-bin. That's the commitment.  At least one. Every day.

I know...I know...one piece of litter is nothing, it's unimportant, it's trivial. But this is an action that at least minimally fulfils the "one good deed every day" commitment into which I entered as a Girl Guide many decades ago: I have several years of non-compliance so catching up will take a long while.

Picking up one piece obviously sometimes leads to gathering up a good deal more and leaving a railway station/bus-stop/walkway/corner of a park  at least temporarily improved. It not infrequently involves a conversation with others who offer encouragement and/or join in to help. It is sometimes horrid (I carry tissue-wipes, and also a plastic bag into which to put the litter until it can be placed in a bin). It probably makes me look daft, but that's too bad.

One piece of  litter. Every day.

Join in?

On the American election...

...we can be glad that the country's Supreme Court now seems less likely to be handed over to the adherents of a dedicated secularist ideology. And we can certainly rejoice that the ghastly "I'm a celebrity - you must think and vote as I do" parade has been snubbed.

Beyond that...it is difficult to see where things are going. The President-elect has held no public office of service to the community, and his general track record is, well, mixed: some bankruptcies,  two failed marriages, a certain inability to steer a steady course...

Thoughtful commentary here...


Am reading...

...and loving, Last Testament,  the  just-published book by beloved Papa Emeritus  Benedict XVI with Peter Seewald. It's a frank, fresh,wide-ranging and penetrating interview in which BXVI discusses some of the major events of his pontificate - many of which were misrepresented by the mass media at the time, and much more...

As always, BXVI is concise, reflective and expresses himself with accuracy and precision. It is immensely readable.  This is one of the greatest thinkers of the modern era at his very best - and,as always, he is humourous, and self-deprecating.

Want to know more about his working relationship with St JPII?  His resignation?  Views on World Youth Day?  The how and why of  so many events of the past three or four decades?  Get this book and devour...it's a really good read. It also leaves you pondering on the nature of the priesthood, the Church and the office of St Peter as never before.   BXVI sees things in the rich theological perspective which is the only true perspective - and  in  this book, as throughout his life as a priest, he is a magnificent teacher.

History Walks during this coming week....

...come and join us!

#WED Nov 16th, meet 6.30pm on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral. We'll be looking around the City, glimpses of Roman London, also various churches, the story of the 1666  Great Fire etc. Shortish walk - the City looks rather good on an Autumn evening, but it will be chilly and damp...the walk will last less than an hour.

#FRIDAY 18th, meet 2pm on the steps of St Paul's.  Same route but slightly extended because in daylight.

More info on these and other Walks  here ...

Friday, November 11, 2016

...and while pondering the valour of soldiers, giving their lives in service...

... we could also note  today's news reports describing how students in America are asking for special time in which to cry and ask for cuddles because the candidate they favoured in the election didn't win, and the rival candidate is President.

Can this really be true?  Can the spoilt  and priviledged youth of America really be that ghastly? Apparently so... they were offered dolls, play-dough and colouring books (I am not making this up), along with counselling, and "therapy dogs".





Armistice Day...

...and shops, and the London buses carried notices inviting people to join in the Two Minutes' silence at 11 o'clock...and crosses were planted in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster, and crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to honour those who have died in the service of our country.






Thursday, November 10, 2016

History...

...and I have spent the past few days taking an American group around London, a mix of ages and professions, and with children too....we've been looking at Westminster, Churchill War Rooms, the Tower...

On Tuesday there was a moment when we were all together waiting for a boat along by London Bridge, and to keep us entertained some one asked one of the smallest children to sing us a couple of songs, which she did  shyly but very delightfully. Then, standing looking serious for a moment, she announced, very solemnly, something else that she had learned by heart. "I pledge allegiance" she said "to the flag of the United States of America and to the union for which it stands..."  and so on, carefully, through to the end with "liberty and justice for all". It was quite unexpected and  rather touching, the small voice falling into the room with a startling clarity. She goes to a small church-based school, and had been taught the Pledge there...

Looking back, it is a moment to capture, just as, across the Atlantic, the USA was going through one of its most momentous experiences.

The Election had not been much discussed among us, and although  there was unanimity in the group in disliking the Clinton ideological agenda there was no passionate affirmation of the alternative candidate.  They had all cast their votes by postal ballot before flying to Britain for this gathering, and I didn't interrogate them about their choices.

There is a lot of genuine patriotism in America and I do hope that poor Mr Trump turns out to be worthy of the office to which he has now been called.

Monday, November 07, 2016

Some wisdom...

...from a Dutch Cardinal. Read here...

Sunday, November 06, 2016

Discussion and planning...

...with the young director of the Polish children's choir that will be coming to sing at this year's TOWARDS ADVENT Festival...come and hear them!  ALL WELCOME. Admission FREE. Westminster Cathedral Hall, Saturday Novembver 26th, doors open 10 am, official Opening ceremony with Bishop Nicholas Hudson, 10.30am...

Tradition...

... fireworks and a bonfire for November 5th at Bogle Towers. We cooked steak on the fire, and baked potatoes in the ashes, and then set off fireworks at the front of the house, inviting Joe, who lives opposite, and various people stopped by to enjoy it all...

We had wine, and Jamie and Joe enjoyed cigars as things drew to an end...all around us were the pops and bangs as rockets from various bonfire-parties whooshed up into the night sky scattering glittering red and green and golden stars...

Bonfire Night is much older than the Gunpowder Plot -  people had them for All Saints Day, and probably for pagan festivals back before that  .I have long been unconvinced about poor old Guy Fawkes as there was so much intrigue around the whole story caught up in the cruelties of the 17th century.  But bonfires in November have a long long history and here we are in the 21st century still doing it all...

Wednesday, November 02, 2016

All Souls...

...and the All Souls Chapel at Westminster Cathedral, writing names of  beloved family members and friends, to be commemorated...


...and to the anonymous correspondent...

...who called me a "silly billy" (rude, but rather tame compared to most of the insults I've received over the years...) please read here...

Pope Francis has...

...a "dangerous, untheological blind spot"...read here...

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

The internet...

...so useful in so many ways...("whatdidweeverdowithoutit"etc etc etc...)...

...has a very dark side. Lots of ghastly things, from vile pornography to the ability to hack into people's privacy/bank accounts/medical records/travel plans.  From the horrific opportunities it offers daily to terrorists and criminals, to the addiction it brings to children and others with hours of lonely time-wasting...

...and rumours. Catholics seem to be among the worst at spreading these. ..."Have you heard...?"  "Did you know...?  And prophecies: "Our Lady said in a vision..."  And conspiracies: "They've been trying to hush it up since 1743..." "Then years later, the Freemasons..."  And fantasies announced as research: "If you add up the numbers, they come to ..." "The initials, if you think about it, actually spell out..."  And nasty stuff, calumny and detraction:  "The Pope..."  "That Bishop..."  and more...and more...

Last week it was "The Pope is going to receive Communion from a Lutheran". OOOooo...er.... Except that he wasn't and didn't.  Then: "He's  opening the way for women priests"  No again. "He's already committed to women deacons." No.  

I'm tempted to start my own rumour :"Joanna has been personally informed by Pope Francis that she will be made a Bishop on her next birthday."  Let's see if it spreads.

Women priests...Pope Francis...

...read here...and here...


All Saints...

...and I went to a mid-morning Mass at Westminster Cathedral. I somehow wasn't expecting to see many people there at that time of day, but it was well-attended. At the front were serried ranks of children from the adjoining primary school.  They behaved beautifully, hands together, heads bowed reverently at the Consecration...it was so impressive that I spoke to a teacher afterwards and asked that a nice message be passed on to the head teacher - and later got chatting to another member of the congregation, who said she had done the same...

I was back at the Cathedral later on for a midday engagament, and even larger crowds were pouring in...people from nearby offices, mostly male (though I know it is old-fashioned to point this out. But there are still, DG, a lot of men in office jobs in London).  The Cathedral was absolutely full, and more Masses to follow...

Next year's gathering of our Bishops would be a very good time for a simple, tactful move towards HAVING OUR FEAST-DAYS BACK.  Today's crowds celebrating All Saints indicate that it would be a popular move...