...and support those who are really suffering for their Faith.
Come to the Vigil at Westminster Cathedral piazza on May 17th.Bring a crowd!
Get information here - and spread it around. Tell your parish. Tell your friends and family. BE THERE!!!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Off to see Father Jim...
...who is a family friend, and celebrated the Nuptial Mass at Jamie's and my wedding over 30 years ago...
A delicious lunch, and lots of chat, and then...
FR JIM HAS STARTED A BLOG!!!
and you can access it here and find out about all the books that Fr Jim has written...especially of interest to fans of Blessed John Henry Newman...and for parishes and groups preparing to celebrate the Year of Faith and the Catechism...
A delicious lunch, and lots of chat, and then...
FR JIM HAS STARTED A BLOG!!!
and you can access it here and find out about all the books that Fr Jim has written...especially of interest to fans of Blessed John Henry Newman...and for parishes and groups preparing to celebrate the Year of Faith and the Catechism...
Thursday, April 12, 2012
St Andrews...
... is possibly the most beautiful setting for any university. On the train from London I was busy with books and letters for most of the time, but after Edinburgh the only wise thing to do is just relish the glorious ride along the Scottish coast.
I was speaking to the Cathsoc at Canmore. Topic was celebrating the Church's feasts and seasons - we'd titled the talk "How to evangelise using the calendar" and this turned out to be good because people were rather intrigued (one told me that he'd wondered if it was going to be some sort of weird advice like 'Never evangelise on a Thursday"!). Delightful young people. A beautiful Mass in the chapel of the big old house - which I first visited to give a talk over 30 years ago, before today's undergraduates were even born...
After the meeting, everyone crowded into the chapel again for Compline. Candlelight, and young voices, and outside the sea and the sky...
I was speaking to the Cathsoc at Canmore. Topic was celebrating the Church's feasts and seasons - we'd titled the talk "How to evangelise using the calendar" and this turned out to be good because people were rather intrigued (one told me that he'd wondered if it was going to be some sort of weird advice like 'Never evangelise on a Thursday"!). Delightful young people. A beautiful Mass in the chapel of the big old house - which I first visited to give a talk over 30 years ago, before today's undergraduates were even born...
After the meeting, everyone crowded into the chapel again for Compline. Candlelight, and young voices, and outside the sea and the sky...
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Planning...
...for the next weeks and months.
I am off to Poland next week, a sort of Bl.John Paul pilgrimage...will be writing up some of the adventures on this blog.
BTW - for younger readers: if you want to take up Bl. JP's call for a fresh evangelisation of our country, contact here and ask about the John Paul II Walking Pilgrimage to Walsingham this summer.
I am off to Poland next week, a sort of Bl.John Paul pilgrimage...will be writing up some of the adventures on this blog.
BTW - for younger readers: if you want to take up Bl. JP's call for a fresh evangelisation of our country, contact here and ask about the John Paul II Walking Pilgrimage to Walsingham this summer.
Friday, April 06, 2012
There are better things...
...to do on Holy Thursday and Good Friday than write blogs, so I have been doing those better things.
It is now lateish on Good Friday night. On Holy Saturday Auntie packs lots of chocolate eggs and other goodies and departs joyfully via Paddington Station for a big family gathering.
Went to the Maundy Mass at Precious Blood church near London Bridge - it's in a fascinating corner of London where every little side-street is crammed with history. The George tavern still flourishes - Chaucer describes his Canterbury pilgrims starting their journey there, and I enjoyed lunches there with my father over the years. There are other pubs with good old names - the King's Head and the Blue-eyed Maid and St Christopher's and the Rose and Crown. There is a poignant War Memorial - a WWI soldier running gallantly forward, a great list of names nearby. There are proper local shops.
During the Maundy Mass, Tube trains rumbled away beneath our feet. The main overground railway station is of course a major feature here too - and there is busy London Bridge teeming with traffic, and the old river. We knelt in silence before the Altar of Repose, and the priest led us gently in thought to the Upper Room, two millenia ago, in another city...
This morning, a Walk of Witness in the busy, pleasant suburb where we live. A much bigger crowd than usual. We gathered outside the United Reformed Church where there is a garden, and walked down the High Street, led by men carrying three big crosses. Outside the Methodist Church we held a short service. Somehow, it feels reassurring that in modern Britain you can still get a good-sized crowd to hold up the traffic in the suburbs and gather to sing "When I survey the wondrous Cross" on Good Friday. The local Anglican church provided a very good choir. There was a sermon with a thoughtful message. People prayed. It was the right way to start Good Friday.
I was in London later in the day so went to the Commemoration of the Passion at St Patrick's, Soho Square. Timeless, powerful. The Passion account from St John's Gospel was beautifully sung. Long lines of people moved slowly up the aisle to venerate the Cross. Then the stark silence as things finish and there is just the bare chancel and the thought of Calvary.
Now at home after Hot Cross Buns I'm about to start sorting and packing things for the joy that comes on Sunday. This will be a special Easter as it includes a Divine Mercy trip to Poland, about which you'll be reading in due course.
Periodically, I met readers of this blog and so I don't feel you are all anonymous. It's a very genuine message when I wish you all a very happy Easter.
It is now lateish on Good Friday night. On Holy Saturday Auntie packs lots of chocolate eggs and other goodies and departs joyfully via Paddington Station for a big family gathering.
Went to the Maundy Mass at Precious Blood church near London Bridge - it's in a fascinating corner of London where every little side-street is crammed with history. The George tavern still flourishes - Chaucer describes his Canterbury pilgrims starting their journey there, and I enjoyed lunches there with my father over the years. There are other pubs with good old names - the King's Head and the Blue-eyed Maid and St Christopher's and the Rose and Crown. There is a poignant War Memorial - a WWI soldier running gallantly forward, a great list of names nearby. There are proper local shops.
During the Maundy Mass, Tube trains rumbled away beneath our feet. The main overground railway station is of course a major feature here too - and there is busy London Bridge teeming with traffic, and the old river. We knelt in silence before the Altar of Repose, and the priest led us gently in thought to the Upper Room, two millenia ago, in another city...
This morning, a Walk of Witness in the busy, pleasant suburb where we live. A much bigger crowd than usual. We gathered outside the United Reformed Church where there is a garden, and walked down the High Street, led by men carrying three big crosses. Outside the Methodist Church we held a short service. Somehow, it feels reassurring that in modern Britain you can still get a good-sized crowd to hold up the traffic in the suburbs and gather to sing "When I survey the wondrous Cross" on Good Friday. The local Anglican church provided a very good choir. There was a sermon with a thoughtful message. People prayed. It was the right way to start Good Friday.
I was in London later in the day so went to the Commemoration of the Passion at St Patrick's, Soho Square. Timeless, powerful. The Passion account from St John's Gospel was beautifully sung. Long lines of people moved slowly up the aisle to venerate the Cross. Then the stark silence as things finish and there is just the bare chancel and the thought of Calvary.
Now at home after Hot Cross Buns I'm about to start sorting and packing things for the joy that comes on Sunday. This will be a special Easter as it includes a Divine Mercy trip to Poland, about which you'll be reading in due course.
Periodically, I met readers of this blog and so I don't feel you are all anonymous. It's a very genuine message when I wish you all a very happy Easter.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
...and today...
...the Westminster diocese had its Chrism Mass, in an absolutely overflowing Cathedral - we packed into every corner, most of us kneeling on the floor, crowding into side-chapels and around the back, stewards trying to make a route for the procession of clergy to reach the sanctuary. It is rather intriguing - the Chrism Mass isn't widely advertised, people aren't urged to come, there are no leaflets about it...but people just seem to hear about it and they pour into the Cathedral in vast, vast numbers. The Mass took two hours. Hearing the beautiful prayers over the oils - references to the dove bringing back an olive branch to Noakh and so on - in hushed cathedral with with tht vast crowd is,to use a sometimes overworked word, awesome.
We had our Thank You to priests organised as they arrived - see here.
We had our Thank You to priests organised as they arrived - see here.
A Chrism of history...
...as the Papal Nuncio concelebrated the first Chrism Mass for the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Over 60 former Anglican clergy, and five former Anglican bishops, all now in full Communion with the universal Church, were joined by a packed congregation at St James', Spanish Place...it was a great priviledge to be there and something that I will never forget.
Glorious music, a beautiful and reverent liturgy, the roar of strong voices affirming promises of commitment to the sacred priesthood, a fine sermon by Mgr Keith Newton. As has become a little tradition at Chrism Masses, members of the Association of Catholic Women handed out small holy cards to all the clergy as they arrived, with a message of thanks for the service they give to the Church.
The Sacred Oils were brought up to the altar in procession with the hosts and wine before the Offertory - the Sisters of the Ordinariate in their blue religious habits and veils,were in the procession bearing the gifts.
The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Deo Gratias.
Glorious music, a beautiful and reverent liturgy, the roar of strong voices affirming promises of commitment to the sacred priesthood, a fine sermon by Mgr Keith Newton. As has become a little tradition at Chrism Masses, members of the Association of Catholic Women handed out small holy cards to all the clergy as they arrived, with a message of thanks for the service they give to the Church.
The Sacred Oils were brought up to the altar in procession with the hosts and wine before the Offertory - the Sisters of the Ordinariate in their blue religious habits and veils,were in the procession bearing the gifts.
The Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Deo Gratias.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Do read...
this. Scroll down to the section headlined "Religious Freedom and Protecting Healthcare for Women".
Starting on...
Wednesday April 18th,6.30pm, and continuing every Wednesday for 8 weeks, at St Patrick's, Soho Square, is the brilliant CATHOLICISM series. DON'T MISS THIS! Open to all young people in their 20s and 30s. There's a light supper and then the presentation: God's Revelation through Jesus Christ and His CHurch. It's a great visiual multi-media presentation and tackles questions such as:
- Who is Jesus? Is he really the Son of God?
- Why does God allow suffering in the world?
- Do you worship Mary?
- What's the point of praying to saints?
and a lot more.
Register at stpatcatholicism@gmail.com or telephone 0207 434 9965.
Hurry!
- Who is Jesus? Is he really the Son of God?
- Why does God allow suffering in the world?
- Do you worship Mary?
- What's the point of praying to saints?
and a lot more.
Register at stpatcatholicism@gmail.com or telephone 0207 434 9965.
Hurry!
During the week...
...I often go to Mass at this parish. This week, the numbers attending were even larger than usual. I mention this because I get tired of being told that everythingintheChurchisterrible when it just isn't so. Here is one suburban parish where often the numbers on a weekday would not disgrace a Sunday.The other day I took part in a Confirmation preparation class. There are some 40 young people being confirmed this year. They get a systematic preparation with classes on the Church's doctrine and teachings...I was there to give a talk about saints, with the idea of helping them to choose Confirmation names. A delightful group of young people, excellent catechist, two young men from the seminary were there helping out, and a nice chap from the local Baptist church along as an observer, as part of a friendly ecumenical interchange. As the evening ended, and all turned towards the Cross as the parish priest led prayers, I felt a sudden lump in my throat. This is the Church, the place where we all belong, where we are all at home.
Today, partly because of returning some books kindly lent by Ordinariate Deacon James Bradley, I went to the Palm Sunday Mass here. A very large crowd, and things began in the school yard where the palms were blessed and a procession started which went slowly into the church, with glorious singing. Mgr Keith Newton, of the Ordinariate, was the celebrant and preached.A memorable Palm Sunday.
Hot weather. Posters around London with the stark word "DROUGHT" and urging us to use less water. The posters look grim and show dark dusty earth. If the hot weather lasts and lasts, this looks set to be a horrid summer.
Somehow the drought reflects the spiritual state of much of our country at present: but to heal that there are deep wells of glorious fresh water here, and it only needs willing hands to help pump it out...
Today, partly because of returning some books kindly lent by Ordinariate Deacon James Bradley, I went to the Palm Sunday Mass here. A very large crowd, and things began in the school yard where the palms were blessed and a procession started which went slowly into the church, with glorious singing. Mgr Keith Newton, of the Ordinariate, was the celebrant and preached.A memorable Palm Sunday.
Hot weather. Posters around London with the stark word "DROUGHT" and urging us to use less water. The posters look grim and show dark dusty earth. If the hot weather lasts and lasts, this looks set to be a horrid summer.
Somehow the drought reflects the spiritual state of much of our country at present: but to heal that there are deep wells of glorious fresh water here, and it only needs willing hands to help pump it out...
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Meanwhile, however, Mr Dawkins...
... the leading atheist campaigner, asked a rally in Washington: "How is it conceivable that the laws of physics should conspire together – without guidance, without direction, without any intelligence – to bring us into the world?”
Indeed.Keep asking, Mr D. You are slowly getting there.
Indeed.Keep asking, Mr D. You are slowly getting there.
Friday, March 30, 2012
In great sadness...
...to Bedford Square, where a prayer-vigil was being held outside an abortion centre. We prayed, led by Bishop Alan Hopes, and young people took turns to read aloud Scriptural meditations for the Stations of the Cross. The idea was to express sorrow and repentance that none of us have been able to stem the tide of the killing of the unborn that is happening in our country, and to pledge ourselves to renewal and hope. But it was not possible to hear much as a large group of angry protesters with loud hailers and drums and various instruments had gathered to drown us out. It was one of the saddest things I have ever seen: the protesters included a number of young women, angry and shouting, a picture of sadness and self-loathing such as I have never viewed before.
It used to be that even people who viewed abortion as a legitimate choice would emphasise that it was a sad thing, that no one really wanted it, that it could and should be avoided if at all possible. That was how people spoke in the 70s and 80s when I was first involved in debates on the subject. It is the saddest things on earth to see young women shouting things like "Get your Eucharist out of my uterus" and jeering when people pray.
I went to this vigil because it had been announced that some people wanted to prevent it happening: in the Britain I inherited, the right to pray in this way was cherished, so I felt I should be there. I met a great many friends and at one level it was, or should have been, a time of solidarity and and hope. The pro-life movement is strong and there were lots of young people praying earnestly, along with priests and Franciscan friars, and older people - like me - who have taken part in various such events for decades.
But my overwhelming feeling about the evening is one of profound sadness: the image that stays with me is of the young women on the opposite side of the barriers erected by the police, shouting angrily and sort of gleefully their support for the destruction of the next generation, affirming their right to eliminate their own offspring. Thus is a nation ending itself. Whatever comes next will be different. It all feels bleak.
It used to be that even people who viewed abortion as a legitimate choice would emphasise that it was a sad thing, that no one really wanted it, that it could and should be avoided if at all possible. That was how people spoke in the 70s and 80s when I was first involved in debates on the subject. It is the saddest things on earth to see young women shouting things like "Get your Eucharist out of my uterus" and jeering when people pray.
I went to this vigil because it had been announced that some people wanted to prevent it happening: in the Britain I inherited, the right to pray in this way was cherished, so I felt I should be there. I met a great many friends and at one level it was, or should have been, a time of solidarity and and hope. The pro-life movement is strong and there were lots of young people praying earnestly, along with priests and Franciscan friars, and older people - like me - who have taken part in various such events for decades.
But my overwhelming feeling about the evening is one of profound sadness: the image that stays with me is of the young women on the opposite side of the barriers erected by the police, shouting angrily and sort of gleefully their support for the destruction of the next generation, affirming their right to eliminate their own offspring. Thus is a nation ending itself. Whatever comes next will be different. It all feels bleak.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
"The truth...
... is a desire of the human person, the search for which always supposes the exercise of authentic freedom. Many, without a doubt, would prefer to take the easy way out, trying to avoid this task. Some, like Pontius Pilate, ironically question the possibility of even knowing what truth is (cf. Jn 18:38), claiming is incapable of knowing it or denying that there exists a truth valid for all. This attitude, as in the case of scepticism and relativism, changes hearts, making them cold, wavering, distant from others and closed. There are too many who, like the Roman governor, wash their hands and let the water of history drain away without taking a stand.
On the other hand, there are those who wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves up in “their truth”, and try to impose it on others. These are like the blind scribes who, upon seeing Jesus beaten and bloody, cry out furiously, “Crucify him!” (cf. Jn 19:6). Anyone who acts irrationally cannot become a disciple of Jesus. Faith and reason are necessary and complementary in the pursuit of truth. God created man with an innate vocation to the truth and he gave him reason for this purpose. Certainly, it is not irrationality but rather the yearning for truth which the Christian faith promotes. Each man and woman has to seek the truth and to choose it when he or she finds it, even at the risk of embracing sacrifices.
Furthermore, the truth which stands above humanity is an unavoidable condition for attaining freedom, since in it we discover the foundation of an ethics on which all can converge and which contains clear and precise indications concerning life and death, duties and rights, marriage, family and society, in short, regarding the inviolable dignity of the human person. This ethical patrimony can bring together different cultures, peoples and religions, authorities and citizens, citizens among themselves, and believers in Christ and non-believers...
Christianity, in highlighting those values which sustain ethics, does not impose, but rather proposes Christ’s invitation to know the truth which sets us free. The believer is called to offer that truth to his contemporaries, as did the Lord, even before the ominous shadow of rejection and the Cross. The personal encounter with the one who is Truth in person compels us to share this treasure with others, especially by our witness...
Convinced that it is Christ who is the true measure of man, and knowing that in him we find the strength needed to face every trial, I wish to proclaim openly that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. In him everyone will find complete freedom, the light to understand reality most deeply and to transform it by the renewing power of love...
The right to freedom of religion, both in its private and in its public dimension, manifests the unity of the human person, who is at once a citizen and a believer. It also legitimizes the fact that believers have a contribution to make to the building up of society. Strengthening religious freedom consolidates social bonds, nourishes the hope of a better world, creates favourable conditions for peace and harmonious development, while at the same time establishing solid foundations for securing the rights of future generations."
Papa Benedict XVI, speaking today in Cuba. What he says is important for Britain too. Read more here...
On the other hand, there are those who wrongly interpret this search for the truth, leading them to irrationality and fanaticism; they close themselves up in “their truth”, and try to impose it on others. These are like the blind scribes who, upon seeing Jesus beaten and bloody, cry out furiously, “Crucify him!” (cf. Jn 19:6). Anyone who acts irrationally cannot become a disciple of Jesus. Faith and reason are necessary and complementary in the pursuit of truth. God created man with an innate vocation to the truth and he gave him reason for this purpose. Certainly, it is not irrationality but rather the yearning for truth which the Christian faith promotes. Each man and woman has to seek the truth and to choose it when he or she finds it, even at the risk of embracing sacrifices.
Furthermore, the truth which stands above humanity is an unavoidable condition for attaining freedom, since in it we discover the foundation of an ethics on which all can converge and which contains clear and precise indications concerning life and death, duties and rights, marriage, family and society, in short, regarding the inviolable dignity of the human person. This ethical patrimony can bring together different cultures, peoples and religions, authorities and citizens, citizens among themselves, and believers in Christ and non-believers...
Christianity, in highlighting those values which sustain ethics, does not impose, but rather proposes Christ’s invitation to know the truth which sets us free. The believer is called to offer that truth to his contemporaries, as did the Lord, even before the ominous shadow of rejection and the Cross. The personal encounter with the one who is Truth in person compels us to share this treasure with others, especially by our witness...
Convinced that it is Christ who is the true measure of man, and knowing that in him we find the strength needed to face every trial, I wish to proclaim openly that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. In him everyone will find complete freedom, the light to understand reality most deeply and to transform it by the renewing power of love...
The right to freedom of religion, both in its private and in its public dimension, manifests the unity of the human person, who is at once a citizen and a believer. It also legitimizes the fact that believers have a contribution to make to the building up of society. Strengthening religious freedom consolidates social bonds, nourishes the hope of a better world, creates favourable conditions for peace and harmonious development, while at the same time establishing solid foundations for securing the rights of future generations."
Papa Benedict XVI, speaking today in Cuba. What he says is important for Britain too. Read more here...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
I recently spent...
... some days sorting out medals and wristbands and parcels of books and posting them off to children who won them in a big Southwark Vocations Project. Read my latest EWTN blog
I have been nicknamed "Pollyanna"...
...because of being glad about too many things.
Papa Benedict is a Pollyanna Catholic too. Read what he says for World Youth Day:
"Joy has to be shared. Go and tell other young people about your joy at finding the precious treasure which is Jesus himself. We cannot keep the joy of faith to ourselves. If we are to keep it, we must give it away. Saint John said: “What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; we are writing this so that our joy may be complete” (1 Jn 1:3-4).
Christianity is sometimes depicted as a way of life that stifles our freedom and goes against our desires for happiness and joy. But this is far from the truth. Christians are men and women who are truly happy because they know that they are not alone. They know that God is always holding them in his hands. It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring. If the way Christians live at times appears dull and boring, you should be the first to show the joyful and happy side of faith. The Gospel is the “good news” that God loves us and that each of us is important to him. Show the world that this is true!"
And there's more: read it all here...
Papa Benedict is a Pollyanna Catholic too. Read what he says for World Youth Day:
"Joy has to be shared. Go and tell other young people about your joy at finding the precious treasure which is Jesus himself. We cannot keep the joy of faith to ourselves. If we are to keep it, we must give it away. Saint John said: “What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; we are writing this so that our joy may be complete” (1 Jn 1:3-4).
Christianity is sometimes depicted as a way of life that stifles our freedom and goes against our desires for happiness and joy. But this is far from the truth. Christians are men and women who are truly happy because they know that they are not alone. They know that God is always holding them in his hands. It is up to you, young followers of Christ, to show the world that faith brings happiness and a joy which is true, full and enduring. If the way Christians live at times appears dull and boring, you should be the first to show the joyful and happy side of faith. The Gospel is the “good news” that God loves us and that each of us is important to him. Show the world that this is true!"
And there's more: read it all here...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Latest issue of...
...VOICES, magazine of Women for Faith and Family in the USA, is published. Auntie has a feature in it, on a v. topical subject - you may be interested in it. Read it here.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Hate mail on the Internet...
...with a campaigning group for the homosexual lobby posting horrible, vicious anti-Catholic comments, including an announcement that Catholics should never have been allowed freedom in freedom, that the Catholic Emancipation Act should not have been allowed etc etc. Sample: one of the more mild and comments describes the Church as "an international criminal organisation committed to the grossest of immoralities, bigotries and nastiness. It should be closed down and prosecuted."
Can anything be done to stop this deliberate stirring up of hatred and prejudice? Does anyone have information on this?
Can anything be done to stop this deliberate stirring up of hatred and prejudice? Does anyone have information on this?
Friday, March 23, 2012
Working on...
...current book( due out in 2013, must be with publisher this summer), and took some time out to do some planning and organising for this event later this year...
V. tempting to do a quick trail on the internet from time to time when working. Rome seems to be trying good-cop/bad-cop routine with the Lefebvrists, trying to get them to return to the Church.
V. tempting to do a quick trail on the internet from time to time when working. Rome seems to be trying good-cop/bad-cop routine with the Lefebvrists, trying to get them to return to the Church.
Theology...
...at Maryvale. There was a Study Week,a wonderful opportunity to have hours of good library-time, work on essays, consult, think. A group of PhD scholars were there - much fascinating conversation at meal times. The chapel with the dear Brigettine sisters: morning Mass, Stations of the Cross in the evening, the Office. Afternoons on the Library with von Balthasar, de Lubac, Ratzinger.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
...and so to...
...a Lenten Day of Recollection organised by the Association of Catholic Women. Fr Alexander Masters from Westminster Cathedral led us in an inspiring meditation, with glorious music, on the Seven Last Words from the Cross. The music included some from the St Matthew Passion, some by James McMillian, and a final rousing "When I survey the wondrous Cross" with a magnificent Welsh male voice choir...
Fr. reminded us that the Cross is a central part of all our lives - and it's there all the time, with crowds hurrying through Charing Cross station and not knowing how its name originates, or using words like "crucial" or expressions like "the crux of the matter"...
In the afternoon a thoughtful and beautiful talk by Sister Camilla from the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, on seeking and following God's will. This is a new and young community, and we plan a visit to their House of Prayer in the summer...
A good day, and a neccessary one for me.
Fr. reminded us that the Cross is a central part of all our lives - and it's there all the time, with crowds hurrying through Charing Cross station and not knowing how its name originates, or using words like "crucial" or expressions like "the crux of the matter"...
In the afternoon a thoughtful and beautiful talk by Sister Camilla from the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, on seeking and following God's will. This is a new and young community, and we plan a visit to their House of Prayer in the summer...
A good day, and a neccessary one for me.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A place of sanity...
...in a Britain that is steadily feeling more and more alien to common sense. St Patrick's, Soho Square, had a Mass for the vigil of its patronal day. Packed, of course, but I managed to squeeze into a pew at the very back instead of sitting on the floor. As always at St P's, the Mass brought together people of every race and background - slightly surreal experience of singing "On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love" with a pewful of Chinese.
I never liked St Patrick's Day as a child because as an English Catholic I resented the enthusiasm of Irish nuns. Looking back, it was of course an important day for them and they had a right to sing and feel tribal. Today, that hymn about St Patrick had a solemn ring to it and was sung with fervour - that the Faith may not be lost in the land he evangelised.
Grim news re the Govt's ghastly plans for crushing marriage.These creepy politicians are now so frightened of the rest of us that they have announced that the pretence of a "consultation" won't make any difference - the cruel new law will be pushed through anyway.
Living as a Christian in Britain over the next years is going to be quite difficult - although awfully interesting - and watching bureacrats becoming increasing nasty to us all is going to be rather tiresome. How pointless their dreams are - to try to rewrite humanity's deepest realities. Like the gruesome Marxist experiment, theirs will fail. We will need courage and good humour as we live through what is to come: and when it all gets really ghastly, it will be Christians who will be around to pick up the mess and cope...
I never liked St Patrick's Day as a child because as an English Catholic I resented the enthusiasm of Irish nuns. Looking back, it was of course an important day for them and they had a right to sing and feel tribal. Today, that hymn about St Patrick had a solemn ring to it and was sung with fervour - that the Faith may not be lost in the land he evangelised.
Grim news re the Govt's ghastly plans for crushing marriage.These creepy politicians are now so frightened of the rest of us that they have announced that the pretence of a "consultation" won't make any difference - the cruel new law will be pushed through anyway.
Living as a Christian in Britain over the next years is going to be quite difficult - although awfully interesting - and watching bureacrats becoming increasing nasty to us all is going to be rather tiresome. How pointless their dreams are - to try to rewrite humanity's deepest realities. Like the gruesome Marxist experiment, theirs will fail. We will need courage and good humour as we live through what is to come: and when it all gets really ghastly, it will be Christians who will be around to pick up the mess and cope...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
When you go...
...to Mass at Westminster Cathedral on a Sunday morning, you are assailed by various group urging you not to do so. There are earnest men with tracts explaining that all you need to do is say one prayer and then you are Saved and that's that. There are bright young girls with handbills inviting you to attend services at a new church somewhere else. And there is a Lefebvrist with leaflets telling you why he thinks the Church is all wrong. And the message from each of these is:please stop and talk instead of going to Mass.
But if you gently ignore them and walk up the steps and enter the Cathedral then the atmosphere of prayer greets you and folds you in. As Mass begins, the choir sings gloriously, the timeless reality of the liturgy sweeps you up into the hugeness of the mystery.
Today,instead of a sermon, a special Letter from our Bishops re marriage. As the priest started to read it out, the atmosphere became somehow more intense, as if everyone knew that something of particular importance was happening. You don't normally get that when a letter from a Bishop is announced - it's usually the signal for people to settle back comfortably and not really bother to engage. But today was different.
There were extra copies of the letter to take away at the end of Mass, but these all ran out quickly. (You can get a copy by following that link given above). Outside, as the crowds poured out, the groups in the piazza had been joined by another - a little lobby of people with a placard being rude about the Church for opposing same-sex marriage.
The Cathedral newsletter urged people to sign up to the marriage petition on the internet, giving the link. For those that don't have internet access, there are forms...I had some with me and a friend was keen to sign then and there - lots of other people then surged round to sign too.
What will happen about this new marriage law? I expect that the initial reaction to our Bishops' letter will be sneers - especially from those who for some reason seem to delight in arousing indignation about anything a bishop says.
It's also a grim fact that the Govt will only be swayed by one thing - the possibility that the ghastly plans to rewrite the definition of marriage will prove so unpopular that it might cost them the next election.
So one small thing you can do is to sign the petition, and get others to sign too.
But if you gently ignore them and walk up the steps and enter the Cathedral then the atmosphere of prayer greets you and folds you in. As Mass begins, the choir sings gloriously, the timeless reality of the liturgy sweeps you up into the hugeness of the mystery.
Today,instead of a sermon, a special Letter from our Bishops re marriage. As the priest started to read it out, the atmosphere became somehow more intense, as if everyone knew that something of particular importance was happening. You don't normally get that when a letter from a Bishop is announced - it's usually the signal for people to settle back comfortably and not really bother to engage. But today was different.
There were extra copies of the letter to take away at the end of Mass, but these all ran out quickly. (You can get a copy by following that link given above). Outside, as the crowds poured out, the groups in the piazza had been joined by another - a little lobby of people with a placard being rude about the Church for opposing same-sex marriage.
The Cathedral newsletter urged people to sign up to the marriage petition on the internet, giving the link. For those that don't have internet access, there are forms...I had some with me and a friend was keen to sign then and there - lots of other people then surged round to sign too.
What will happen about this new marriage law? I expect that the initial reaction to our Bishops' letter will be sneers - especially from those who for some reason seem to delight in arousing indignation about anything a bishop says.
It's also a grim fact that the Govt will only be swayed by one thing - the possibility that the ghastly plans to rewrite the definition of marriage will prove so unpopular that it might cost them the next election.
So one small thing you can do is to sign the petition, and get others to sign too.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Come to...
...St George's Cathedral, Southwark, on Monday evening for a talk on some of England's Catholic history. "From Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II"...come and enjoy. For info here...
Yes, the speaker is Auntie. BUt the topic is interesting, so do swallow your prejudices and come...
Yes, the speaker is Auntie. BUt the topic is interesting, so do swallow your prejudices and come...
Friday, March 09, 2012
If you haven't already signed...
...the petition to HM Govt about marriage, hurry and do so now. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT>
Over 100,000 signatures already, but we need lots more. Sign up here.
Over 100,000 signatures already, but we need lots more. Sign up here.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
I know...
...that it's a v.v. long way ahead, but can you please note adate for your diary?
Sat Oct 20th - the Two Cathedrals Procession, from Westminster Cathedral to St George's Southwark, carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of London. Book it in your diary now.
Sat Oct 20th - the Two Cathedrals Procession, from Westminster Cathedral to St George's Southwark, carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of London. Book it in your diary now.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee...
...will be celebrated in June and a neighbour stopped me in the street the other evening to ask what we were going to do about a street party. For the Golden Jubilee, we had a grand party - tables in the street, cakes, sandwiches, sausages rolls, drinks - and I worked with a nice girl from further down the road to organise a Quiz, with people gathering in teams to tackle questions on British history and local folklore...we ended up with some singing and with three rousing cheers for Her Majesty and a good time was had by all.
Oddly enough, I met this girl again just the other day...when we found ourselves exchanging the Sign of Peace at Mass! She had married and moved away, but still in the same local area...
What to do about the Diamond Jubilee? Britain is in a mess but that's not HM's fault, and a neighbourly get-together would do everyone good and might gently remind us all about some of the values that really matter...
BTW I found this piece a good read...
Oddly enough, I met this girl again just the other day...when we found ourselves exchanging the Sign of Peace at Mass! She had married and moved away, but still in the same local area...
What to do about the Diamond Jubilee? Britain is in a mess but that's not HM's fault, and a neighbourly get-together would do everyone good and might gently remind us all about some of the values that really matter...
BTW I found this piece a good read...
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
This evening, in Parliament...
...Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, retired Anglican Bishop of Rochester, gave a lecture on marriage. It was well-attended and the clear message was one of a robust and intellectually profound defence of marriage as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, establishing a new family. Excellent stuff. There was much enthusiasm on the news that the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have urged support for marriage and opposition to the Government's plans to alter the law.
Monday, March 05, 2012
My London....
...is really Westminster and its environs - the Cathedral, and also Parliament and the places associated with it where meetings and conferences of various sorts happen - plus a good slice of the City where I take groups of history enthusiasts...and of course the southern suburbs where I have made my home for decades and where I've worked on local newspapers, the interlocking places that were once (long ago!) villages and now merge in a muddle of traffic in the loops of the Thames or out along the old roads that reach down to Surrey and Kent...
But there is another London out there to the east, where once the great Docks brought shiploads of goods to a great city, and where, long long years before, Romans and Saxons and Vikings made their way up the Thames to make bridgeheads and encampments and carve out their own chapters of our complicated history...
And that's where I found myself on Sunday. Walking along a great stretch of water,rain lashing down, silence all around broken only by the sudden splash of oars and cries of instruction and encouragement as a rowing team ploughed its way past me.
I was out beyond Docklands, at the University of East London - invited there to give a talk on London's Catholic history. Arrived early and no one - absolutely no one - was around on the university campus by the ancient stretch of docklands water. I walked with God in the rain, pondered history, said the Rosary, relished it all...
Made my way back to the station to be met by Father Thomas of the Community of St John, entrusted with the chaplaincy at the University. Warmth and friendship in the pleasant Chaplaincy room. Next door, a lecture hall transformed into a chapel with icons and altar and candles. Students - mostly Africans - gathering. Mass,with singing led by young men with strong voices. Atmosphere of great devotion. A cheery gathering afterwards for my lecture.
It was a wonderful morning, and then a ride to Canning Town where the Community of St John is based (busy parish, over 800 regular Massgoers, plus chaplaincy of a big secondary school etc etc...) lunch, much talk, and I borrowed a fascinating book about Mother Teresa for the journey home...
But there is another London out there to the east, where once the great Docks brought shiploads of goods to a great city, and where, long long years before, Romans and Saxons and Vikings made their way up the Thames to make bridgeheads and encampments and carve out their own chapters of our complicated history...
And that's where I found myself on Sunday. Walking along a great stretch of water,rain lashing down, silence all around broken only by the sudden splash of oars and cries of instruction and encouragement as a rowing team ploughed its way past me.
I was out beyond Docklands, at the University of East London - invited there to give a talk on London's Catholic history. Arrived early and no one - absolutely no one - was around on the university campus by the ancient stretch of docklands water. I walked with God in the rain, pondered history, said the Rosary, relished it all...
Made my way back to the station to be met by Father Thomas of the Community of St John, entrusted with the chaplaincy at the University. Warmth and friendship in the pleasant Chaplaincy room. Next door, a lecture hall transformed into a chapel with icons and altar and candles. Students - mostly Africans - gathering. Mass,with singing led by young men with strong voices. Atmosphere of great devotion. A cheery gathering afterwards for my lecture.
It was a wonderful morning, and then a ride to Canning Town where the Community of St John is based (busy parish, over 800 regular Massgoers, plus chaplaincy of a big secondary school etc etc...) lunch, much talk, and I borrowed a fascinating book about Mother Teresa for the journey home...
Saturday, March 03, 2012
To Allen Hall...
seminary for the diocese of Westminster. As we arrived, we were asked to respect the silence - the men studying there were having a silent retreat all day.
The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary was holding its annual meeting in one of the public rooms...superb lecture by Fr Aidan Nicholls. He spoke about Marian ecclesiology - I found it v. exciting to realise that it exactly chimed in with what I had been reading, studying and pondering in the light of Lumen Gentium (regular readers of this blog will know about this) and the significance of Bl John Paul's insights etc...
Think about Magnificat - it is the song of the Church, as well as of Mary...
The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary was holding its annual meeting in one of the public rooms...superb lecture by Fr Aidan Nicholls. He spoke about Marian ecclesiology - I found it v. exciting to realise that it exactly chimed in with what I had been reading, studying and pondering in the light of Lumen Gentium (regular readers of this blog will know about this) and the significance of Bl John Paul's insights etc...
Think about Magnificat - it is the song of the Church, as well as of Mary...
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Read the latest...
...news and views from the Ordinarite of Our Lady of Walsingham here... (and Auntie has a feature in it).
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A new approach...
...seems to have been signalled about something in London which has been all wrong for too long. Special Masses have been celebrated for people with same-sex-attraction tendencies. And it has been by no means clear that these Masses have been supportive of the teachings of the Church in this area.
But things look set to change. A statement from Archbishop's House says: "At the present time consideration is being given to the circumstances in which these Masses are celebrated to ensure that their purpose is respected and that they are not occasions for confusion or opposition concerning the positive teaching of the Church on the meaning of human sexuality or the moral imperatives that flow from that teaching,which we uphold and towards which we all strive.”
This is good news and what happens next needs our prayers.
But things look set to change. A statement from Archbishop's House says: "At the present time consideration is being given to the circumstances in which these Masses are celebrated to ensure that their purpose is respected and that they are not occasions for confusion or opposition concerning the positive teaching of the Church on the meaning of human sexuality or the moral imperatives that flow from that teaching,which we uphold and towards which we all strive.”
This is good news and what happens next needs our prayers.
From Power to Prison to Peace...
... the subject of a recent talk at the Catholic Writers' Guild. Speaker was Jonathan Aitken. It was spot-on - downbeat,thoughtful, honest, delivered with humour and insight.Nothing trite, nothing smug or insincere. The gifts that took him soaring up in public life are still hugely apparent.
Years and years ago, there was a big meeting organised in London by Lord Longford, on the theme "The crisis in our country - what can we do about it?" It was a typically well-intentioned Lord Longfordian sort of excercise - various people, all really unconnected, brought together in a spirit of general goodwill with the idea that together we might...well...do something about the economic, social, and spiritual decline of the nation. This was the late 1970s.I had been invited with some other representatives of youth and community organisations. A number of people, including the excellent Mary Whitehouse, spoke rather well about the spiritual state of things and the need to support marriage, family, and community values. Then a young v. good-looking chap came to the rostrum. He was a Member of Parliament and his contribution was to be on economic matters. "Today many people have spoken, very movingly, about God" he said "I am here to talk about Mammon..." That was Jonathan Aitken. And now here he is in 2012 speaking about God.
I was at that meeting back in the 70s, and at the Guild meeting the other day I was asked to give the tote of thanks and was able to bring the two events together...
If you get the chance to hear Jonathan Aitken speak, seize it. I think he is doing good work.
Years and years ago, there was a big meeting organised in London by Lord Longford, on the theme "The crisis in our country - what can we do about it?" It was a typically well-intentioned Lord Longfordian sort of excercise - various people, all really unconnected, brought together in a spirit of general goodwill with the idea that together we might...well...do something about the economic, social, and spiritual decline of the nation. This was the late 1970s.I had been invited with some other representatives of youth and community organisations. A number of people, including the excellent Mary Whitehouse, spoke rather well about the spiritual state of things and the need to support marriage, family, and community values. Then a young v. good-looking chap came to the rostrum. He was a Member of Parliament and his contribution was to be on economic matters. "Today many people have spoken, very movingly, about God" he said "I am here to talk about Mammon..." That was Jonathan Aitken. And now here he is in 2012 speaking about God.
I was at that meeting back in the 70s, and at the Guild meeting the other day I was asked to give the tote of thanks and was able to bring the two events together...
If you get the chance to hear Jonathan Aitken speak, seize it. I think he is doing good work.
MInster-in-Thanet...
...and a happy day with the Sisters there. This was a longed-planned trip with a friend who had missed the pilgrimage organised by the Association of Catholic Women last year: we promised ourselves a day trip and finally made it this week.
We arrived for Mass at 9am - it was said by a young priest making his first visit to the Abbey since his ordination, and so as Mass ended we all lined up to recieve his blessing and kiss his hands - a moving and unforgettable scene. We joined the Sisters for the various Offices through the day - they file into the chapel two by two, with quiet dignity, including the newest novice in a white veil,and a postulant not yet robed, and there is such a peaceful and "grounded" feel to it all. In the afternoon, we walked by the sea - this is where St Augustine landed, and a Cross not far from the shore marks it all. Thus the Faith was planted here...will it now drift away after over 1,500 years? Prayers...New Evangelisation...courage...
There were young children visiting the Abbey - a school group, I think - and they trooped into the chapel for the midday Office. In the garden there were snowdrops all along lawns, and the first tentative buds of daffodils in clumps by the path.
Vespers, with candles glowing in the sanctuary, and the rhythm of the voices chanting the psalms turn and turn about...then the drive back to London and the train home via London Bridge...
We arrived for Mass at 9am - it was said by a young priest making his first visit to the Abbey since his ordination, and so as Mass ended we all lined up to recieve his blessing and kiss his hands - a moving and unforgettable scene. We joined the Sisters for the various Offices through the day - they file into the chapel two by two, with quiet dignity, including the newest novice in a white veil,and a postulant not yet robed, and there is such a peaceful and "grounded" feel to it all. In the afternoon, we walked by the sea - this is where St Augustine landed, and a Cross not far from the shore marks it all. Thus the Faith was planted here...will it now drift away after over 1,500 years? Prayers...New Evangelisation...courage...
There were young children visiting the Abbey - a school group, I think - and they trooped into the chapel for the midday Office. In the garden there were snowdrops all along lawns, and the first tentative buds of daffodils in clumps by the path.
Vespers, with candles glowing in the sanctuary, and the rhythm of the voices chanting the psalms turn and turn about...then the drive back to London and the train home via London Bridge...
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Evensong....
...with the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Anglican-style Evensong, chanted in the church of the Holy Ghost, Balham, in full communion with the Catholic Church. We chanted the psalms, had the Scripture readings,chanted the canticle, said the Creed, prayed for the Pope, prayed for our country...
"It's a new initiative - I'll be glad if we get ten people" said Deacon James Bradley, who organised it. We got twice that number, a devotional atmosphere, and for me at any rate a quiet sense of history being made.
Certainly C.of E.-style psalms and "Endew thy ministers with righteousness" and so on would be unfamiliar territory to the young families with small children who make up the bulk of Balham's congregations for the packed morning Masses. But to have Evensong in this way is a blessing for the parish, a good initiative for the Ordinariate and a sign of what can be done...numbers will quietly grow, and I for one will certainly be attending again. 5pm, every Sunday in Lent.
"It's a new initiative - I'll be glad if we get ten people" said Deacon James Bradley, who organised it. We got twice that number, a devotional atmosphere, and for me at any rate a quiet sense of history being made.
Certainly C.of E.-style psalms and "Endew thy ministers with righteousness" and so on would be unfamiliar territory to the young families with small children who make up the bulk of Balham's congregations for the packed morning Masses. But to have Evensong in this way is a blessing for the parish, a good initiative for the Ordinariate and a sign of what can be done...numbers will quietly grow, and I for one will certainly be attending again. 5pm, every Sunday in Lent.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Go on...
...listen to this sermon. This in the Church in America speaking with courage and faith and offering hope.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ashes and crowds...
...at St Patrick's Soho Square. I was there to give a lecture at the St Patrick's Evangelisation School and stayed on to recieve ashes at the midday Mass. Large numbers of people came streaming steadily into the church - by the time Mass was under way the place was full, and it was rather haunting to see everyone filing up the aisle silently and to hear Fr Alexander's voice to each one as he distributed the blessed ashes on foreheads. A server stood alongside him, having to replenish the dish of ashes as they got used up. And immediately after that Mass was over, people were pouring in again and Fr A. began to celebrate the next one. More crowds.
I ate a frugal Lenten lunch (mashed potato and baked peppers, since you ask) with the SPES students and various members of the parish team - and then spent the afternoon at home working on my current book project. Have just had a how's-it-going? chivvy from the publisher but am not so far panicking as I think we'll be on schedule...
Found these pix of Ash Wednesday scenes from around the world...
I ate a frugal Lenten lunch (mashed potato and baked peppers, since you ask) with the SPES students and various members of the parish team - and then spent the afternoon at home working on my current book project. Have just had a how's-it-going? chivvy from the publisher but am not so far panicking as I think we'll be on schedule...
Found these pix of Ash Wednesday scenes from around the world...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I've just read...
... a truly frightening report about the American Air Force. I honestly thought it was a spoof at first. The chap in charge of the US Air Force has announced that any endorsement of a religious faith is banned: so a course on leadership that quoted some verses from the Bible has been stopped, any announcements about any religious activities must be made by a chaplain and not by any commander, and even ordinary conversations that appear to offer any sort of religious support are forbidden.
The only link that I - or most other British people - have with the American air force is this one. Now what are they going to do to remove the religious symbols there? Would the current Chief of Staff of the US Air Force like to begin work on the project, explaining to us all why he is doing so and how he is going to tell the families involved?
The only link that I - or most other British people - have with the American air force is this one. Now what are they going to do to remove the religious symbols there? Would the current Chief of Staff of the US Air Force like to begin work on the project, explaining to us all why he is doing so and how he is going to tell the families involved?
Our good team...
...of workers for Aid to the Church in Need gathered in London for the annual conference and training day. These are the men and women who go from church to church to raise funds for the people who are being persecuted for their faith in various countries. There were presentations on a range of topic including a report from field worker John Pontifex, focusing on the Middle East. Mass, lunch, sessions tackling the practicalities of fund-raising.
As the day drew to a close we gathered in the beautiful chapel - we were at a conference centre run by nuns in Roehampton - for a Holy Hour and Benediction. This was led by an Eastern-rite Deacon. As we entered, he was pacing the chapel with the thurible: instead of merely incensing the altar and the sanctuary, he was filling the whole church with incense, and his measured, prayerful pace and the swish of the thurible and the scent and sound of it drew us in, and conveyed a message that the whole place was holy and sacred. This is an idea that we in the Western rite can take up instead of stopping short at the sanctuary steps.
Benediction was beautiful - we sang the O Salutaris and Tantum ergo with joy and were led in an Eastern-rite prayer, and the Divine Praises...
Shrove Tuesday - pancakes at suppertime, with lemon and sugar. Lent starts tomorrow. A friend and I have covenanted together to maintain our Lenten resolutions and be accountable to each other. We have invited Blessed John Paul to be our patron for this season.
So here goes...
As the day drew to a close we gathered in the beautiful chapel - we were at a conference centre run by nuns in Roehampton - for a Holy Hour and Benediction. This was led by an Eastern-rite Deacon. As we entered, he was pacing the chapel with the thurible: instead of merely incensing the altar and the sanctuary, he was filling the whole church with incense, and his measured, prayerful pace and the swish of the thurible and the scent and sound of it drew us in, and conveyed a message that the whole place was holy and sacred. This is an idea that we in the Western rite can take up instead of stopping short at the sanctuary steps.
Benediction was beautiful - we sang the O Salutaris and Tantum ergo with joy and were led in an Eastern-rite prayer, and the Divine Praises...
Shrove Tuesday - pancakes at suppertime, with lemon and sugar. Lent starts tomorrow. A friend and I have covenanted together to maintain our Lenten resolutions and be accountable to each other. We have invited Blessed John Paul to be our patron for this season.
So here goes...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
For much of my adult life...
...I was told that the Second Vatican Council was "all a dreadful mistake" "didn't achieve anything worthwhile" etc etc, and I suspect too many - especially young - people are still being told that. But it's just not true. This weekend, attending at Maryvale a series of lectures on the Church, I realised again the huge importance of Lumen Gentium and its profound perspective on the reality of the Church. Instead of presenting the Church as a sort of super-society, a structure with rules, this offers much more profound understanding of the Church, all richly connected with Christ.
I hadn't fully grasped the significance of 19th century history - when Garibaldi's army helped to ensure a swift ending to the First Vatican Council, there was much that was left undone - and many years, and two world wars, later, the Second Vatican Council took on the task with a renewed understanding of its urgency. We are only now, fifty years on again, able to see that - like all great Councils of the Church - the full significance of what it discovered and taught has an immense importance over and beyond what its actual participants imagined.
Maryvale is a wonderful place at which to study. You are woken in the morning by the sound of the Brigettine sisters singing their morning office in the chapel. Mass follows - academics, students, sisters, everyone, together filling the chapel, priests concelebrating, an atmosphere of great devotion. Then we say the morning Office together, after which comes breakfast and then lectures begin. The old house, large and rambling, always seems to yield up new secrets - this time I found that I could get to the lecture room speedily through a tiny slip of a corridor I hadn't even known existed, connecting one section of the house with another, near what was once Bl. John Henry Newman's room. Outside, rain lashed down but we were snug and at meals crowds of students chattered and nattered in the pleasant refectory over plates of pasta and sausages. The only grim thing is the coffee, but I always bring my own(and share it with anyone and everyone who happens to be at my table)so that problem is solved.
The library is full of good things, the grounds, rain-washed but agreeable summoned me for some fresh air under rustling trees. On Sunday morning we listened to the Gospel about the paralysed man being lifted down through the roof: an image of how it's the faith and support of others, and not neccesarily our own, that can bring us to Christ. A rich sense of being part of the universal Church, the timelessness of the Eucharist, of the Church, of God, a strong unity with the Holy Father in Rome. The Church: Lumen Gentium.
I hadn't fully grasped the significance of 19th century history - when Garibaldi's army helped to ensure a swift ending to the First Vatican Council, there was much that was left undone - and many years, and two world wars, later, the Second Vatican Council took on the task with a renewed understanding of its urgency. We are only now, fifty years on again, able to see that - like all great Councils of the Church - the full significance of what it discovered and taught has an immense importance over and beyond what its actual participants imagined.
Maryvale is a wonderful place at which to study. You are woken in the morning by the sound of the Brigettine sisters singing their morning office in the chapel. Mass follows - academics, students, sisters, everyone, together filling the chapel, priests concelebrating, an atmosphere of great devotion. Then we say the morning Office together, after which comes breakfast and then lectures begin. The old house, large and rambling, always seems to yield up new secrets - this time I found that I could get to the lecture room speedily through a tiny slip of a corridor I hadn't even known existed, connecting one section of the house with another, near what was once Bl. John Henry Newman's room. Outside, rain lashed down but we were snug and at meals crowds of students chattered and nattered in the pleasant refectory over plates of pasta and sausages. The only grim thing is the coffee, but I always bring my own(and share it with anyone and everyone who happens to be at my table)so that problem is solved.
The library is full of good things, the grounds, rain-washed but agreeable summoned me for some fresh air under rustling trees. On Sunday morning we listened to the Gospel about the paralysed man being lifted down through the roof: an image of how it's the faith and support of others, and not neccesarily our own, that can bring us to Christ. A rich sense of being part of the universal Church, the timelessness of the Eucharist, of the Church, of God, a strong unity with the Holy Father in Rome. The Church: Lumen Gentium.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Busy morning - led a workshop....
...for students sponsored by this magazine for girls. It feels odd playing the role of Veteran Journalist Offering Wisdom. And the world of mass communications is changing so rapidly that it is hard to know is there is anything of value that one can offer...
On to Westminster Cathedral. Led History Tour. I always enjoy doing these. My favourite mosaic is the one of St Augustine being sent to evangelise England - he is there in Rome's Trajan market in the 6th century, with the Saxon slaves in their leggings. The story is that he and his monks set off at the behest of Pope St Gregory,to evangelise the land from which these poor slaves came, but on arrival in Gaul they heard such frightful stories about Britain - its cold weather, brutal people, stewed tea, Marmite sandwiches, whatever - that they hurried back to Rome and had to be told sternly to get on and do as they were told. So they dutifully set out again and...well....here we are, in Westminster Cathedral, and the evangelisation continues...
Evening meeting helping to plan the TOGETHER IN FAITH VIGIL organised for May 17th with Aid to the Church in Need. Book the date in your diary now!
On to Westminster Cathedral. Led History Tour. I always enjoy doing these. My favourite mosaic is the one of St Augustine being sent to evangelise England - he is there in Rome's Trajan market in the 6th century, with the Saxon slaves in their leggings. The story is that he and his monks set off at the behest of Pope St Gregory,to evangelise the land from which these poor slaves came, but on arrival in Gaul they heard such frightful stories about Britain - its cold weather, brutal people, stewed tea, Marmite sandwiches, whatever - that they hurried back to Rome and had to be told sternly to get on and do as they were told. So they dutifully set out again and...well....here we are, in Westminster Cathedral, and the evangelisation continues...
Evening meeting helping to plan the TOGETHER IN FAITH VIGIL organised for May 17th with Aid to the Church in Need. Book the date in your diary now!
Piers Paul Read's...
...latest book is just out and is a must-read. Get out of your comfort-zone and get a copy and get reading...
Remember...
...the headlines in 2010 about the Vatican being sued because of the sexual abuse perpetrated by a priest in Milwaukee? The case has now been withdrawn. But you won't hear about it from the media pack - read it here.
The Milwaukee priest was involved in abuse of children at a school for the deaf from the 1950s until 1974. Campaigning lawyers tried to make out that the Pope was responsible. It was all used in an attempt to destroy the 2010 Papal visit to Britain. Didn't work.
The Milwaukee priest was involved in abuse of children at a school for the deaf from the 1950s until 1974. Campaigning lawyers tried to make out that the Pope was responsible. It was all used in an attempt to destroy the 2010 Papal visit to Britain. Didn't work.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Weekday Mass...
...in this local parish with a good-sized congregation. Its a beautiful Mass, we chant the Kyrie, Agnus Dei etc properly, there's a sense of reverence and unity. Whenever I go it's the same - even today's raw weather failed to deter people...
Tomorrow: a Catholic History Walk around Westminster Cathedral. Come and celebrate the heritage of this London landmark. Starts 2.30pm - meet us on the Cathedral steps, or just inside.
Been re-reading A Freedom Within, the prison memoirs of Stefan Cardinal Wyszinski. When I first read this book, back in the early 1980s, it was with faintly smug sense of oooh-how-terrible-to-live-in-Eastern-Europe. Now, in the changed and changing circumstances of modern Britain, my reaction is rather different. Arbitrary official decrees that make it impossible for the Church to function normally, bureaucratic restrictions on Christian work for the sick and the poor, jargon-ridden language in Government circles that seeps into a loss of everyday freedoms...it doesn't seem so remote or far-away now...
Tomorrow: a Catholic History Walk around Westminster Cathedral. Come and celebrate the heritage of this London landmark. Starts 2.30pm - meet us on the Cathedral steps, or just inside.
Been re-reading A Freedom Within, the prison memoirs of Stefan Cardinal Wyszinski. When I first read this book, back in the early 1980s, it was with faintly smug sense of oooh-how-terrible-to-live-in-Eastern-Europe. Now, in the changed and changing circumstances of modern Britain, my reaction is rather different. Arbitrary official decrees that make it impossible for the Church to function normally, bureaucratic restrictions on Christian work for the sick and the poor, jargon-ridden language in Government circles that seeps into a loss of everyday freedoms...it doesn't seem so remote or far-away now...
Monday, February 13, 2012
"Forty Days for LIfe"....
...is an excellent initiative, and today I had the priviledge of taking the founders of this movement on a history tour of London...we began at Westminster Cathedral,went on to the Abbey, took in all sorts of bits of history like the Grey Coat Hospital and St Matthew's...lunched at the Albert pub, later went on to the Tower...
A most useful meeting at Holy Trinity Brompton - good, ecumenical friendly discussions, shared prayer, an atmosphere of warmth and welcome.
Good things happen when Christians get together to defend human life and human dignity. HTB has a bookshop with some good material on supporting marriage and family life, and I also found myself gripped by a new edition of C.S.Lewis' Mere Christianity, which I remember reading long ago and which stirred and helped me hugely...
A most useful meeting at Holy Trinity Brompton - good, ecumenical friendly discussions, shared prayer, an atmosphere of warmth and welcome.
Good things happen when Christians get together to defend human life and human dignity. HTB has a bookshop with some good material on supporting marriage and family life, and I also found myself gripped by a new edition of C.S.Lewis' Mere Christianity, which I remember reading long ago and which stirred and helped me hugely...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year..."
This is one of those all-time quotes. A previously unknown piece of prose was quoted by King George VI in his broadcast to the nation on the outbreak of World War II in 1939. The words became identified with the King and with the noble cause to which he was rallying the nation - giving voice to the sense of moral purpose which would would sustain them in the months ahead..
"...Go out into the dark, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way."
But today, if you quoted those words as an inspiration at the beginning of a borough council meeting in Britain it would be illegal. A judge ruled this week that prayers before council meetings contravene the law. He claims that this is based on a law passed in 1972. In 1974 I was elected to the council of the London Borough of Sutton. We began every Council meeting with prayers, and opened the year with a Civic Service in a local church, walking there in procession headed by the Mayor with his mace. I don't think there had ever been meetings of the Council, or of any of its predecessors (Borough of Beddington and Wallington, Urban District of Carshalton, etc) that had not begun with prayers.
This latest court ruling is nonsense and must be overturned.
Britain in the 21st century is looking-glass land. Can we get back to reality, please?
"...Go out into the dark, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way."
But today, if you quoted those words as an inspiration at the beginning of a borough council meeting in Britain it would be illegal. A judge ruled this week that prayers before council meetings contravene the law. He claims that this is based on a law passed in 1972. In 1974 I was elected to the council of the London Borough of Sutton. We began every Council meeting with prayers, and opened the year with a Civic Service in a local church, walking there in procession headed by the Mayor with his mace. I don't think there had ever been meetings of the Council, or of any of its predecessors (Borough of Beddington and Wallington, Urban District of Carshalton, etc) that had not begun with prayers.
This latest court ruling is nonsense and must be overturned.
Britain in the 21st century is looking-glass land. Can we get back to reality, please?
Supporting the Holy Father...
...and, specifically, his plan for the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Read here for an update. Last night another fund-raiser, this time in Croydon where the vicar and a good number of parishioners from St Michael's Church are Ordinariate-bound. The church is a magnificent great red-brick mountain of Victoriana in the otherwise quite ghastly tower-block-and-concrete ugliness of Croydon. I don't know what will happen to the building in the long term: the area is very Islamic now.
We had a wonderful evening, and it was lateish as I went to catch the tram home. Croydon draws in people from all the neighbouring suburbs for Saturday nights. Girls were tottering out of the clubs on the six-inch high platform shoes that are currently a fashion obligation, along with very tiny shorts, tights, and lots of bling. They find it hard to walk - the shoes are like the pattens worn long ago by people who had to work near muddy rivers, but they don't work well on smooth sloping pavements and amid busy traffic. The girls shriek and cling on to one another, cursing and swearing with sexual expletives - their vocabulary is rather limited - trying to sort out arrangements about buses or taxi-rides home while staying upright and talking on mobile phones.
The trams leave from Reeves Corner - a confusing area at present because it was all destroyed in the summer's riots and is still being rebuilt. There is a Baptist chapel nearby with the date, 1861, nobly carved into its stone frontage - I wonder what its founders would have made of modern Croydon? There's still a whole biggish section of the Reeves shop which is thriving. A tram was waiting nearby and it was warm inside and I settled with book, the funds raised from the Ordinariate evening safely tucked somewhere way down inside my backback.
There is talk of London hosting World Youth Day - looking ahead to beyond 2013. Let's do it. We need it.
We had a wonderful evening, and it was lateish as I went to catch the tram home. Croydon draws in people from all the neighbouring suburbs for Saturday nights. Girls were tottering out of the clubs on the six-inch high platform shoes that are currently a fashion obligation, along with very tiny shorts, tights, and lots of bling. They find it hard to walk - the shoes are like the pattens worn long ago by people who had to work near muddy rivers, but they don't work well on smooth sloping pavements and amid busy traffic. The girls shriek and cling on to one another, cursing and swearing with sexual expletives - their vocabulary is rather limited - trying to sort out arrangements about buses or taxi-rides home while staying upright and talking on mobile phones.
The trams leave from Reeves Corner - a confusing area at present because it was all destroyed in the summer's riots and is still being rebuilt. There is a Baptist chapel nearby with the date, 1861, nobly carved into its stone frontage - I wonder what its founders would have made of modern Croydon? There's still a whole biggish section of the Reeves shop which is thriving. A tram was waiting nearby and it was warm inside and I settled with book, the funds raised from the Ordinariate evening safely tucked somewhere way down inside my backback.
There is talk of London hosting World Youth Day - looking ahead to beyond 2013. Let's do it. We need it.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Farm Street...
...is London's famous Jesuit church and it is magnificent. A beautiful Mass there this evening to mark the centenary of the National Catholic Library (founded 1912) and to see the presentation of the Bene Merenti medal to a longtime volunteer staff member. Celebrant at the Mass was Bishop John Sherrington. The church gleams and glitters - it's in superb condition and, on this bitterly cold evening, was gloriously warm. There are several Masses there every Sunday including the sung Latin one which is noted for its fine music.
Back in 1992, I was in the Catholic Library - then based in Westminster, just behind the Cathedral - on the day the Church of England Synod debated the ordination of women. The librarian asked the two people - one was me - working in the reference room if we minded if she listened to the debate on the radio. We rather wanted to hear it too. We listened. I was underwhelmed by the arguments put for priestesses. I thought the people explaining how Scripture and Tradition pointed to the continuity of the Church's teaching in this matter had the better of the debate. I had to leave the library before the discussion ended. As I walked down Victoria Street I saw people coming out of the Synod, and two gleeful ladies told me they had won. I was sad.
But things have moved on and now, twenty years later, we are watching with awe the opening chapters of the next part of the history of Christianity in these islands - the unity for which so many have prayed, the fruit of ecumenical efforts over the years. We have the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Deo GRatias.
Back in 1992, I was in the Catholic Library - then based in Westminster, just behind the Cathedral - on the day the Church of England Synod debated the ordination of women. The librarian asked the two people - one was me - working in the reference room if we minded if she listened to the debate on the radio. We rather wanted to hear it too. We listened. I was underwhelmed by the arguments put for priestesses. I thought the people explaining how Scripture and Tradition pointed to the continuity of the Church's teaching in this matter had the better of the debate. I had to leave the library before the discussion ended. As I walked down Victoria Street I saw people coming out of the Synod, and two gleeful ladies told me they had won. I was sad.
But things have moved on and now, twenty years later, we are watching with awe the opening chapters of the next part of the history of Christianity in these islands - the unity for which so many have prayed, the fruit of ecumenical efforts over the years. We have the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Deo GRatias.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
A meeting of the...
...CATHOLIC VOICES Academy, on "Morality and the Markets". A useful and stimulating discussion.
Earlier, I spent the day packing up prizes and certificates for a school project run by Southwark Vocations Children were invited to interview a priest or a Sister and then write it up. There were some excellent essays, many showing the real affection and admiration that children have for their parish priest. There were also, as always,some splendid howlers and some glorious spelling. Every child taking part gets a small religious medal and a wristband. Some of the young winners are getting this book as a prize, which is pleasing.
Earlier, I spent the day packing up prizes and certificates for a school project run by Southwark Vocations Children were invited to interview a priest or a Sister and then write it up. There were some excellent essays, many showing the real affection and admiration that children have for their parish priest. There were also, as always,some splendid howlers and some glorious spelling. Every child taking part gets a small religious medal and a wristband. Some of the young winners are getting this book as a prize, which is pleasing.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
"If we do not act now, the consequences will be grave..."
....thus the Archbishop of New York, speaking about the Obama/religious freedom issue. Read more here.
What is happening in the USA is frightening and disgraceful. No less fearsome are the plans of our Government here in Britain to force same-sex "marriage" on the nation, with the clear possibility that churches that refuse to offer such ceremonies could be subjected to legal action.
This is a time for courage and the American bishops are showing the way.
What is happening in the USA is frightening and disgraceful. No less fearsome are the plans of our Government here in Britain to force same-sex "marriage" on the nation, with the clear possibility that churches that refuse to offer such ceremonies could be subjected to legal action.
This is a time for courage and the American bishops are showing the way.
Students...
..at University College London are being told they can't hold a pro-life meeting. And the plans for banning them from doing so are utterly unjust as well as ludicrous. There's a good analysis of the situation here.
The point that we need to make repeatedly is that no one has any right to abortion: I don't just mean morally, which is obviously the case - I mean, even under the present law. Abortion is available effectively on-demand in Britain, but the law doesn't state that it is a right: there are various (ineffective, but nevertheless existing) restrictions on it. The law doesn't say that you have a "right to choose" to kill a baby. So students are in no way trampling on anyone's "rights" when they affirm how evil abortion is, and call for an end to it. We should assume that one day abortion will be banned in Britain: a civilised country protects its unborn babies and that is what our country should do.
The point that we need to make repeatedly is that no one has any right to abortion: I don't just mean morally, which is obviously the case - I mean, even under the present law. Abortion is available effectively on-demand in Britain, but the law doesn't state that it is a right: there are various (ineffective, but nevertheless existing) restrictions on it. The law doesn't say that you have a "right to choose" to kill a baby. So students are in no way trampling on anyone's "rights" when they affirm how evil abortion is, and call for an end to it. We should assume that one day abortion will be banned in Britain: a civilised country protects its unborn babies and that is what our country should do.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
An evening of poetry...
...yes, you read that correctly. Organised by Oliver House School in South London, and it was absolutely delightful. A packed hall,great enthusiasm, delightful children reciting some wonderful verse,a roar of applause greeting Roald Dahl's magnificent tirade on the subject of TV. I had the unenviable task of being one of the judges, and the delightful task of presenting the prizes and the Trophy to the final overall winner. Everyone entered into the spirit of the evening with great goodwill - it was honestly one of the happiest of gatherings I've ever attended in the London suburbs. There was a joyful and solid timelessness about it - thus might our ancestors, down through the centuries, have rallied to enjoy themselves on a February evening of bitter cold. With wine and snacks, and friendship and laughter, this was just such good fun. And the children had learned their poetry well, and declaimed it with clarity and enthusiasm. The school was founded just over half a dozen years ago and no wonder it is thriving.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Sadly, the Study Day organised by the Association of Catholic Women for Feb 7th has had to be CANCELLED. We hope to reschedule it for the summer term. Those who had booked places have been notified.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Fatima conspiracy theorists...
... aren't going to like this, but: Cardinal Raymond Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, has given his blessing, and written a Foreword, to a new book "FATIMA FOR TODAY" which explains the huge significance of the Fatima visions and their message. The book makes it clear that the Church has not been lying to us, that the whole of the famous Third Secret has indeed been revealed, that the message is one of prayer and penance, and that this is all central to the evangelistic work of the Church.
The book is by Franciscan Friar Fr Andrew Apostoli and is a very good read.It includes a series of appendices tackling the publication of the Third Secret in 2000, affirms the full validity of the Consecration carried out in 1984, gives the full text of Cardinal Ratzinger's statement in 2000, and has information on his recent visit as Pope to Fatima and what he said there, and details of interviews with Sister Lucia.The information on Russia is of particular interest.
None of this will make much difference to the "Fatimists", who will doubtless redouble their efforts to claim that Pope Benedict is really holding back secret information, that he and Blessed John Paul haven't told the truth...one school of thought argues that Sister Lucia wasn't the real Sister Lucia but a double put forward in her place to talk to people from the Vatican...etc...etc...etc.
Pope Benedict has noted that the "beyond this great vision of the suffering of the Pope which we can in the first instance refer to Pope John Paul II" the message of Fatima indicates a continued suffering "The need for a passion of the Church...the Lord told us that the Church would constantly be suffering, in different ways, until the end of time." Perhaps part of that suffering is the chatter of the conspiracy-theorists whose noise drowns out the message of prayer.
Do read this book.
The book is by Franciscan Friar Fr Andrew Apostoli and is a very good read.It includes a series of appendices tackling the publication of the Third Secret in 2000, affirms the full validity of the Consecration carried out in 1984, gives the full text of Cardinal Ratzinger's statement in 2000, and has information on his recent visit as Pope to Fatima and what he said there, and details of interviews with Sister Lucia.The information on Russia is of particular interest.
None of this will make much difference to the "Fatimists", who will doubtless redouble their efforts to claim that Pope Benedict is really holding back secret information, that he and Blessed John Paul haven't told the truth...one school of thought argues that Sister Lucia wasn't the real Sister Lucia but a double put forward in her place to talk to people from the Vatican...etc...etc...etc.
Pope Benedict has noted that the "beyond this great vision of the suffering of the Pope which we can in the first instance refer to Pope John Paul II" the message of Fatima indicates a continued suffering "The need for a passion of the Church...the Lord told us that the Church would constantly be suffering, in different ways, until the end of time." Perhaps part of that suffering is the chatter of the conspiracy-theorists whose noise drowns out the message of prayer.
Do read this book.
Poignant...
experience. Invited to give a lecture at a church hall in the very street where, a little over 30 years ago, J. and I made our first home together, where he carried me over the threshold... After the lecture I walked along the street and paused uncertainly outside the house. Should I? Should? I decided YES, and rang the bell. I'm glad I did. The chap who answered was at first puzzled, then amused and friendly.I explained myself and he invited me in.
Thirty years. So much had changed and so little. Floors stripped now to fashionably stained and varnished boards, and the small kitchen all gleaming with steel and grand equipment. But a table still placed in the big window where I used to sit and work, and a computer where my old typewriter used to be. At that window we strung bunting for the Royal Wedding back in 1981, and held a dinner party. Which caused a slight ripple with the other occupants of the rooms (we were just renting: the kitchen and main room were shared) who were NOT royalists, and indeed had pronounced extreme-left sympathies. We got on all right, however,in the ordinary way and they were friendly and good companions when J. went off to the Royal Military Academy and I had to remain until we managed to find a flat in Camberley...
Thirty years. The sloping-roofed bedroom, the bathroom tucked away at the back.And the landlady who lived downstairs and whose little daughter came out carol-singing with us that first Christmas... it was good to hear, from today's occupant, that the family had prospered and said daughter had sold the house on to the new owners after many happy years there.
Thirty years. The school opposite - I used to watch the pupils sneaking out for furtive sessions of cigarettes - has changed its name but the pupils look pretty much the same, a big racial mix, a lot of chatter, the main addition is mobile phones. The street looks more or less the same, too - the park at the corner where we gathered greenery for our first-ever Advent wreath, wondering if we were breaking some irritating local regulation in doing so, the railway station, the Edwardian houses.
We talked. He was nice. We found, as so often happens, vague connections - his family was Army. I wished him and his family a happy future there together. Perhaps in thirty years he will be back, and with good memories.
I walked on to the station and caught the train to London Bridge, as of old, feeling odd. Thirty years.
Thirty years. So much had changed and so little. Floors stripped now to fashionably stained and varnished boards, and the small kitchen all gleaming with steel and grand equipment. But a table still placed in the big window where I used to sit and work, and a computer where my old typewriter used to be. At that window we strung bunting for the Royal Wedding back in 1981, and held a dinner party. Which caused a slight ripple with the other occupants of the rooms (we were just renting: the kitchen and main room were shared) who were NOT royalists, and indeed had pronounced extreme-left sympathies. We got on all right, however,in the ordinary way and they were friendly and good companions when J. went off to the Royal Military Academy and I had to remain until we managed to find a flat in Camberley...
Thirty years. The sloping-roofed bedroom, the bathroom tucked away at the back.And the landlady who lived downstairs and whose little daughter came out carol-singing with us that first Christmas... it was good to hear, from today's occupant, that the family had prospered and said daughter had sold the house on to the new owners after many happy years there.
Thirty years. The school opposite - I used to watch the pupils sneaking out for furtive sessions of cigarettes - has changed its name but the pupils look pretty much the same, a big racial mix, a lot of chatter, the main addition is mobile phones. The street looks more or less the same, too - the park at the corner where we gathered greenery for our first-ever Advent wreath, wondering if we were breaking some irritating local regulation in doing so, the railway station, the Edwardian houses.
We talked. He was nice. We found, as so often happens, vague connections - his family was Army. I wished him and his family a happy future there together. Perhaps in thirty years he will be back, and with good memories.
I walked on to the station and caught the train to London Bridge, as of old, feeling odd. Thirty years.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
A glorious Mass...
...at St Patrick's, Soho Square, and you will find it every Sunday at 11 am. The renovated church gleams with marble and gold, and a superb robed choir fills it with the traditional liturgical music of the Church which soars up to the great high roof...a good-sized congregation, mostly young, an inspiring sermon. And a bunch of young children were there, being prepared for First Communion - very sweet.
I was spending the day in London and we had originally planned to go to Mass at Westminster Cathedral, but opted for St Patrick's instead on a whim and were so very glad that we did. Although I have often been at St Patrick's for a weekday Mass, I had no idea that the full sung Mass on a Sunday was so magnificent, and will certainly be going again...
I was spending the day in London and we had originally planned to go to Mass at Westminster Cathedral, but opted for St Patrick's instead on a whim and were so very glad that we did. Although I have often been at St Patrick's for a weekday Mass, I had no idea that the full sung Mass on a Sunday was so magnificent, and will certainly be going again...
Friday, January 27, 2012
Come to...
....Coloma School, Croydon, on Feb 7th for a wonderful day. Your opportunity to learn Gregorian Chant, and to sing it at a Mass in the school chapel. A delicious lunch, and an inspiring talk, and all in good company. Send me a Comment to this Blog, marked NOT FOR PUBLICATION and including an email address to which I can reply to you (I cannot simply send a reply to your comment - you need to include an email address in the text of the comment).
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
"We live in...
... a culture where our marketers and entertainment media compulsively mislead us about the sustainability of youth; the indignity of old age; the avoidance of suffering; the denial of death; the nature of real beauty; the impermanence of every human love; the oppressiveness of children and family; the silliness of virtue; and the cynicism of religious faith. It’s a culture of fantasy, selfishness, sexual confusion and illness that we’ve brought upon ourselves. And we’ve done it by misusing the freedom that other -- and greater -- generations than our own worked for, bled for and bequeathed to our safe-keeping.
What have we done with that freedom? In whose service do we use it now?"
Read more on this here.
What have we done with that freedom? In whose service do we use it now?"
Read more on this here.
Ohio, South Carolina, Washington...
...a travelogue is not neccesarily interesting, and people who use their blogs to publicise their general activities are not perhaps the best bloggers. So Auntie will spare you her "yesterday I flew on to Newtown..." chatter. There are big issues being debated in America: I will long remember this January 2012 visit.
South Carolina is fortunate in having a fine priest, Fr Dwight Longenecker, among the local clergy and you can read his blog here. A couple of buses packed with young people went from Greenville, S. Carolina, to Washington for the March for Life and it was great to be able to travel with them. On the March (vast crowds, lots of rain, squelchy underfoot as we listened to speeches on the Washington Mall and the thousands of feet inevitably churned the lawns into mud) I saw a banner saying "Thank you, Pope Benedict XXVI for Anglicananorum Ceotibus" and it amused me. How many of Washington's politicians, I wondered, would know what the banner was saying? Are they fluent in Latin? And would the message, in any case, encourage them to help overturn Roe v. Wade? But I squelched over to investigate, and the banner was also carrying a pro-life message and was being held high by a cheery group of new members of the Ordinariate glowing with goodwill and joy. It was great to march alongside and swap news and share enthusiasm.
America is in the middle of a great heart-searching about aborting its unborn children, a heart-searching that has yet to take place in Europe.The modern-day United States of America, with all its very obvious faults, is a country where millions believe in God and pray to him daily.It is a country with a future.
After our section of the March had reached its destination at the Capitol building, I watched as the thousands and thousand and thousands behind us more marched too. Then I squelched mud into the carpet of the hotel, enjoyed a chat with some of the EWTN team covering the March, drank some hot chocolate, slept for a while and then headed for home, treading mud into the aeroplane and later, much later, into the London streets, and so home.
South Carolina is fortunate in having a fine priest, Fr Dwight Longenecker, among the local clergy and you can read his blog here. A couple of buses packed with young people went from Greenville, S. Carolina, to Washington for the March for Life and it was great to be able to travel with them. On the March (vast crowds, lots of rain, squelchy underfoot as we listened to speeches on the Washington Mall and the thousands of feet inevitably churned the lawns into mud) I saw a banner saying "Thank you, Pope Benedict XXVI for Anglicananorum Ceotibus" and it amused me. How many of Washington's politicians, I wondered, would know what the banner was saying? Are they fluent in Latin? And would the message, in any case, encourage them to help overturn Roe v. Wade? But I squelched over to investigate, and the banner was also carrying a pro-life message and was being held high by a cheery group of new members of the Ordinariate glowing with goodwill and joy. It was great to march alongside and swap news and share enthusiasm.
America is in the middle of a great heart-searching about aborting its unborn children, a heart-searching that has yet to take place in Europe.The modern-day United States of America, with all its very obvious faults, is a country where millions believe in God and pray to him daily.It is a country with a future.
After our section of the March had reached its destination at the Capitol building, I watched as the thousands and thousand and thousands behind us more marched too. Then I squelched mud into the carpet of the hotel, enjoyed a chat with some of the EWTN team covering the March, drank some hot chocolate, slept for a while and then headed for home, treading mud into the aeroplane and later, much later, into the London streets, and so home.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In Birmingham...
...no, not our Birmingham, but the other one, the one in America. I'm here to do some work for EWTN, which is based in a small town on the city's outskirts. But by today the various projects had been completed, so I was able - with a number of EWTN staff - to join the big March for Life through the city, one of several across America over the next days to mark the anniversary of the notorious Roe. v.Wade court case which established the right to destroy American babies in the womb.
A good-sized crowd gathered in a local park, and after a welcome we had prayers led by a local Presbyterian pastor, and the solemn ringing of a bell to mark the millions of children killed by abortion in the years since 1972. Then a silent march through the wide city streets. People carried placards begging for better help for women, for respect for all human life, for an end to abortion. It was impressive, touching, and big.
America will see an end to abortion before we do in Britain: there is a sense of unity and purpose here as people gather for a greast march such as this, a seriousness matched by a sense of community and solidarity, goodwill between Christians of different denominations, and a feeling of youth and vigour as so many young families walk with measured pace.
In a few days I'll be taking part in the bug national March for Life in Washington. God bless America.
A good-sized crowd gathered in a local park, and after a welcome we had prayers led by a local Presbyterian pastor, and the solemn ringing of a bell to mark the millions of children killed by abortion in the years since 1972. Then a silent march through the wide city streets. People carried placards begging for better help for women, for respect for all human life, for an end to abortion. It was impressive, touching, and big.
America will see an end to abortion before we do in Britain: there is a sense of unity and purpose here as people gather for a greast march such as this, a seriousness matched by a sense of community and solidarity, goodwill between Christians of different denominations, and a feeling of youth and vigour as so many young families walk with measured pace.
In a few days I'll be taking part in the bug national March for Life in Washington. God bless America.
Friday, January 13, 2012
And here's another date....
...for your diary. Want to learn how to sing Gregorian Chant? Here's your opportunity. Find out more here.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
IMPORTANT:
another date for your diary.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11th at 6.30pm
at St MICHAEL's CHURCH, WEST CROYDON
a showing of the film "John Paul II". Coffee and snacks, suggested donation £5, which will go to the Friends of the Ordinariate.
This is a very special evening. The Rev Donald Minchew and a large group from his congregation are joining the ORDINARIATE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM. This means that they will have to leave their beautiful church and worship somewhere new. This special film evening is an opportunity to show your support and welcome for this group as they take this major step in Christian Unity and faith.
St Michel's is a magnificent church, easy to find as it dominates this corner of West Croydon. It is right next to the bus station and a few minutes' walk from East Croydon and West Croydon railway stations.
NOTE: there is a showing of this film on Feb 3rd at the Hinsley Room adjoining Westminster Cathedral. The Hinsley Room is not huge and we will accomodate people on a first-come first-served basis. If you live in the southern suburbs of London you may find that this Croydon evening is betrter for you.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11th at 6.30pm
at St MICHAEL's CHURCH, WEST CROYDON
a showing of the film "John Paul II". Coffee and snacks, suggested donation £5, which will go to the Friends of the Ordinariate.
This is a very special evening. The Rev Donald Minchew and a large group from his congregation are joining the ORDINARIATE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM. This means that they will have to leave their beautiful church and worship somewhere new. This special film evening is an opportunity to show your support and welcome for this group as they take this major step in Christian Unity and faith.
St Michel's is a magnificent church, easy to find as it dominates this corner of West Croydon. It is right next to the bus station and a few minutes' walk from East Croydon and West Croydon railway stations.
NOTE: there is a showing of this film on Feb 3rd at the Hinsley Room adjoining Westminster Cathedral. The Hinsley Room is not huge and we will accomodate people on a first-come first-served basis. If you live in the southern suburbs of London you may find that this Croydon evening is betrter for you.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
An unexpectedly special evening...
...in Kennington. It's a corner of South London I know quite well, but I had never visited this particular church before.
Let me explain. There is an Ordinariate group in South London which worships at St Wilfrid's, Kennington, and I met their priest, Fr Christopher Pearson, through EWTN's Rome correspondent Joan Lewis when she was in London a year ago covering the foundation of the Ordinariate and the ordination of its first priests. Fr Christopher and I have subsequently met and talked a lot, and I was delighted to hear that his group would have a special visit from Bishop Peter Elliott on the latter's visit to Britain this month. Bishop Peter is a longstanding friend of our family, and we spoke on the 'phone when he arrived in London a couple of days ago - I was glad to assure him that I'd certainly be at St Wilfrid's for tonight's Mass.
Jamie is currently away for a few days. "Don't forget to get some chalk and say the prayer and write up the new date over our front door" he told me, as we always keep this Epiphany tradition in our home, having learned it from friends in Austria. "Of course" I told him pompously - but yesterday I couldn't find any chalk. I even hunted among the stones and earth in our garden and some neighbours' gardens - after all, this corner of England is all surely mostly chalky soil (white cliffs etc etc...)??? But no...I couldn't find any.
Then tonight, at St Wilfrid's, a beatiful Epiphany Mass in a glow of candles and mist of incense, with an inspiring sermon from Bishop Peter and some fine singing - and at the end, a beautiful formal Blessing of little sticks of chalk, and Father Christopher distributing it after Mass, with slips of paper on which the House-Blessing was printed, so that we could all bless our homes and chalk up the date.
After Mass we had a cheery gathering at a local pub and then I travelled home by train, and I have just come in after using the chalk to inscribe the year 2012 above our door and praying the House-Blessing as I stood by the lintel.
20 + C + M + B + 12
"God of Heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guiudance of a star, Bless this house and all who live here. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen."
Let me explain. There is an Ordinariate group in South London which worships at St Wilfrid's, Kennington, and I met their priest, Fr Christopher Pearson, through EWTN's Rome correspondent Joan Lewis when she was in London a year ago covering the foundation of the Ordinariate and the ordination of its first priests. Fr Christopher and I have subsequently met and talked a lot, and I was delighted to hear that his group would have a special visit from Bishop Peter Elliott on the latter's visit to Britain this month. Bishop Peter is a longstanding friend of our family, and we spoke on the 'phone when he arrived in London a couple of days ago - I was glad to assure him that I'd certainly be at St Wilfrid's for tonight's Mass.
Jamie is currently away for a few days. "Don't forget to get some chalk and say the prayer and write up the new date over our front door" he told me, as we always keep this Epiphany tradition in our home, having learned it from friends in Austria. "Of course" I told him pompously - but yesterday I couldn't find any chalk. I even hunted among the stones and earth in our garden and some neighbours' gardens - after all, this corner of England is all surely mostly chalky soil (white cliffs etc etc...)??? But no...I couldn't find any.
Then tonight, at St Wilfrid's, a beatiful Epiphany Mass in a glow of candles and mist of incense, with an inspiring sermon from Bishop Peter and some fine singing - and at the end, a beautiful formal Blessing of little sticks of chalk, and Father Christopher distributing it after Mass, with slips of paper on which the House-Blessing was printed, so that we could all bless our homes and chalk up the date.
After Mass we had a cheery gathering at a local pub and then I travelled home by train, and I have just come in after using the chalk to inscribe the year 2012 above our door and praying the House-Blessing as I stood by the lintel.
20 + C + M + B + 12
"God of Heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guiudance of a star, Bless this house and all who live here. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen."
Friday, January 06, 2012
"Dear Bishops...
...of England and Wales,
Please may we have our feast-days back? Today is the feast of the Epiphany, one of the most important celebrations in the Christmas season, marking the manifestation of Christ to the wider world. If I were in Scotland, or if I were an Anglican, I would find it marked in my calendar - but as I'm a Catholic in the London suburbs I have to pretend it doesn't really exist, as it has been officially arbitrariuly abolished by being merged into the nearest Sunday. No one asked for this to be done, and it has caused much hurt and resentment. We feel we have been robbed.
Please, as part of the New Evangelisation, may we have our proper feast-days back? We need to know we are part of the worldwide universal Church, and can celebrate our faith certainty and with joy. Celebrating feasts and seasons is something understood by everyone: it forges a bond with people of other faiths, links us to one another in neighbourliness, offers opportunities for bringing Christ into weekday life. Going to Mass on a feast-day is not a chore, it's not something we do with plodding steps and a sense of doom - it's something important,joyful, significant, it gives meaning and purpose, lifts our hearts, reminds us why we're here, why we were born.
Of course I know I can go to Mass today - like many other Londoners I often go to a weekday Mass, and it's an important part of life. But it won't be the official Epiphany Mass, and there will be a sense of muddle.
Please may we have the Epiphany back, on its proper day, so that we can celebrate Twelfth Night, linking the joy in church to the celebrations we have in our homes?
Dear Bishops, please may we have our feast-days back?
Yours sincerely and obediently,
Joanna Bogle."
Please may we have our feast-days back? Today is the feast of the Epiphany, one of the most important celebrations in the Christmas season, marking the manifestation of Christ to the wider world. If I were in Scotland, or if I were an Anglican, I would find it marked in my calendar - but as I'm a Catholic in the London suburbs I have to pretend it doesn't really exist, as it has been officially arbitrariuly abolished by being merged into the nearest Sunday. No one asked for this to be done, and it has caused much hurt and resentment. We feel we have been robbed.
Please, as part of the New Evangelisation, may we have our proper feast-days back? We need to know we are part of the worldwide universal Church, and can celebrate our faith certainty and with joy. Celebrating feasts and seasons is something understood by everyone: it forges a bond with people of other faiths, links us to one another in neighbourliness, offers opportunities for bringing Christ into weekday life. Going to Mass on a feast-day is not a chore, it's not something we do with plodding steps and a sense of doom - it's something important,joyful, significant, it gives meaning and purpose, lifts our hearts, reminds us why we're here, why we were born.
Of course I know I can go to Mass today - like many other Londoners I often go to a weekday Mass, and it's an important part of life. But it won't be the official Epiphany Mass, and there will be a sense of muddle.
Please may we have the Epiphany back, on its proper day, so that we can celebrate Twelfth Night, linking the joy in church to the celebrations we have in our homes?
Dear Bishops, please may we have our feast-days back?
Yours sincerely and obediently,
Joanna Bogle."
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
The Community of St John...
...has been in touch and has senbt information about an event for young people which looks terrific. Find out more here
"God accompanies man...."
I'm trying to place a quote. Blessed John Paul once said - or wrote - "God accompanies man on his journey through history". Can anyone trace this quote for me? I think it must have been connected with the marking of the Millenium. I quoted it to a friend and am now anxious to get it correct and give the source...
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Auntie began...
...2012 at a rousing Evangelical service at a country Anglican church. The Cotswolds in great beauty, a large congregation with a great many families and children, "Hark the Herald Angels", good friends, an inspiring and challenging sermon, a sense of commitment for the year ahead.
In the afternoon, a good country walk, and then evening Mass at the Oxford Oratory, all warm and glowing with candles and light, and again packed - standing-room only as people poured in - and that sense of timelessness that comes with the Mass and the bell ringing out to tell the presence of God.
And so to the adventure of 2012. I have jotted down some ideas about what I think will happen during the year ahead. They include things that depress me. It's not a "wish list", in fact in a way it's a dread-list, although it includes some good things too. No, I'm, not going to publish it, but it will be interesting to note how accurate or otherwise I have been...
And meanwhile for an excellent analysis of the significant Catholic events of 2011 and some pointers for the future from a thoughtful Catholic writer, read here...
In the afternoon, a good country walk, and then evening Mass at the Oxford Oratory, all warm and glowing with candles and light, and again packed - standing-room only as people poured in - and that sense of timelessness that comes with the Mass and the bell ringing out to tell the presence of God.
And so to the adventure of 2012. I have jotted down some ideas about what I think will happen during the year ahead. They include things that depress me. It's not a "wish list", in fact in a way it's a dread-list, although it includes some good things too. No, I'm, not going to publish it, but it will be interesting to note how accurate or otherwise I have been...
And meanwhile for an excellent analysis of the significant Catholic events of 2011 and some pointers for the future from a thoughtful Catholic writer, read here...
A New Year...
...and some dates for your diary:
Friday Feb 3rd. Hinsley Room, adjoining Westminster Cathedral. 6.15pm (note time). A showing of the film "John Paul 11". Coffee and snacks, suggested donation £5. Funds raised will go to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.Come early - it's a longish film. This is likely to be a popular event. Be on time - once the hall is filled we'll just have to turn people away.
Wednesday Feb 15th, 2.30pm . An Afternoon Tour of Westminster Cathedral. This is part of the Catholic History Walks programme sponsored by Miles Jesu/Continuity.
Friday Feb 3rd. Hinsley Room, adjoining Westminster Cathedral. 6.15pm (note time). A showing of the film "John Paul 11". Coffee and snacks, suggested donation £5. Funds raised will go to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham.Come early - it's a longish film. This is likely to be a popular event. Be on time - once the hall is filled we'll just have to turn people away.
Wednesday Feb 15th, 2.30pm . An Afternoon Tour of Westminster Cathedral. This is part of the Catholic History Walks programme sponsored by Miles Jesu/Continuity.
Friday, December 23, 2011
And so to...
Christmas. Carol singing in London – the money we collected will be divided between projects abroad (an orphanage in Ukraine run by Miles Jesu) and at home (a residence for the elderly). Family visits – we are off to relatives in Oxfordshire and there will be lots of talk and laughter and fun and music and happy times. There are also elderly relatives too frail to travel so there’ll be visits to them – more talk, more music, with added memories, remembrances of Christmasses past, laughter as we recall absurd family happenings of long ago, and tenderness perhaps as we think about people who have died, times that are gone...
A snippet that gives a flavour of Christmas in Britain in 2011: as we sang carols, one of our number, a student, told me that when she went singing with a college group the leader told them that they wouldn’t sing any Christian carols “as people might be offended”. So they warbled some invented songs about Frosty the Snowman – which probably offended people far more. What a lot of nonsense is being talked about all this at the moment. Watch this space as I intend to follow this up with the college.
Thank God – I mean it, Deo Gratias – for the strength of family life and solid friendships, enabling us to pray together without fear. We’ll be at a traditional Midnight Mass – strong young voices joining with older ones as the priest says “The Lord be with you” and we say “And with your spirit” and all enter into the glorious drama of the mystery of our redemption. We’ll sing carols and the Credo and Sanctus and Pater Noster with full hearts. There’ll be people packed uncomfortably into pews, and squeezing up to cram in just one or two more. There’ll be a long slow line making its way up for Communion, and people at the back patiently waiting and finding their way to join. And then outside there’ll be that confusion of greetings and “Merry Christmas” and people we haven’t seen for ages and swapping of news and much chatter, and then the journey home and hot chocolate and lingering talk before bed.
Nephews and nieces who – oh, it just doesn’t seem so long ago – were small children squeaking excitedly at gifts crammed into stockings on Christmas morning are now grown up and delightful, pouring drinks and talking about amusing things and all in the light of a shimmering Christmas tree. And there’s the next generation, too – small great-nephews and a great-niece, all ready to enjoy the thrill of parcels and noise and a crowded dinner-table.
Christmas is a time for nostalgia. Can it really be twenty years since my dear father died? How he would have loved seeing his great-grandchildren. Old traditions...watching the Queen make her annual broadcast, a crucial not-to-be-missed event after Christmas lunch. These days, you can watch it on your computer at any time that’s convenient – but somehow it isn’t the same. It ought to be watched with the pudding-plates still on the table, and people looking absurd in paper hats, and everyone flopping gratefully into armchairs only to scramble up again because of the National Anthem.
I wish all my readers a Merry Christmas. Let us pray that 2012 brings peace, and goodwill, and honour to God in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere.
A snippet that gives a flavour of Christmas in Britain in 2011: as we sang carols, one of our number, a student, told me that when she went singing with a college group the leader told them that they wouldn’t sing any Christian carols “as people might be offended”. So they warbled some invented songs about Frosty the Snowman – which probably offended people far more. What a lot of nonsense is being talked about all this at the moment. Watch this space as I intend to follow this up with the college.
Thank God – I mean it, Deo Gratias – for the strength of family life and solid friendships, enabling us to pray together without fear. We’ll be at a traditional Midnight Mass – strong young voices joining with older ones as the priest says “The Lord be with you” and we say “And with your spirit” and all enter into the glorious drama of the mystery of our redemption. We’ll sing carols and the Credo and Sanctus and Pater Noster with full hearts. There’ll be people packed uncomfortably into pews, and squeezing up to cram in just one or two more. There’ll be a long slow line making its way up for Communion, and people at the back patiently waiting and finding their way to join. And then outside there’ll be that confusion of greetings and “Merry Christmas” and people we haven’t seen for ages and swapping of news and much chatter, and then the journey home and hot chocolate and lingering talk before bed.
Nephews and nieces who – oh, it just doesn’t seem so long ago – were small children squeaking excitedly at gifts crammed into stockings on Christmas morning are now grown up and delightful, pouring drinks and talking about amusing things and all in the light of a shimmering Christmas tree. And there’s the next generation, too – small great-nephews and a great-niece, all ready to enjoy the thrill of parcels and noise and a crowded dinner-table.
Christmas is a time for nostalgia. Can it really be twenty years since my dear father died? How he would have loved seeing his great-grandchildren. Old traditions...watching the Queen make her annual broadcast, a crucial not-to-be-missed event after Christmas lunch. These days, you can watch it on your computer at any time that’s convenient – but somehow it isn’t the same. It ought to be watched with the pudding-plates still on the table, and people looking absurd in paper hats, and everyone flopping gratefully into armchairs only to scramble up again because of the National Anthem.
I wish all my readers a Merry Christmas. Let us pray that 2012 brings peace, and goodwill, and honour to God in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere.
In the course of....
...study for my Maryvale degree, I've been reading Henri de Lubac, so when I saw a title by him in a friend's bookcase I pounced. But it was something different - and I'm absolutely fascinated. It's an account of activities in defence of human rights in wartime France - heroic stuff,meetings of underground groups, secretly-distributed newsletters, crucial papers eaten and swallowed by a priest friend while in a room awaiting interrogation from the Gestapo...
Fr de Lubac was part of courageous group that wrote and distributed the secretly-printed Cahiers du Temoinage Chretien and his memoirs were published in the 1980s, by Ignatius Press, so that the events would not be forgotten: "Christian Resistance to Anti-Semitism: memories from 1940-44." What emerges is the heroism of many in the Church in France - and also the shameful reality of the Petain regime.The latter, of course, had its apologists who hailed it as supporting Traditional Catholic France, opposing Communism etc... It helps to explain the situation of the Church in France, and tensions even up to the present day.
It is interesting that de Lubac's theology, which would later have a profound influence on many priests of the rising generation and at the Vatican Council opened by Blessed John XXIII, was forged not in comfortable libraries in easy circumstances but in the more poignant atmosphere of a nation where major issues of right and wrong - on which vulnerable lives depended - were crucial realities for every day. So things like justice,truth, the value of the Church with a consistent teaching , and the essence of a personal relationship with Christ, are all explored alongside brief accounts of difficult wartime communication and the tensions of various Resistance groups.
Although much of the history was known to me, the theological insights are sparkling in freshness. A real find.
Fr de Lubac was part of courageous group that wrote and distributed the secretly-printed Cahiers du Temoinage Chretien and his memoirs were published in the 1980s, by Ignatius Press, so that the events would not be forgotten: "Christian Resistance to Anti-Semitism: memories from 1940-44." What emerges is the heroism of many in the Church in France - and also the shameful reality of the Petain regime.The latter, of course, had its apologists who hailed it as supporting Traditional Catholic France, opposing Communism etc... It helps to explain the situation of the Church in France, and tensions even up to the present day.
It is interesting that de Lubac's theology, which would later have a profound influence on many priests of the rising generation and at the Vatican Council opened by Blessed John XXIII, was forged not in comfortable libraries in easy circumstances but in the more poignant atmosphere of a nation where major issues of right and wrong - on which vulnerable lives depended - were crucial realities for every day. So things like justice,truth, the value of the Church with a consistent teaching , and the essence of a personal relationship with Christ, are all explored alongside brief accounts of difficult wartime communication and the tensions of various Resistance groups.
Although much of the history was known to me, the theological insights are sparkling in freshness. A real find.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Carol singing...
...in London to raise money for projects at home and abroad. This was the annual carol-singing organised through the Catholic History Walks team. We went from house to house in Chelsea and sang and sang. Funds raised will go to an orphanage in Ukraine and to home for the elderly in Britain.
The History Walks programme for 2012 has now been published. Note these dates:
WED FEBRUARY 15th. 2.30pm Tour of Westminster Cathedral. Meet inside the Cathedral, by the shop entrance.
Thursday March 29th. 6.30pm (after the 5.30pm Mass) Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. We'll be exploring the Westminster and Pimlico areas.
There's more - but those are the main ones to get in your diary now.
Also - not organised by the History Walks, but worth attending: Feb 3rd at the Hinsley Room,Westminster Cathedral, 6.15 pm, a film on the life of Blessed John Paul. DON'T MISS THIS! It's a longish film, so turn up on time. Coffee and snacks to keep you going. Suggested donation £5, and funds raised will go to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Mgr Keith Newton, leader of the Ordinariate, will be attending.
The History Walks programme for 2012 has now been published. Note these dates:
WED FEBRUARY 15th. 2.30pm Tour of Westminster Cathedral. Meet inside the Cathedral, by the shop entrance.
Thursday March 29th. 6.30pm (after the 5.30pm Mass) Meet on the steps of Westminster Cathedral. We'll be exploring the Westminster and Pimlico areas.
There's more - but those are the main ones to get in your diary now.
Also - not organised by the History Walks, but worth attending: Feb 3rd at the Hinsley Room,Westminster Cathedral, 6.15 pm, a film on the life of Blessed John Paul. DON'T MISS THIS! It's a longish film, so turn up on time. Coffee and snacks to keep you going. Suggested donation £5, and funds raised will go to the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Mgr Keith Newton, leader of the Ordinariate, will be attending.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Read Auntie's thoughts...
...on the subject of Mr Cameron's commitment to Britain's Christian heritage...
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
I've had a...
...curiously Polish day. I went to visit a friend in Ealing - which happens to be a rather Polish corner of London, though he is Irish - and we talked at some length about his visits to Poland in the 1980s when he was part of a series of seminars organised with Polish academics, in the teeth of opposition from the Communist authorities...all rather exciting stuff, police spies, plans for a speedy getaway if required, "we were on 30-second notice to disband, had to keep papers ready to stuff into a case and go..."
On the way back I did some shopping, bought rather delicious-looking Polish pastry. Back at home, washing-machine still out of action(see earlier blog), went to launderette with great bag of towels etc, plus book, plus pastry to eat. One other occupant, showed me how to work the machine,turned out he was Polish. We talked John Paul II, Krakow, Wadowice, showed him my book.He told me about Polish London - churches, shops:"You find nice Polish ladies choosing meats and things to make a very proper meal. That's about twenty per cent of the custoimers. And the rest are men with big backpacks, buying beer, six bottles on special offer for the price of five." He was washing a great stack of grubby overalls:"My work clothes, I can't do them in the machine where I live as the others complain". Back to Poland in January to finish studying law. "You will enjoy Poland. And you must eat what John Paul liked - Kremowki." And when I later checked on the internet, that was exactly the pastry I had chosen.
A Polish day.
On the way back I did some shopping, bought rather delicious-looking Polish pastry. Back at home, washing-machine still out of action(see earlier blog), went to launderette with great bag of towels etc, plus book, plus pastry to eat. One other occupant, showed me how to work the machine,turned out he was Polish. We talked John Paul II, Krakow, Wadowice, showed him my book.He told me about Polish London - churches, shops:"You find nice Polish ladies choosing meats and things to make a very proper meal. That's about twenty per cent of the custoimers. And the rest are men with big backpacks, buying beer, six bottles on special offer for the price of five." He was washing a great stack of grubby overalls:"My work clothes, I can't do them in the machine where I live as the others complain". Back to Poland in January to finish studying law. "You will enjoy Poland. And you must eat what John Paul liked - Kremowki." And when I later checked on the internet, that was exactly the pastry I had chosen.
A Polish day.
Monday, December 19, 2011
With Christmas coming...
we all deserve some good cheer. I've come across this, about a great Archbishop who is a Bogle family friend and a man we much admire.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Doing all the Christmassy things...
...in these last days of Advent. The crib went up today - those Christmas figures were first put up in our home over 30 years ago for our first Christmas, ordered by post from the Universe newspaper. The Christ-child figure will be taken to Mass tomorrow to be blessed, and then placed in the manger on Christmas Eve. Presents have been wrapped and labelled - there are now nephews and nieces, and small great-nephews and nieces, on the list, all unknown 30 years ago...The Christmassy wreath that hangs on the front door is a bit battered now, and the trimmings have had to be renewed, but with fresh white ribbons it looks fine. Vast numbers of cards are being recieved and sent...
But there's something sad about Christmas 2011. The great feast is somehow a reminder that the first and most important freedom is religious freedom. There is a worrying sense of its being eroded, and whittled away. The new law on marriage will see Catholic churches under pressure - the sensible thing to do will be to re-register as legal places for marriage, and offer only the Church's sacrament of matrimony, thus making it absolutely clear that there can be no question of formalising same-sex unions. Thus something that was gained after the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act will be lost - but it is the most realistic way forward, relieving the Church from the pressure of legal action by campaigners.
It is delightful hearing the familiar traditional Christmas carols sung by choirs in streets and in railway stations. But we need to emphasise that it really is perfectly acceptable to sing these and that the religious nature of their words in no way means that they have to be sidelined. Perhaps that is why I've been doing a lot more carol-singing in recent years: it's important to sing out loud the glorious words about Christ and Mary, the angels, the shepherds, the star and the good, good news.
"the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits."
"the right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself. This right of the human person to religious freedom is to be recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is governed and thus it is to become a civil right." (Vat II, and relevant to modern Britain.)
But there's something sad about Christmas 2011. The great feast is somehow a reminder that the first and most important freedom is religious freedom. There is a worrying sense of its being eroded, and whittled away. The new law on marriage will see Catholic churches under pressure - the sensible thing to do will be to re-register as legal places for marriage, and offer only the Church's sacrament of matrimony, thus making it absolutely clear that there can be no question of formalising same-sex unions. Thus something that was gained after the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act will be lost - but it is the most realistic way forward, relieving the Church from the pressure of legal action by campaigners.
It is delightful hearing the familiar traditional Christmas carols sung by choirs in streets and in railway stations. But we need to emphasise that it really is perfectly acceptable to sing these and that the religious nature of their words in no way means that they have to be sidelined. Perhaps that is why I've been doing a lot more carol-singing in recent years: it's important to sing out loud the glorious words about Christ and Mary, the angels, the shepherds, the star and the good, good news.
"the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits."
"the right to religious freedom has its foundation in the very dignity of the human person as this dignity is known through the revealed word of God and by reason itself. This right of the human person to religious freedom is to be recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is governed and thus it is to become a civil right." (Vat II, and relevant to modern Britain.)
Friday, December 16, 2011
In Sussex...
...earlier this week, for a meeting of the small group that runs the Catholic History Walks. You can note some dates in your diaries now if you like: June 24th will be the annual Martyrs' Walk through London,, and May 6th will see our annual Catholic History Walkers visit to Allen Hall seminary, where we join the students for a Holy Hour,aftrer a tour of the seminaryt and tea.
The History Walks are sponsored by Miles Jesu, a Catholic movement which runs various projects including a retreat house in Rome, and some children's homes in Ukraine. We'll be raising money for the latter this coming WEDNESDDAY, December 21t, when we go CAROL SINGING in London . Come and join us - meet 6pm at Sloane Square tube station.
The History Walks are sponsored by Miles Jesu, a Catholic movement which runs various projects including a retreat house in Rome, and some children's homes in Ukraine. We'll be raising money for the latter this coming WEDNESDDAY, December 21t, when we go CAROL SINGING in London . Come and join us - meet 6pm at Sloane Square tube station.
And singing...
...greeted me as I finally made it to Victoria station, much too late to fulfil my usual role of conducting the carol singers - who were anyway in fine voice and doiing a simply splendid job. When I arrived, they broke into "We wish you a merry Chrisdtmas!" as I took up my usual stance as conductor and then, even though the time-slot that had been allocated (5-7pm) was really at its end, we had "Joy to the world" and it was glorious.
The group brings together a number of volunteers, notably from St Joseph's Church at Roehampton. They re simply wonderful!
The group brings together a number of volunteers, notably from St Joseph's Church at Roehampton. They re simply wonderful!
WAITING, waiting...
...at home for an electrician to come to tackle a problem in the kitchen. And this afternoon I am due at VICTORIA STATION to lead the carol singing! A friend organises this every year and I conduct the group, and we sing and sing, and full the station with a joyful sound, and it's glorious, and it's a great tradition, and has been a big part of my Christmas for years...and we've just spoken on the 'phone, and I'm distraught that I may not make it!
Praying that the electrician comes in time to free me to be there...
Praying that the electrician comes in time to free me to be there...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Chief Rabbi...
...of Britain, Lord Sacks, has been lecturing at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome,and saying some wise things. He asks "Has Europe lost its soul?" Read more here
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Advent...
...is gathering pace, and next Sunday, in our parish, we'll have the blessing of the bambini. This tradition was established by our excellent parish priest a couple of years ago, and is something that ought to catch on everywhere: you bring the infant Jesus from your family nativity crib to Mass for a special blessing. Simple, beautiful, and memorable - and it establishes the whole point of having a crib.
Evangelising...
...with prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, carols on the church porch, friendship, and a glorious procession through the streets...that was how Gaudete Sunday was spent at St Patrick's, Soho Square. Things began on Friday evening when the Mission Team gathered with friends and supporters at the church of Notre Dame de France in Leicester Square - prayer, singing, an inspiring and challenging talk from Father Stephen Wang from Allen Hall. Then there was street evangelisation all through Saturday - and today when I arrived at St Patrick's things were busy as delightful young Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, plus young members of the SPES team, plus other enthusiasts, gathered for prayer and action. The climax was the International Mass in the evening, followed by a great procession through Soho - we had Chinese, Brazilians,French, and British people all singing hymns, a statue of Mary carried aloft by some sturdy young men,clergy in vestments, a Cross-bearer surrounded by altar servers and incense...as we walked and people gawped, teams of young people handed them little gift-bags, each containing a Scripture verse, a medal, and some sweets.We walked from St Patrick's to Notre Dame de France, where we had some more splendid singing, and prayers, and a blessing. By then rain was falling, and by the time things were over and the statue had to go back to St P's it was torrential - undeterred, the mission team walked steadily back, saying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, water hurtling down from the heavens. All of us were soaked, but joyous, and for me the best moment of Advent 2011 was standing together at St Patrick's as Father Alexander led us in the final prayer and blessed us. An unforgettable day.
Friday, December 09, 2011
An excellent evening at...
...the Catholic Voices Academy , which is held at the London centre of the University of Notre Dame, just off Trafalgar Square. It's a splendid venue, with a large room where we all gather for the lectures which are followed by a social time and glass of wine. Then many go for a meal together nearby, and the talk goes on until late.
This evening Catholic Voices looked at the whole question of the persecution of Christians in various parts of the world, with speakers from Aid to the Church in Need.
Trafalgar Square now has its large glittering Christmas Tree, and in front of it a platform has been erected on which last night a group of singers led carols. With the familiar tunes, and Londoners gathered under a frosty sky, and the roar of London traffic all around, and gusts of chilly wind, I lingered en route to the Notre Dame building. Another Catholic Voices chap had done the same and we greeted one another and enjoyed the scene. For a while, it all felt like the Britain of old, not like therather crude and bleak one that we mostly experience in 2011.
This evening Catholic Voices looked at the whole question of the persecution of Christians in various parts of the world, with speakers from Aid to the Church in Need.
Trafalgar Square now has its large glittering Christmas Tree, and in front of it a platform has been erected on which last night a group of singers led carols. With the familiar tunes, and Londoners gathered under a frosty sky, and the roar of London traffic all around, and gusts of chilly wind, I lingered en route to the Notre Dame building. Another Catholic Voices chap had done the same and we greeted one another and enjoyed the scene. For a while, it all felt like the Britain of old, not like therather crude and bleak one that we mostly experience in 2011.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
And...
...one of the best things on the LOndon social scene last weekend was the Catholic Boogie Night held at Hammersmith. It was great fun, and I am glad I was able to be part of it.Huge congratulations to the organisers. Things began with Mass in St Augustine's church, followed by a talk, and then we all went into the hall beneath the church, were welcomed with mulled wine and mince pies and boogied the night away! I most warmly recommend these evenings. The initiator, Ray, is to be hugely commended - and has the grateful thanks of the huge numbers of people who came and had a simply wonderful evening! Thanks, too, to the Westminster diocesan youth chaplain who celebrated Mass and preached most beautifully about Advent, and our sense of time, and the significance of time. And to the parish clergy whoi gave the event full suppport. THis is a great way forward.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Remember that I wrote...
... few days ago about losing my purse, and people being so kind and helpful?
There's more.
I got a telephone call the other day from the Maryvale Institute. My purse had been found, and in it was my Maryvale student card, and thus they had been contacted. My purse - with cheque-card, cash, and other items all intact - had been handed in at an office in Mincing Lane, in the City. When I went there to collect it, the nice secretary was just so happy to have been of help - she explained that it had been found by a chap who happened to be on his way to a meeting there, and he had given it to her asking her to deal with it all. He had found it on the Tube.
Today I noticed, at a Tube station, an advertisment asking people to send in any stories about "acts of kindness on the Tube". So I've written to them! Check out that website from time to time and see if my little story appears on it...
There's more.
I got a telephone call the other day from the Maryvale Institute. My purse had been found, and in it was my Maryvale student card, and thus they had been contacted. My purse - with cheque-card, cash, and other items all intact - had been handed in at an office in Mincing Lane, in the City. When I went there to collect it, the nice secretary was just so happy to have been of help - she explained that it had been found by a chap who happened to be on his way to a meeting there, and he had given it to her asking her to deal with it all. He had found it on the Tube.
Today I noticed, at a Tube station, an advertisment asking people to send in any stories about "acts of kindness on the Tube". So I've written to them! Check out that website from time to time and see if my little story appears on it...
Spent today...
...in and around London. First, a visit to Oliver House, a delightful small prep school overlooking Clapham Common. Then on to central London, and a visit to St Paul's Cathedral - all surrounded with muddle and chaos because of the tented Occupation. It looks a mess. But everyone concerned - public, police, clergy, campers - are being Very Consciously Tolerant and Friendly. I was actually there because I needed to collect something from the gift shop. And in the cathedral itself musicians were tuning up for a big service involving lots of choirs and instrumentalists. It was all somehow a rather surreal experience.
By bus to Kensington for a meeting. The Number 11 goes down Ludgate Hill and along Fleet Street - we passed St Mary-le-Strand and I realised for the umptenth time that I have never bothered to cross to the traffic island on which it stands and peek in. It's said to be a masterpiece of English baroque, and there it stands reproachfully, doors open, and no one going in...
Golden leaves were scattering down as we rounded Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall past the Cenotaph, past another encampment in Parliament Square, and so up Victoria Street. Yesterday I was at the bookshop next to Westminster Cathedral and my book on Blessed John Paul is in the window. (Have you bought your copy yet? Ideal Christmas gift).
The Kensington meeting was re. the Ordinariate. Fund-raising. We gotta get serious about this. Most Catholics haven't got the remotest idea of how significant this Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham is, what it means after 400 years, what promise it holds. Much talking and planning: modest but useful things organised for early 2012, more to follow.
By bus to Kensington for a meeting. The Number 11 goes down Ludgate Hill and along Fleet Street - we passed St Mary-le-Strand and I realised for the umptenth time that I have never bothered to cross to the traffic island on which it stands and peek in. It's said to be a masterpiece of English baroque, and there it stands reproachfully, doors open, and no one going in...
Golden leaves were scattering down as we rounded Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall past the Cenotaph, past another encampment in Parliament Square, and so up Victoria Street. Yesterday I was at the bookshop next to Westminster Cathedral and my book on Blessed John Paul is in the window. (Have you bought your copy yet? Ideal Christmas gift).
The Kensington meeting was re. the Ordinariate. Fund-raising. We gotta get serious about this. Most Catholics haven't got the remotest idea of how significant this Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham is, what it means after 400 years, what promise it holds. Much talking and planning: modest but useful things organised for early 2012, more to follow.
Monday, December 05, 2011
There's a very delightful report...
...of Mgr Keith Newton's excellent talk at the recent Towards Advent Festival, on the Ordinariate Website...
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