Friday, March 06, 2015
Dietrich von Hildebrand...
...and his facinating diaries of life in Germany and Austria in the 1930s...read Auntie's review here...
I'm impressed by...
...our big local hospital.
I spent the day at one of HM prisons, using the catechetical skills taught me here. The young men were v. kind and took part w. apparent interest - though this may have been because the Chaplain told them that I was doing this as part of a training test, and would be marked on it (which was true: we have to send in a report and account of how each lessons goes, ideas for improvement etc...). This appealed to the innate sense of let's-help-this-poor--thing-out...
Then after mugs of tea and good conversation, I went on to church for Evesong and Mass...and while there recieved a telephone message saying that an elderly relatives had been taken to hospital....by Providence, I was virtually on top of a major tube station, so hurried along on the Northern Line and was soon at the hospital. I cannot speak too highly of the care and attention that this beloved elderly relative received, all carried out with great goodwill and gentleness. There was also much kindness and a freshly-made cups of tea for me, and all of this in a busy department with people being rushed in for emergency care etc...
When my elderly relative was comfortably settled for the night - crisp fresh sheets, a calm atmosphere, great care taken to check all sorts of small details even down to her watch and specs being put just where she wanted them to be etc - we said prayers together as we always do, and I looked up to see the nurse quietly joining in in with the "Hail Mary", and crossing herself at the end...
Sometimes, just sometinmes, modern London surprises with its goodness...
I spent the day at one of HM prisons, using the catechetical skills taught me here. The young men were v. kind and took part w. apparent interest - though this may have been because the Chaplain told them that I was doing this as part of a training test, and would be marked on it (which was true: we have to send in a report and account of how each lessons goes, ideas for improvement etc...). This appealed to the innate sense of let's-help-this-poor--thing-out...
Then after mugs of tea and good conversation, I went on to church for Evesong and Mass...and while there recieved a telephone message saying that an elderly relatives had been taken to hospital....by Providence, I was virtually on top of a major tube station, so hurried along on the Northern Line and was soon at the hospital. I cannot speak too highly of the care and attention that this beloved elderly relative received, all carried out with great goodwill and gentleness. There was also much kindness and a freshly-made cups of tea for me, and all of this in a busy department with people being rushed in for emergency care etc...
When my elderly relative was comfortably settled for the night - crisp fresh sheets, a calm atmosphere, great care taken to check all sorts of small details even down to her watch and specs being put just where she wanted them to be etc - we said prayers together as we always do, and I looked up to see the nurse quietly joining in in with the "Hail Mary", and crossing herself at the end...
Sometimes, just sometinmes, modern London surprises with its goodness...
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Watched...
...the new film version of Testament of Youth.
Do watch it.
The walk home took me along by the Common, silent and dark, the trees still wintry. This morning: hurrying to work, the reality of modern Britain.
Do watch it.
The walk home took me along by the Common, silent and dark, the trees still wintry. This morning: hurrying to work, the reality of modern Britain.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
It was disconcerting....
...and not a little scary. Working busily in a library on my laptop, a figure hurried in, black-clad and masked. It is rather horrible to be suddenlyconfronted with some one who will not reveal his or her face. I jumped for a moment.
My next thought: I must not, I dare not, show any fear. Even a slight expression of concern might get me into serious trouble.
She used computer next to mine and, without any of the usual exchange of smiles - absolutely impossible when masked - speedily clicked on to whatever she wanted, and then left. No face visible, only eyes in a slit above the fully masked face, and a vast black robe cloaking her to the floor.
In everyday life, a masked face sends a message of hostility: in present circumstances it is particularly unpleasant. Probably the most fearsome thing, however, was my immediate realisation that if I were to show any normal fear or worry in the face of such hostility I could be punished. In theory at least, there is a possibility of the masked figure denouncing me for having shown an emotion she regarded as offensive and to demand that some form of official actio be taken against me.
I am rather glad that the tradition in whch I was brought up encouraged me not to give way to fear and not to make a fuss when something unpleasant suddenly came my way. This has stood me in good stead over the years and will continue to do so.
The Britain in which I learned these things was one in which no one could have imagined my need of it in these circumstances.
My next thought: I must not, I dare not, show any fear. Even a slight expression of concern might get me into serious trouble.
She used computer next to mine and, without any of the usual exchange of smiles - absolutely impossible when masked - speedily clicked on to whatever she wanted, and then left. No face visible, only eyes in a slit above the fully masked face, and a vast black robe cloaking her to the floor.
In everyday life, a masked face sends a message of hostility: in present circumstances it is particularly unpleasant. Probably the most fearsome thing, however, was my immediate realisation that if I were to show any normal fear or worry in the face of such hostility I could be punished. In theory at least, there is a possibility of the masked figure denouncing me for having shown an emotion she regarded as offensive and to demand that some form of official actio be taken against me.
I am rather glad that the tradition in whch I was brought up encouraged me not to give way to fear and not to make a fuss when something unpleasant suddenly came my way. This has stood me in good stead over the years and will continue to do so.
The Britain in which I learned these things was one in which no one could have imagined my need of it in these circumstances.
Sunday, March 01, 2015
Read Auntie in....
The Portal, the on-line magazine of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. Latest issue here...
Devon...
...and a wonderful weekend at Buckfast Abbey, attending a study course run by the new School of the Annunciation. This course is for catechists, and the theme is the New Evangelisation - the aim of the school is to train up catechists who bring the message of Christ, as the Angel brought Christ to Mary...
We were a mixed group of students, from varius parishes and groups, and we all found that it was rather powerful to be studying in the Benedictine atmosphere of the great Abbey: we joined the monks for the main offices of the day (although not the one at 5.45 in the morning!) and especially loved being in the great Abbey Church each night for Compline, and being blessed with holy water by the Abbot before we all retired for the night...
We were staying in the extremely comfortable Guest House, and there was delicious food in The Grange, which welcomes vast numbers of tourists every year. The Abbey is extremely popular and seems to be on the Devon tourist trail - even on a cold wet February weekend there were a good many people there, and in summer they get vast crowds enjoying the various gardens (one dedicated to medicinal herbs, another to lavender, etc). The setting of the Abbey is just superb, and each night I was lulled to sleep by the rushing waters of the river that was first channelled by the monks who arrived almost a thousand years ago...
The School of the Annunciation is well organised, and the course was excellent - hard work, but immensely interesting. The days are long gone when it could be assumed that children can simply "pick up" the Faith and be happily at Mass in their teens through a combination of family tradition and school RE. The School of the Annunciation will be playing a majr role in many people's lives over the next few years. BTW, is is running various Summer Schools that sound rather good - and the experience of staying at the Abbey in this most glorious part of Devon is simply wonderful.
After our final session on Sunday morning I thought I'd go for a wander around the grounds before Mass - I was enjoying this as the Abbey bell started to peal, and the crowds at Mass were such that I only found a seat with some difficulty. A fine choir and absolutely superb music. Then a final lunch and farewells...
We were a mixed group of students, from varius parishes and groups, and we all found that it was rather powerful to be studying in the Benedictine atmosphere of the great Abbey: we joined the monks for the main offices of the day (although not the one at 5.45 in the morning!) and especially loved being in the great Abbey Church each night for Compline, and being blessed with holy water by the Abbot before we all retired for the night...
We were staying in the extremely comfortable Guest House, and there was delicious food in The Grange, which welcomes vast numbers of tourists every year. The Abbey is extremely popular and seems to be on the Devon tourist trail - even on a cold wet February weekend there were a good many people there, and in summer they get vast crowds enjoying the various gardens (one dedicated to medicinal herbs, another to lavender, etc). The setting of the Abbey is just superb, and each night I was lulled to sleep by the rushing waters of the river that was first channelled by the monks who arrived almost a thousand years ago...
The School of the Annunciation is well organised, and the course was excellent - hard work, but immensely interesting. The days are long gone when it could be assumed that children can simply "pick up" the Faith and be happily at Mass in their teens through a combination of family tradition and school RE. The School of the Annunciation will be playing a majr role in many people's lives over the next few years. BTW, is is running various Summer Schools that sound rather good - and the experience of staying at the Abbey in this most glorious part of Devon is simply wonderful.
After our final session on Sunday morning I thought I'd go for a wander around the grounds before Mass - I was enjoying this as the Abbey bell started to peal, and the crowds at Mass were such that I only found a seat with some difficulty. A fine choir and absolutely superb music. Then a final lunch and farewells...
Friday, February 27, 2015
...on Monday...
....March 2nd, at 6.30pm the Ladies Ordinariate Group (LOGS) meets at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, for a tour, finishing with the Stations of the Cross....anyone is welcome to join us. Nearest tube: LAMBETH NORTH or WATERLOO....
...at Paddington station...
...there's a place where my co-author Clare Anderson and I meet, starting with morning coffee and working on through lunch, tackling our various projects. So far, two TV feature programmes on St John Paul II, one telling his life story and one exploring his legacy and its message. The first was broadcast a while ago (we've had some good feedback) and the second will be broadcast shortly - info from EWTN.
As regular readers of this Blog will know, we've also produced a book...
And we spent yesterday working on the next project. Not telling what it is - let's get the work done first. The staff at the cheerful and friendly place where we meet are delightful, and know us well, asking us how the book/TV/whatever projects are going, and keeping us supplied with pots of tea...
As regular readers of this Blog will know, we've also produced a book...
And we spent yesterday working on the next project. Not telling what it is - let's get the work done first. The staff at the cheerful and friendly place where we meet are delightful, and know us well, asking us how the book/TV/whatever projects are going, and keeping us supplied with pots of tea...
Last night...
...we gathered for a Lenten meditation and discussion, focusing on evangelisation. We're using this document...
It took me a while to "get" St John Paul's call for a New Evangelisation. Now I'm committed. Our cynical, unhappy and worried culture needs a new hope and new life. A local church isn't there to serve consumer-needs but to create disciples of Jesus Christ...
Read here to get the idea...
It took me a while to "get" St John Paul's call for a New Evangelisation. Now I'm committed. Our cynical, unhappy and worried culture needs a new hope and new life. A local church isn't there to serve consumer-needs but to create disciples of Jesus Christ...
Read here to get the idea...
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
..and this is good news...
Philip Booth is a distinguished economist, who has written extensively on Catholic social teaching.It is excellent that he has been appointed to this university.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
And here's wisdom and common sense on the topic of sex education...
We've had crude, inaccurate, ill-informed material foisted on young pupils for far too long. We need a fresh approach, respectful of children, mindful of what is age-appropriate, valuing them as individuals with needs.
One day, there will be great anger and bitterness launched by men and women who were victims of the hideous experiments in sexual coercion and propaganda imposed over recent years.
Read here...
...and next weekend...
...Auntie is off to Devon, to attend a Catechist course at the new School of the Annunciation at Buckfast....
Monday, February 23, 2015
How weird...
...it is to sit in an English village and read of girls in our capital city enthusiastically hurrying to support Jihad against our country.
How fearsome to realise that girls and boys in our country's schools have been given little or no vision of the civilisation they have inherited here, or the beauty of the Christian faith on which is based and with which it has been nourished.
The followers of Mahommed include many misguided souls, and many angry young ones, hungry for some spiritual food.
How fearsome to realise that girls and boys in our country's schools have been given little or no vision of the civilisation they have inherited here, or the beauty of the Christian faith on which is based and with which it has been nourished.
The followers of Mahommed include many misguided souls, and many angry young ones, hungry for some spiritual food.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
...after Sunday Mass in London...
...some hurried packing at home, and then off to Somerset on a family visit. I'm writing this overlooking Exmoor, a wild wind blowing, and that huge darkness beyond the glow of the house-lights across the lawn. The house wher we are staying is snug and I have books to read, work to do, and some sewing with which to relax. And wellies packed for a good walk tomorrow.
I'm reading Rebuilt...hugely enjoyable, with useful things to learn. Wise in that crunchy, American-don't-let's-waste-time style.And a sort of exciting story too...
I'm reading Rebuilt...hugely enjoyable, with useful things to learn. Wise in that crunchy, American-don't-let's-waste-time style.And a sort of exciting story too...
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Along the City Road...
... a corner of London all rich in Dickens and centuries of history...to Ashwell House to give a lecture. This University Hall of Residence has young women from all over the world as well as from Britain: I gave them a Tube map and explained the origins of the place-names: Angel, Blackfriars, Westminster...and we looked at the centuries of history, Saxons and Normans, and the Medieval era, and the arrival of the Tudors with Henry VII attempting to evoke powerful folk-memories by naming his first son Arthur...then the tragedy of Henry VIII and so on and so on...
We tackled important historical events and ideas, but there was also room for other stuff, and they knew about the local pub, the Eagle, featuring in the famous nursery rhyme, and I told them about the horrid origins of the jack-in-the-box toy: it seems to date back to militant anti-Catholicism and be a mockery of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist in the Taberbacle (old versions of the toy have thw words "Hocus Pocus" on the lid, a corruption of the words of the Consecration)...
We tackled important historical events and ideas, but there was also room for other stuff, and they knew about the local pub, the Eagle, featuring in the famous nursery rhyme, and I told them about the horrid origins of the jack-in-the-box toy: it seems to date back to militant anti-Catholicism and be a mockery of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist in the Taberbacle (old versions of the toy have thw words "Hocus Pocus" on the lid, a corruption of the words of the Consecration)...
Chichester...
...and a cheery meeting to plan various History Walks and associated projects. But first a visit to that glorious Cathedral: it's been lovingly restored and cherished in recent decades, and has a warm sense of welcome. The shrine to St Richard is flanked by candles and icons. Every side chapel is clean and well cared-for, some set aside specifically aside for silent prayer, some displaying discreet notices explaining some item of interest. There were children scurrying about doing half-term activities learning the history and finding out about saints and shrines and things, and there were volunteers dressed in Historical Costumes waiting to be asked to talk. It felt like the sort of Britain one used to know.
On to a tasty and talkative lunch: lots of good plans for the year ahead (watch this Blog for info).
On to visit an elderly aunt a few miles along the coast: Tea (served formally and properly, so it merits a Captital Letter) and buttered buns and coffee-and-walnut-cake... and we talked of family news and old times...her daughter was one of my bridesmaids, and we recalled that lovely wedding and many other family gatherings over the years...
And finally back to Chichester. The driver was friendly and helpful - I thanked him for coming a long way out of the city to get me "Only too glad" he said "I was sitting waiting by the station, with drunken girls shouting horrible, slutty stuff, swearing obscenities - can't repeat them. I was glad to get away." In the waiting-room, a man and child lurched out, rather awkwardly. I settled with a book after exchanging a sort of nod to two other passengers, as one does..."Glad you're here" one said "It's been vile. Some woman came in, dead drunk, and shouting at her daughters on her mobile phone, Horrible language.Some row about a party they were having . Then a man came in with his little boy: the man was drunk, and the child was made to carry a bag of clanking bottles.They've just left."
Chichester, Sussex, on a February night. What are our big cities going to be like this summer?
On to a tasty and talkative lunch: lots of good plans for the year ahead (watch this Blog for info).
On to visit an elderly aunt a few miles along the coast: Tea (served formally and properly, so it merits a Captital Letter) and buttered buns and coffee-and-walnut-cake... and we talked of family news and old times...her daughter was one of my bridesmaids, and we recalled that lovely wedding and many other family gatherings over the years...
And finally back to Chichester. The driver was friendly and helpful - I thanked him for coming a long way out of the city to get me "Only too glad" he said "I was sitting waiting by the station, with drunken girls shouting horrible, slutty stuff, swearing obscenities - can't repeat them. I was glad to get away." In the waiting-room, a man and child lurched out, rather awkwardly. I settled with a book after exchanging a sort of nod to two other passengers, as one does..."Glad you're here" one said "It's been vile. Some woman came in, dead drunk, and shouting at her daughters on her mobile phone, Horrible language.Some row about a party they were having . Then a man came in with his little boy: the man was drunk, and the child was made to carry a bag of clanking bottles.They've just left."
Chichester, Sussex, on a February night. What are our big cities going to be like this summer?
A joy-filled letter...
...from a Sister of St Cecilia's Abbey on the Isle of Wight. They keep busy there...and have six new novices and are thriving. Their newsletter is full of good things - but also solemn ones, including letters from sisters in the Middle East, , forced out of Iraq along with so many other refugees, pursued by bombing and slaughtering...
There is also a fascinating and profound meditation on silence...referencing St John of the Cross..."God utters only one Word. He utters Himself in that Word totally, interiorly, in an eternal silence..." "Everyone has a sacred stillness at the core of their being, the place where they are present in secret to God and God is present to them..." As a terrible chetterer, Auntie is gently soaking herself in this meditation....
There is also a fascinating and profound meditation on silence...referencing St John of the Cross..."God utters only one Word. He utters Himself in that Word totally, interiorly, in an eternal silence..." "Everyone has a sacred stillness at the core of their being, the place where they are present in secret to God and God is present to them..." As a terrible chetterer, Auntie is gently soaking herself in this meditation....
Friday, February 20, 2015
Lent...
...and ashes distributed at a crowded Mass in a London church. Years ago, I remember dear Fr Michael Napier of Brompton Oratory saying that the day that drew the largest crowds was Ash Wednesday. More than any Holyday of Obligation, more than any popular saint's day. I think it's because people like something tangible - ashes on the forehead, the reality of it, the thingness of it. Very incarnational.
And from there, with smudged forehead, to the train... and thence to the prison, where they'd had a distribution of ashes that morning, too...and talking to a couple of prisoners. One, in particular, is in a particularly distressing position, a young man from a devout family, caught up in ghastly events: please pray for him: no need to know his name or anything, just Carpenter will do (that isn't his name, and he isn't a carpenter).
Next day, to college for some work in the library...along the corridors there were still a couple of notices left from the previous day, from the Chaplaincy, reminding people about getting ashes. I hope they got good numbers too. In the evening, a gathering at St Paul's Bookshop next to Westminster Cathedral, where the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Mennini, blessed the new Website project and, clicking on to a computer, set it in motion. It was all rather delightful, and again, incarnational - holy water sprinkled about, in the shop and on us, and on everything, Scriptures read, prayers said...and then we all enjoyed some light refreshments.
It's hopeless having an event like that in a bookshop - the shelves are so full of good things and it's all irresistible. I bought Scott Hahn's Evangelizing Catholics, and it's a good read.
And from there, with smudged forehead, to the train... and thence to the prison, where they'd had a distribution of ashes that morning, too...and talking to a couple of prisoners. One, in particular, is in a particularly distressing position, a young man from a devout family, caught up in ghastly events: please pray for him: no need to know his name or anything, just Carpenter will do (that isn't his name, and he isn't a carpenter).
Next day, to college for some work in the library...along the corridors there were still a couple of notices left from the previous day, from the Chaplaincy, reminding people about getting ashes. I hope they got good numbers too. In the evening, a gathering at St Paul's Bookshop next to Westminster Cathedral, where the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Mennini, blessed the new Website project and, clicking on to a computer, set it in motion. It was all rather delightful, and again, incarnational - holy water sprinkled about, in the shop and on us, and on everything, Scriptures read, prayers said...and then we all enjoyed some light refreshments.
It's hopeless having an event like that in a bookshop - the shelves are so full of good things and it's all irresistible. I bought Scott Hahn's Evangelizing Catholics, and it's a good read.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Snub for homosexual lobbying group...
...in Rome today. They had wanted to be welcomed publicly and give themselves a cheer - standard procedure for any group visiting St Peter's and crowding in to one of the big Papal audiences in the vast Paul VI Hall. Instead, the nearest the group got was a mention of their geographical area - which may have meant them and may not - while at the gathering in St Peter's Square where the Pope greets pilgrims, they got no mention at all.
Anyone can go to the gatherings in the Paul VI Hall and it's not hard to get seats near the front if you persevere. An official reads out the names of groups, and it's traditional to stand and get some applause - maybe even sing a song or call out a rousing greeting.
Failure to get a mention is a snub - not a particularly cruel one, just evidence of a prudent concern by the papal bureaucracy to ensure that loopy groups are, as far as possible, gently avoided.
Embarrassed, the organisers of the group contacted the media, and posed in St Peter's Square, announcing that they were greeted at the Vatican - untrue - and claiming that the Church's teaching on the wrongfulness of homosexual activity will change, which it won't.
All are welcome in the Church, lobby groups and all. But they need to be truthful: if they get invited in for tea it won't mean that Church teaching can change. As it happens, they weren't. And it won't because it can't.
Anyone can go to the gatherings in the Paul VI Hall and it's not hard to get seats near the front if you persevere. An official reads out the names of groups, and it's traditional to stand and get some applause - maybe even sing a song or call out a rousing greeting.
Failure to get a mention is a snub - not a particularly cruel one, just evidence of a prudent concern by the papal bureaucracy to ensure that loopy groups are, as far as possible, gently avoided.
Embarrassed, the organisers of the group contacted the media, and posed in St Peter's Square, announcing that they were greeted at the Vatican - untrue - and claiming that the Church's teaching on the wrongfulness of homosexual activity will change, which it won't.
All are welcome in the Church, lobby groups and all. But they need to be truthful: if they get invited in for tea it won't mean that Church teaching can change. As it happens, they weren't. And it won't because it can't.
...and the Dominican Sisters...
...of St Joseph (see pic below) invite young women to share the Sacred Triduum (ie Maundy Thursday to Holy Saturday, 2nd to 4th April) with them in the New Forest...
Their motto is "To Praise, to Bless, to Preach".
You can find out more by emailing them: dominican.sisters@talk21.com
Their motto is "To Praise, to Bless, to Preach".
You can find out more by emailing them: dominican.sisters@talk21.com
Shrove Tuesday...
...and for most people in Britain it's Pancake Day. I'm glad the tradition still flourishes. Pics in the press of children at a choir school running, fully robed, wth frying-pans in a Pancake Race. Advertisments reminding people to buy flour, sugar, lemons. And delicious pancakes on offer at various eateries, with syrup or with chocolate sauce or with ce cream.
The "Shrove" doesn't, of course, refer to pancakes, but to confessing our sins and being shriven: ie receiving absolution. And with Ash Wednesday Lent begins, the season of penance and prayer leading up to the great events of Holy Week and Easter...
The carnival tradition, Mardi Gras, celebrating and partying before Lent begins, still lingers: our British pancake day is a rather - well - British version of it.
I've often wondered - comments welcome - does the tradition of the clown-with-a-tear, the harlequin with a sad face, somehow echo the idea of the partying that ends with Ash Wednesday? Somehow the song "The Carnival is over" echoes the theme too...
Auntie marked Shrove Tuesday with sticky chocolate cake enjoyed with a young relative, then pancakes-and syrup at home very late.
I'm writing this after midnight, so now it's Lent.
The "Shrove" doesn't, of course, refer to pancakes, but to confessing our sins and being shriven: ie receiving absolution. And with Ash Wednesday Lent begins, the season of penance and prayer leading up to the great events of Holy Week and Easter...
The carnival tradition, Mardi Gras, celebrating and partying before Lent begins, still lingers: our British pancake day is a rather - well - British version of it.
I've often wondered - comments welcome - does the tradition of the clown-with-a-tear, the harlequin with a sad face, somehow echo the idea of the partying that ends with Ash Wednesday? Somehow the song "The Carnival is over" echoes the theme too...
Auntie marked Shrove Tuesday with sticky chocolate cake enjoyed with a young relative, then pancakes-and syrup at home very late.
I'm writing this after midnight, so now it's Lent.
...and further to my recent blog post about conspiracy theorists...
...(for which see below), I found this comment by Mark Shea to be of interest.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Cardinal Jean Danielou...
...was one of the great forerunners of the Second Vatican Council, in the sense that his ideas and writings hugely influenced it. And he spoke with passion and wisdom about how the message and teachings of the Council were lost and distorted in the immediate post-Council years. He is now coming into his own...read here to find out more.
His thinking was in tune with that of Fr (later Cardinal) Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI...over the next years, students for the priesthood will be hugely influenced by both, to the great good of the Church.
His thinking was in tune with that of Fr (later Cardinal) Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI...over the next years, students for the priesthood will be hugely influenced by both, to the great good of the Church.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
For those who relish conspiracy theories...
...this will be something of a blow. But it's important to read it all the same.
The vile Ratzinger-is-a-liar line has long been peddled by the posers of the there's-a-deep-dark-secret-about-Fatima-that-he's-kept-from-us groupies, and it's now been extended.
Remember that line about Pope Paul VI being held as a prisoner in the Vatican basements and another man replacing him for public occasions? Popular among the they're-tunneling-under-your-house types in the 1970s. (I think the idea was that you could check by looking at his ears, or something).
The vile Ratzinger-is-a-liar line has long been peddled by the posers of the there's-a-deep-dark-secret-about-Fatima-that-he's-kept-from-us groupies, and it's now been extended.
Remember that line about Pope Paul VI being held as a prisoner in the Vatican basements and another man replacing him for public occasions? Popular among the they're-tunneling-under-your-house types in the 1970s. (I think the idea was that you could check by looking at his ears, or something).
and here is auntie...
with the lovely Dominican Sisters of St Joseph who came to London for their Day Out, enjoying Westminster Cathedral and then Tea with the ladies of the Ordinariate...
They are the most enormous fun. Whennever I am with them, we seem to spend so much of the time in laughter. And its infectious - they really do spread joy wherever they go...
A MUST-READ...
...is the superb talk given by Mgr Mark Langham to the priests of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham when they gathered last week. Read it here...
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Chelsea...
...and an afternoon of Marriage Preparation at St Mary's Church, Cadogan Street - or, strictly speaking, in the new St John Southworth Room in the church/school grounds. Several young couples all taking part - Auntie's role was to speak on the Catholic understanding of marriage. Over the years, this talk has grown more theological, and I have found that they like this: God's original plan, Christ and his Church: the Bridegroom and the Bride, Cana in Galilee, water into wine...the nuptial meaning of the Eucharist...the Marriage Feast of the Lamb...
St Mary's is a most beautiful church, popular for weddings...although many of the couples I meet at these sessions are marrying abroad: this is London and many are people from two different countries who met here. There is a sense of real commitment to this Preparation Course..they attend talks on prayer, the Church's teaching on marriage, family life, and more...
St Mary's is a most beautiful church, popular for weddings...although many of the couples I meet at these sessions are marrying abroad: this is London and many are people from two different countries who met here. There is a sense of real commitment to this Preparation Course..they attend talks on prayer, the Church's teaching on marriage, family life, and more...
Friday, February 13, 2015
Been re-reading...
...Rowland's Ratzinger's Faith: The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI, Excellent. Also von Balthasar's To the Heart of the Mystery of Redemption - the influence of von Balthasar on Ratzinger, Wojtila, and Vatican II is going to be one of those standard things-to-write-about in seminaries and theology departments over the next decades.
Hugely busy with various projects for schools - the first entries have started arriving in the big "Our Father" venture organised for primary schools...
Lent starts next week: pleasingly, I have a a long-booked engagement for Shrove Tuesday with a young niece, which promises pancakes and chocolate and other delights in great abundance...
And at this time of year the summer diary starts to fill up: although Auntie relishes winter and dislikes hot weather, the prospect of mild sunshine and long outdoor days is not unattractive, and some lovely things are planned for 2015 including a trip to Ireland, and a glorious walking-pilgrimage through Norfolk...
But meanwhile, the wallpaper of everyday life at present is all Stephen Fry and his horrid ramblings, plus posters and advertisments everywhere for a film celebrating sado-masochism, plus one news story after another about teachers engaging in lesbian relationships with pupils...oh, it's all so ugly,
Hugely busy with various projects for schools - the first entries have started arriving in the big "Our Father" venture organised for primary schools...
Lent starts next week: pleasingly, I have a a long-booked engagement for Shrove Tuesday with a young niece, which promises pancakes and chocolate and other delights in great abundance...
And at this time of year the summer diary starts to fill up: although Auntie relishes winter and dislikes hot weather, the prospect of mild sunshine and long outdoor days is not unattractive, and some lovely things are planned for 2015 including a trip to Ireland, and a glorious walking-pilgrimage through Norfolk...
But meanwhile, the wallpaper of everyday life at present is all Stephen Fry and his horrid ramblings, plus posters and advertisments everywhere for a film celebrating sado-masochism, plus one news story after another about teachers engaging in lesbian relationships with pupils...oh, it's all so ugly,
A brief note...
to say that there will no Catholic History Walk on Feb 16th: the next is MONDAY MARCH 2nd, at St George's Cathedral, Southwark. Meet 6.30pm at the main door. Nearest tube: WATERLOO or LAMBETH NORTH. We will have a tour of the Cathedral: this is being organised in association with the Ladies Ordinariate Group.
Tradition and history, ...
.. and a sense of good new things happening...
On Wednesday evening, a meeting of The Keys, the Catholic Writers Guild. Speaker: Jacon Rees-Mogg MP. An excellent evening, Our Guild Church is St Mary Moorfields, and things begin with Mass, followed by drinks and much talk, and then a hearty Dinner, after which we gather round for the talk. This evening's topic centred on Britain's relationship with the European Community, our tradition of law, the tensions involved with other traditions...
Members of the Guild can bring guests, and this evening was particularly popular. J. and I had invited Patti Fordyce, of the Association of Catholic Women (and the Ladies Ordinariate Group)..Delia Gaze, secretary of the Guild, had invited Fr Christopher Pearson of the Ordinariate of OL of Walsingham.
The next day was an Ordinariate Day, big time. The Ordinaries from Australia and the USA are visiting Britain, and all the Ordinariate clergy were invited to a gathering at Westminster Cathedral Hall. The Ladies Ordinariate Group (LOGS) had volunteered to organise the food. Patti (see para above) did a magnificent job with a delicious array of sandwiches, and I brought to the Cathedral Hall the large coffee-machine that we use at the annual TOWARDS ADVENT Festival.
People carry coffee-machines around on buses and Tubes all the time, don't they? I mean, it's perfectly normal to wrap one up in layers and layers of plastic bags and trundle it about, looking helpless at the bottom of stairs and escalators?
One feels awfully silly lugging the awkward thing about...for the final lap I hailed a cab. Worth every penny.
During the afternoon I broke away from the conference to lead a splendid group of nuns on a tour of Westminster Cathedral.It was their annual Day Out in London, and they were having a wonderful time: among the best bits was the sight of them all munching sandwiches on benches near the Cathedral, with people hurrying to take photographs...if you haven't experienced a Pilgrimage or some other event with this hilarious team of Dominicans, you ust make arrangements to do so as soon as possible...
Great good cheer when the Sisters met Fr Christopher (see above) who has worked with them on pilgrimages etc...
Things were rounded off with tea (provided by LOGS) and photographs...I'll post one here in due course...
The Ordinariate gathering was excellent - it was actually rather moving to see all these priests together, and especially so in the evening when they walked in a great procession for a concelebrated Mass...
Later, exhausted, the LOGS team settled at a pub with glasses of wine. Most satisying.
On Wednesday evening, a meeting of The Keys, the Catholic Writers Guild. Speaker: Jacon Rees-Mogg MP. An excellent evening, Our Guild Church is St Mary Moorfields, and things begin with Mass, followed by drinks and much talk, and then a hearty Dinner, after which we gather round for the talk. This evening's topic centred on Britain's relationship with the European Community, our tradition of law, the tensions involved with other traditions...
Members of the Guild can bring guests, and this evening was particularly popular. J. and I had invited Patti Fordyce, of the Association of Catholic Women (and the Ladies Ordinariate Group)..Delia Gaze, secretary of the Guild, had invited Fr Christopher Pearson of the Ordinariate of OL of Walsingham.
The next day was an Ordinariate Day, big time. The Ordinaries from Australia and the USA are visiting Britain, and all the Ordinariate clergy were invited to a gathering at Westminster Cathedral Hall. The Ladies Ordinariate Group (LOGS) had volunteered to organise the food. Patti (see para above) did a magnificent job with a delicious array of sandwiches, and I brought to the Cathedral Hall the large coffee-machine that we use at the annual TOWARDS ADVENT Festival.
People carry coffee-machines around on buses and Tubes all the time, don't they? I mean, it's perfectly normal to wrap one up in layers and layers of plastic bags and trundle it about, looking helpless at the bottom of stairs and escalators?
One feels awfully silly lugging the awkward thing about...for the final lap I hailed a cab. Worth every penny.
During the afternoon I broke away from the conference to lead a splendid group of nuns on a tour of Westminster Cathedral.It was their annual Day Out in London, and they were having a wonderful time: among the best bits was the sight of them all munching sandwiches on benches near the Cathedral, with people hurrying to take photographs...if you haven't experienced a Pilgrimage or some other event with this hilarious team of Dominicans, you ust make arrangements to do so as soon as possible...
Great good cheer when the Sisters met Fr Christopher (see above) who has worked with them on pilgrimages etc...
Things were rounded off with tea (provided by LOGS) and photographs...I'll post one here in due course...
The Ordinariate gathering was excellent - it was actually rather moving to see all these priests together, and especially so in the evening when they walked in a great procession for a concelebrated Mass...
Later, exhausted, the LOGS team settled at a pub with glasses of wine. Most satisying.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
We met at...
...St Patrick's, Soho, for a lunchtime Mass, to be followed by a Catholic History Walk.
On appropriate feast-days, the Mass at St P's is said at an appropriate side-altar - thus today being the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Mass was at an altar dedicated to her. But because there are always good numbers for Mass at this busy London church, most of us had to use the main pews, which face the main altar - so we were all kneeling sideways to be at the Mass...however, this gave a sort of awkward intimacy which was not without its charm....afterwards a group gathered outside and we set off to explore the area and learn the history... At St Giles-in-the-Fields the Rector made us welcome (he and his congregation welcome the procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St Patrick's every summer, allow Benediction in the churchyard, and offer wine and refreshments afterwards...) . At Bloomsbury Baptist Church we were again greeted in a most friendly way and the kind lady at the desk was very helpful and the visit ended with us all saying the Lord's Prayer together...
The Walk finished at SS Anselm and Cecilia, Holborn, and the nearby Ship Inn, where Bishop Richard Challonger used to say Mass and meet his flock, in recusant times...
NEXT HISTORY WALK: Monday March 2nd, meet 6.30pm at St George's Cathedral, Southwark (nearest tube: Lambeth North or WATERLOO). We will make a tour inside St George's.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Sunday June 21st, 1.30pm meet at St Sepulchre's Church, near the Old Bailey for THE MARTYRS' WALK. Nearest tube: St Paul's.
On appropriate feast-days, the Mass at St P's is said at an appropriate side-altar - thus today being the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, Mass was at an altar dedicated to her. But because there are always good numbers for Mass at this busy London church, most of us had to use the main pews, which face the main altar - so we were all kneeling sideways to be at the Mass...however, this gave a sort of awkward intimacy which was not without its charm....afterwards a group gathered outside and we set off to explore the area and learn the history... At St Giles-in-the-Fields the Rector made us welcome (he and his congregation welcome the procession of the Blessed Sacrament from St Patrick's every summer, allow Benediction in the churchyard, and offer wine and refreshments afterwards...) . At Bloomsbury Baptist Church we were again greeted in a most friendly way and the kind lady at the desk was very helpful and the visit ended with us all saying the Lord's Prayer together...
The Walk finished at SS Anselm and Cecilia, Holborn, and the nearby Ship Inn, where Bishop Richard Challonger used to say Mass and meet his flock, in recusant times...
NEXT HISTORY WALK: Monday March 2nd, meet 6.30pm at St George's Cathedral, Southwark (nearest tube: Lambeth North or WATERLOO). We will make a tour inside St George's.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Sunday June 21st, 1.30pm meet at St Sepulchre's Church, near the Old Bailey for THE MARTYRS' WALK. Nearest tube: St Paul's.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
LOGS...
...aka the Ladies Ordinariate Group. A lively and useful meeting, at which we made plans for the year ahead...the first entries have arrived for our 2015 Schools Project and it all looks set to be a big success. We enjoyed looking at the children's work: this year's project involves copying out a well-known prayer and answering some questions to show an understanding of it, and so far the entries look very good...the work of reading through all the entries, allocating prizes, posting them off, and/or visiting schools to present them will be a major activity this summer. We also plan a weekend in Walsingham, talks on a number of topics ranging from the work of a uniuversity chaplain to the state of the Church in Zimbabwe, our annual summer outing to Whitstable - Mass, lunch, talks, and a garden Rosary at the Vocations Centre, plus a visit to the sea - and some fund-raising for various good causes...
The leaders of the Ordinariates in the USA and Australia are currently visiting Britain and a LOGS team led by the splendid Patti Fordyce has understaken to tackle all the neccessary refreshments for a big gathering at Westminster.
And we're already looking ahead and booking our place at a big railway station to sing carols in December - a lot of groups like to sing (which is good) and it's important to book ahead...
The leaders of the Ordinariates in the USA and Australia are currently visiting Britain and a LOGS team led by the splendid Patti Fordyce has understaken to tackle all the neccessary refreshments for a big gathering at Westminster.
And we're already looking ahead and booking our place at a big railway station to sing carols in December - a lot of groups like to sing (which is good) and it's important to book ahead...
Monday, February 09, 2015
The Synod on the Family...
...needs and deserves our prayers.
People often see the Church's teaching as harsh or as unrealistic. Not so...the Church seeks tobe Christ's bride, and a mother to all he faithful, born in baptism. We don't seek to turn her into a nagging mother, or one who fails to understand her children's problems or the hardships faced in trying to sort them out. She cannot compromise on offering what is good, true, and beautiful. She is the custodian, not the inventor, of God's loving plan for humankind...
People often see the Church's teaching as harsh or as unrealistic. Not so...the Church seeks tobe Christ's bride, and a mother to all he faithful, born in baptism. We don't seek to turn her into a nagging mother, or one who fails to understand her children's problems or the hardships faced in trying to sort them out. She cannot compromise on offering what is good, true, and beautiful. She is the custodian, not the inventor, of God's loving plan for humankind...
Sunday, February 08, 2015
...and if you would like to experience a Catholic History Walk...
...join us this Wednesday (Feb 11th) at St Patrick's, Soho. Mass 12.45 and the Walk starts afterwards. We'll look at St-Giles-in-the-Fields, Holborn, and the pub where Bishop Richard Challoner used to preach, and more...
...and here is Auntie...
with young people from various countries (Croatia, Nigeria, Latvia) who were in London to discuss plans for the 40 Days for Life campaign. Organiser Robert Colquhoun asked me if I would take the group on a London History Walk, and so we gathered for Mass at Westminster Cathedral and then went off down Ambrosden Avenue, and on towards the river...looking at Parliament and the Abbey and more...
We finished with a late and hearty lunch with much lively talk...v. interesting to hear the Croatians talking about their country's recent history, the civil war etc etc...
They were all rather well-informed about Britain,having studied English since primary school and being familiar with topics ranging from Henry VIII to Big Ben. They picked up nuances of language, enjoyed my dislike of "Uwwazyke" (as in some one describing a conversation concerning something astonishing: "Uuwwazyke 'yeh, that's amazing, and eewuzzyke 'yeh whatever' and uwwazyke 'yeh'...and so on and so on...). They recognised the realities of life in Britain: I dislike giving cliche versions of British history or of our current problems. The conversation was open, honest, challenging, filled with good humour, and I learned a lot.
As a thank-you gift I've been offered to choose any book I like, and I'm going to get something by von Balthasar (see previous blog posts)...
Walking back down Victoria Street after this enjoyable day I had another delightful encounter - a cheery group of sandalled grey-clad Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, just crossing the Cathedral piazza after Vespers. Warm greetings, and it was a particular pleasure to meet three new postulants, newly arrived from the USA...
...and it was all rather providential, because on my "to do" list from last week's meeting of the Towards Advent Festival planning group was "Contact Franciscan Friars of Renewal and see if they will come and speak." They are keen, so we'll have a team of them speaking at the Festival and telling us what it means to be a friar and why anyone would ditch all material luxuries, wear a patched grey robe, and pledge to serve God and the poor for the whole of life in complete obedience to whatever the mission field demands...
Saturday, February 07, 2015
More on that pic of St John Paul the Great...
...and Auntie, and embroidery, and the Ordinatriate, and a pilgrimage to Walsingham....
Scarborough...
...at its most beautiful in sparkling winter sunshine.
St Peter's is a fine church and there were a large number of people at weekday Mass - so many, in fact, that I thought it was some sort of a special day...but no, it was just the normal nmber for a Thursday morning. Fr William Massie is a hard-working and cheery priest and we were soon busy on a couple of projects for the FAITH Movement...this involved a lot of checking things on the internet. The splendid 19th century Rectory is a fine building of four storeys and thick walls but the latter poses some problems for internet access when you are on the higher storeys, so I sat on the comfortable thickly-carpeted staircase where all worked well.
While Fr went off on various home-Communion visits, I took letters to post and enjoyed the sands and sea. The sun was glittering so sharply on the gleaming silver of the water that it hurt the eyes - I had to walk with the light behind me, heading out around those glorious cliffs topped with the fortifications... here the sea was blue'grey, cold and swooshing, and along the Parade the seaside-in-winter feeling was in full force, the sellers of ice-cream and local seafood all closed up...but there was delicious coffee and shortbread at a friendly coffee-shop and people sitting in the sunshine. A group of workmen in blue overalls had been busy with enormous rebuilding projects further along the shore and were tucking into a large fry-ups. It was lovely. I sat tackling some letters and enjoyed the latest Scott Hahn (called, with an agreeable nod to the fitness of things Consuming the Word).
An evening train to Leeds. The White Rise eaterie at the station is one of many places where you can get good food, and it had the irreistible offer of eggs-on-toast and freshly brewed coffee between 5 and 6pm at a special price. Delicious.
Lecture on St John Paul the Great. This took place at Holy Trinity Church in the city centre, a fine building with wonderful monuments to local worthies, solid pews, and good accoustics. The shopping centre is named in honour of the Trinity too, which gives a pleasing irony to the splendid gothic Unitarian Church which stands at its entrance.
St Peter's is a fine church and there were a large number of people at weekday Mass - so many, in fact, that I thought it was some sort of a special day...but no, it was just the normal nmber for a Thursday morning. Fr William Massie is a hard-working and cheery priest and we were soon busy on a couple of projects for the FAITH Movement...this involved a lot of checking things on the internet. The splendid 19th century Rectory is a fine building of four storeys and thick walls but the latter poses some problems for internet access when you are on the higher storeys, so I sat on the comfortable thickly-carpeted staircase where all worked well.
While Fr went off on various home-Communion visits, I took letters to post and enjoyed the sands and sea. The sun was glittering so sharply on the gleaming silver of the water that it hurt the eyes - I had to walk with the light behind me, heading out around those glorious cliffs topped with the fortifications... here the sea was blue'grey, cold and swooshing, and along the Parade the seaside-in-winter feeling was in full force, the sellers of ice-cream and local seafood all closed up...but there was delicious coffee and shortbread at a friendly coffee-shop and people sitting in the sunshine. A group of workmen in blue overalls had been busy with enormous rebuilding projects further along the shore and were tucking into a large fry-ups. It was lovely. I sat tackling some letters and enjoyed the latest Scott Hahn (called, with an agreeable nod to the fitness of things Consuming the Word).
An evening train to Leeds. The White Rise eaterie at the station is one of many places where you can get good food, and it had the irreistible offer of eggs-on-toast and freshly brewed coffee between 5 and 6pm at a special price. Delicious.
Lecture on St John Paul the Great. This took place at Holy Trinity Church in the city centre, a fine building with wonderful monuments to local worthies, solid pews, and good accoustics. The shopping centre is named in honour of the Trinity too, which gives a pleasing irony to the splendid gothic Unitarian Church which stands at its entrance.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
Been reading...
...Henri de Lubac and Hans Urs von Balthasar. Marvellous stuff.
Long years ago, I discovered that the measure of a good book is wishing a train journey to be longer in order to be able to go on reading undisturbed...or, sometimes, missing one's station and whoizzing on because of being so absorbed in the book...
Long years ago, I discovered that the measure of a good book is wishing a train journey to be longer in order to be able to go on reading undisturbed...or, sometimes, missing one's station and whoizzing on because of being so absorbed in the book...
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
Candles...
...at Westminster Cathedral for Candlemas, but alas I was late for Mass because of various meetings...everyone had lovely guttering candles, I was sorry to have missed getting one...
And so the 40 days of the Christmas season ends...and I spent part of the afternoon at Premier Radio, doing an interview about Ash Wednesday.Why do we get ashes on our foreheads? The interviewer asked "I've seen Catholics with crosses marked on their forehead with ash on that day, and often wodered about it..."and so we went on, and tackled Shrove Tuesday, pancakes, Lent...
Sat in a cafe to tackle some emails, and a chap was reading a large Hebrew Bible opposite me. We got talking - long intense conversation. He came from the Czech Republic...to one of my generation (he was rather younger) there is something interesting, and rather depressing, about meeting people formed by the aftermath of post-Communism. They are not atheists, certainly not socialists, they are not paricularly idealistic although they are interested in spiritual things, and they are almost as ignorant about such things as their counterparts in Western Europe. This one was a bit different from most, being uninterested in the sex-and-shopping cult that dominates life for so many.I remember Fr Werenfried van Straaten in the early 1990s talking about the people who belonged to "what-comes-after-Communism", the emptiness and the sense of not particularlybelonging anywhere, of not havng a spiritual home...now we are into the second generation of that experience.
And so the 40 days of the Christmas season ends...and I spent part of the afternoon at Premier Radio, doing an interview about Ash Wednesday.Why do we get ashes on our foreheads? The interviewer asked "I've seen Catholics with crosses marked on their forehead with ash on that day, and often wodered about it..."and so we went on, and tackled Shrove Tuesday, pancakes, Lent...
Sat in a cafe to tackle some emails, and a chap was reading a large Hebrew Bible opposite me. We got talking - long intense conversation. He came from the Czech Republic...to one of my generation (he was rather younger) there is something interesting, and rather depressing, about meeting people formed by the aftermath of post-Communism. They are not atheists, certainly not socialists, they are not paricularly idealistic although they are interested in spiritual things, and they are almost as ignorant about such things as their counterparts in Western Europe. This one was a bit different from most, being uninterested in the sex-and-shopping cult that dominates life for so many.I remember Fr Werenfried van Straaten in the early 1990s talking about the people who belonged to "what-comes-after-Communism", the emptiness and the sense of not particularlybelonging anywhere, of not havng a spiritual home...now we are into the second generation of that experience.
Monday, February 02, 2015
Stilll...
...getting Comments sent to my SPAM box. If you have sent a Comment in the last 12 hours and not had it printed, do send it again...
Sunday, February 01, 2015
You might enjoy...
...Auntie's description of the 4th anniversary celebration of the Ordinariate of O.L. of Walsingham, in the latest issue of The Portal...
Dublin on a Sunday morning....
...and Mass in the Pro-Cathedral. The Palestrina Choir sang gloriously: lots of - well - Palestrina, and also Credo III with a special elaborate bit added for the "incarnatus est". It was St Brigid's Day and she got a special mention in the sermon and in the Bidding Prayers...
A largely middle-aged-to-elderly congregation, some young people but almost no children, except for the boys in the choir, who were reverent in their blue robes and white cottas: it was a touching sight to see them coming up for Holy Communion. They will be singing in Washington and New York in the Spring - USA readers note.
It probably doesn't really matter...but I think it's a great mistake to have too many ladies of Auntie's age and upwards, pottering about, distributing Holy Communion. They are not needed, and somehow it just looks sort of fussy-ladies-wanting-to-do-things-ish. When they first got out of their seats and went to put their handbags down by the side of the sanctuary, I thought perhaps they were getting a special blessing for St Brigid's Day or something...but no, it was just fussing-about-when-not-really-required...there were no large crowds for Holy Communion, and two priests were present, plus an adult altar server...
A largely middle-aged-to-elderly congregation, some young people but almost no children, except for the boys in the choir, who were reverent in their blue robes and white cottas: it was a touching sight to see them coming up for Holy Communion. They will be singing in Washington and New York in the Spring - USA readers note.
It probably doesn't really matter...but I think it's a great mistake to have too many ladies of Auntie's age and upwards, pottering about, distributing Holy Communion. They are not needed, and somehow it just looks sort of fussy-ladies-wanting-to-do-things-ish. When they first got out of their seats and went to put their handbags down by the side of the sanctuary, I thought perhaps they were getting a special blessing for St Brigid's Day or something...but no, it was just fussing-about-when-not-really-required...there were no large crowds for Holy Communion, and two priests were present, plus an adult altar server...
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Next Catholic History Walk...
...Wednesday February 11th, starts with 12.45pm Mass at St Patrick's, Soho. We'll explore Holborn, visit St-Giles-in-the-Fields, head down toards Fleet Street...all welcome, no need to book, just turn up.
Ireland...
...is having to vote in a referendum on whether or not the government should impose same-sex marriage. The Irish Bishops have issued a pastoral letter with a sound and useful message on the subject. They are to be commended. Politicians seeking to impose the planned law are making some very poor attempts to justify themselves...the whole project has a silly sloganised feel to it.
It would be glorious if Ireland could have an outbreak of quiet wisdom, kindness, and common sense and vote "No".
It would be glorious if Ireland could have an outbreak of quiet wisdom, kindness, and common sense and vote "No".
Random discussion recently...
...about the Harry Potter books. There's a whole urban-myth thing that has developed about them that has its fans "Didn't you know that in fact there's secret witchcraft language in there? Oh, it's all been researched..." and mothers who believe all this have banned the books from their homes and urge others to do the same. I'm unconvinced,
I've been getting, over recent weeks, various panicky messages...
...from Catholics who describe themselves as Traditionalist (often with a captital T) and who don't like the way Pope Francis talks. They seem to feel that they ought to feel all comfortable and gosh-this-is-absolutely-right about everything that a Pope says and does. And they get angry when they don't feel that way. They panic and worry and write a lot of complicated stuff. Some get postively weird about it...
Ordinary orthodox faithful Catholics don't feel this way. It isn't the way ordinary faithful Catholics are. I like and admire a lot of what Papa Francis is doing and saying. But even if I didn't, I wouldn't panic about it. I remember reading a book about Pius IX - he's been beatified - and deciding that he was on the wrong foot on a couple of tactical issues, and not particularly aware of damage done - I don't think I would have been a great fan of his (though the book enthused about him and apparently he was a perfectly jolly soul with people he knew and liked, said his prayers faithfully etc).
You don't have to worship Popes. You can stand and cheer a Pope simply because he is the successor of St Peter. Or you can cheer with a full heart - as so many of us did with beloved St John Paul the Great and beloved Papa Benedict when they each came to Britain - because you also have deep affection, admiration and love added to the knowledge that this man is Peter's successor.
But you are perfectly entitled to have reservations about a Pope's tactics or conversations. There's no need to panic, and no need to wish him ill. Think Catholic, don't give yourself a factional label, and be prepared to think along larger lines.
Ordinary orthodox faithful Catholics don't feel this way. It isn't the way ordinary faithful Catholics are. I like and admire a lot of what Papa Francis is doing and saying. But even if I didn't, I wouldn't panic about it. I remember reading a book about Pius IX - he's been beatified - and deciding that he was on the wrong foot on a couple of tactical issues, and not particularly aware of damage done - I don't think I would have been a great fan of his (though the book enthused about him and apparently he was a perfectly jolly soul with people he knew and liked, said his prayers faithfully etc).
You don't have to worship Popes. You can stand and cheer a Pope simply because he is the successor of St Peter. Or you can cheer with a full heart - as so many of us did with beloved St John Paul the Great and beloved Papa Benedict when they each came to Britain - because you also have deep affection, admiration and love added to the knowledge that this man is Peter's successor.
But you are perfectly entitled to have reservations about a Pope's tactics or conversations. There's no need to panic, and no need to wish him ill. Think Catholic, don't give yourself a factional label, and be prepared to think along larger lines.
HLI Ireland...
...that stands for Human Life International, a group run by the splendidly energetic Patrick McCrystal...we gathered at a large hotel on the outskirts of Dublin. Excellent talk from Joseph Meaney, HLI representative in Rome...discussing the Synod on the Family, the recent gathering of large families addressed with such enthusiasm by Pope Francis, etc...
Friday, January 30, 2015
Auntie is in Ireland...
...to give a talk at a conference in Dublin. My self-chosen topic for my talk is St John Paul and his message about family, human dignity and the value of each human life. His message is not widely understood. People like to think of the Church as having "strict rules", which can be affirmed, broken, or changed depending on whether or not you agree with them. But it's not like that at all. God calls us to fullness of life, to be part of his glorious idea for his beloved humanity - humanity so beloved that he arrived to become one of us...and the Church is custodian of the truth of all that, and can too easily mess things up if she becomes a nagging voice talking about rules instead of a mother who explains and teaches and cherishes the truth...
Today's press...
...brings a lot of comment about planned legislation to make it easier for women to allege rape. Apparently there is a plan to make it legally neccessary obtain evidence of full consent before sexual activity commences. There are all sorts of obvious flaws to this scheme, and all sorts commentators are pointing these out. But one commentator today starts her full-page analysis in the Daily Mail with the chatty statement that "We've all done it..." referring to meeting some one casually - perhaps sharing a taxi and getting chatting, or whatever - and then engaging in sexual activity. Apparently we are meant to assume that it's an absolutely normal thing to do and that afterwards, one has a bath and perhaps a bit of a weep with a girlfriend while chatting it over, and that's that. Uh??? Does she really, honestly think that's how most women behave? Or are we all meant to pretend that we do?
What a very odd country we now inhabit.
What a very odd country we now inhabit.
...and on the subject of marriage...
...this speech brought a recent conference in Rome to its feet in a standing ovation....and is an inspiring read...
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Every now and then...
...I reproduce on this Blog an extract from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This is because I want to make a statement about human freedom - specifically, the freedom to state truths that are important and currently unfashionable.
I started doing this because a little while ago some one quoted the Catechism during a conversation about same-sex unions, and was immediately told:"You can't say that!". And I have been told on various occasions that the Catechism "should be banned" or " should be burned".
So:
I started doing this because a little while ago some one quoted the Catechism during a conversation about same-sex unions, and was immediately told:"You can't say that!". And I have been told on various occasions that the Catechism "should be banned" or " should be burned".
So:
"Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral, and spiritual difference and complementarity are oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life. The harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which the complementarity, needs, and mutual support between the sexes are lived out.
2334 "In creating men 'male and female,' God gives man and woman an equal personal dignity." "Man is a person, man and woman equally so, since both were created in the image and likeness of the personal God."
2335 Each of the two sexes is an image of the power and tenderness of God, with equal dignity though in a different way. The union of man and woman in marriage is a way of imitating in the flesh the Creator's generosity and fecundity: "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh." All human generations proceed from this union.
The 2015 Catholic Women of the Year...
...will be chosen in the summer, and honoured at a Luncheon in October. Nominations are now being sought - you can read more about it here. The idea is to honour Catholic women who serve the Church and the community by neighbourliness and caring for the poor, the sick, the elderly, the imprisoned, helping with education, supporting charities and good community projects...those who are elected as Women of the Year don't get any prize, just warm recognition at a Luncheon, and the whole project is aimed at foistering a spirit of service and general goodwill. Find out more by following that link...
Speaker at this year's Luncheon in October will be Fr Alexander Sherbrook of St Patrick's, Soho.
Speaker at this year's Luncheon in October will be Fr Alexander Sherbrook of St Patrick's, Soho.
Bitterly cold...
...in London - Westminster Cathedral glowing with candles and a sense of welcome. Auntie writes each month in the Cathedral magazine, OREMUS. Took a copy to read on the bus going home. The Cathedral has just launched a new group, named in honour of London martyr St John Southworth, to act as guides and to welcome visitors, show the various chapels, etc. Apparently the most frequently asked question is "Is this the place where Prince William married Kate?"
"FHB"...
..."Family Hold Back"...the old expression used in Britain when there were unexpected guests and not enough food to go round. You held back, pretended you weren''t hungry, so the guests could eat well.
In today's Daily Telegraph, there is a wonderful interview with the daughter of the founder of Abbeyfield, the network of care homes for the elderly. She recalled her father, Richard Carr-Gomm - a soldier, decorated for bravery in WWII - who raised his family in a household where unexpected visitors could include ex-prisoners, homeless people and - on two occasions - Mother Teresa. On one of her visits, Mother Teresa was too frail to manage the steep staircase, and Carr-Gomm gave her a piggy-back ride.
Carr-Gomm's daughter recalls not only "FHB" being announced by her mother at meals when sudden hungry guests turned up, but also the whole atmosphere of a house where service to others was regarded as the norm and her memories are warm, loving, and joyful...it's absolutely the reverse of so much of today's fashionable thinking on child-rearing and instant gratification - and it's an inspiration. Do read it.
In today's Daily Telegraph, there is a wonderful interview with the daughter of the founder of Abbeyfield, the network of care homes for the elderly. She recalled her father, Richard Carr-Gomm - a soldier, decorated for bravery in WWII - who raised his family in a household where unexpected visitors could include ex-prisoners, homeless people and - on two occasions - Mother Teresa. On one of her visits, Mother Teresa was too frail to manage the steep staircase, and Carr-Gomm gave her a piggy-back ride.
Carr-Gomm's daughter recalls not only "FHB" being announced by her mother at meals when sudden hungry guests turned up, but also the whole atmosphere of a house where service to others was regarded as the norm and her memories are warm, loving, and joyful...it's absolutely the reverse of so much of today's fashionable thinking on child-rearing and instant gratification - and it's an inspiration. Do read it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Excellent evening...
...with the FAITH Movement, with a talk by Mgr Keith Barltrop, tackling the question of scandals in the Church. It was honest, thoughtful, and extremely useful. He began with the description of the early Church in the Acts of the Apostles - the small community of believers united in faith, holding things in common, praying together, and then at the growth of the Church and the problems that can arise when the Church - or any instiutution - becomes powerful...
Among other issues, he explored how things that can of themselves be good - respect for privacy and confidentiality, or a sense of brotherly unity among priests - can become bad. Much food for thought there...and other issues tackled were the need for good spiritual support for priests, a sound understanding of the Church's teaching on sexual ethics, and an authentic sense of communion within the Church. In this he included a recognition of the different and complementary roles of priests and lay people, and a good relationship between the two - something which is emerging in some of the New Movements although these too can have their problems.
There was much more in the talk, and in the discussions that followed. These Evenings of Faith are provng extremely popular, and the parish hall at Warwick Street is packed. The meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays, starting at 7.30pm: more info here...
Among other issues, he explored how things that can of themselves be good - respect for privacy and confidentiality, or a sense of brotherly unity among priests - can become bad. Much food for thought there...and other issues tackled were the need for good spiritual support for priests, a sound understanding of the Church's teaching on sexual ethics, and an authentic sense of communion within the Church. In this he included a recognition of the different and complementary roles of priests and lay people, and a good relationship between the two - something which is emerging in some of the New Movements although these too can have their problems.
There was much more in the talk, and in the discussions that followed. These Evenings of Faith are provng extremely popular, and the parish hall at Warwick Street is packed. The meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays, starting at 7.30pm: more info here...
Monday, January 26, 2015
"Inclusive" or exclusive?...
...odd the way some words are used. The other day, visiting an Anglican church in London, we came across a group of people who were engaged in something they called an "inclusive Church" project. All part of a lobbying group aimed at the General Synod. Turns out it isn't about an inclusive Church at all...it aims at a specifically exclusive Church, dominated by a politically-correct mindset. It seems that the aim is to squash vocal opposition to same-sex unions, and to take every opportunity of making things difficult for anyone who still opposes having priestesses in the CofE. It's all very sad and somehow has a tired, flagging sort of feel to it. Rather stale jargon, and made-up prayers that deliberately avoid calling God "Father" and so on and so on...I expect they'll do well at the Synod.
The liveliest parts of the CofE are the Evangelical churches that run youth groups and gatherings with rousing hymns and a sense of mission centred on teaching people about Christ. They tend to avoid the bureacratic mindset that produces "non-sexist" prayers and to be committed to a more daring and authentic grasp of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...
The liveliest parts of the CofE are the Evangelical churches that run youth groups and gatherings with rousing hymns and a sense of mission centred on teaching people about Christ. They tend to avoid the bureacratic mindset that produces "non-sexist" prayers and to be committed to a more daring and authentic grasp of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...
Latest issue...
...of FAITH magazine plops through our letterbox. A review of two of Auntie's books, Saints and Heroes and Saints and Heroines ..."In writing these books Joanna Bogle has provided an entertaining and robust alternative to reading about celebrity culture. She has presented us with a vision of faith and courage and examples of true heroism."
BTW, you can find out more about these two books here and here...
The reviewer says they would make excellent gifts to young people preparing for Confirmation and wanting to choose a patron saint...
More about the FAITH Movement here...
BTW, you can find out more about these two books here and here...
The reviewer says they would make excellent gifts to young people preparing for Confirmation and wanting to choose a patron saint...
More about the FAITH Movement here...
Saturday, January 24, 2015
"Where does the family start?" mused Sir Winston Churchll...
"...It starts with a young man falling in love with a girl. No superior alternative has yet been found."
Today he would be roundly denounced for saying that, and probably made to retract the statement.
Oh, please let's bring back sanity to Britain, so that people can make kindly remarks about blindingly obvious truths on marriage and family without fear of formal censure .
Today he would be roundly denounced for saying that, and probably made to retract the statement.
Oh, please let's bring back sanity to Britain, so that people can make kindly remarks about blindingly obvious truths on marriage and family without fear of formal censure .
On a crisp, cold London January morning...
...we walked from church to church around The Borough as part of Christian Unity week. Southwark is so rich in history, and I've mostly known about London Bridge and the river, and Saxon battles against the Vikings, and so on...but there's simply lots and lots to explore as you walk through the network of streets that lie between the Borough High Street and Waterloo station.
St George the Martyr is all 18th-century-with-high-pulpit, then tucked away in a side-road is a Welsh Chapel, built by the substantial Welsh community that settled in these parts in the 19th century - it's largely disused but, pleasingly, it does host occasional services which the local MP, Simon Hughes is invited to address as he speaks good Welsh... Not far away is the charming garden which marks where a big and once popular "High Church" Anglican parish thrived: the church was hit by enemy bombing in WWII and only one part now remains, owned by the Anglicans but now closed...and then only a few streets from that is another former High Church bastion which also suffered from WWII but has a small house with some Anglican Franciscans in it, who kindly invited us to visit a charming tiny chapel restored in the 1970s...
And of course there is the great St Saviour's Cathedral - a glorious peal of bells every Sunday - and then the Church of the Precious Blood which will be familiar to readers of this Blog...
I had a dozen things that needed doing at home, but am so glad that this cold day of bright winter sunshine was given over to a throrough exploration of a corner of London I have come to love. I first knew Southwark as a young woman, visiting my father's office at Tower House, Hopton Street, next to Blackfriars Bridge. I remember a tall rather bleak building but with superb views over the Thames, and, excitingly, down below, magnificent printing works gloriously clattering and rolling with a satisfying noise, and the smell of ink...
St George the Martyr is all 18th-century-with-high-pulpit, then tucked away in a side-road is a Welsh Chapel, built by the substantial Welsh community that settled in these parts in the 19th century - it's largely disused but, pleasingly, it does host occasional services which the local MP, Simon Hughes is invited to address as he speaks good Welsh... Not far away is the charming garden which marks where a big and once popular "High Church" Anglican parish thrived: the church was hit by enemy bombing in WWII and only one part now remains, owned by the Anglicans but now closed...and then only a few streets from that is another former High Church bastion which also suffered from WWII but has a small house with some Anglican Franciscans in it, who kindly invited us to visit a charming tiny chapel restored in the 1970s...
And of course there is the great St Saviour's Cathedral - a glorious peal of bells every Sunday - and then the Church of the Precious Blood which will be familiar to readers of this Blog...
I had a dozen things that needed doing at home, but am so glad that this cold day of bright winter sunshine was given over to a throrough exploration of a corner of London I have come to love. I first knew Southwark as a young woman, visiting my father's office at Tower House, Hopton Street, next to Blackfriars Bridge. I remember a tall rather bleak building but with superb views over the Thames, and, excitingly, down below, magnificent printing works gloriously clattering and rolling with a satisfying noise, and the smell of ink...
Friday, January 23, 2015
for family reasons...
...this tune came back into our lives today. It has a charm that hasn't faded.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
THE FIRST CATHOLIC HISTORY WALK OF 2015...
...will take place on Wednesday January 28th, starting at 6.30pm (after the 5.30pm Mass), at Westminster Cathedral. Meet on the Cathedral steps. All welcome - no need to book, just turn up. Wear suitable clothes and shoes for walking! We'll be going down to the river, discovering the origins of the Greencoat Boy pub, the Virgin on the Westminster City coat-of-arms, and the name "Westminster" itself, among much else. Come and join us!
And book these future dates in your diary:
WEDNESDAY February 11th - a lunchtime walk. Meet at the 12.45pm Mass at St Patrick's, Soho.,
MONDAY March 2nd, 6.30pm - a tour INSIDE St George's Cathedral, Southwark. Meet at the door of the Cathedral. Nearest tube: Lambeth North or WATERLOO.
and, looking further ahead: SUNDAY JUNE 21st, the Martyrs' Walk through London. Starts 1.30pm at the churchyard of St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, (near the Old Bailey - nearest Tube is St Paul's). Finishes with Benediction and Tea at Tyburn Convent.)
And book these future dates in your diary:
WEDNESDAY February 11th - a lunchtime walk. Meet at the 12.45pm Mass at St Patrick's, Soho.,
MONDAY March 2nd, 6.30pm - a tour INSIDE St George's Cathedral, Southwark. Meet at the door of the Cathedral. Nearest tube: Lambeth North or WATERLOO.
and, looking further ahead: SUNDAY JUNE 21st, the Martyrs' Walk through London. Starts 1.30pm at the churchyard of St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, (near the Old Bailey - nearest Tube is St Paul's). Finishes with Benediction and Tea at Tyburn Convent.)
"Our Father, who art in Heaven..."
...a prayer that every child in our country ought to know.
And if you are teaching at a Church of England or Roman Catholic primary school in Greater London, your pupils can take part in the great "Our Father" project. Send a Comment to this Blog, WITH AN EMAIL ADDRESS AT WHICH I CAN CONTACT YOU, and I will arrange for you to be sent details.
And if you are teaching at a Church of England or Roman Catholic primary school in Greater London, your pupils can take part in the great "Our Father" project. Send a Comment to this Blog, WITH AN EMAIL ADDRESS AT WHICH I CAN CONTACT YOU, and I will arrange for you to be sent details.
Faith, freedom, human dignity...
...and a young priest whose cause for canonisation seems to be drawing nearer...read here.
Auntie feels, along with many other people, a personal link with this because of adventures taking aid to Poland back in the 1980s...
Auntie feels, along with many other people, a personal link with this because of adventures taking aid to Poland back in the 1980s...
Monday, January 19, 2015
AAARGH!!! SPAM!!!
...by which I mean not the pink squares of meat that we used to have fried in batter as Spam Fritters, but that sort of junk email that begins "Dear Friend, I am In Need of Help and Kno That you will be of Good Kindness" and asks for your bank account details.
But I discovered today, following an anguished phone call from a work colleague "Why haven't you answered my emails?" that a number of emails from friends and colleagues have, over the past three to four weeks, gone into the SPAM folder on my laptop. AAAAARGH!!!
I have now tackled all the emails - not without embarrassment and difficulty - but the Comments sent to this blog have proved impossible to recover. One can't post them once they have been deemed to be Spam. Alas...
While I was tackling this, a colleague had to deal with the horrible mess resulting from his email having been hacked...
And we both agreed that the whole Internet thing is, at best, a very very mixed blessing.
But I discovered today, following an anguished phone call from a work colleague "Why haven't you answered my emails?" that a number of emails from friends and colleagues have, over the past three to four weeks, gone into the SPAM folder on my laptop. AAAAARGH!!!
I have now tackled all the emails - not without embarrassment and difficulty - but the Comments sent to this blog have proved impossible to recover. One can't post them once they have been deemed to be Spam. Alas...
While I was tackling this, a colleague had to deal with the horrible mess resulting from his email having been hacked...
And we both agreed that the whole Internet thing is, at best, a very very mixed blessing.
A joyful celebration...
..for the fourth anniversary of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. See here...
Approximately seven million people...
(according to TV and internet) attended Mass celebrated by Papa Francis in the Philippines, in horrid weather but with huge enthusiasm. Golly. Even if it was half or two-thirds of that number, it's an awful lot of people.
Next time you are told the Church is dying, remember that.
The Church is growing and growing: 653.6 million Catholics worldwide in 1965, and the latest figure is 1.229 BILLION.
BTW, an interesting analysis of the situation of Catholics in the USA is here...
Next time you are told the Church is dying, remember that.
The Church is growing and growing: 653.6 million Catholics worldwide in 1965, and the latest figure is 1.229 BILLION.
BTW, an interesting analysis of the situation of Catholics in the USA is here...
To the author in George, USA...
...who would like to send me the outline of his book: I would love to be in touch about this but PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL ADDRESS AT WHICH I CAN REACH YOU.
I am unable to reply to a Comment on this blog. The system is specifically designed so that it is impossible for me, or anyone else, to contact you via the Comment.
It is necessary for you to send me a Comment - which I will not publish - which includes you email address. I can then contact you.
I am unable to reply to a Comment on this blog. The system is specifically designed so that it is impossible for me, or anyone else, to contact you via the Comment.
It is necessary for you to send me a Comment - which I will not publish - which includes you email address. I can then contact you.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
The Evening with the FAITH Movement...
...this week at the church hall at 24 Golden Square WI (near Piccadilly CIrcus) was excellent. The speaker was Fr Stephen Dingley, who lectures at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, and looked at the whole question of human life and its meaning, tackling the deep questions. Do human beings have an eternal destiny? Are we different from animals? Why is the universe here? And even: what makes us want to ask these questions?
The hall was full. These Evenings of Faith conclude with wine and pizza and much talk. Lots of young people, mostly students. Older people are welcome too, of course. The hall is in the crypt and . on a winter night, going down the iron steps in the dark and into the warm glowing room has a slightly early-Christians-meeting-in-secret feeling to it...
Next meeting is on Tuesday Jan 27th, 7.30pm - all welcome. Speaker: Mgr Keith Barltrop. More info here
The hall was full. These Evenings of Faith conclude with wine and pizza and much talk. Lots of young people, mostly students. Older people are welcome too, of course. The hall is in the crypt and . on a winter night, going down the iron steps in the dark and into the warm glowing room has a slightly early-Christians-meeting-in-secret feeling to it...
Next meeting is on Tuesday Jan 27th, 7.30pm - all welcome. Speaker: Mgr Keith Barltrop. More info here
"Love is...
...patient and kind...love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things...Love never ends."
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
This blog...
...will be absent for a few days.
Please pray for the dear soul of Jenny Bogle, beloved wife of Professor David Bogle, and mother of their young daughter. Jenny, a much-loved sister-in-law of this writer, died this morning after a long illness.
A loving wife and mother, a gifted musician, a woman of courage and kindness.
"We do not mourn as those without hope".
Please pray for the dear soul of Jenny Bogle, beloved wife of Professor David Bogle, and mother of their young daughter. Jenny, a much-loved sister-in-law of this writer, died this morning after a long illness.
A loving wife and mother, a gifted musician, a woman of courage and kindness.
"We do not mourn as those without hope".
Monday, January 12, 2015
On Saturday January 31st...
BISHOP PHILIP EGAN will be the speaker at a special day conference on
THE PARISH AND THE NEW EVANGELISATION
looking at the message of
Evangelii Gaudium
at St Patrick's, Soho, London W1
Other speakers will include Fr Alexander Sherbrooke (St Patrick's) and Dr Caroline Fairey (School of the Annunciation).
The day starts with coffee at 10 am, and includes Mass and Vespers.
To book, contact: guildofourladyandstjoseph@gmail.com
More information from The School of the Annunciation
THE PARISH AND THE NEW EVANGELISATION
looking at the message of
Evangelii Gaudium
at St Patrick's, Soho, London W1
Other speakers will include Fr Alexander Sherbrooke (St Patrick's) and Dr Caroline Fairey (School of the Annunciation).
The day starts with coffee at 10 am, and includes Mass and Vespers.
To book, contact: guildofourladyandstjoseph@gmail.com
More information from The School of the Annunciation
Young members of the National Association of Catholic Families...
...are organising a YOUTH RETREAT for the weekend of Feb 14th/15th. It will be led by the priests of the Community of St John and will take place in Ipswich, Suffolk. The theme will be The Mass, with teaching sessions on what the Mass means, liturgy, sacrifice...
Ipswich is easily reached from London Liverpool Street and from Cambridge. Cost of the weekend is £30, with reductions for siblings. More info from Mary Lennon on 01449 723636 or email paulmichaelkeennan@hotmail.com
Ipswich is easily reached from London Liverpool Street and from Cambridge. Cost of the weekend is £30, with reductions for siblings. More info from Mary Lennon on 01449 723636 or email paulmichaelkeennan@hotmail.com
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The Thames at low tide, on a cold clear London morning...
...it was glorious to walk along, and feel at one with centuries of London's history. Always feels weird pottering along a stretch of land that will be underwater in an hour or so. The press recently highlighted a ship that went aground in the Channel - there's a sandbank that is revealed at low tide, and men sometimes go out there to play cricket, just to show that it's possible...
I've been reading a life of John Wesley, simply because whenever I go to the College library in pursuit of my post-graduate work, I always take away something to read on the train home, and after starting with WWI ( because of the anniversary in 2014 etc) I am now working my way back through the 19th and 18th centuries. I find that tackling modern history in this way works well after a few hours spent with Polycarp and Irenaeus and pondering Nicea and Chalcedon...
The bells of St Paul's were pealing out as I made my way along the riverside, and then I was met by the peal of St Saviour's as I hurried through the Borough Market for Mass at Precious Blood Church.
A full church for the 11 am Mass, and we had a retired "Flying Bishop", Mgr Edwin Barnes, concelebrating with the Rector...later, making my way to Islington on a family visit, walking along by the canal, I found myself pondering the long, long history of Christianity in our land...
I've been reading a life of John Wesley, simply because whenever I go to the College library in pursuit of my post-graduate work, I always take away something to read on the train home, and after starting with WWI ( because of the anniversary in 2014 etc) I am now working my way back through the 19th and 18th centuries. I find that tackling modern history in this way works well after a few hours spent with Polycarp and Irenaeus and pondering Nicea and Chalcedon...
The bells of St Paul's were pealing out as I made my way along the riverside, and then I was met by the peal of St Saviour's as I hurried through the Borough Market for Mass at Precious Blood Church.
A full church for the 11 am Mass, and we had a retired "Flying Bishop", Mgr Edwin Barnes, concelebrating with the Rector...later, making my way to Islington on a family visit, walking along by the canal, I found myself pondering the long, long history of Christianity in our land...
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Extraordinarily...
...on Wednesday morning I happened to have a thoughtful and rather moving discussion with a Moslem girl. She had seen me using my rosary and asked me about it. We had a quiet talk about God and prayer...something rather special in a random meeting in busy London...
Later that day the ghastly murders took place in Paris.
Mutual respect and neighbourliness is central to a civilised society. In the discussion with the Moslem girl, we didn't get on to the subject of whether or not Mohammed is an authentic prophet. I don't think he is. And I believe that his followers are wrong in claiming that Jesus Christ didn't die on the Cross. They are muddled and confused, and it is right that there should be open discussion about this. In our conversation, we didn't cover these matters: we were strangers who simply got talking, and it was good to be thinking of God together.
I hope that over the next years it will continue to be possible to talk about religion in an ordinary way. I hope that I will be allowed to repeat the statement that I have just made above about Mohammed. I inmtend to do so from time to time, as a quiet statement about freedom and integrity.
Later that day the ghastly murders took place in Paris.
Mutual respect and neighbourliness is central to a civilised society. In the discussion with the Moslem girl, we didn't get on to the subject of whether or not Mohammed is an authentic prophet. I don't think he is. And I believe that his followers are wrong in claiming that Jesus Christ didn't die on the Cross. They are muddled and confused, and it is right that there should be open discussion about this. In our conversation, we didn't cover these matters: we were strangers who simply got talking, and it was good to be thinking of God together.
I hope that over the next years it will continue to be possible to talk about religion in an ordinary way. I hope that I will be allowed to repeat the statement that I have just made above about Mohammed. I inmtend to do so from time to time, as a quiet statement about freedom and integrity.
Friday, January 09, 2015
Pope Francis has excommunicated...
...a priest in Australia who supports same-sex marriage and priestesses. You probably won't find much about this on the ramblings of self-appointed Guardians of The Catholic Tradition who write pompously and whose hatred of the Holy Father keeps bubbling up. Nor will the general mass media pick up the story. Read about it here...
Lunch and...
...a lengthy discussion with a longstanding friend, a devout Anglican. A classicist, a fine teacher, and a generous and large-minded lady whose ideas and conversation are always of interest...she has long been very unhappy at the C of E's wobbling on issues such as same-sex unions or remarriage following divorce, and its imposition of priestesses. She has friends who have joined the Ordinariate or have been thinking of doing so, but is herself unconvinced about specific aspects of Catholic belief, especially Marian doctrines. She is glad that at present she can worship in a church near her home where there is a clergyman who opposes the ordination of women, and where, at least for now, there is no prospect of a lady bishop interfering with things..."and you can't plan ahead, you can only trust God..."
We have been friends for years, and worked together on a number of projects: our friendship is centred on shared beliefs and values. But the notion that Catholics have warped ideas on Mary run very deep in much Evangelical literature and culture...affecting a great many people who are also unimpressed when they see what appears to be weird activity with people kissing a statue or putting coins under it etc etc...
I think at one level there is a recognition that popular Cathlic piety and traditions should not be mistaken for idolatry...but there is also a feeling that, while the authority and strength of the Church are to be valued, these are swamped by a "clutter" which is unacceptable, or sort of alien.
Yet the CofE through which she has encountered Christ and which has nurtured her faith over the years is no longer something on which she can rely.
We walked down Whitehall together, as she had a teaching engagement nearby, and I was en route to a meeting too...a London we both love in a country for which we both feel a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility...
We have been friends for years, and worked together on a number of projects: our friendship is centred on shared beliefs and values. But the notion that Catholics have warped ideas on Mary run very deep in much Evangelical literature and culture...affecting a great many people who are also unimpressed when they see what appears to be weird activity with people kissing a statue or putting coins under it etc etc...
I think at one level there is a recognition that popular Cathlic piety and traditions should not be mistaken for idolatry...but there is also a feeling that, while the authority and strength of the Church are to be valued, these are swamped by a "clutter" which is unacceptable, or sort of alien.
Yet the CofE through which she has encountered Christ and which has nurtured her faith over the years is no longer something on which she can rely.
We walked down Whitehall together, as she had a teaching engagement nearby, and I was en route to a meeting too...a London we both love in a country for which we both feel a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility...
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Busy day...
...with colleague Clare Anderson (see below) working on editing and checking our latest EWTN feature.We are good friends as well as colleagures, so we first enjoyed a late-night talk over mugs of tea, catching up on family news etc. Then thenext day was given over fully to work...and we emailed the resulted to the Director and hope he will be pleased...there is still more to do, and it's been a big project...
Then after a drive through wintry countryside, a train to London for an excellent Epiphany Party held in aid of the Ordinariate. This was huge fun, a good mix of interesting guests, a generous buffet with mince pies (served with Wensleydale chese, as the host was a Yorkshireman...delicious),jugfuls of mulled wine,..
This morning, I took down the Christmas cards and decorations. Christmas never loses its joy and charm. And now January brings its own projects. I'm repacking the suitcase-on-wheels with my laptop and papers for another couple of meetings this evening...
Then after a drive through wintry countryside, a train to London for an excellent Epiphany Party held in aid of the Ordinariate. This was huge fun, a good mix of interesting guests, a generous buffet with mince pies (served with Wensleydale chese, as the host was a Yorkshireman...delicious),jugfuls of mulled wine,..
This morning, I took down the Christmas cards and decorations. Christmas never loses its joy and charm. And now January brings its own projects. I'm repacking the suitcase-on-wheels with my laptop and papers for another couple of meetings this evening...
At St Raphael's...
...the beautiful church on the outskirts of Kingston, with a fascinating history now the parish church for the Catholics of Subiton....the funeral of Ruth Real, long-time secretary of the Association of Catholic Women. The church was full, and afterwards there was delicious food and wine in the parish rooms and an opportunity for us all to talk...old friends, a sense of gratitde for dear Ruth's life and her generous work in so many fields...
The parish halls at St Raphael's were originally built as a school for the local poor children, and have recently been refurbished to offer good facilities for parish needs. In addition to the lovely room in which we were all lunching, with its bright and well-equipped kitchens, there is a fine library in whch I browsed, borrowing a couple of good books by and about St John Paul...
Then a walk along the river to catch the train up to London, for a meeting of the Ladies Ordinariate Group - and finally a late train out into the country, to stay with Clare Anderson, my colleague on various TV projects for EWTN.
Because I travel about a lot, I seem always to be trundling a small suitcase-on-wheels, and have discovered that this is turning into a sort of Auntie Joanna trademark - "here she comes, sounding like a railway..." . The suitcase means that I can have my laptop, plus overnight clothes etc, plus a couple of books and the papers for whatever is the latest project - and occasionally also some sewing or other work. I have tried using a small knapsack but I think I look stupid - you can see an example when the latest EWTN programme is aired. I'm wearing a bright red-and-yellow backpack acquired at the Madrid World Youth Day, of which I became rather fond. Looked great at WYD, looks hopeless three years later with a smart jacket-and-skirt-for-TV....
The parish halls at St Raphael's were originally built as a school for the local poor children, and have recently been refurbished to offer good facilities for parish needs. In addition to the lovely room in which we were all lunching, with its bright and well-equipped kitchens, there is a fine library in whch I browsed, borrowing a couple of good books by and about St John Paul...
Then a walk along the river to catch the train up to London, for a meeting of the Ladies Ordinariate Group - and finally a late train out into the country, to stay with Clare Anderson, my colleague on various TV projects for EWTN.
Because I travel about a lot, I seem always to be trundling a small suitcase-on-wheels, and have discovered that this is turning into a sort of Auntie Joanna trademark - "here she comes, sounding like a railway..." . The suitcase means that I can have my laptop, plus overnight clothes etc, plus a couple of books and the papers for whatever is the latest project - and occasionally also some sewing or other work. I have tried using a small knapsack but I think I look stupid - you can see an example when the latest EWTN programme is aired. I'm wearing a bright red-and-yellow backpack acquired at the Madrid World Youth Day, of which I became rather fond. Looked great at WYD, looks hopeless three years later with a smart jacket-and-skirt-for-TV....
Sunday, January 04, 2015
BLESSING....
Yesterday evening, J. and I went to a vigil Mass and then enjoyed a special supper with Christmas-pudding-fried-in-butter and brandy cream...and some delicious damson liqueur (a Christmas gift)...and fudge (ditto)...
...and then at Mass today we had the Blessing of Chalk. Small sticks of chalk blessed in front of the Nativity scene set up in the chapel to one side of the chancel, and then distributed with small slips of paper with the prayer for the blessing of our homes.
Jamie and I first learned of this in Austria, and it is now catching on in Britain. As you say the prayer, you chalk up, over the front door, the initials of the three Wise Men and the date:
20 C + M + B 15
We have been doing it year on year, so all I needed to do this evening as I carried out a chair to the front step and climbed up, was to change the 4 to a 5, while saying the little prayer and making the Sign of the Cross, asking God to bless our home and us in the year ahead...
And this is the prayer:
God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance 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.
Trawling the web, I found lots of good material on this house blessing tradition, and this site is particularly good...
...and then at Mass today we had the Blessing of Chalk. Small sticks of chalk blessed in front of the Nativity scene set up in the chapel to one side of the chancel, and then distributed with small slips of paper with the prayer for the blessing of our homes.
Jamie and I first learned of this in Austria, and it is now catching on in Britain. As you say the prayer, you chalk up, over the front door, the initials of the three Wise Men and the date:
20 C + M + B 15
We have been doing it year on year, so all I needed to do this evening as I carried out a chair to the front step and climbed up, was to change the 4 to a 5, while saying the little prayer and making the Sign of the Cross, asking God to bless our home and us in the year ahead...
And this is the prayer:
God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance 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.
Trawling the web, I found lots of good material on this house blessing tradition, and this site is particularly good...
Saturday, January 03, 2015
A well deserved honour...
...HM the Queen has appointed Professor Jack Scarisbrick an MBE. This is a well-deserved honour, and a tribute to his magnificent work in defending human life, establishing the Zoe's Place Hospice, and much more...and a distinguished career as an historian making a superb contribution to the study of the Tudor period and to the religious history of our country.
Jack and Nuala established the LIFE Movement years and years ago...and it was reading one of their booklets that helped me to understand deeply just why abortion was so wrong, and how important it was to prevent it. Over the years, I heard Jack speak on this and related subjects, always with clarity and wisdom, always in a way that made his hearers understand and grasp the issues involved.Then, more recently, he was one of the lecturers when I was studying for my BA, and I realised what a superb historian he was...it was a privilege to be one of his students and he held us spellbound. He was by then Professory Emeritus at Warwick University, and author of a number of books - his work has meant that superficial assessments of the Tudor period have had to be re-evaluated, and old cliches challenged.
All this - plus a geniality and (rare thing) a genuine humility. His many friends will be thrilled that his contribution to our country has been recognised.
Jack and Nuala established the LIFE Movement years and years ago...and it was reading one of their booklets that helped me to understand deeply just why abortion was so wrong, and how important it was to prevent it. Over the years, I heard Jack speak on this and related subjects, always with clarity and wisdom, always in a way that made his hearers understand and grasp the issues involved.Then, more recently, he was one of the lecturers when I was studying for my BA, and I realised what a superb historian he was...it was a privilege to be one of his students and he held us spellbound. He was by then Professory Emeritus at Warwick University, and author of a number of books - his work has meant that superficial assessments of the Tudor period have had to be re-evaluated, and old cliches challenged.
All this - plus a geniality and (rare thing) a genuine humility. His many friends will be thrilled that his contribution to our country has been recognised.
Some time, soon...
...the Polish martyr Jerzy Popieluszko will be canonised. He is already Blessed. A miracle obtained through his intercesssion is required before sainthood can be conferred. Read an astonishing account here...and there is a film about his life, info here...
In October, I spent some time in Poland with colleague Clare Anderson, working on a new TV feature on St John Paul the Great. This was a follow-up to our earlier feature on the life of St JP - this time we were exploring his message and legacy (the programme will be broadcast during 2015 - Clare and I are spending next week working on the editing). .
As part of this new JPII feature, we went to the grave of Blessed Jerzy and its accompanying museum. This was a powerful experience. Jamie and I visited the grave back in the 1980s, when Poland was still under martial law and we were bringing in booklets and other assistance for the then-banned Solidarity groups. In those days, praying at Fr Jerzy's grave meant, among much else, expressing solidarity with Solidarity. And the church at Zoliborz, and the churchyard, and the surrounding area, were "free Poland", a small bit of territory that the authorities could not touch.
And now all of Poland is free, and we are all in a new era with new challenges.
Over the Christmas break, I've been reading a biography of Blessed Jerzy. The story is much more, than just a martyr-under-Communism - although he was that, and his martyrdom was savage. It is also the story of a dedicated priest, a model for today's young priests...and his story needs to be better known and understood here in the West.
In October, I spent some time in Poland with colleague Clare Anderson, working on a new TV feature on St John Paul the Great. This was a follow-up to our earlier feature on the life of St JP - this time we were exploring his message and legacy (the programme will be broadcast during 2015 - Clare and I are spending next week working on the editing). .
As part of this new JPII feature, we went to the grave of Blessed Jerzy and its accompanying museum. This was a powerful experience. Jamie and I visited the grave back in the 1980s, when Poland was still under martial law and we were bringing in booklets and other assistance for the then-banned Solidarity groups. In those days, praying at Fr Jerzy's grave meant, among much else, expressing solidarity with Solidarity. And the church at Zoliborz, and the churchyard, and the surrounding area, were "free Poland", a small bit of territory that the authorities could not touch.
And now all of Poland is free, and we are all in a new era with new challenges.
Over the Christmas break, I've been reading a biography of Blessed Jerzy. The story is much more, than just a martyr-under-Communism - although he was that, and his martyrdom was savage. It is also the story of a dedicated priest, a model for today's young priests...and his story needs to be better known and understood here in the West.
Friday, January 02, 2015
Pope Francis today...
...gave a beautiful teaching for the New Year, on the feast of Mary, Mother of God. His words echo those of Papa Benedict XVI. And he couldn't have a better teacher. Continuity.
TODAY I SIGNED UP...
..for a course at the new School of the Annunciation, at Buckfast Abbey. I am keen to do the course, which will offer some training in passing on the Faith to the next generation. I already hold a diploma in Evangelisation (from Maryvale) but feel the need to learn more...
And the prospect of a weekend in the glorious setting of Buckfast Abbey in Devon is immenesly attractive. The countryside is enchanting, the Abbey Church is a magnificent place of worship, and it will be wonderful to study in a place of peace and good hospitality.
If things work out properly, I hope to be able to travel on to Torquay, just a few stops down the line, to make a further visit to the Ordinariate group there (see feature below by former BBC correspondent Catherine Utley).
Applying for the course involved getting a signature from my parish priest - who is splendid and always encouraging about this sort of thing - and also writing a 300-word piece about why I wanted to sign up. The short answer is "Because I want to be part of the New Evangelisation". The need is getting urgent. I am probably not going to be much use in evangelising, but at least I'll give it a go...
And the prospect of a weekend in the glorious setting of Buckfast Abbey in Devon is immenesly attractive. The countryside is enchanting, the Abbey Church is a magnificent place of worship, and it will be wonderful to study in a place of peace and good hospitality.
If things work out properly, I hope to be able to travel on to Torquay, just a few stops down the line, to make a further visit to the Ordinariate group there (see feature below by former BBC correspondent Catherine Utley).
Applying for the course involved getting a signature from my parish priest - who is splendid and always encouraging about this sort of thing - and also writing a 300-word piece about why I wanted to sign up. The short answer is "Because I want to be part of the New Evangelisation". The need is getting urgent. I am probably not going to be much use in evangelising, but at least I'll give it a go...
Thursday, January 01, 2015
"OUR FATHER..."
... London writer Michael Smith has produced a really good and thoughtful book on the Lord's Prayer. The Fulness of Life: Reflections on the Lord's Prayer for Today's World (St Paul's). It is a rich and beautiful meditation on the prayer, and is also readable and spiced with some strong insights that are highly relevant to the modern world and the ways in which we can serve God and one another.
It's a book written with real honesty: it tackles tough issues like sin, forgiveness, the need for personal repentance, the greatness of God's love and the joy in seeking and following his will for us. And it is not just a personal statement, although it includes some personal insights that give a freshness and humility to the writring. But he also quotes from, among others, St Paul, John Henry Newman, Charles Wesley, Billy Graham, and Benedict XVI,..I very much recommend this book and reading it has been a really good start for 2015.
It's a book written with real honesty: it tackles tough issues like sin, forgiveness, the need for personal repentance, the greatness of God's love and the joy in seeking and following his will for us. And it is not just a personal statement, although it includes some personal insights that give a freshness and humility to the writring. But he also quotes from, among others, St Paul, John Henry Newman, Charles Wesley, Billy Graham, and Benedict XVI,..I very much recommend this book and reading it has been a really good start for 2015.
We began 2015...
....with a family gathering on New Year's Eve: a house full of cheery noise and children, and an evening with fireworks and marshamallows and flapjack and party hats and streamers, The fireworks were splendid,, the rockets whoosing up into the sky to our oooohs and aaaahs, and applause muffled by woollen gloves and mittens.
There is absolutey nothing lovelier than sitting sipping a gin-and-tonic in a room full of family, by the light of a glittering Christmas Tree. Heaven will be a bit like that.
We stayed the night in Dorchester on Thames, where the bells of the Abbey were ringing out the old year and ringing in the new, the bells answering each other back and forth with glorious pealing beauty. This morning I wandered around the Abbey - over a thousand and a half years of history.
There is absolutey nothing lovelier than sitting sipping a gin-and-tonic in a room full of family, by the light of a glittering Christmas Tree. Heaven will be a bit like that.
We stayed the night in Dorchester on Thames, where the bells of the Abbey were ringing out the old year and ringing in the new, the bells answering each other back and forth with glorious pealing beauty. This morning I wandered around the Abbey - over a thousand and a half years of history.
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