...an afternoon History Walk. A good number of people were waiting on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral, and we set off for a glorious ramble through the streets: golden and russet leaves cascading into the churchyard, history around our footsteps as we ventured into St Vedast-alias-Foster and then down to Guildhall and on to Lothbury...we always finish these City walks by the site of Bl John Henry Newman's birth, around the back of the Bank - a modest plaque marks where once the house stood...
Time for a quick cup of tea back across the river at Precious Blood church. Bright illuminated children's calligraphy is on display in the Lord's Prayer project at the back of the church. On to Westminster for a useful chat at the Cathedral Hall, plans for the TOWARDS ADVENT Festival well in hand. A prayer group was gathering - they get some 150 each Friday evening for prayer and a guest speaker. A bonus to meet them - I was able to pass on a couple of prayer requests...
Late train to the West Country for a family visit.Somerset enchanting in glowing Autumn colours. Everywhere, posters announcing various Christmas events, carol services, concerts. "Come and join the Minehead lifeboat crew and Minehead Street choir for some festive community singing...mulled cider, apple juice and mince pies provided...." "Christmas Fayre, St John's Church" "Santa charity fun run..."
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
...and London in rain...
...and St Paul's Cathedral on a November evening. It was absurd really: I had to be there on the steps at 6.30pm, even tho' I knew that no one was likely to turn up for the History Walk...and, sure enough, no one did. But it was actually rather enjoyable standing there, with Ludgate Hill and cheery red buses and people hurrying about, all in splashy rain and lamplight, pondering all the history of this enormous building and this great city...
I was warm and dry because that vast pillared portico provides excellent shelter, and there were various stray people there, a canoodling couple, a tourist or two...and I had a sudden memory from over thirty years ago, and that Royal bride and groom emerging to cheers from these great doors and coming down these steps...and the vast crowds...and among the latter a group of young Army cadets from Sandhurst including a young J. Bogle and his young wife...
And the rain turned to a drizzle and I ventured out into it, and caught a cheery red bus via Aldwych to Piccadilly, and thence to Farm Street for a meeting of the Catholic Writers' Guild, and then to our cosy home.
I was warm and dry because that vast pillared portico provides excellent shelter, and there were various stray people there, a canoodling couple, a tourist or two...and I had a sudden memory from over thirty years ago, and that Royal bride and groom emerging to cheers from these great doors and coming down these steps...and the vast crowds...and among the latter a group of young Army cadets from Sandhurst including a young J. Bogle and his young wife...
And the rain turned to a drizzle and I ventured out into it, and caught a cheery red bus via Aldwych to Piccadilly, and thence to Farm Street for a meeting of the Catholic Writers' Guild, and then to our cosy home.
parish life...
...on a winter evening. Rain splashing down outside...the parish room warm and welcoming... over freshly-brewed tea and some good cakes, a talkative gathering of ladies, organising carol singing, projects for children, stall at TOWARDS ADVENT Festival, plans for 2017 with a pilgrimage to Walsingham...and the Rector hurries in to get tea and some food for some one at the door who needs help...and then there is chatter and laughter as we work to put up a display of some of the (really excellent) work produced by children in the 2016 "Our Father" project to make a display...
And the evening drew to a close, and we went through to the church, carrying the display-boards down to the back and arranging everything quietly. In the sanctuary there was a candle by the box carrying the names of those who will be remembered in All Souls prayers throughout November, and of course the sanctuary lamp glowed above the altar, and the ordinary London brick church has its own beauty and atmosphere...and we had had a busy and pleasant evening and some one said "I love it when it's like this..."
And the evening drew to a close, and we went through to the church, carrying the display-boards down to the back and arranging everything quietly. In the sanctuary there was a candle by the box carrying the names of those who will be remembered in All Souls prayers throughout November, and of course the sanctuary lamp glowed above the altar, and the ordinary London brick church has its own beauty and atmosphere...and we had had a busy and pleasant evening and some one said "I love it when it's like this..."
Monday, November 14, 2016
Commentators...
...in the USA and here in Britain are still trying to analyse the American election. Obviously there's a lot to discuss and a lot to ponder and digest.
But the one thing that shouldn't really puzzle anyone is the fact that a lot of women voted against Mrs Clinton. Why is anyone surprised? Poor Mrs C. had become a dedicated - almost fanatical - supporter of abortion. And the reality is that, for most people, aborting a baby is a tragic thing, not to be seen as something healthy or good, much less as something that is a "right". Even among those who would hesitate to link themselves with the ProLife lobby, there is a sense of sadness and better-not-to-do-this over the whole idea of aborting a child. At one stage the USA's Democratic Party used a slogan about making abortion "safe, legal, and rare"...then it morphed into somehow celebrating abortion as something that every American woman deserved. And then they wonder why women said "Ugh" and voted against it.
But the one thing that shouldn't really puzzle anyone is the fact that a lot of women voted against Mrs Clinton. Why is anyone surprised? Poor Mrs C. had become a dedicated - almost fanatical - supporter of abortion. And the reality is that, for most people, aborting a baby is a tragic thing, not to be seen as something healthy or good, much less as something that is a "right". Even among those who would hesitate to link themselves with the ProLife lobby, there is a sense of sadness and better-not-to-do-this over the whole idea of aborting a child. At one stage the USA's Democratic Party used a slogan about making abortion "safe, legal, and rare"...then it morphed into somehow celebrating abortion as something that every American woman deserved. And then they wonder why women said "Ugh" and voted against it.
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Every day...
...I pick up at least one piece of litter, and place it in a litter-bin. That's the commitment. At least one. Every day.
I know...I know...one piece of litter is nothing, it's unimportant, it's trivial. But this is an action that at least minimally fulfils the "one good deed every day" commitment into which I entered as a Girl Guide many decades ago: I have several years of non-compliance so catching up will take a long while.
Picking up one piece obviously sometimes leads to gathering up a good deal more and leaving a railway station/bus-stop/walkway/corner of a park at least temporarily improved. It not infrequently involves a conversation with others who offer encouragement and/or join in to help. It is sometimes horrid (I carry tissue-wipes, and also a plastic bag into which to put the litter until it can be placed in a bin). It probably makes me look daft, but that's too bad.
One piece of litter. Every day.
Join in?
I know...I know...one piece of litter is nothing, it's unimportant, it's trivial. But this is an action that at least minimally fulfils the "one good deed every day" commitment into which I entered as a Girl Guide many decades ago: I have several years of non-compliance so catching up will take a long while.
Picking up one piece obviously sometimes leads to gathering up a good deal more and leaving a railway station/bus-stop/walkway/corner of a park at least temporarily improved. It not infrequently involves a conversation with others who offer encouragement and/or join in to help. It is sometimes horrid (I carry tissue-wipes, and also a plastic bag into which to put the litter until it can be placed in a bin). It probably makes me look daft, but that's too bad.
One piece of litter. Every day.
Join in?
On the American election...
...we can be glad that the country's Supreme Court now seems less likely to be handed over to the adherents of a dedicated secularist ideology. And we can certainly rejoice that the ghastly "I'm a celebrity - you must think and vote as I do" parade has been snubbed.
Beyond that...it is difficult to see where things are going. The President-elect has held no public office of service to the community, and his general track record is, well, mixed: some bankruptcies, two failed marriages, a certain inability to steer a steady course...
Thoughtful commentary here...
Beyond that...it is difficult to see where things are going. The President-elect has held no public office of service to the community, and his general track record is, well, mixed: some bankruptcies, two failed marriages, a certain inability to steer a steady course...
Thoughtful commentary here...
Am reading...
...and loving, Last Testament, the just-published book by beloved Papa Emeritus Benedict XVI with Peter Seewald. It's a frank, fresh,wide-ranging and penetrating interview in which BXVI discusses some of the major events of his pontificate - many of which were misrepresented by the mass media at the time, and much more...
As always, BXVI is concise, reflective and expresses himself with accuracy and precision. It is immensely readable. This is one of the greatest thinkers of the modern era at his very best - and,as always, he is humourous, and self-deprecating.
Want to know more about his working relationship with St JPII? His resignation? Views on World Youth Day? The how and why of so many events of the past three or four decades? Get this book and devour...it's a really good read. It also leaves you pondering on the nature of the priesthood, the Church and the office of St Peter as never before. BXVI sees things in the rich theological perspective which is the only true perspective - and in this book, as throughout his life as a priest, he is a magnificent teacher.
As always, BXVI is concise, reflective and expresses himself with accuracy and precision. It is immensely readable. This is one of the greatest thinkers of the modern era at his very best - and,as always, he is humourous, and self-deprecating.
Want to know more about his working relationship with St JPII? His resignation? Views on World Youth Day? The how and why of so many events of the past three or four decades? Get this book and devour...it's a really good read. It also leaves you pondering on the nature of the priesthood, the Church and the office of St Peter as never before. BXVI sees things in the rich theological perspective which is the only true perspective - and in this book, as throughout his life as a priest, he is a magnificent teacher.
History Walks during this coming week....
...come and join us!
#WED Nov 16th, meet 6.30pm on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral. We'll be looking around the City, glimpses of Roman London, also various churches, the story of the 1666 Great Fire etc. Shortish walk - the City looks rather good on an Autumn evening, but it will be chilly and damp...the walk will last less than an hour.
#FRIDAY 18th, meet 2pm on the steps of St Paul's. Same route but slightly extended because in daylight.
More info on these and other Walks here ...
#WED Nov 16th, meet 6.30pm on the steps of St Paul's Cathedral. We'll be looking around the City, glimpses of Roman London, also various churches, the story of the 1666 Great Fire etc. Shortish walk - the City looks rather good on an Autumn evening, but it will be chilly and damp...the walk will last less than an hour.
#FRIDAY 18th, meet 2pm on the steps of St Paul's. Same route but slightly extended because in daylight.
More info on these and other Walks here ...
Friday, November 11, 2016
...and while pondering the valour of soldiers, giving their lives in service...
... we could also note today's news reports describing how students in America are asking for special time in which to cry and ask for cuddles because the candidate they favoured in the election didn't win, and the rival candidate is President.
Can this really be true? Can the spoilt and priviledged youth of America really be that ghastly? Apparently so... they were offered dolls, play-dough and colouring books (I am not making this up), along with counselling, and "therapy dogs".
Can this really be true? Can the spoilt and priviledged youth of America really be that ghastly? Apparently so... they were offered dolls, play-dough and colouring books (I am not making this up), along with counselling, and "therapy dogs".
Armistice Day...
...and shops, and the London buses carried notices inviting people to join in the Two Minutes' silence at 11 o'clock...and crosses were planted in the Field of Remembrance at Westminster, and crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square to honour those who have died in the service of our country.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
History...
...and I have spent the past few days taking an American group around London, a mix of ages and professions, and with children too....we've been looking at Westminster, Churchill War Rooms, the Tower...
On Tuesday there was a moment when we were all together waiting for a boat along by London Bridge, and to keep us entertained some one asked one of the smallest children to sing us a couple of songs, which she did shyly but very delightfully. Then, standing looking serious for a moment, she announced, very solemnly, something else that she had learned by heart. "I pledge allegiance" she said "to the flag of the United States of America and to the union for which it stands..." and so on, carefully, through to the end with "liberty and justice for all". It was quite unexpected and rather touching, the small voice falling into the room with a startling clarity. She goes to a small church-based school, and had been taught the Pledge there...
Looking back, it is a moment to capture, just as, across the Atlantic, the USA was going through one of its most momentous experiences.
The Election had not been much discussed among us, and although there was unanimity in the group in disliking the Clinton ideological agenda there was no passionate affirmation of the alternative candidate. They had all cast their votes by postal ballot before flying to Britain for this gathering, and I didn't interrogate them about their choices.
There is a lot of genuine patriotism in America and I do hope that poor Mr Trump turns out to be worthy of the office to which he has now been called.
On Tuesday there was a moment when we were all together waiting for a boat along by London Bridge, and to keep us entertained some one asked one of the smallest children to sing us a couple of songs, which she did shyly but very delightfully. Then, standing looking serious for a moment, she announced, very solemnly, something else that she had learned by heart. "I pledge allegiance" she said "to the flag of the United States of America and to the union for which it stands..." and so on, carefully, through to the end with "liberty and justice for all". It was quite unexpected and rather touching, the small voice falling into the room with a startling clarity. She goes to a small church-based school, and had been taught the Pledge there...
Looking back, it is a moment to capture, just as, across the Atlantic, the USA was going through one of its most momentous experiences.
The Election had not been much discussed among us, and although there was unanimity in the group in disliking the Clinton ideological agenda there was no passionate affirmation of the alternative candidate. They had all cast their votes by postal ballot before flying to Britain for this gathering, and I didn't interrogate them about their choices.
There is a lot of genuine patriotism in America and I do hope that poor Mr Trump turns out to be worthy of the office to which he has now been called.
Monday, November 07, 2016
Sunday, November 06, 2016
Discussion and planning...
...with the young director of the Polish children's choir that will be coming to sing at this year's TOWARDS ADVENT Festival...come and hear them! ALL WELCOME. Admission FREE. Westminster Cathedral Hall, Saturday Novembver 26th, doors open 10 am, official Opening ceremony with Bishop Nicholas Hudson, 10.30am...
Tradition...
... fireworks and a bonfire for November 5th at Bogle Towers. We cooked steak on the fire, and baked potatoes in the ashes, and then set off fireworks at the front of the house, inviting Joe, who lives opposite, and various people stopped by to enjoy it all...
We had wine, and Jamie and Joe enjoyed cigars as things drew to an end...all around us were the pops and bangs as rockets from various bonfire-parties whooshed up into the night sky scattering glittering red and green and golden stars...
Bonfire Night is much older than the Gunpowder Plot - people had them for All Saints Day, and probably for pagan festivals back before that .I have long been unconvinced about poor old Guy Fawkes as there was so much intrigue around the whole story caught up in the cruelties of the 17th century. But bonfires in November have a long long history and here we are in the 21st century still doing it all...
We had wine, and Jamie and Joe enjoyed cigars as things drew to an end...all around us were the pops and bangs as rockets from various bonfire-parties whooshed up into the night sky scattering glittering red and green and golden stars...
Bonfire Night is much older than the Gunpowder Plot - people had them for All Saints Day, and probably for pagan festivals back before that .I have long been unconvinced about poor old Guy Fawkes as there was so much intrigue around the whole story caught up in the cruelties of the 17th century. But bonfires in November have a long long history and here we are in the 21st century still doing it all...
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
All Souls...
...and the All Souls Chapel at Westminster Cathedral, writing names of beloved family members and friends, to be commemorated...
...and to the anonymous correspondent...
...who called me a "silly billy" (rude, but rather tame compared to most of the insults I've received over the years...) please read here...
Tuesday, November 01, 2016
The internet...
...so useful in so many ways...("whatdidweeverdowithoutit"etc etc etc...)...
...has a very dark side. Lots of ghastly things, from vile pornography to the ability to hack into people's privacy/bank accounts/medical records/travel plans. From the horrific opportunities it offers daily to terrorists and criminals, to the addiction it brings to children and others with hours of lonely time-wasting...
...and rumours. Catholics seem to be among the worst at spreading these. ..."Have you heard...?" "Did you know...? And prophecies: "Our Lady said in a vision..." And conspiracies: "They've been trying to hush it up since 1743..." "Then years later, the Freemasons..." And fantasies announced as research: "If you add up the numbers, they come to ..." "The initials, if you think about it, actually spell out..." And nasty stuff, calumny and detraction: "The Pope..." "That Bishop..." and more...and more...
Last week it was "The Pope is going to receive Communion from a Lutheran". OOOooo...er.... Except that he wasn't and didn't. Then: "He's opening the way for women priests" No again. "He's already committed to women deacons." No.
I'm tempted to start my own rumour :"Joanna has been personally informed by Pope Francis that she will be made a Bishop on her next birthday." Let's see if it spreads.
...has a very dark side. Lots of ghastly things, from vile pornography to the ability to hack into people's privacy/bank accounts/medical records/travel plans. From the horrific opportunities it offers daily to terrorists and criminals, to the addiction it brings to children and others with hours of lonely time-wasting...
...and rumours. Catholics seem to be among the worst at spreading these. ..."Have you heard...?" "Did you know...? And prophecies: "Our Lady said in a vision..." And conspiracies: "They've been trying to hush it up since 1743..." "Then years later, the Freemasons..." And fantasies announced as research: "If you add up the numbers, they come to ..." "The initials, if you think about it, actually spell out..." And nasty stuff, calumny and detraction: "The Pope..." "That Bishop..." and more...and more...
Last week it was "The Pope is going to receive Communion from a Lutheran". OOOooo...er.... Except that he wasn't and didn't. Then: "He's opening the way for women priests" No again. "He's already committed to women deacons." No.
I'm tempted to start my own rumour :"Joanna has been personally informed by Pope Francis that she will be made a Bishop on her next birthday." Let's see if it spreads.
All Saints...
...and I went to a mid-morning Mass at Westminster Cathedral. I somehow wasn't expecting to see many people there at that time of day, but it was well-attended. At the front were serried ranks of children from the adjoining primary school. They behaved beautifully, hands together, heads bowed reverently at the Consecration...it was so impressive that I spoke to a teacher afterwards and asked that a nice message be passed on to the head teacher - and later got chatting to another member of the congregation, who said she had done the same...
I was back at the Cathedral later on for a midday engagament, and even larger crowds were pouring in...people from nearby offices, mostly male (though I know it is old-fashioned to point this out. But there are still, DG, a lot of men in office jobs in London). The Cathedral was absolutely full, and more Masses to follow...
Next year's gathering of our Bishops would be a very good time for a simple, tactful move towards HAVING OUR FEAST-DAYS BACK. Today's crowds celebrating All Saints indicate that it would be a popular move...
I was back at the Cathedral later on for a midday engagament, and even larger crowds were pouring in...people from nearby offices, mostly male (though I know it is old-fashioned to point this out. But there are still, DG, a lot of men in office jobs in London). The Cathedral was absolutely full, and more Masses to follow...
Next year's gathering of our Bishops would be a very good time for a simple, tactful move towards HAVING OUR FEAST-DAYS BACK. Today's crowds celebrating All Saints indicate that it would be a popular move...
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