Monday, February 11, 2013

Auntie at Maryvale...

...for a splendid celebration to thank Canon John Redford for his years of work. A beautiful Mass, the packed Maryvale chapel  ringing with  plainchant and with some splendid hymns ("How great thou art..." "O Jesus I have promised...") , a solo Panis Angelicus at Communion... and then a generous buffet lunch: the two big lecture rooms were opened up to merge together, and a table was spread where normally there are rows of desks and the draped stall with its open Bible and lighted candle. Today there were  stacked plates and napkins, and delicious food and wine. A fine speech by Prof Jack Scarisbrick  led the tributes. It was a grand day.

Canon John's books have been lifesavers for those seeking to understand and grasp the divinity of Christ, in the face of the standard ohbutJesusdidn'treallyunderstandwhohewas  line pushed for years in theology discussions and in RE lessons and so on. Read his "Mad Bad or God" which is excellent. Also this book on the Gospel of St John.

On the train to Birmingham - through lashing rain - I read the excellent lecture given to the Ordinariate in the USA  by Archbishop Muller of the CDF .  I journeyed home with Fr Michael Cullinan -  mathematician and theologians, director of the BA Div. -  with  lashing rain turning to sleet and snow and then back to rain again as we crossed the Chilterns. Lots to talk about re the state of the Church and the nation...




1 comment:

Alistair Scott said...

Lots to talk about re the state of the Church and the nation...

And what about the resignation of the Pope?

A man you consider has been chosen divinely to be God's direct representative on Earth - the Holy Father. How can he 'resign'?

Can a father resign the parentage of his children?

Gives us a bit of perspective, doesn't it.