....THE VALUES FOUNDATION. An excellent organisation - read Louise Kirk's most useful introduction here and give the venture your support.
Friday, March 29, 2019
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Spent the afternoon...
...dusting and hoovering....
Nothing special about that, of course - except that it wasn't at home, but on the bare wooden planks of an empty church. The fine new marble floor at Precious Blood Church has been covered for these past few weeks because of building work, which is now nearing completion. We have been having Mass in the night-club opposite, or in the bare church with a makeshift altar. The wooden flooring is very very dusty - my backpack was covered in dust when I picked it up after (stupidly) putting it down during Mass last Sunday. So...as the planking was slowly unscrewed and removed, we had to hoover each piece before it was carried away to be stacked in the hallway, or the dust would have settled again on the new walls and ledges and steps etc... and then hoover again the cardboard layer beneath the planking...and in due course we'll finally be hoovering the finally-revealed new marble flooring....
It was warm work, and the tea that finished the afternoon was hugely welcome. Then I hurried across the river to the City, where a group of French missionary priests were meeting...they are busy at St Patrick's Soho for the next few days, at a conference on evangelisation, gathering and sharing ideas and information...we made our way together to Tyburn. It was a powerful moment as we gathered at the site of the gallows, and knelt to pray there, and to kiss the hallowed site where martyrs shed their blood for Christ and the Church...it's on a traffic island where the Edgeware Road meets the Bayswater Road opposite Hyde Park.
Nothing special about that, of course - except that it wasn't at home, but on the bare wooden planks of an empty church. The fine new marble floor at Precious Blood Church has been covered for these past few weeks because of building work, which is now nearing completion. We have been having Mass in the night-club opposite, or in the bare church with a makeshift altar. The wooden flooring is very very dusty - my backpack was covered in dust when I picked it up after (stupidly) putting it down during Mass last Sunday. So...as the planking was slowly unscrewed and removed, we had to hoover each piece before it was carried away to be stacked in the hallway, or the dust would have settled again on the new walls and ledges and steps etc... and then hoover again the cardboard layer beneath the planking...and in due course we'll finally be hoovering the finally-revealed new marble flooring....
It was warm work, and the tea that finished the afternoon was hugely welcome. Then I hurried across the river to the City, where a group of French missionary priests were meeting...they are busy at St Patrick's Soho for the next few days, at a conference on evangelisation, gathering and sharing ideas and information...we made our way together to Tyburn. It was a powerful moment as we gathered at the site of the gallows, and knelt to pray there, and to kiss the hallowed site where martyrs shed their blood for Christ and the Church...it's on a traffic island where the Edgeware Road meets the Bayswater Road opposite Hyde Park.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Re that petition to the Dept for Education...
... re the plan to teach small children about lesbianism etc...here's a thoughtful and useful analysis. Read on...
Want to give a child a special Easter gift?
Try "A Book of Saints and Heroes" and/or "A Book of Saints and Heroines". Yours for £5.00p - contact this Blog WITH AN EMAIL ADDRESS OR POSTAL ADDRESS AT WHICH I CAN REACH YOU. These are satisfying, readable, stories, attractive paperbacks, about some of the great men and women of the Christian centuries.
Enjoy school-stories? Ask me about "We didn't mean to start a school", a cheerful girls'-school story.
Chocolate eggs are a must for Easter - but a really satisfying book adds to the joy...
Enjoy school-stories? Ask me about "We didn't mean to start a school", a cheerful girls'-school story.
Chocolate eggs are a must for Easter - but a really satisfying book adds to the joy...
SIGN THIS PETITION...
...it is rather urgent. Join with others to tell the Government to drop this ghastly scheme to teach small children about being lesbians and homosexuals.
Sign here: and pass the word on to friends.
It's important.
Sign here: and pass the word on to friends.
It's important.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
A fellow Catholic writer and journalist...
... Caroline Farrow, has been questioned by police because she used the pronoun "he" in a discussion about a man who now says he is a woman.
I am not making this up.
Apparently she might be prosecuted under a law that could imprison her for two years.
Today's Daily Telegraph sums up the situation well:
'She is to be interviewed under caution following a television debate with a transgender activist who took exception to Mrs Farrow's refusal to say "she" instead of "he".This might be a point of issue between the two individuals but by what possible measure of sanity does it become a matter for a police investigation?
'Moreover, what law has she broken? It is not the job of the police to dance to the tune of the aggressively militant and miniscule trans lobby but t uphold the law of the land. Whatever misgendering is, it is not an offence.'
There is something evil around in Britain at present - a spirit of vindictiveness and spite, in an atmosphere of confusion. Pray for our country.
I am not making this up.
Apparently she might be prosecuted under a law that could imprison her for two years.
Today's Daily Telegraph sums up the situation well:
'She is to be interviewed under caution following a television debate with a transgender activist who took exception to Mrs Farrow's refusal to say "she" instead of "he".This might be a point of issue between the two individuals but by what possible measure of sanity does it become a matter for a police investigation?
'Moreover, what law has she broken? It is not the job of the police to dance to the tune of the aggressively militant and miniscule trans lobby but t uphold the law of the land. Whatever misgendering is, it is not an offence.'
There is something evil around in Britain at present - a spirit of vindictiveness and spite, in an atmosphere of confusion. Pray for our country.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
By lantern-light, a walk exploring history...
...across Richmond Green and through the archway of the Old Palace, and down to the river...
We met at St Elizabeth's church at 7pm, and I had brought my lantern, and a spare supply of candles for it. The walk took us through the stories of Henry VII, Henry VIII and the Tudor saga...and plunged further back into history with Henry I and the first Royal palace built at what was then Shene...
After the Walk finished, a small core of us went on to a riverside pub...much enjoyable talk...many good things happening at st Elizabeth's, a parish with a fascinating history, and with a sense of evangelism...
We met at St Elizabeth's church at 7pm, and I had brought my lantern, and a spare supply of candles for it. The walk took us through the stories of Henry VII, Henry VIII and the Tudor saga...and plunged further back into history with Henry I and the first Royal palace built at what was then Shene...
After the Walk finished, a small core of us went on to a riverside pub...much enjoyable talk...many good things happening at st Elizabeth's, a parish with a fascinating history, and with a sense of evangelism...
Monday, March 18, 2019
Come to DOWRY House, Walsingham, this summer!
Starts: Friday 9 August 2019 @ 5pm
Ends: Sunday 11 August 2019 @ 2pm
Ends: Sunday 11 August 2019 @ 2pm
A weekend celebrating Catholic culture – and how to use it to evangelise.
Talks and practical activities to celebrate and spread the Faith
Talks and practical activities to celebrate and spread the Faith
To book, contact Dowry House Tel: 01328 801018
Email: dowryhouse@walsingham.org.uk
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Good to be back in church...
...for Mass, instead of in a night club. But the Church of the Most Precious Blood is still a building-site. Masses of dust on the floor - but not on the seats which a team of good parish volunteers cleaned carefully and energetically beforehand. The proper pews will be back soon - with some new ones added as the congregation is growing substantially. The children's choir sang enchantingly.
In the afternoon I led a cold wet History Walk from Westminster Cathedral down to Parliament.
In the afternoon I led a cold wet History Walk from Westminster Cathedral down to Parliament.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Sunday, March 10, 2019
I've been asked...
...to publicise this Retreat, which seems of value...
A Retreat with a Difference
A Foyer de Charité Retreat will be held at Hinsley Hall, the Diocese of Leeds Pastoral Centre, from Sunday 21 July (6pm) – Saturday 27 July (2pm) 2019. The theme is God’s Plan for the Fullness of Time, and the preacher will be Mgr. Keith Barltrop, with help from past retreatants. Foyer retreats are held mainly in silence, with three talks a day, and offer a holistic way of deepening our faith in the Church’s teaching and our life in Christ. The Foyers are communities of consecrated lay people living with a priest in order to help others grow closer to Christ and live the Catholic faith more fully. For further information or to book a place, contact Mgr. Barltrop:keithbarltrop@rcdow.org.uk; 07879 953953; St. Mary of the Angels, Moorhouse Road, Bayswater, London W2 5DJ
In bright sunshine but a bitterly cold wind, we walked around an ancient palace yard...
...and along the Thames at Richmond, learning about Edward I and Edward II and Henry VII and Henry VIII, and an ancient Carmelite Friary, and more...
Sunday afternoon History Walks are proving popular. See here for future walks...
Sunday afternoon History Walks are proving popular. See here for future walks...
Saturday, March 09, 2019
The bogus rubbish ...
...that calls itself International Women's Day needs to be exposed. I did so, last time this nonsense came around. In case you missed it, read here...
Thursday, March 07, 2019
The latest issue of FAITH magazine...
...can be read here...
Or, if you send a Comment (which I will not publish) to this Blog WITH A FULL POSTAL ADDRESS, I will post you a copy.
Or, if you send a Comment (which I will not publish) to this Blog WITH A FULL POSTAL ADDRESS, I will post you a copy.
ASHES...
...and churches are always crowded. I went at lunchtime at the University and the chapel, though not full, had good numbers.
If you want a good cause for your Lenten alms, then the good sisters at this thriving community would value some help - they have an old building which is in a poor state and needs various repairs...
Spring is here. Come to the HISTORY WALK on Sunday in RICHMOND. Meet 3.30pm at St Elizabeth's Church, The Vineyard.
If you want a good cause for your Lenten alms, then the good sisters at this thriving community would value some help - they have an old building which is in a poor state and needs various repairs...
Spring is here. Come to the HISTORY WALK on Sunday in RICHMOND. Meet 3.30pm at St Elizabeth's Church, The Vineyard.
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
and in answer...
..to the anonymous correspondent who wrote in to this blog:
Dear Sir, No - the whole point about the Cardinal Pell case is that the jury - and all of us - must not leave the facts aside and talk only about child abuse affecting various families, or about the Church, or about our feelings on these or related matters. We must, on the contrary, stick to examining the facts alleged about a particular event at a particular time. That is what a court is asked to do, and all concerned must remove all other considerations from their minds. So: was the Cardinal in the sacristy at the time alleged or was he, as witnesses have stated, in a procession walking through the crowded cathedral and then greeting people outside? How did the man who now makes the allegation explain his ability to go to his place in choir, unhurt, and sing as if nothing had happened? Why, if attacked as described, did he not shout or scream for help, especially as there were a large number of people nearby? Why did his friend not do so? These are among the many questions.
Our entire justice system rests on the understanding that the facts of a case must be established, on evidence given and examined. Whatever your opinions about a man's work or about events in the news, or about religion or race or nationality, you must leave these aside as you concentrate on listening to the information about the incident and establishing what occurred.
I am honestly appalled - and slightly frightened - by the realisation that in Australia today this is not the common understanding of what a court should do.
Dear Sir, No - the whole point about the Cardinal Pell case is that the jury - and all of us - must not leave the facts aside and talk only about child abuse affecting various families, or about the Church, or about our feelings on these or related matters. We must, on the contrary, stick to examining the facts alleged about a particular event at a particular time. That is what a court is asked to do, and all concerned must remove all other considerations from their minds. So: was the Cardinal in the sacristy at the time alleged or was he, as witnesses have stated, in a procession walking through the crowded cathedral and then greeting people outside? How did the man who now makes the allegation explain his ability to go to his place in choir, unhurt, and sing as if nothing had happened? Why, if attacked as described, did he not shout or scream for help, especially as there were a large number of people nearby? Why did his friend not do so? These are among the many questions.
Our entire justice system rests on the understanding that the facts of a case must be established, on evidence given and examined. Whatever your opinions about a man's work or about events in the news, or about religion or race or nationality, you must leave these aside as you concentrate on listening to the information about the incident and establishing what occurred.
I am honestly appalled - and slightly frightened - by the realisation that in Australia today this is not the common understanding of what a court should do.
Anglo-Saxons...
...and their prayers and poetry came alive for us this evening at this church at London Bridge. An evening led by Sarah de Nordwall and organised by LOGS - the ladies group based at the church, in conjunction with CATHOLIC HISTORY WALKS...we heard the history of Roman Britain/Saxon invasions/Vikings/Normans and we listened to, among much else, some Beowulf, and some of the Song of the Rood...
The room was packed - we had just about enough space for everyone to cram in. LOGS did us proud with snacks and wine and pancakes and pancakes and pancakes...it was a perfect way to mark Shrovetide, and one ofthe most successful-ever LOGS evenings...
The room was packed - we had just about enough space for everyone to cram in. LOGS did us proud with snacks and wine and pancakes and pancakes and pancakes...it was a perfect way to mark Shrovetide, and one ofthe most successful-ever LOGS evenings...
Monday, March 04, 2019
The Sisters...
...at Minster Abbey in Kent are inviting young women to a "Come and See" weekend, April 12th-14th .
They are delightful nuns:they live a contemplative life, have restored a Saxon convent, sing the Offices daily together in chapel, lead retreats, and have a welcoming guest house. They offer weekends where you can learn various crafts, and have retreat-times for people who have been bereaved and for families with special needs. I recommend a visit.
They are delightful nuns:they live a contemplative life, have restored a Saxon convent, sing the Offices daily together in chapel, lead retreats, and have a welcoming guest house. They offer weekends where you can learn various crafts, and have retreat-times for people who have been bereaved and for families with special needs. I recommend a visit.
Sunday, March 03, 2019
This past week...
...each evening I have been listening to CS Lewis' That Hideous Strength as an audio book. It is some 45 years since I first read it. It is, in the real and not the attempting-to-predict-the-future sense of the word, prophetic. And important.
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