The Catholic Post October 2023 FINAL

Emmaus - A Unique Partnership

Children are at the centre of the project with tanks built in three schools already and big plans for more

The Emmaus Project is the result of a commitment made by a number of schools in the Diocese of Clifton to support a unique initiative that originated in a decision by the International Tree Foundation (ITF) in Africa to work with an agro-forestry NGO in Uganda’s Masaka province, the Masaka and District Land Care Chapter (MADLACC). ITF and MADLACC elected to plant tree nurseries in selected schools across the district, training pupils in tree planting and management with a view to creating sustainable economies in which children played the formative role in breaking the cycle of poverty. Children will then pass onto their peers, teachers and local farmers the essence of what they have learned.

We, in Emmaus, committed ourselves to providing the water resources they needed. In partnership with WaterHarvest, a water harvesting charity based in Winchester and the Kisoboka Trust, a charity in Southammpton, we decided to employ Mr Dan Kilimani, an engineer, to produce a detailed report for the chosen 23 schools, outlining precisely their

current water resources and estimating the number of 20,000 litre water tanks they would each need to achieve the amount of water needed for the school’s community to be able to have sufficient clean drinking water along with water for all washing, cooking and irrigation needs.

Having established a priority list for the 23 schools, WaterHarvest elected to complete work at the St Jude’s RC Primary School, whilst the Emmaus schools in the UK began fund raising. This was our pilot project.

St Jude’s was successfully completed at the end of the summer term 2023. Within days of completion, the Headteacher reported a significant rise in the nominal role and a genuine joy in the whole community. We have since received reports from Dan Kilimani that the local community were able to use the full water tanks during the recent dry season, whilst pupils were on their summer holiday. The project has transformed the lives of a large number of people. That was the start!

Our school, St Edward’s, in a generous matchfunding arrangement with WaterHarvest have since completed works at the Lubanda Islamic School as an indication of the multi-faith aspect of the project. St Francis School in Nailsea, Bristol, completed similar works at the Kiwangala Primary, again with WaterHarvest’s help.

We are now actively planning to complete the next 4 schools before the end of the financial

year with the Trowbridge Catholic schools hub fund raising for the next school on the list.

During a period of time in which we have suffered both a global pandemic and an economic crisis, The Emmaus Partnership is proud to have completed 3 schools already, with plans for up to 5 more…a significant achievement.

Dan Kilimani (Engineer) with some of the pupils at St Jude’s

Pupils sit in front of their new tank at St Jude's

The completed tank at the Lubanda Islamic School

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We often see the words “terms & conditions apply”, sometimes abbreviated to “Ts&Cs apply”, at the bottom of our television screens in relation to the offer being made in the advert we are watching. It warns us that things might not be quite as they have been presented. By contrast, God made known the terms and conditions of the covenant relationship we entered into with him at our baptism very clearly and openly, right from the beginning, and not in any kind of small print at the bottom of the screen as it were. In both cases, however, it is our responsibility to familiarise ourselves with those “Ts&Cs” so that we are fully aware of the commitment we have entered into and especially in the case of our relationship with God.

We are all familiar with God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt Sinai and we should know them by heart even if we might not get them in the right order. As the Catechism says, the “ten words” sum up and proclaim God’s law and that the gift of the commandments and of the law is part of the covenant he established with his Chosen People. They are obligatory for Christians and therefore it is seriously (mortally) sinful to deliberately disobey or break any of them.

On the other hand I am not convinced that many Catholics are quite as familiar with the five precepts of the Church, perhaps the consequence of fewer and fewer Catholic children attending Catholic schools and therefore not receiving a sound education in the Faith. They are a minimum set of requirements by which we express our respect for, and obedience to, the teaching authority of the Church which comes to her from God. It would seem a good idea to remind ourselves what those precepts are:

n You shall attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation and rest from servile works.

n You shall confess your sins at least once a year.

n You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least once during the Easter season.

n You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.

n You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church.

Being the Church’s precepts they are connected with our liturgical and sacramental life and, like the first three commandments, are therefore an expression of our relationship with God. However, unlike the old “penny catechism”, the current Catechism doesn’t specifically mention the penalty for breaking these precepts – which is a little confusing.

The first is probably the one that is best known but often most poorly observed - along with the requirement to rest from servile works. It connects with God’s commandment that we keep holy the Sabbath day, and is, for that reason, not optional, though people tend to treat it as if it is.

The second encourages at least annual confession, conscious as we are of our sinfulness and our need of God’s grace in the sacrament. However, in light of that awareness, we should develop the habit of going to the sacrament on a far more regular basis than just once a year.

Most people these days are not in any danger of failing to observe the third precept as whole congregations tend to go to communion on a weekly basis, but there is still a reminder in that precept that our reception of holy communion is dependent upon our being in a state of grace and therefore, where necessary, our celebration of confession.

Principally the fourth precept has to do with the universal obligation (depending on age and health) to keep Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as days of fast and abstinence. In some countries it would also require abstaining from eating meat on Fridays The universal law of the Church states that we should abstain from meat on Fridays or from some other form of food, or by observing some other form of penance, or by doing something spiritual and additional to mark the day on which Our Lord died on the cross. It should never go unobserved in that sense.

And the final precept is observed by most people by way of the weekly collection at Mass,

though in a more general sense it could include providing support in other ways too.

In the introduction to the the first five books of the Old Testament) in the Jerusalem Bible, it says: By an act of free choice, by a loving plan conceived from creation’s beginning and pursued despite all mankind’s waywardness, God found a nation and made that nation his. Choice and promise were confirmed by a covenant. In return he demands loyalty and fidelity from his people. It is God himself who defines the terms of this fidelity by legislating for the nation he has chosen. His law makes known their duties, regulates their life as God would have it, and by sustaining the Covenant paves the way for the fulfilment of the promises.

And that’s how it was until the coming of Christ, the one who gives this long story of salvation all its meaning. The covenants of the old regime were the rehearsals for Christ’s new Covenant. He did not come to do away with the Law, he came to bring it to perfection. The New Testament does not cancel the message of the Old but carries it forward. There is no fundamental difference between the religious response to which Israel was invited by the narratives of the Old Testament or impelled by its commands, and the response demanded by our Christian faith.

Recently I was looking through the psalms in my breviary, many of which contain verses that speak in praise of the commandments, and it suddenly occurred to me how often psalm 118 (numbered 119 in some versions of the bible –it’s the long one with 176 verses) occurs, not in its full form each time of course, but sections of it, and it’s not surprising that it is headed “Love of God’s Law” (in the Grail Psalms where it is psalm 118) and “In Praise of the Divine Law” (in the Jerusalem Bible where it is psalm 119) as that is the theme of the entire psalm. I would recommend that you look the psalm up in your bible and read it to see what I mean.

While the author is speaking for himself, expressing his personal feelings, writing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit hopefully he is speaking for us all. It’s a wonderful psalm that affirms, in no uncertain terms, the vital importance of God’s law and the law of his Church in our life, and the fact that trying to ignore or get around his commandments and precepts would be like removing the hands from a clock and then being unable to tell what time it is. In our relationship with God, figuratively speaking we can never afford to not know the time.

From the presbytery.............. by Fr Neil McNicholas

We are all familiar with God’s Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt Sinai and we should know them by heart even if we might not get them in the right order

“Ts & Cs apply”

The Simplicity of Praying on Beads

When, in 1917 Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children at Fatima, she asked them to ‘pray the Rosary every day in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary, in order to obtain peace for the world and an end to the war, because only she can help you.’ In this request Our Lady showed her power of intercession, and her need for our prayer of request. Almost like charging a battery to give it power to carry out a task! She requests our prayer so she can help us, carrying our requests to God. With the perfect love that God has for her, she knows that he will not fail to respond.

Bringing a taste of Lisbon to London

rcdow.org.uk

On Saturday 2nd September, Lisbon came to London as Westminster Youth Ministry held a summer picnic for those young people who weren't able to make it to World Youth Day.

Almost 100 people were in attendance for a day filled with prayer, talks, activities and testimonies. The day began with a testimony from Hojee, one of the young people who had gone with the diocese to Lisbon, who spoke about how his experience doing the kneeling

Rosary in Fatima had helped him realise that he couldn't do faith alone, and needed community around him.

Among the most popular workshops was a Vocations Panel with a sister, a priest, a married couple and an engaged man, who spoke on the trials and tribulations of following their vocation, answering the questions of the young people. One of the speakers, Sr Silvana, said they, 'had talked about discernment, seeking and finding, but also about happiness and God's hundredfold, in the same breath as sacrifice and surrender'.

Also popular with the attendees was a workshop by Sr Hyacinthe on the Rosary. In the garden of Waxwell House in Pinner, she spoke to 35 young people, introducing the history and mysteries of this great prayer of the Church.

Mass was celebrated outside by Bishop Paul McAleenan, with music from Wood Green Youth Choir. Deacon Rob Smialek, who had accompanied the Diocesan trip to World Youth Day proclaimed the Gospel, which was the Parable of the Talents. Bishop Paul used this story in his homily to talk about the message of World Youth Day, and encouraged the young people to not be afraid to go out and shine as Pope Francis had encouraged them.

Later in the day, he gave a catechesis for all present the true nature of God's mercy. He used the BSL actions for 'Lord, have mercy', to explain that the mercy of the Lord is an act of relationship. It is an action of the Lord embracing us, suffering with us compassionately, and forgiving us out of love.

Yorkshire Churches Day

This year Yorkshire Churches Day was held in conjunction with Heritage Open Days (HOD), on Saturday 16 September 2023. HOD is England’s largest festival of history and culture, when thousands of people come together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life.

It was during lockdown that the Trustees of the YHCT came up with the concept of a ‘Yorkshire Churches Day’. The day is an opportunity to raise much needed funds for places of worship in Yorkshire. The future of many churches is under threat due to crumbling roofs, windows and stonework. The YHCT works to ensure these places of worship are kept in good repair, recognising the contribution they make to society at large and the support they provide to local communities. Over the years, the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust has awarded almost £3,000,000 in grants to places of worship across the beautiful region of Yorkshire.

One of the churches taking part was St Cuthbert’s Church in Bradford. Built in 1890-1 and designed by WH & JH Marten. It is designated a Grade II* Listed Building by Historic England. The church has significant historic interest derived from its association with Mgr John O’Connor (1870-1952), the parish priest at St Cuthbert’s from 1919-1952. Mgr O’Connor was the inspiration for GK Chesterton’s clerical detective Father Brown. In recent years the novels have been become even more widely known thanks to a popular BBC television series which tells the stories of this “savvy crime-fighting priest”.

The beauty of the Rosary is that it can be used as a medium through which meditations can be added, or combined, as personal prayer demands. Try the occasional substitution of a new theme into the decades, for instance by adding the ‘Visit of the Magi’ in place of the ‘Presentation’ or by combining the ‘Assumption’ and the ‘Coronation of Our Lady’, leaving room for a decade of personal choice. As a personal devotion, the Rosary can be used as we wish, and even just one decade a day, maybe using scriptural texts between the prayers, is an excellent way to pray the Rosary.

Prayer beads are not only an ancient tradition but can be ecumenically used to great effect. Plain rosaries, made of wood and without a cross were used by Charles de Foucauld in the early 1900’s amongst those he met of Muslim faith. ‘My God, I love you’ was said on the small beads, and ‘My God, I love you with all my heart’ on the large ones. Surely there cannot be more beautiful, simple and pleasing prayers.

www.crownofthorns.org.uk

office@crownofthorns.org.uk

Crown of Thorns Mission

of Hope

Promoting the Holy Rosary in the U.K. & throughout the world to bring hope, comfort and peace to the marginalised, the oppressed and the imprisoned, enabling wounded hearts to find healing and shattered lives to find breath and space to renew.

Supporting priests and chaplains in their ministry, outreach and welfare.

“I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day.”

(Our Lady at Fatima)

www.crownofthorns.org.uk

email: office@crownofthorns.org.uk

Phone: 01342 870472

Registered charity no: 1042751

Almost 100 people were in attendance for a day filled with prayer, talks, activities and testimonies

The future of many churches is under threat due to crumbling roofs, windows and stonework

If your church is interested in taking part in the next Yorkshire Churches Day, visit the website www.yhct.org.uk for more information.

Letters to the Editor

All correspondence to Letters to the Editor to be sent by post to Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN or via e-mail to editor@catholicpost.co.uk and must give a contact name and place of residence. Anonymous correspondence will not be considered for publication.

Dear Editor,

I realise it is great to hear from young Catholics doing excellent work amongst poor and vulnerable migrants in Calais but I wanted to briefly outline one or two inaccuracies, which I think need to be cleared up. People in distress do need help and it is good to allow young people to do so, that is not the issue. My problem is over the terms “refugee”, “asylum seeker” and “migrant”. “Asylum seeker” has become “refugee” by the end of the piece. The problem is not with Refugees. They are allowed legal entry and are welcome.

The Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status under the

1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees.(1951 and 1967,1992 and 2019.) makes clear that whether someone is an asylum seeker or not, depends on their own definition of themselves and so it should not be taken for granted as truth. Serious crimes have been carried out by dinghy migrants and even genuine asylum seekers because many are unprocessed by border guards. People living in poor or failing countries obviously would want to improve their prospects in an age when the prosperous Western way of life can be seen everywhere in their world by means of TV and Internet.

However, the UN defines “ 62. A migrant is a person who, for reasons other than those contained in the definition,(e.g., persecution,

violence, warfare) voluntarily leaves his country in order to take up residence elsewhere.

He/she may be moved by the desire for change or by family or other reasons of a personal nature. If he/she is moved by economic considerations, he/she is an economic migrant and not a refugee.” The migrant situation is helped by the EU Schengen Agreement, allowing anyone, once in Greece or any EU country to move anywhere else in Europe, except Britain.

We ourselves need money for programmes for our homeless, ex veterans, (including treatment for their PTSD and addictions) for better health care than NHS which should be directly linked to individuals rationing health.

We also need an improved education service and less “crumbling” schools. So many people cannot afford to retire because they need money yet vast amounts are being borrowed and siphoned off to pay for migrants-each asylum-seeker or migrant needing us to pay a couple of hundred pounds per week to stay in starred hotels. It is a huge bill and enables the boat criminals and the criminal industry. Charity does begin with our own homeless, our own destitute, our own veterans and our own poor.

Hannah Jenkins

Papal medals recognise outstanding contributions of Liverpool women

birminghamdiocese.org.uk

Two parishioners have been presented with prestigious Papal medals in recognition of their service to the UCM (Union of Catholic Mothers) and their extensive charity work.

Margaret Kerbey, of St Oscar Romero, Waterloo, was presented with the Benemerenti Medal, and Margaret McDonald, of St Paul's, West Derby, received the Pro ecclesia et Pontifice Cross.

Margaret Kerbey was presented with the honour during the UCM National Conference for outstanding contributions to her faith community.

She has dedicated over three decades to teaching primary school children and her deep connection to her parish spans an impressive 62 years, during which she actively participated in numerous roles. From Children's Liturgy and Eucharistic Ministry to Baptism catechist and Parish "200 Club" manager, Margaret's commitment knows no bounds.

As well as that, she further extended her tireless efforts to the community, volunteering at a foodbank, acting as a trustee for the

Waterloo Community Association, and serving as a governor at the parish primary school. Margaret's contributions to the UCM have been nothing short of exceptional. With a continuous dedication spanning several decades, she held positions ranging from Study Officer to Vice President and even Archdiocesan Treasurer.

Her commitment to the broader Catholic community is exemplified by her representation at international assemblies and her unwavering involvement in the UCM throughout illness and adversity.

Margaret's spirit and determination truly shine, as evidenced by her charity abseils and unyielding work even during challenging times.

Margaret McDonald was recognised for her decades of service within the UCM and extensive charity efforts which is a testament to her profound commitment to her faith and her dedication to making a positive impact in her community.

Her journey within the UCM spans an impressive 48 years, during which she has undertaken numerous leadership roles, from

local foundation positions to national presidency.

Her work extended beyond the UCM, as she actively contributed as a catechist, Eucharistic Minister, reader, and Gift Aid coordinator in her parish. Her impact on education was notable as well, through roles as a Parent Governor and Foundation Governor at various schools.

Margaret's compassion and strength were evident as she supported her family through difficult times, including her own battles with cancer.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross reflects Margaret's unwavering dedication, resilience, and devotion to both her faith and her community. Her leadership, both within the UCM and throughout various institutions, has left a legacy of service, compassion, and love.

Margaret is the second person within the archdiocese to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, after former archdiocesan education worker Cath O'Leary received it at the Education Department's Thanksgiving Mass in July.

Margaret's spirit and determination truly shine, as evidenced by her charity abseils and unyielding work even during challenging times.

Staffordshire Church Apse refurbished by artist to King Charles III

birminghamdiocese.org.uk

At St Christopher’s it now features five figuresJesus, Mary, St Christopher, St Dominic and St Clare

The artist responsible for the Anointing Screen at the Coronation of Kings Charles III has reinvigorated the Apse at St Christopher’s in Codsall.

Aidan Hart spent 33 working days refurbishing the apse behind the sanctuary, which was in need of a refresh after being installed 22 years ago.

The apse can be described as the polygonal or semi-circular end of a church, usually roofed with a vaulted ceiling or a dome.

At St Christopher’s it now features five figures - Jesus, Mary, St Christopher, St Dominic and St Clare.

St Christopher because he is the patron of the church. St Clare and St Dominic because their relics are inside the altar. Our Lady because she is Mother of the Church.

The inspiration for the design comes largely from early Roman apsidal mosaics, such as those found in Saint Prassede and Saints Cosmas e Damian Rome.

Parish priest Fr David Gnosill came across Aidan’s work on social media and approached the artist.

After a site visit, development of ideas, consultation with parishioners and the Diocesan Art and Architecture committee, a Faculty was granted to start the work.

“Just before Aidan started the work in May, he announced that he was going to Windsor Castle at the invitation of King Charles III,” said Fr David.

“Aidan had been responsible for designing the Anointing Screen that was to be used during the King’s Coronation and would be joining His Majesty in a reception at the castle.

“We hadn’t realised who was working for us until that point. Aidan was working for the King, but then he would come and work for the King of Kings.”

Before Aidan created the mural at St Christopher’s the apse was painted purple and

so has undergone a complete transformation. It now provides even more of a focal point in the church.

“Through beauty we praise God. Through beauty, we evangelise. Art expresses our faith, articulates our prayer, and reminds us of how we must live. Beauty lifts the faith of those around us,” said Fr David.

“As we prepared to enhance the Sanctuary of St Christopher’s some were asking questions like: is the art a luxury? Will it be a distraction from worshipping God? Why have the artwork, after all it won’t feed people, or stop wars. What about financial insecurity, cost of living increases, what will it achieve?

“All churches today face the dilemma of how to allocate resources.

“For Christians trying to follow the example of Christ by caring for the poor and living simply, a focus on art can seem self-serving. The urgent needs of the world force us as church goers and artists of faith to ask what truly matters in each note, or paint stroke.

“Art, however, goes beyond luxury. Beauty is a human need as well. Our souls need feeding as well as our bodies. We shouldn’t fear spending money on beauty. Spending money on beauty does not mean we neglect our care for the poor. The poor will always be with us; we will always have opportunities to take care of them.

“Pope Francis noted that the poor need art and beauty as well. ‘Some are living lives of great hardship, and so have even greater need of beauty’.

“In the difficult current context that the world is experiencing, in which sadness and distress sometimes seem to have the upper hand, we need beauty more than ever. Beauty addresses our need for hope; Hope is functionally inseparable from beauty, for beauty is a reminder that there is hope and because beauty is always a source of joy, putting us in touch with divine goodness.

“Thankfully, we had resources to carry out this work. The money spent is money well invested.

“We form the buildings; in time the buildings form us.”

Painting that survived World War II is given new lease of life on TV’s "The Repair Shop"

Maria Kirk

Earlier this year, a painting of Our Lady feeding the infant Jesus was featured on the TV program "The Repair Shop". During the 2nd World War it had been hidden in a coat by a Ukrainian family who were captured and taken to slave labour camps. The painting belonged to the father of the family who was a Ukrainian Catholic Priest, and it hung in his parish church.

After the war the family was split up but the painting somehow survived. Eventually the

painting was given to the daughter of one of the survivors Maria Kirk, who is a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Eastwood. After many years Maria decieded to apply to the Repair Shop to try and have it restored, and was accepted. The restoration was done by Lucia Scalisi, who said that "it was a miracle it had survived". So many people had expressed an interest to see the painting, that Maria put it on display in her parish church, she said "I thought a few people would come out of curiosity but could not believe that over 300 visitors came. Many from other Churches in the area, but many of no faith who just wanted to see the painting. It was very moving to see people in tears just sitting quietly looking at her, many people said that the face of Our Lady just drew them in and touched them. It was lovely to be able to share the story and experience with them." Maria hopes to display the painting at St Barnabas Cathedral some time in October.

“I thought a few people would come out of curiosity but could not believe that over 300 visitors came”

US archbishops lead 'Pilgrimage of Peace' to Japan

archdiocesan offices and various organisations focusing on nuclear disarmament and social justice.

Two archbishops from the United States are visiting Japan on a 'Pilgrimage of Peace', hoping to promote global nuclear disarmament by visiting the sites of the only use of atomic bombs in warfare. Each year, the horrific events of 6 and 9 August 1945 are remembered, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the only time nuclear weapons have been used against human targets.

Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle, Washington, are travelling from 31 July - 12 August to the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Akita, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Joining the archbishops are representatives from

The pilgrimage features a Novena for Nuclear Disarmament, prayers for which are available in English on the trip's website. According to the website, the pilgrimage's mission is to "establish an ecclesial and personal relationship with the bishops of Japan to work toward the abolition of nuclear weapons, expressing our heartfelt sorrow for the devastating experiences endured by their nation."

An estimated 140,000 people were killed in Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, followed by a second atomic bomb three days later in Nagasaki, which left 74,000 people dead. Survivors, known as 'hibakusha', have faced numerous physical and psychological ailments in the bombings' aftermath, which led to Japan's unconditional surrender to the United States and its allies.

Archbishop Wester said that he hoped during the pilgrimage to "encourage conversation about universal, verifiable nuclear disarmament and to walk together toward a

new future of peace, a new promised land of peace, a new culture of peace and nonviolence where we all might learn to live in peace as sisters and brothers on this beautiful planet, our common home." Archbishop Etienne said, "God calls us to build a global community where the whole human family can flourish; let us keep educating ourselves, praying for peace, and appealing for verifiable nuclear disarmament, which reflects our Catholic teachings and is the path for the common good."

In May, both bishops joined Archbishop Peter Michiaki Nakamura of Nagasaki and Bishop Alexis Mitsuru Shirahama of Hiroshima in issuing a letter to leaders of the Group of Seven nations, as the G7 met in Hiroshima, calling on them to take "concrete steps" toward ending the use of nuclear weapons. "As the Roman Catholic spiritual leaders of the diocese with the most spending on nuclear weapons in the United States (Santa Fe, New Mexico), the diocese with the most deployed strategic nuclear weapons in the United States (Seattle, Washington State), and the only two dioceses in the world to have suffered atomic attacks (Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan), we

are compelled to speak out," the bishops said in the letter. They called on leaders to "enter into serious multilateral negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament."

Pope Francis said in his June 2022 message to the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: "Nuclear weapons are a costly and dangerous liability. They represent a 'risk multiplier' that provides only an illusion of a 'peace of sorts.' Here, I wish to reaffirm that the use of nuclear weapons, as well as their mere possession, is immoral. Trying to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security and a 'balance of terror,' sustained by a mentality of fear and mistrust inevitably ends up poisoning relationships between peoples and obstructing any possible form of real dialogue. Possession leads easily to threats of their use, becoming a sort of 'blackmail' that should be repugnant to the consciences of humanity."

Pope asks journalists for help in communicating Synod

Pope Francis was chosen as the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Italian E' Giornalismo award which is presented to individuals who have shaped the narrative of current affairs in Italy with "objectivity, professionalism and creativity."

In his acceptance speech, Pope Francis said he has always declined this kind of prize, but he had chosen to accept this one in order highlight "the urgency of constructive communication, which fosters the culture of encounter and not of confrontation; the culture of peace and not of war; the culture of openness to the other and not of prejudice."

He then issued a call for help: "At a time when everyone seems to comment on everything, even regardless of the facts and often even before being informed," he said, it is necessary to "cultivate the principle of reality, of facts."

Disinformation, the Pope added, is one of the sins of journalism, of which there are four: "misinformation, when journalism does not inform or informs badly; slander …; defamation, which is different from slander

but destroys; and the fourth is coprophilia, that is, the love of scandal, of filth, scandal that sells."

To combat disinformation, he said those who work in communications need to spread a culture of encounter, a culture of dialogue, a culture of listening to the other and his reasons.

He warned against the risks in digital culture, which, he said, has brought us so many new possibilities for exchange, but risks turning communication into slogans.

True communication, he said, is always based on giving the facts of both sides, and he expressed concern for "the manipulations of those who interestingly propagate fake news to steer public opinion."

At a time in which Europe is experiencing the continuation of war in Ukraine, the Holy Father appealed, "Please, let us not give in to the logic of opposition, let us not be influenced by hate language."

"My hope is that space will be given to the voices of peace, to those who strive to put an

end to this as to so many other conflicts, to those who do not give in to the 'Cainist' logic of war but continue to believe, despite everything, in the logic of peace, the logic of dialogue, and the logic of diplomacy," he said.

Finally, he looked ahead to the upcoming Synod on Synodality which takes place in October, and appealed to journalists to help the Church "rediscover the word together."

"In just over a month, bishops and lay people from all over the world will meet here in Rome for a Synod on synodality: listening together, discerning together, praying together," he explained, noting that the word 'together' is very important in a culture of exclusion.

Acknowledging that to speak of a "Synod on Synodality" may seem somewhat "abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, of little interest to the general public," the Pope said that what is happening with the Church's

synodal journey is something truly important for the Church.

"Please, let us get used to listening to each other, to talking, not cutting our heads off for a word. To listen, to discuss in a mature way. This is a grace we all need to move forward. And it is something the Church today offers the world, a world so often so incapable of making decisions, even when our very survival is at stake. We are trying to learn a new way of living relationships, listening to one another to hear and follow the voice of the Spirit," he said.

Reiterating that synod participants want to contribute together to building a Church where everyone feels at home, where no one is excluded, Pope Francis reiterated his request "to the masters of journalism" for help to "tell this process for what it really is, leaving behind the logic of slogans and prepackaged stories.

Pax Christi USA/ICN

They called on leaders to “enter into serious multilateral negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament."

Pope Francis warned against the risks in digital culture, which, he said, has brought us so many new possibilities for exchange, but risks turning communication into slogans

Solemn Vespers of St John and the launch of 'These Walls Have Spoken' in commemoration of St John's Seminary

rcsouthwark.co.uk

On Thursday 20th July 2023 at 5.30 pm, a final liturgy of Solemn Vespers of St John took place in St George’s Cathedral to mark the closure of St John’s Seminary, followed by the launch of 'These Walls Have Spoken': a beautifully illustrated book commemorating Wonersh. Many former students were present, alongside those who taught and served there as support staff, as well as benefactors and friends.

Solemn Vespers of St John

Archbishop John Wilson presided at the service and the Right Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Diocese, and ViceChair of the Seminary Trustees, gave the homily, in which he noted that it was good to be able to gather to ‘pray once more the Vespers of St John and to reflect, once more, on the gift that was St John’s Seminary’. He went on to encourage the congregation to concentrate on their fond memories of Wonersh, and congratulated Monsignor Gerald Ewing, the former Rector of St John’s, for the work that had gone into the production of a commemorative book that would be launched after the service, describing it as:

‘a fitting celebration of St. John’s and all that the staff and students, the sisters and others associated with the community brought to the life of the Church in this country’.

Also present at the service were Archbishop Emeritus Kevin Macdonald and former St John's Seminarian, Archbishop Bernard Longley, now the pastoral leader of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Contributions to the liturgy came from recently ordained priests and deacons, including two Cantors, Fr Joseph Meigh and Fr Thomas Lawes, both from the Diocese of Clifton, whilst Deacon Eddie Hopkins (Arundel and Brighton) read the Gospel. Deacons Frazer Bellfield and Gustavo Campanello, from Southwark and Arundel and Brighton respectively, assisted Archbishop Wilson as acolytes.

Book Launch: These Walls Have Spoken

After the service, invited guests repaired to Amigo Hall for the launch, where they were cordially greeted with a glass of wine and gentle flowing jazz. The joy of brother priests and deacons, who at one time had studied and been formed together, was tangible. Warm greetings and laughter filled the room, whilst many took the opportunity to view an excellent archive display of artefacts that once resided at St John’s Seminary, curated by Jenny Delves, the Diocesan Archivist. Among them was a cartoon relating to the lack of hot water in the seminary which Archbishop Wilson later joked about with a reference to his own seminary

days at the English College in Rome, recalling a student noticeboard on which were pinned the words 'Remember Brothers, many are called, but few are frozen'!

Monsignor Ewing opened the launch of the commemorative book by introducing the Editor, Elena Curti, who thanked everyone present for coming and went on to acknowledge that, at 320 pages the planned book simply 'grew and grew', had rather exceeded its original remit of 96 pages. She acknowledged the considerable talents of the book’s designer and illustrator, Andrew Bates, with whom she shared a desire to ‘get it right’ and photographer Alex Ramsay, who contributed to the 572 images in the book. She particularly noted the many people associated with the seminary who provided over 50 articles, remarking that

“These personal accounts, perhaps more than anything else, sum up the spirit of St John’s. From these, it is clear that Francis Bourne’s vision of the seminary as a family survived. In fact, tonight is evidence that this sense of family lives on”.

Elena recalled that during her time collating the book at St John's she had learned how to make the famously strong ‘St John’s Trinity Cocktail’, indicating some relief that it was not being served during the launch, which caused great amusement among the assembled guests, She also expressed her surprise at hearing the confession of one former seminarian in relation to masterminding the relocation of a staff member's car from outside to inside the Seminary. quoting his words 'formation takes many forms'. Elena concluded by thanking Monsignor Ewing for being their ‘Editor in Chief’ and congratulated him on achieving ‘a good ending’ for St John’s Seminary.

Monsignor Ewing, who now fulfills the dual role of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Southwark, spoke fondly of St John’s, saying

“if I had a pound for every time I’ve heard said of Wonersh ‘if only these walls could speak’, I would be a wealthy man…really, there was no other title for the book… we hope we have done our forbears proud".

Mgr Ewing went on to add his grateful thanks to all involved in the Wonersh Commemorative Publication Working Party (WCPWP):

Sophie Andreae: a powerhouse in connecting people.

Andy Bates: a brilliant graphic designer

James Crowley: his 5-volume inventory of every item in Wonersh was a work of art!

Elena Curti: Editor and proofreader

Fr Sean Finnegan: a Wonersh man and as author of ‘In Hope of Harvest’, an inspiration and the provider of a solid foundation for ‘These Walls Have Spoken’.

Joanne Halford: a dedicated archivist

Jon Purcell: Librarian and a ‘still small voice of calm’.

Fr Julian Shurgold: meticulous secretary of the Working Party, accomplished historian, and fount of knowledge and support.

Canon Luke Smith: fellow co-worker in the closure of Wonersh

He also thanked the Patrimony Committee, who advised on suitable destinations for the sacred and secular objects associated with St John’s, which now grace churches, seminaries and museums across the world. He closed his speech with the following words:

“St John’s opened well, and we hope in the final piece of the jigsaw, the publication of the book, and all it records, we have closed it well too. This book is our attempt to honour all those connected with Wonersh, in any way, over is 132 year history… this book has been written in celebration, and using the words of our beloved Patron, St John, from the reading at Vespers this evening… ‘we are writing this that our joy may be complete.’ .. and it is!”

Archbishop Wilson followed by giving thanks for “the many who have been called, and formed and shaped and sent out from St John’s”, and enthusiastically described the installation of the Altars of St John and Our Lady, which had previously resided in the Archbishop Wilson and Sophie Andreae Seminary Chapel, but now have a new home in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. He also remarked on the sense of deep gratitude and

joy amongst the guests and offered his thanks to Monsignor Ewing, noting his rare skills in achieving a good outcome at a challenging time,

Honouring St John's Seminary, Wonersh Monsignor Ewing then led a final toast to the ‘memory of St John’s, Wonersh’ and the speeches were closed with a moving rendition of ‘Ad multos annos’, sung in full harmony by former students, who now serve as clergy throughout England and Wales. This rendition can be heard at the end of the recording of the speeches below.

These walls have spoken is an exceptional tribute to St John’s, produced with great care and meticulous attention to detail, Although we must now say a fond farewell to the building, the heart of St John's lives on in the spirit and legacy of the clergy who were formed there. The book will doubtless be treasured by many as a final ‘good memory’ of the Wonersh Seminary.

"Since the news that Wonersh will cease to function as a place of priestly formation has broken, I have been thinking of how the building itself formed me, and gave me a little of its spirit, how the building itself is part of the priestly tradition of our diocese. Place matters, geography and architecture matter. The soul lives in the body, and the body lives in a place - and the place seeps into the soul".

- Reverend Tom Lynch, Parish Priest, Strood

These Walls Have Spoken costs £25, plus P&P and is available from www.wonersh.shop

"The soul lives in the body, and the body lives in a place - and the place seeps into the soul"

Archbishop Wilson censes the main Altar at St George's Cathedral

Our Lady of Fatima, Harlow gains Grade II* listing

The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Harlow has been upgraded to Grade II* (star) by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England. Originally listed at Grade II in December 2000, the church has been upgraded to the new listing to reflect its historic and architectural significance.

The Rt Rev’d Alan Williams sm, Bishop of Brentwood, said: “I am very happy to know that Our Lady of Fatima Church has been upgraded to Grade II * listing. It is an important church architecturally, not just in the Diocese but nationally. It was one of the first of its kind and unique for its stained glass.”

An important British architect

The church was designed in 1953-1954 by Gerard Goalen (1918-1999), one of the most important British architects of the Roman Catholic Modernist movement, in his first ecclesiastical commission.

Goalen was recommended as the parish church’s designer by Sir Frederick Gibberd (1908-1990), who was masterplanner and chief architect of Harlow New Town. At the time, Goalen was working with Gibberd, designing factories for the town’s industrial estates.

He studied at the Liverpool School of Architecture and briefly worked for Francis Xavier Velarde (1897-1960), a major Roman Catholic church architect of the inter-war and post-war periods.

His passion for modern church architecture was shared by Francis Burgess, parish priest of Harlow New Town. The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Fatima was one of the earliest churches in England to be informed by the ‘Liturgical Movement’ which sought to actively engage people in parish worship.

a space that connected their new modern social and physical environment with their religious lives.

The church was built in a striking modernist style, using reinforced concrete and Surrey stock bricks, with a distinctive T-shaped plan, central needle spire and simple colour scheme.

Vibrant glass artwork

Stunning dalle-de-verre glass panels (a glass art technique using thick pieces of coloured glass, giving a deep colour effect) cover around sixty per cent of the wall surfaces, bathing the church in glorious colour and light.

An innovative contemporary design

The design brief, highly innovative for 1953, was for a church capable of holding up to 500 people, with a freestanding altar in the middle of the congregation, clearly visible to all. The church was built in 1958-60 in a prominent urban location, helping to create the civic identity of the New Town of Harlow. Goalen’s church provided the Catholic community with

These vibrant glass designs, depicting the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary along with the Tree of Jesse and the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima in 1917, were created by Benedictine Monk Dom Charles Norris of Buckfast Abbey, one of the most influential and prodigious glass artists of the 20th century. This was the first of some 250 schemes he undertook in the dalle-de-verre technique across the United Kingdom.

The church was opened and blessed by the Bishop of Brentwood on 26 March 1960.

Metropolitan Cathedral. The competition was won by Gibberd himself despite his lack of church building experience or strong religious convictions. His last-minute entry is said to have been influenced by his attendance at Our Lady of Fatima’s opening Mass.

Goalen subsequently established his own practice, designing churches such as St Gregory the Great, South Ruislip (1965-67), Thomas Moore, Swiss Cottage (1968), both listed at Grade II, and the Catholic Chaplaincy in Cambridge (1977).

A musical connection

Music fans will recognise the Church of Our Lady of Fatima from the album cover for The Chemical Brothers’ 1998 album, Brothers Gonna Work It Out.

Originally listed at Grade II in December 2000, the church has been upgraded to Grade II *(star) listing to reflect its historic and architectural significance.

Clare Price, Head of Casework at C20 Society, commented: “As a pioneer of a unified scheme of dalle-de-verre glass and modern design, C20 Society is delighted that Our Lady of Fatima has received the Grade II* listing it rightly deserves. The effect on walking into the church is uplifting, the feeling of entering a shifting kaleidoscope of colour coupled with the radical new liturgical arrangement of the interior must surely have made many a new town worshipper gasp in astonishment. It has lost nothing of its impact in the intervening years, the interior being of such stunning jewellike quality that it was chosen as the front cover illustration for our book 100 Churches 100 Years, while the exterior was even featured on the cover of a Chemical Brothers album!”

The Missing Pieces Project: uncover hidden histories and highlight overlooked stories

Valle de verre glass made in 1961 by Dom Charles Norris showing Our Lady of Fatima (Portugal 1917)

An inspiration for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

By the time work had commenced on Our Lady of Fatima, Goalen had joined Frederick Gibberd’s practice and, in 1959, submitted a competition entry to design Liverpool

Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive, said: “This stunning church was created as part of the new town of Harlow, offering a brighter and better future in the post-war years, and has been at the heart of the community ever since. With its modern style, striking spire and glorious glass panels, it has proved an inspiration in contemporary church design and is loved by people who take comfort in its calming, beautiful presence every day.”

Add your story about the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of Fatima to Historic England’s Missing Pieces Project by visiting www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/missingpieces/. It could be a new photo, your memories of visiting the church, or something you know about the historic building. You can add photos, drawings, audio, film, or text.

Everything you add is an important piece of the picture. And the more pieces of the picture Historic England has, the better it can celebrate and protect what makes these places special.

It is an important church architecturally, not just in the Diocese but nationally

General interior view looking past the altar

Detail of Valle de verre glass with fifteen mysteries of the Rosary panel in the background

View from the Pew

Hope for the Future

Dr Jay Kettle-Williams

My attention always turns to what the MSM (Mainstream Media) might be up to reporting and saying about the Orange Walks, come the anniversary of The Battle of The Boyne.

The Battle of the Boyne was fought between King James II (James VII of Scotland) and King William II (House of Orange) – rival claimants to the English, Scottish and Irish throne. The battle took place on 1 July 1690 across the River Boyne close to the town of Drogheda, on the east coast of Ireland. William’s army won the day, being better prepared than the opposing forces consisting mainly of raw recruits. The continued Protestant ascendancy in Ireland was thereby ensured.

The Twelfth (aka  Orangemen’s Day) is an Ulster Protestant celebration traditionally held on 12 July to celebrate the Glorious Revolution (1688) along with William’s victory at the Boyne. On and around the Twelfth, large parades are held by the Orange Order and Ulster Loyalist marching bands.

My mother’s birthday fell on 12 July. God rest her. The day always held further interest for her as her Irish side of the family was split Catholic/Protestant, one faction never attending life’s major events celebrated by the other. The antagonism within the family had been inherited from the warfare the of 17th century and as latterly perpetrated by the Orange Walk.

But, for me, an event on 12 July this year put a totally different complexion on those anniversaries.

Our local library works, not so much as a reading room, but more like a community centre with all manner of activities ever on the go. The library also offers what can be a busy cut-through between the local hypermarket and the town’s city precinct. Like all shopping precincts, ours has dramatically lost the breadth of retail formerly on offer. Instead, we have umpteen cafes and coffee houses where people relax between visiting the umpteen charity shops between a number of closed units.

My wife and I had just finished talking to one of the librarians we knew at one of the desks when I felt a sharp tug on the back of my jacket. A voice called: ‘Chase me, mister?!’ I turned to see the bright, smiling face of a wideeyed, young black boy immaculately dressed in his school uniform. He couldn’t have been more than 8 or 9 years old. ‘Yes?’ he said eagerly. ‘Ok’, I said, handing the bag I was carrying to my wife. ‘I’ll count to five,’ I said as he quickly took a step or two back. The race was on, more like a brisk walk or controlled trot, while the librarian laughed and those passing the day on the open-access work stations stopped to look, and those on the chairs put their books down either in amusement or in total bewilderment. Could this be another activity put on by the library? The lad slipped, stood up. Round two was

quickly under way with him cackling and guffawing. I never did catch him. His mother then called from further down the library. Dressed colourfully and wearing a dramatic headdress, she’d finished logging books in or out at the front desk. The young boy scampered up to her. As they left the library, mother and child hand in hand, he turned to offer the widest of beaming smiles and waved goodbye.

I pray that our children’s innocence be ever defended together with freedom for us all from the divisive and corrosive pressures ardently at work around us.

Acknowledgements and Attribution: Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike License 4.0: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bysa/4.0/; World History Encyclopedia ref: The Battle of The Boyne.

Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).

William’s army won the day, being better prepared than the opposing forces consisting mainly of raw recruits

Hundreds commemorate the English Martyrs

birminghamdiocese.org.uk

On Sunday 3 September the grounds at Harvington Hall, the Shrine to the English Martyrs in Worcestershire, were filled with pilgrims commemorating those holy men and holy women who laid down their lives rather than forsake their faith.

Over 700 attended, making the pilgrimage likely to be one of the largest of such gatherings at the Hall.

This year, Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley, as Harvington Hall is celebrating the centenary of its rescue from ruin by Ellen Ferris, who gifted it to the Archdiocese in 1923. Through Harvington we remember the strength of the faith of those Catholics who were persecuted during the Reformation.

This year we were also pleased to welcome a special guest: Bishop Ken Howell, of Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia who is visiting the Archdiocese after his recent installation as the 7th Bishop of Toowoomba.

Against the backdrop of the Hall, which contains the greatest number of priest hides of any house in the country, Archbishop Bernard gave his homily reflecting on Matthew's Gospel:

“The Gospel of St Matthew emphasises that, despite their troubles and apparent defeat, the voice of the martyrs will always triumph: what you are to say will be given you when the time comes.

“May we also offer faithful witness to Christ as we receive him in this Eucharist and in communion with the English Martyrs – and may the remembrance of this day be a source of spiritual encouragement in the year ahead."

Master builder St Nicholas Owen, believed to have been the creator of four of Harvington’s priest hides, was remembered during the Mass, along with the other English and Welsh Martyrs.

Of those who suffered between 1535 and 1681, forty-two have been canonised (as ‘saint’) and 242 beatified (as ‘blessed’). Many who lived or died in other dioceses studied at Oxford, which is within the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Frank Goulding

The following are in the Archdiocesan calendar, with the places where they were executed and the dates when they are commemorated:

1581 St Edmund Campion – Tyburn –

1 December

1588 Bl. Robert Sutton – Stafford –

27 July

1589 Bl. George Nichols, Richard Yaxley, Humphrey Pritchard and Thomas Belson – Oxford – 5 July

1591 St Edmund Gennings – London –

10 September

1595 Bl. William Freeman – Warwick

13 August

1604 Bl. John Sugar and Robert Grissold – Warwick – 17 July

1606 St Nicholas Owen – London –

23 January

1610 Bl. Edward Oldcorne – Worcester –

27 January

1679 St John Wall – Worcester –

23 August

1680 Bl. William Howard – London -

11 October

The Church and the world need you

I have no previous recollection of the holiday month of August being so dominated by poltical announcements as it was this year. On the last day of the month and just a few days from the Autumn term we learned that some schools would have to close buildings due to unsafe concrete. One of the reactions was to point out that it was only a small number of schools and pupils that had been affected. At the time of writing this article 147 schools have crumbling concrete known as RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete).

I have long been concerned about how statistics are being marginally reported as if they are insignificant or unimportant. I am also somewhat weary of hearing how such money has been spent on serious issues much as crumbling concrete as if this is the

end of the matter. 147 schools incorporate a lot of pupils, parents and not least teachers and school staff. Our children are growing up in a fast changing world and whilst many will have a good education some will always struggle for a variety of educational reasons.

Any obstacle placed in their educationsl life can really affect those who are already at the greatest disadvantage. My own schooling years were not particularly successful but even in the 1950’s I did not lack the most basic of necessities and getting a secure job in industry plus joining a political youth movement helped me enormously in my late teens.

A recent report by the children’s charity Buttle UK shows the number of children living in destitution has increased significantly since 2021. The reality of this is that “the lowest

standard of living” is beling felt by some children and young people. When our education starts to be less important than higher fuel bills or the cost of living it is surely time for new wisdom at Westminster. Perhaps a Cabinet Minister for Children and Young People as a start.

When you read this article the party conferences will be well underway indeed some commentators feel the General Election scheduled next year have already started. The issues raised by Buttle UK are too serious to ignore for the sake of our most needy children.

At the closing Mass in Lisbon Pope Francis gave the World Youth Day gathering of 1.5 million young people a clear message, “The Church and the world need you, the young as much as the Earth needs rain.”

For

charlotter@cathcom.org

Over 700 attended, making the pilgrimage likely to be one of the largest of such gatherings at the Hall

The Pope Video - For people living on the margins

Each month the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network shares a video recorded by the Pope. It is a way of sharing the Pope's intentions for that month with the world and is an opportunity for the Holy Father to speak directly to the listener. This month's intention is for those living on the margins of society and what follows is the transcript of that video.

A homeless person who dies on the street will never appear among the top stories of search engines or newscasts.

How could we have reached this level of indifference?

How is it that we allow the “throwaway culture” – in which millions of men and women are worth nothing compared to economic goods – how is it that we allow this culture to dominate our lives, our cities, our way of life?

Our necks are going to get stiff from looking the other way so we don’t have to see this situation.

Please, let’s stop making invisible those who are on the margins of society, whether it’s due to poverty, addictions, mental illness or disability.

Let’s focus on accepting them, on welcoming all the people who need it.

The “culture of welcoming,” of hospitality, of providing shelter, of giving a home, of offering love, of giving human warmth.

Let us pray for those people on the margins of society in subhuman living conditions, that they may not be neglected by institutions and never be cast out.

Those forgotten by the press

It is specifically for them, those forgotten by the press, that this month’s video seeks to draw attention to. The images accompanying

Pope Francis’s words show homeless people –alone or in small groups, at times almost stepped on by passersby – on the sidewalks of Canada, the United States, Kenya, Cameroon and India; street children who spend their day washing the windshields of cars stopped at stoplights in San Salvador; people with different disabilities in Spain, the Philippines and Central America; shantytowns near skyscrapers in Vancouver, and near buildings in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.

Various types of people live on the margins of our society. Their numbers are much higher than we think. In fact, according to the United Nations, more than 700 million (10% of the population) live in extreme poverty, facing major difficulties in obtaining basic necessities, such as healthcare, education, access to water and sanitation. The UN also adds that around 1.6 billion people live in inadequate living conditions, including in the most industrialized countries. Similarly, reports from the World Health Organization reveal that one of every eight persons lives with a “mental disorder,” and that 16% of the world’s population lives with a “serious disability.”

Welcoming is more than helping “Prayer brings to light what is hidden in the heart. Therefore, those living on the margins, as if invisible, must find room in our hearts. They are in the heart of the Church: a heart of flesh and not of stone. A heart of stone casts

out; a heart of flesh welcomes,” says Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, about the Holy Father’s video for the month of September. He adds, “Pope Francis is aware of the educational power of prayer and through it, he invites us to develop a culture of welcome. ‘The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone.’ This message will be strong and credible if, even today, we give a voice to the outcasts, if we recognize the indelible dignity of those who have been crucified by a ruthless economy, by harassment or by indifference. Welcoming is more than helping: it means putting the other person at our level, rediscovering a sister or a brother we have lost. We are transformed into one Body through prayer.”

A “culture of welcoming”

Father Frédéric Fornos S.J., International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, comments: “How is it possible to find a tangible solution to the millions of outcasts who often meet only with indifference, or even annoyance, in response? Pope Francis invites us to approach poverty and exclusion differently. This means praying, since prayer transforms our hearts, it changes our outlook and opens us up to others, in particular, to the most vulnerable. Let us pray with Pope Francis for a ‘culture of welcoming,’ so that everyone who needs it might find welcome, shelter, a home, love, and human warmth.”

Thank you Axe

We are

report

sorry to

that Axe (aka Alun Evans) who has kept us entertained (and challenged!) with his crosswords since 2015, has recently passed away very suddenly. We were notified by Alun’s daughter Katy and we hope you’ll join us in sending love and prayers to the family.

A homeless person who dies on the street will never appear among the top stories of search engines or newscasts

Religious Brothers

Deacon Michael O’Donnell

Today, there are only one hundred and thirty Little Brothers of Jesus in the world

“You’re not a priest. What do you do?” I remember asking a Religious Brother many years ago. When young I had served Mass regularly and could appreciate what priests did but ‘brothers’ were new to me!

Later I undertook some research into ‘Religious brothers’ as their vocation continued to intrigue me. In this, I knew they were able, academically well-qualified and pastorally experienced men who answered the call to service in a way which was personal to them.

The vocation of a brother is ‘to brother’. They do this through encouraging, listening, sharing and accompanying one’s brothers and sisters in Christ as they journey through life. A brother can be a member of different communities such as his religious community, family, friends, workplace, and within the locality he lives in.

A brother’s calling to service can be in areas such as education, social work, nursing, manual work, community work, justice and peace, parish work as well as being a member of their community. But first and foremost, he is a brother.

A number of years ago, I spent some time speaking with Br Guy who was a Little Brother of Jesus.They had been founded in 1933 by a small group of men as they felt called to follow the witness of the now St. Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) who lived alone in the Sahara Desert in Algeria among the Tourareg people. This founding shows “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a grain of wheat, but if it dies it yields a rich harvest” (Jn 12:24).

The first Little brother to come to Britain was Br Roger who in 1952 began to establish the brothers’ presence in Leeds. Br Guy came from Lyons in 1961 and lived in Leeds in the same house as his neighbours. There were no external signs that the house was occupied by a group of brothers. This was deliberate as the brothers identify with their neighbours. They don’t go out to the people from a big house in an affluent area; they live among them.

He shared that the brothers live in places which are deemed to be areas where poverty in its many forms is present. They live the Gospel through sharing in the everyday lives of their neighbours, in their joys and sorrows also in working as others do. Here, they have the vocation of being a presence. Br Ian who lived in Leeds then moved to London told me “The brothers’ charism is to be contemplatives in the world.”.

Little brothers would not undertake any form of church ministry. Br Guy worked in a factory alongside people from the area. He was the union shop-steward so in many ways he was the ‘the voice of the voiceless’.

Brother Ian said “the brothers find in ordinary life a meeting place with God as Jesus did”. As

Prisoners' Sunday

prisonadvice.org.uk

Charles de Foucauld wrote ‘It is only necessary to live among people, sharing the human condition and being present to them in love’. Little brothers see their vocation as ‘living the life of Nazareth … the hidden life of Jesus of Nazareth’.

Br Xavier lived for over thirty years in Leeds with Br Guy. He too experienced the life of locals through both working and experiencing redundancy. This happened to many as industry was changing.

Br Thierry came to Leeds in 1971 where he worked on a building site. In 1973 both he and Br Yvan founded a community in London and soon Br Thierry became involved with the L’arche community where people with disabilities and assistants lived together.

Occasionally a brother may be ordained priest enabling the brothers to celebrate the Eucharist as a community. One of the brothers, Br Ian, had been living in London for many years when he was asked to be ordained. On the morning of his ordination, he was at the local college cleaning offices as he did most days! Although ordained, Br Ian was first and foremost a brother.

In Leeds Br Guy got involved in the local community through volunteering at the Development Education Centre as well as being involved with Justice and Peace. He was a man who shared compassion towards others particularly refugees and asylum seekers. He remained in Leeds until his death in 2013.

Today, there are only one hundred and thirty Little Brothers of Jesus in the world and, sadly, they are no longer in Britain.

Pope Francis chose the theme for this year’s Vocations Sunday as ‘Vocation: Grace and Mission’. He states that ‘our common vocation is to give ourselves in love’. People live their baptism in various ways, that is as laity, religious, or ordained as all have a role within, what is called, the ‘vocational symphony’. Here, each of us have a contribution to make in living the gospel.

In relation to this, let us hope more men may, like Br Guy, Br Yvan, Br Ian, Br Thierry, and Br Michel did so, discern the call ‘to brother’ and give themselves in love.

On Prisoners’ Sunday the Catholic Church encourages everyone to reflect on and pray for prisoners and their families. This year, Prisoners' Sunday takes place on 8th October but you can mark the occasion on a day that suits your parish calendar.

What is Prisoners’ Sunday?

Prisoners’ Sunday is a time to think about how we as individuals, as a Church and as communities are serving those affected by imprisonment. Prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families often find themselves on the margins of our society. Yet Jesus challenges us with His words:

Our work at Pact draws on the values of our faith: dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity. We believe that everyone can make a fresh start whatever they may have done.

Prisons Week 8 - 14 October

Prisoners’ Sunday marks the first day of the ecumenical Prisons Week, a dedicated week of prayer across our Christian communities.

Prisons Week was founded by Bishop Victor Guazzelli in 1975. Since then, the Prisons Week group has prepared resources to enable the Christian community to pray for the needs of all those affected by imprisonment.

Bishop Richard Moth, Catholic Liaison Bishop for Prisons, writes to all parishes in the Pact Prisoners' Sunday Pack, to encourage support for this time of reflection, prayer and action everywhere on Prisoners' Sunday.

We are grateful to parishes who are able to hold a second collection to support the work of Pact - and to individuals who may send a donation at this time. A second collection can also be arranged on an alternative date if that works better for your parish. Perhaps some supporters may be able to hold a simple Prisoners' Sunday fundraising event.

Find out more about Marking Prisoners' Sunday in your Church by visiting www.prisonadvice.org.uk/hold-a-prisonerssunday-service

How can I find out more?

Contact Theresa Alessandro, Catholic Community Engagement Manager at parish.action@prisonadvice.org.uk

We hope that you will join us in marking this day. Thank you for your support.

The Prisons Week Prayer

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison.

Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.

Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.

Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime.

Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ, in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day.

Amen

Prisoners’ Sunday is a time to think about how we as individuals, as a Church and as communities are serving those affected by imprisonment

Book Reviews

Diary 2024: Through the year with 12 Parables of Jesus

By Fr Denis McBride C.Ss.R

£7.96 Pre-Order

Product Code: 1960

ISBN NO:9780852316399

www.rpbooks.co.uk

This stunning hardback diary features a thoughtprovoking reflection by Fr Denis McBride on twelve parables of Jesus. Through the parables we learn that inside the story of our everyday life lies the deeper story of our salvation.

If the parables work, they leave us wondering not just about the dynamics of an interesting story but about deeply personal and social questions we face every day. Parables are not fictional diversions from real life but deliberate probes into the lives we actually live. They call us to think again about how we see and how we behave, to think again about attitudes and behaviour in our community or society that we accept lazily or uncritically. The parables of Jesus make the ordinary important:Jesus speaks out of a theology of ordinariness when he begins his theological thinking with things as they are. Religion is not primarily about special cultic activities or secret wisdom; it is about loving the God who created us and loving the neighbour we find ourselves beside. Liturgy can be left to one side when more important business, like forgiving our brother or sister, is waiting as the real religious agenda.

Our 2024 diary is A5 in size and has a practical full week to view across a double page spread.

Included in the diary is an introduction from Fr Denis, year planners for both 2024 and 2025, key dates and feast days, notes pages, and a ribbon page marker. All of these features make it the ideal faith companion, appointment organiser and thoughtful gift.

Catholic Social Teaching

By Raymond Friel

£11.95

PRODUCT CODE: 1969

ISBN NO:9780852316405

www.rpbooks.co.uk

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is sometimes referred to as the Church’s best kept secret, perhaps because it’s so radical. Catholic Social Teaching, as found in the letters and exhortations of popes since 1891, shows us a Gospelinspired pathway to a society reconciled and in harmony through justice and love.

Raymond Friel, in his latest book, provides an introduction to this treasure of the Church. The book is aimed at those who don’t know much about CST and are looking for an accessible guide to the main principles, with helpful references to scripture and the key Church documents.

There’s a section on Catholic Social Action, to make it clear that all this teaching is meant to inspire people to build a better world founded on truth, justice and love. With moving examples from frontline charities and schools, readers will see what CST looks like when it hits the streets.

The final section of the book includes a CST calendar, with suggested dates throughout the year to celebrate some of the key figures and milestones in the long struggle for social justice.

This book is suitable for staff working in Catholic schools, or charities, or volunteers in parishes. It will motivate and inspire anyone who wants to make a difference, who believes that we are all in this together, one human family in a common home.

The Bible for Little Children

Maïte Roche

£6.95

CTS Product Code: CH60

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

ISBN: 9781784690625 www.ctsbooks.org

Telling the most important moments of Salvation history in simple language that smaller children can understand, the most famous Bible stories are brought to life with Maite Roche’s beautiful illustrations, full of detail and colour that will captivate children.

The most famous stories from the Bible retold for little children in The Bible for Little Children. Telling the most important moments of Salvation history in simple language that smaller children can understand, the stories are brought to life with Maite Roche's beautiful illustrations, full of detail and colour that will captivate children. Beginning with Creation and ending with Pentecost, this is a wonderful introduction to the Bible for children.

Read with children aged 4 and up. Independent reading from age 7.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Barbara Reed Mason

£3.95

CTS Product Code: DO963

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

ISBN: 9781784697556

www.ctsbooks.org

Every time the Mass is celebrated something astonishing occurs: the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross is made truly present. Drawing on Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, and the words of saints and popes, this book explains how the Sacrifice of the Mass unites the faithful with God.

Every time the Mass is celebrated something astonishing occurs: the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross is made truly present. The Mass is the sacrifice of Christ. In this way, it offers all Catholics a powerful and personal encounter with the loving Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the salvation of sinners. Drawing on the sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the wise words of saints and popes, this book explains how the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass unites the faithful with God.

Love’s True Meaning

Fr Anthony Doe, Pope St Paul VI

£10.99

CTS Product Code: Pa57

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

ISBN: 9781784695767

www.ctsbooks.org

A significant pastoral assessment of today’s sexual culture on the 50th anniversary of Humanae Vitae. The full text of Humanae Vitae is also included. EBOOK ONLY.

IMPORTANT: This UK ONLY item is a special order and will take approximately 7-10 days to arrive. It will be delivered separately from the rest of your order.

The 50th anniversary of the Encyclical Humanae Vitae in 2018 provided Catholics and others with the opportunity to rediscover how to live the true meaning of love, in all its aspects, and above all the gift of sexuality that finds its most creative expression in marriage and family life. This is particularly important today in a society that has reinterpreted love through the lens of a contraceptive culture.

Fifty years on, can we grasp the opportunity to reclaim the wonderful truth of the Gospel message: that genuine love, respect for the dignity of others and true generosity of heart develops within our humanity only through the presence of Jesus Christ himself?

A Simple Prayer Book (Gift Edition)

Catholic Truth Society

£9.95

CTS Product Code: D711

Please refer to this code when ordering over the phone

ISBN: 9781860825989

www.ctsbooks.org

This illustrated gift edition of CTS’s bestselling Catholic prayer book contains all the essentials for a life of prayer, including a vast assortment of prayers and devotions, the Order of Mass, and explanations on Catholic teaching.

Illustrated and bound in a soft imitation leather cover, A Simple Prayer Book (Presentation Edition) is a deluxe gift edition of CTS's trusted and timeless bestselling Catholic prayer book. Divided into three main sections, this leatherette prayer book contains all the essentials for a life of prayer:

1. Prayers and Devotions: including basic prayers, morning, evening and night prayers, the rosary, the Divine Mercy chaplet, Stations of the Cross, a guide to confession, and prayers to the Holy Spirit.

2. The Eucharist: this section guides Catholics through the Mass, with the Order of Mass, prayers before and after Holy Communion, and an act of Spiritual Communion. It also explains how to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.

3. Catholic Teaching: featuring a summary of Christian doctrine, while also explaining the Mass, the Sunday obligation, fasting and abstinence, and indulgences.

Diocesan Synod enters next phase with commissioning service

dioceseofsalford.org.uk

More than 100 people from across the diocese gathered together recently for a special service to commission members of our 28th Diocesan Synod.

The congregation comprised of priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful who have agreed to act as representatives of their parish communities throughout our two-year synodal journey.

These representatives – called Members – will work to coordinate parish responses to our diocesan synod, as we come together to prayerfully consider the needs of our community today and understand more about how God might be calling us to respond.

During the service, Bishop John reminded the members of the importance of prayer throughout the process, urging them to listen

carefully to each other, the needs of our wider diocesan community, and to the Holy Spirit, to help us apply unchanging Gospel values in our time.

Bishop John ended by asking the congregation not to forget our simple but powerful diocesan prayer as we move forward with the Synod: “Stay with us, Lord, on our journey.”

The Big Listen

Our newly-commissioned members will now help to deliver the first key stage of our Diocesan Synod to parishes across the diocese.

Named “The Big Listen”, this formative stage involved engaging with as many people as possible – whether in our pews or our wider diocesan community.

Sister Josephine passes away in 75th year of profession

Sister Josephine Barron FCJ, who spent many years in Middlesbrough as part of the Faithful Companions of Jesus community, passed away in Salford on July 15 aged 96, in the 75th year of her religious profession. Sister Elizabeth Ryan looks back on her life…

Mary Josephine Barron was born in Kilkenny, Ireland on May 16 1927, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Maureen (nee Galvin) Barron.

Maeve, as known in the family, was the second child in a family of eight, with one sister Ann (Sister Mary Gabriel FCJ, Kersal) and six brothers, all of whom predeceased her.

Primary education and the first five years of secondary school were with the Sisters of Mercy, New Ross, County Wexford, from where, having obtained her matriculation, she had planned to go to university to study pharmacy.

Instead, she accompanied Ann to FCJ convent boarding school Newtownbarry in County Wexford, where she completed her Leaving Certificate in 1945.

Maeve joined the Society of the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus on February 2 1946 at Broadstairs, Kent, to be followed five years later by Ann.

As Sister Mary Josephine, she made her first profession in Broadstairs on July 7 1948. She spent the next three years pursuing a

middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk

Science degree at University College, Dublin, graduating with a BSc in 1951.

She renewed her vows on August 6 that summer in her alma mater, Newtownbarry. She completed her educational training at Sedgley Park FCJ College, Manchester, obtaining her Teacher’s Certificate in 1953. The third year of formation followed at Broadstairs where Sister Josephine made her final profession on July 27 1954. She was now ready to enter the years of her rich, apostolic life.

Her first missioning was back to Ireland, to Laurel Hill, Limerick, where she taught science and was class mistress to the girls in the boarding school. There was delight among them at the arrival of a beautiful young nun.

“Firm but kind” was the verdict, words that have been repeated often by past pupils. At the end of four years, Sister Josephine arrived at the Hollies FCJ Convent School in Manchester in September 1958.

Her tenure there was short, however, as the next year she was summoned to Gumley House School in Isleworth, West London, where she remained until 1983.

Suddenly, due to the unexpected death of the head, Mother Angela Carrollan, Sister Josephine found herself catapulted from the science lab to the headteacher’s office with no preparation. That she was so successful is a testament to the woman she was.

Taking place from mid-October 2023 to January 2024, our members will lead Listening Sessions in our parishes and deaneries to facilitate prayerful, thoughtful discussion on our diocese today, what our challenges are, what our strengths are, and how God might be calling us to grow and develop as a Church to meet the needs of a 21st-century society.

Further information on these sessions will be announced in due course and we ask you to

It was a time of much change and turmoil as this small, successful convent grammar school morphed into a comprehensive school of double the student numbers.

Sister Josephine was determined to give this new school every chance to offer an excellent education. She knew more buildings had to be built and a new curriculum prepared, with the right staff training.

She was a pioneer in introducing computers into school and an advocate for technology to support the curriculum. Sister Josephine’s reputation in Hounslow as a formidable head was widely known.

She had taken Gumley from being a small grammar school of 500-plus students occupying two buildings to a large comprehensive school of 1,000-plus students occupying a campus of six buildings – a wonderful legacy for Catholic education.

The years from 1983 to 1998 saw Sister Josephine become provincial bursar in the British Province, moving to Salford. She brought the same dedication to this office and again ensured good stewardship of the province’s goods and finances.

In 1999 she moved to the North-East, first as school officer at Newlands Convent FCJ in Middlesbrough and from 2002 as a governor of the newly amalgamated Trinity Catholic College.

Over the years she brought considered opinions and wise counsel to many governing boards.

Sister Moira Cashmore FCJ speaks of how easy Sister Josephine was to live within their onetime community, a relationship that

share details of these with others to help us collect a wide-range of responses.

How do I get involved?

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with our Diocesan Synod, please speak to your parish priest or local Synod Member, and keep updated by visiting https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/faith/syn od/

continued when in 2017 they were missioned together to Kersal on the sad departure of the FCJ Sisters from Middlesbrough.

Diminishing sight and hearing ruled out all the daily pleasures the rest of us enjoy –watching television, listening to the radio or music, phone calls and the ability to see and enjoy family photographs.

She did, however, thoroughly enjoy walking in the garden and sitting in the shade on a sunny day.

She would sit in the sunroom for hours with her thoughts and prayers, always willing to share her knowledge and experience. When ill health came, she was so grateful and gracious to our carers. The words complaint or self-pity were not in her vocabulary.

What enables a brilliant and successful woman to grow old so gracefully? Surely it must be the fruit of a deep spiritual life of prayer and service to her God and people over the 75 years of religious profession as a Faithful Companion of Jesus.

A Requiem Mass was celebrated for Sister Josephine at Kersal Hill Convent before interment at St Joseph’s Cemetery, Moston. May she rest in God’s deep peace.

Named “The Big Listen”, this formative stage involves engaging with as many people as possible

Photograph shows diocesan members gathered for commissioning service

Sport Grace Swimathon

In July, Grace a student from Ursuline Preparatory School, Warley watched a documentary about the current state of the Internally Displaced Person Camp in Benue, Nigeria. Although this documentary was very upsetting for Grace to watch due to the children in this camp not having any classrooms to learn in and consequently, they taught under trees, Grace was glad to learn that there was already extensive efforts in place to build classrooms and support teachers so the children can gain an education.

Due to Grace feeling so passionately about this cause, she decided to lend her support and complete a swim-a-thon to raise funds towards the completion of the school.

The intention was to raise £100 by swimming 50 lengths, nonstop, across all strokes. Grace

was asking for £2 per length. However, her campaign was very well supported by her friends and family and she managed to raise £353. Grace exceeded her original target of 50 lengths by completing 70 lengths instead.

Grace hopes that this money will go towards alleviating some of the incredibly hard situations experienced by both the children and adults within these camps due to their displacement.

Here is a link to her fundraising page which provides more details about the camp: www.gofundme.com/f/help-tse-yandevidp-children-get-free-education

We are very proud of Grace, well done !

2-in-1 Crossword

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

CRYPTIC Across

1 European language that's not totally suitable (6)

4 Israelite divisions baptiser created without Father's backing (6) 9 Kind of 11 gets to look arch here in New York (7)

10 Laugh head off reading alternative Welsh writer (5)

11 Long term work on the Metropolitan, maybe (5)

12 Levi's boy is among Rangers honourees (7)

13 One in the habit of going to a particular London station (11)

18 Native American, a Margaret Mitchell character, Pennsylvania allowed in (7) 20 Bye, say, after painting flipping divorcee (5)

22 Attempt to resign from work to expose Pakistani water feature (5)

23 Spats as Tiger scratched (7)

24 Variant doctrine being something inadmissible in court, advocate's opening is dismissed (6) 25 Swift is one in pursuit of a name for the mountain man (6)

CRYPTIC

Down

1 Judge's key changes make a Benjaminite town (6)

2 Ransack Winchester, for one (5)

3 Bend a month in the Sorbonne to absorb old speech (7)

5 One of eight, the one that boasts, his head's gone (5)

6 Prussian's oddly uncharitable seeing poor Anita depart (7)

7 Inscrutable Egyptian's wrecked ship and an indefinite number get cross (6) 8 Solomon's greatest hit, this book? (4,2,5)

14 Hero's love is torn between Adele and Erica (7)

15 Russian secret policeman's at home about one – that's out of Lisbon (7)

16 European city, home to 17 and his flock (6)

17 Needs no round to be showing below aver age scores to get a clerical job (6) 19 Fool, over a very large port, Paul steered away from (5)

21 Motif of the egoist? (5)

QUICK Across

1 Teutonic (broadly) (6)

4 Twelve divisions of Israelites, from the sons of Jacob (6) 9 City of New York state, on the shores of Lake Erie (7)

10 Novelists Evelyn or Auberon? (5)

11 Musical piece accompanying a stage drama or comedy (5)

12 Eldest son of Levi (7)

13 RC clergy in the mantle of the Dominican order (11).

18 Uto-Aztecan American of the Great Plains (7)

20. Additional; surplus (5)

22 Major river of Pakistan (5)

23 Cloth or leather overshoes or leggings (7)

24 Formal denial or doubt of any defined doctrine of the RC Church (6) 25 Ecuadorean (broadly), for example (6)

QUICK Down

1 Town where the Tabernacle was kept and where Solomon worshipped (6)

2 Weapon with a long barrel which features spiralling grooves for accuracy (5) 3 Language presumed spoken by Christ (7)

5 Oarsman or woman (5)

6 Prussian general, Britain's ally at Waterloo (7)

7 Statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man (6)

8 OT book, alternative title in some Bibles being 'Canticles' (4,2,5)

14 Lover of the priestess Hero in Greek myth (7) 15 Peninsula of south-west Europe (7)

16 Local church community (6)

17 Beneficed member of the clergy (6)

19 Port of Mysia visited by Paul (5)

21 Topic: melody (5)

Gaiters, 24 Heresy, 25 Andean.

Gibeon, 2 Rifle, 3 Aramaic, 5 Rower, 6 Blucher, 7 Sphinx, 8 Song of Songs, 14 Leander, 15 Iberian, 16 Parish, 17 Parson, 19 Assos, 21 Theme.

Grace exceeded her original target of 50 lengths by completing 70 lengths instead