Westminster Record - July 2016 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

July 2016 | 20p

Listening to Abuse Survivors

Jubilee for Deacons

Vocation to Marriage

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Shepherds and Samaritans

On 14 June, the Catholic Children’s Society (CCS) hosted their annual Good Shepherd Masses at Westminster Cathedral. Hundreds of primary school children gathered to celebrate the work they have done over the last year in fundraising for CCS and present their cheques to the bishop. Bishop John Sherrington and Bishop Nicholas Hudson celebrated the Masses where readings were done by pupils and during the offertory each

school sent two pupils to present their cheques and to receive a special Year of Mercy candle for their school. The Cathedral had been decorated for the occasion with banners covered in paper footprints made by the children. On the footprints they had written what they were doing for the Year of Mercy. During their homilies both bishops spoke about small acts of mercy being just as essential as big acts of mercy. Bishop John urged the children to

practise mercy every day. After the Masses the children all gathered in the piazza to eat their lunch and have their pictures taken with the bishops. The following week on Tuesday 21 June, Cardinal Vincent celebrated the Good Samaritan Mass. Secondary schools from across the diocese gathered to give thanks for the work of the CCS and its crisis fund. The music, readings and bidding prayers were all delivered by students, demonstrating the commitment

of our youth to deepening their understanding of Christ and being proud of their faith. In his homily Cardinal Vincent drew their attention to the Year of Mercy logo on the front of their Mass booklet. The logo depicts the Good Samaritan represented by Christ, which was fitting since the Mass celebrated the schools’ work in helping to pick people up, showing mercy and learning from the actions of Christ himself through their charitable giving.

The Cardinal went on to tell them the stories of St John Rigby and St Aloysius Gonzaga. The two saints grew up in completely different circumstances but both gave their lives to God. He reminded the gathered students and teachers that it does not matter what each person’s background is, only that we listen to what God wants for us and act on it. Photos from all three Masses can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photo s/catholicwestminster/albums.

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Westminster Record | July 2016

The Human Dimension

Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Hannah Woolley and John Scott 020 7798 9178, and Martha Behan 020 7798 9030 Design Julian Game To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 908 5301 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

August publication dates Editorial deadline: 8 July 2016 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 15 July 2016 To advertise contact Carol Malpass 0161 908 5301 or email carol.malpass@thecatholicuniverse.com Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, unless specifically stated otherwise. Appearance of advertisements does not imply editorial endorsement.

Pope Francis has called Catholic charities ‘the engine house of the Church that organises love’. In our own diocese, Caritas Westminster helps local parishes and groups to do just that: harnessing their gifts and energy in the best way to help the needy. Westminster Record this month covers the launch of the Caritas Volunteer Service, matching those looking to work in the voluntary sector with parishes and charities in the diocese who are looking for volunteers. Beyond organised charity work, however, there is also a more personal, spontaneous initiative, in response to the gospel call. Yet our desire to help others can often be impulsive, and while a sudden gesture may be gratefully received, it may also be a way of avoiding a deeper engagement. Pope Francis has made the important point that it is not enough to offer someone in need a

sandwich; we must also hold out ‘the possibility of learning how to stand on one’s own two feet.’ Caritas is about longer-term projects that enable communities and individuals to make a deeper commitment to combatting the causes of poverty and social crisis. Yet we must never overlook the human dimension to charity. It is people, individuals, moved by Christ’s message, who respond to the situation of the needy, both by providing immediate assistance, and by helping to create a ground-swell of mood for change. The response of individuals to the plight of the needy is key to changing lives. We experienced this in the Westminster Record office this month, when, having read our article about the Migrants’ Mass, and in particular the plight of one asylum seeker, an anonymous donor stepped forward with an offer of practical help to ease this person’s situation. It was a blessed moment, and a fine illustration of the words of our own Cardinal Hume: ‘Each person matters; no life is redundant.’

For more news from around the diocese throughout the month, please see

www.rcdow.org.uk where new stories are posted daily.

Papal Knighthood for a Master Calligrapher attended by members of the St John’s community, Donald’s family and members of the Order of St Gregory. It was followed by Mass and a reception. Being accepted into the Order marks someone who has made an extraordinary commitment to the life of the Church. The Cardinal praised the work done to create such a masterpiece, and talked about how we can all use our skills to glorify the Lord.

On 15 June, Donald Jackson was accepted into the Order of St Gregory in honour of his extraordinary work on the St John’s Bible, the first handwritten, hand illuminated Bible of the modern age. The Bible was commissioned of Donald Page 2

Jackson in 1998, fulfilling the calligrapher’s dream of handwriting a Bible. The first volume was written in the year 2000 and the project was finished in 2006. Donald was presented with the award by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in a ceremony

Westminster Record | July 2016

Cardinal Vincent Stresses Need to Listen to Abuse Survivors

Fr Francesco Donega, Rev Julio Albornoz, Rev Carlos Quito, Bishop Nicholas, Rev Joseph Okoro, Rev Michael Maguire and Fr Roger Taylor.

Ordained to Diaconate On the feast of St Barnabas, 11 June, Julio Albornoz, Michael Maguire, Joseph Okoro and Carlos Quito, who have been training at Allen Hall Seminary were ordained deacons by Bishop Nicholas at the Cathedral. In the homily, directly ahead of the Ordination Rite, Bishop Nicholas explained, 'By ordaining you on this feast day, the Church gives you a good patron to accompany you for the rest of your lives in the person of Barnabas the apostle.' Like St Barnabas and St Paul who were 'set apart by the Holy Spirit' for the work to which he calls them, so too 'it’s the same Holy Spirit who chooses Carlos, Joseph, Julio and Michael to be set apart today for the work to which he calls them. And so hands will be laid on them and they will embark on what promises to be a rich and fruitful diaconal ministry by way of preparation, before long, for priestly ordination,' said Bishop Nicholas. Speaking about the promise to remain celibate that the men were about to make, he described it a 'radical sign of these four men's desire to give themselves fully to this ministry'. 'To promise celibacy always was a most generous act but the fact that it’s so counter-cultural today makes it more generous than ever,' continued Bishop Nicholas.

He went on to explain to the men that to make such a commitment, 'we have to be sure we are receiving the gift to do so' and 'the gift you make of yourselves this day is truly precious in the eyes of the Lord'. The men continue their formation as they journey towards ordination to the priesthood. During this diaconate year, Rev Julio Albornoz will be deacon at Five Precious Wounds, Stonebridge, Rev Michael Maguire will be deacon at St Mary and St Michael, Commercial Road, Rev Joseph Okoro will be deacon at Most Sacred Heart, Ruislip, and Rev Carlos Quito will be deacon at the Annunciation, Burnt Oak. On Wednesday 15 June, John Warnaby from the Beda College was ordained to the diaconate at the Basilica of St Paul Outside

the Walls in Rome by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon. Rev John writes: ‘The Rite of Ordination calls for the candidates to prostrate themselves whilst the litany of saints is sung. Words cannot express the mixture of joy and apprehension when lying face down on the floor over the tomb of St Paul as the prayers of the apostles, martyrs and saints of God are invoked. As for the future, the words of a popular hymn have been much in my thoughts: ‘So let us learn how to serve, And in our lives enthrone him, Each other’s needs to prefer, For it is Christ we’re serving.’ Rev John continues his formation in Rome. Please pray for our deacons as they continue their formation.

Fr Antonio Ritaccio, Fr David Burke, Rev John Warnaby, Fr Richard Nesbitt

Cardinal Vincent has sent a message to the annual Anglophone Safeguarding Conference currently underway in Rome. He stresses that although much has been done, there's much more to do ‘in both the prevention and response to this crime’. The Rt Revd Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds and Vice Chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission, delivered the message to delegates at the event that ran from 20 from 23 June and is jointly hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales and Kenya's Conference of Catholic Bishops. Describing the abuse of children and vulnerable people as a betrayal of trust and a ‘betrayal of the trust of faith’, Cardinal Vincent stresses that abuse ‘destroys a level of human trust but also destroys the trusting faith particularly of a child or of a vulnerable person, at any age. Their trust in God is shattered. And the essence of the mission of the Church is to offer and witness to the trustworthiness of the Word of God. Any form of abuse, and particularly of children, within the Church is therefore a betrayal of the very essence of the purpose and character of the Church. It is a most profound wound.’

The Cardinal goes on to make it clear that the primary focus and motivation of the Church's work in the vital area of safeguarding must be set on those who have been deeply injured in their humanity, in their capacity to trust and relate to others, and in how they form trusting relationships: ‘The wellbeing of the survivors of abuse, and our responsibility for what has been done, must drive us forward in this work of listening to them. It is that attentive listening which then enables us to respond more adequately to their needs and to create environments in which they are truly safe and supported.’ The Anglophone Safeguarding Conference, this year exploring the simple yet important theme of listening, provides a forum for the ongoing development of strategy and good practice in the vital area of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church. The full text of Cardinal Vicent’s message is available at www.rcdow.org.uk/cardinal/addresses Page 3

Westminster Record September Westminster Record | 2011 July 2016

Battle of Jutland

AoS: A Lifeline for Sailors

Much of what we do nowadays relies upon the internet and phone. Yet there is one place where it is difficult to access these: on a ship. And for seafarers, this means they can go for weeks or months without contact with their families back home. 10 July is Sea Sunday when the Church asks us to pray for and support the work of Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), whose chaplains and ship visitors provide pastoral care and spiritual support to seafarers. Most of us have probably never met a seafarer. Yet it’s only because of seafarers that we can buy many products in our local high street. Fridges, oranges, coats, iPhones: they all arrive in the UK by ship. Seafarers live in a hidden world. They spend weeks or months at sea, then arrive in a port to unload or load their cargo, before setting sail again on another voyage. Their time in port is precious, and this is where AoS comes in. In ports around the UK, Page 4

AoS chaplains and ship visitors make a huge difference to the seafarers they briefly meet. For example, they provide internet and Wi-Fi access, cheap mobile phone top-up cards, transport to local shops and churches, and extra clothing in the winter. When Steven Willows became the AoS port chaplain to Immingham in Lincolnshire, the first thing that struck him was how big some of the ships were and how small the crew was. ‘I remember being shown around the galley, the engine room and the bridge and just being in awe of these ships. When I heard of the amount of time the seafarers spent on the ships and the need for a way to communicate with their families back home, it began to sink in how I had been taking for granted the ease of communication with my own family,’ he said. Before joining AoS, he had been a community support worker for adults with autism and worked for the youth ministry team in the Hexham

On 31 May 2016, Bishop John Sherrington celebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral on the centenary of the Battle of Jutland and the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his homily, Bishop John said, ‘We mourn the death of over 6500 naval personnel and over 2500 Germans. Over 250 ships took part in the battle: 151 British ships 14 being lost, and 99 German with 11 being lost. We remember that many who survived the battle endured terrible injuries and continued to live with these injuries, burns and the effects of heavy bombardment by shells. As we recognise the bravery and generosity of so many men for the sake of justice and freedom, we continue to pray for those serving in the Armed Forces and to pray for peace.’ He continued, ‘From across the centuries the words of St Augustine of Hippo of the fourth century remind me that, whilst it is at times necessary to wage war to restore justice and protect peoples, war is always to be lamented because of the misery which it brings to so and Newcastle Diocese as one of their gap year volunteers. He admitted that his knowledge about seafarers was very limited before joining AoS. ‘It was something I had not really stopped to think about. Since then, I have learnt a lot about the industry and still keep learning something new regularly.’ Not all ship owners are good employers, he has discovered. ‘It always surprises me when there are seafarers that have not been paid for months. It just makes you wonder how the family back home have managed for maybe two or three months without money coming to them.’ The most rewarding part of his work is being able to make a difference to the lives of seafarers, he said. ‘Most of the time you do not see the crew again, so you don't know the end result. But just knowing I have done my best in the time I have with them, made them feel welcome and provided them with what they needed, makes me happy.’

many people in the cause of peace.’ Calling to mind the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop John reflected, ‘As we remember and commemorate the fallen in this great and tragic sea battle, the feast of the Visitation of Our Lady offers hope. First, it offers the hope that Mary desires to share the good news that she has conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit and will give birth to a Saviour. Second it is the hope that comes from a visit of charity.’

Facebook Q&A On the feast of St Augustine of Canterbury, 27 May, Cardinal Vincent and Archbishop Justin Welby took part in a live Facebook Q&A from Lambeth Palace. The brief session began with a conversation about unity in a nine-day prayer vigil ahead of Pentecost as a Christian witness to the world. They both spoke about a renewal of Christian confidence that comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit. During the session, they responded to questions that had been submitted via Facebook. And, fittingly, they ended the broadcast by praying together a prayer for Christian unity. Cardinal Vincent was attending a symposium on St Thomas Becket at Lambeth Palace hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, where he gave an address about the significant of the English saint and martyr on the importance of dialogue between faith communities and the state.

Westminster Record | July 2016

Jubilee for Deacons: Overflowing with Joy by Rev Neville Dyckhoff

Rev Stephen Khokkar meets Pope Francis at the Jubilee for deacons

Three of our permanent deacons, Stephen Khokkar, Ian Edwards, and his wife Jolanta, and Neville Dyckhoff, and his wife Veronica, responded to the personal invitation of Pope Francis to deacons, their wives and families to join him in Rome for a Jubilee for deacons from 27 to 29 May 2016. The programme started with a catechesis on three aspects of the deacon, as ‘image of mercy for the promotion of the New Evangelisation’, in the home, in the parish and in the workplace.

These aspects were developed by three deacons from around the world. There were five simultaneous catecheses in different Basilicas and churches, in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese and German to address just some of the different languages spoken by the over 2,000 deacons who had gathered in Rome. On Saturday morning, the deacons and families undertook a short pilgrimage from Castel Sant’ Angelo through the Holy Door to the tomb of St Peter. The

Living Priesthood Joyfully

stations on this pilgrimage started with an initial reflection gathering in our thoughts all those for whom we had promised to pray and for those who were deceased and the recitation of Psalm 122. Moving a few hundred metres up the Via della Conciliazone the pilgrimage paused outside the church of Santa Maria in Transpotina for prayer, reflection on mercy as a quality of maternal love and the recitation of the Magnificat. The third station was located at the

amazement, by appreciating anew, as if for the first time, the living and loving heartbeat of Jesus present in the Eucharist, awaiting us in the Tabernacle’. He encouraged priests to ‘rejoice in doing what we can as well as we can’ and ‘take a step forward, living our priesthood joyfully to the very best of our ability’ and following the Lord’s example. ‘The Lord Jesus teaches that greatness in his kingdom comes by witnessing to the commandments, by seeking to keep them ourselves and to teach them to others. We serve a King who commands that we love others as he loves us.’ To read the full text of Bishop John’s homily, please visit rcdow.org.uk.

each deacon was presented with a special stole as a gift from Pope Francis. The entry procession took some time whilst the 2,200 deacons processed and took their seats. The Pope then entered to celebrate Mass with those present. In his homily Pope Francis reminded all of us that the mission of all of the baptised is to evangelise and that serving is the only way this can be effected: ‘Dear deacons, you can offer the Lord your work, your little inconveniences and your weariness and your hopes in an authentic prayer that brings your life to the Lord and the Lord to your life...In this way, available in life, meek of heart and in constant dialogue with Jesus, you will not be afraid to be servants of the Christ, and to encounter and caress the flesh of the Lord in the poor of our time.’ The buzz that followed the Mass showed that the deacons had been inspired and would return to their home countries filled to overflowing with the joy of the Lord.

Jubilee of Priests: Christ as the Focus

On the feast of St Justin Martyr, 1 June, Bishop John Wilson returned to the Diocese of Leeds for the first time since his ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster for the celebration of priesthood. In a Mass celebrated by Bishop Marcus Stock and priests of the Diocese of Leeds, Bishop John preached the homily. ‘Our priestly mission consists in inviting people to find in the Lord Jesus the fullness of the law and the prophets and to shape their lives by his lifegiving teaching,’ he explained. Looking at this challenge and how it can be accomplished, Bishop John spoke of the need for ‘renewal’ which ‘begins by rekindling our Eucharistic

entrance of the colonnade of Bernini surrounding the great square of St Peter’s with the saints atop the columns, reminding us that they had first let themselves be filled with the charity of God and had become merciful themselves because they had been immersed in the Divine Mercy. At the fourth station the Pope’s prayer for the Jubilee was then recited before entering the Door of Mercy whilst reciting Psalms 103 and 24. Then the pilgrims processed up the centre of the great Basilica to the Tomb of Peter where they listened to the declaration by Peter of who Jesus truly was (Matthew 16.13-19). Prior to concluding with the prayers for the Holy Father the pilgrims recited the Apostles’ Creed. The afternoon started with Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then a second series of catecheses on the theme of the deacon as ‘dispenser of charity in the Christian community’. On the Sunday, deacons and their families gathered in the Paul VI audience hall where

On the feast of Ss Peter and Marcellinus, 2 June, Cardinal Vincent celebrated Mass for the Jubilee of Priests at Santa Maria Regina degli Apostoli alla Montagnola in Rome. In his homily, the Cardinal looked to the example of the saints whose feast is celebrated on that day, explaining that ‘their suffering and their faithfulness was in bearing witness to Christ, the one who

in his divinity raises our humanity to its fulfilment’. He also mentioned the recent visit of the Hungarian relic of St Thomas Becket as a reminder of the saint who ‘became a symbol of the resistance of the Church to powerful and unscrupulous rulers’ and the patron saint of clergy, saying that Thomas should be an ‘inspiration’ for all priests. He said, ‘Thomas embraced his ordination as priest and bishop with a radical seriousness. So should we... His focus became Christ, the sole measure and motivation of every word and action. This is to be our focus too.’ He added that, ‘Thomas knew when compromise was no longer an acceptable path’ which ‘led to a dramatic decision to return to his See, from exile, knowing his life was at risk’. Drawing on this example, the Cardinal cautioned, ‘For us the risks are less dramatic. They

creep up on us as we slowly compromise and lose our distinctive identity and with it some of the edge, the power, of the witness we are to give.’ Looking at the witness of these martyrs, the Cardinal explained, ‘They remind us of the earthiness of our mission: to be among and with the realities of this world, with all its messiness and brutality.’ Yet, he said that living ‘in the light of the Resurrection’ priests ‘strive to express in our struggles and our ministry that perseverance which is motivated by the vision of our heavenly destiny’. Explaining that Thomas’ tomb became a place of miraculous reconciliations, the Cardinal prayed ‘that our ministry as priests will be characterised by striving for the reconciliation of conflicting parties’ and that this can only have as its source ‘the gracious mercy of God’ which is ‘poured out in the Sacrament of Reconciliation’. Page 5

Westminster Record | July 2016

St Paul’s Spelling Success

Awards Celebrated at John Henry Newman School

At the end of April, three students from Year 7 of St Paul’s Catholic College, Alejandro Garcia Camacho, Lewis Shala and Shannon Moore, travelled to Brighton with their French teacher, Dighton, to take part in the South East regional final for

the spelling bee competition. The competition is open to non-native speakers in Year 7 and its aim is to promote language learning and, in particular, spelling at Key Stage 3. There were 150 students taking part from 52 schools and their minds were

on the French, German and Spanish alphabets. Who would be able to spell the most words correctly in one minute? The competition was fierce but Alejandro achieved 3rd place overall. The other pupils also did extremely well.

One of the central elements of diocesan life in Hertfordshire is education and the contribution made by our many schools, including The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage. This academic year the John Henry Newman School has received two letters from the Department for Education, placing it in the top one hundred schools in England on several different measures. The school recently received a prestigious Pearson Teaching Award for excellence, presented by MP Stephen McPartland, for excellence in leadership, and a Pupil Premium award for its work supporting disadvantaged children.

Later this term Bishop Paul McAleenan will officially open the school’s £4million new facility, the Pavilion, a Performing Arts and PE centre which will greatly enhance the school’s ability to deliver these subject areas. The school also now has a new Sixth Form Centre, created by utilising the additional space made available as a result of the new building. The John Henry Newman School is focused on developing young people who will excel in their chosen fields and go on to change our local communities, and the world, for the better. It has a clearly developed ethos based upon ‘A Living Christian Experience’: a community made of members who give rather than take.

St Joan of Arc Make Year of Mercy Pilgrimage by Mary Wheatley and Zoe Sotto, Year 7 Apostles of Mercy Christians. At the Cathedral we followed the Way of Mercy, starting at the Holy Door and then following the Way of Mercy route, reflecting on different aspects of mercy at various stations around the Cathedral. At these stations

we read some information about the different acts of mercy and prayed. By going through the Holy Door, following the Way of Mercy, confessing our sins and attending Mass, we received an indulgence.

On Monday 16 May we went on a pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral. Before the pilgrimage, we prepared for our journey by going to confession at school and going to Mass at our local parish, Our Lady Help of Page 6

Westminster Record | July 2016

Douay Martyrs Students at St James’ Palace Students from The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School were recently guests at St James’ Palace courtesy of British Airways and the Air League. The reception was to celebrate a training programme developed with the specific purpose of encouraging more people into aviation, especially those who would not otherwise have had the opportunity. The Air League educates young people about the world of aviation and its importance, and involves them as much as possible in this exciting environment. Originally 16 students from Douay Martyrs were taken up in gliders on a taster day. They were also taught interview skills and, following a rigorous interview day at the British Airways Waterside headquarters, successful applicants were chosen to take

part in the Gliding to Solo Scholarship scheme. The confidence of the students grew as they covered a range of manoeuvres from spins to stalls with one student, Rupinder Loyal, even flying solo. The celebration began with

all students receiving certificates followed by a speech from the Duke of Edinburgh as patron of the Air League. Adding to the excitement was the unexpected call from space from Captain Tim Peake who had himself received an award for his work encouraging young people to get involved in aviation. Headteacher Tony Corish said, ‘I am delighted to see so many of our young people engaging with such exciting and challenging pursuits. They are a credit to the school and I wish them well in the world of aviation should they decide to embark upon a career in this field.’

Mini Vinnies of St Benedict’s Junior School

St Benedict’s Junior School in Ealing has a thriving Mini Vinnies group, led by Lynn Smith, Head of Religious Education. The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days and the Mini Vinnies programme is its primary schools initiative.

The Mini Vinnies were visited by Dee Mansi, the Mini Vinnies’ coordinator for the diocese, to induct them formally into the Mini St Vincent De Paul Society. Dee spoke with energy and passion about the important work that the Mini Vinnies do and how important it is to get involved in helping others at a

young age. Mini Vinnies follow the principle of ‘see, think, do’, and Dee was delighted to see this at St Benedict's. She presented the Mini Vinnies with their certificates and congratulated them on their thoughtful and successful fundraising so far. Soon after Dee’s visit, the Mini Vinnies visited St David’s Care Home to perform a musical concert for the elderly residents. Phoebe Bettis and Freya Horridge (Year 6) said: ‘The people there made us smile and laugh but it also made us sad to see some people in pain, yet still smiling as we performed. They really enjoyed it and that made us happy to see that we had made someone’s day!’

St Benedict’s Student Qualifies for Rio Olympics 18-year-old Dimitri Coutya has qualified for the Rio Paralympics in both Foil and Epée Wheelchair Fencing Category B. Coutya, who is in his final year of A Level studies at St Benedict’s School in Ealing, cemented his qualification at the European Championships held in Turin, Italy on 17-22 May, winning a silver medal in the Foil and a bronze in the Epée. The Foil event was first and Coutya had work to do after coming through the poules ranked seventh out of 17. The semi-final Marco Cima from Italy provided stiff opposition before Coutya won 15-14 but the final against Maxim Valet proved a step too far and the Frenchman triumphed by 15-11 leaving Coutya with the silver. In the Epée Coutya was ranked third after the poules in a slightly bigger field of 22. He recorded victories over Grzegorz Lewonowski of Poland by 15-10 and Alexander Kuzyukov of Russia by 15-11 before going down in the semi-

final 10-15 to Yannick Ifebe of France who went on to win the gold medal. Dimitri Coutya felt quite overwhelmed after his qualification: ‘It’s something I have been training for and dreaming of for years. I am very happy and really looking forward to the rest of the journey.’ Denis Cranwell, Head of Fencing at St Benedict’s School, commented: ‘Dimitri has worked so hard in the events leading up to his qualification and his hard work has paid off. All of St Benedict’s will be rooting for him at the games. He has a real chance of a medal.’ St Benedict’s School has supported Dimitri Coutya throughout his Olympic qualification period through a number of fundraising events. Thanks to the generosity of pupils, parents, staff and other well-wishers Coutya now has all the funds he needs to make it across the start line to Rio. Page 7

Westminster Record | July 2016

St Joseph’s Support Appeal Close to Their Heart The pupils of St Joseph’s Primary School in Harlesden have fully supported the current Mary’s Meals Backpack Appeal and collected 267 backpacks equipped with the essentials required to enjoy a day at school. This is an extraordinary achievement in itself but is even more remarkable given the difficult situation St Joseph’s has faced since September 2015, when a devastating fire destroyed their school building. The impact on families was recognised by charitable organisations who supported our parents by ensuring that the St Joseph’s children had all the uniform and equipment needed to resume their education within eight days of the fire. In recognition of this wonderful support, the pupils were keen to help others who are in difficult situations. The Mary’s

Meals Backpack Appeal was chosen by St Joseph’s as our pupils understood how it feels to want to go to school and to be fully equipped to access learning. In supporting others, this has helped pupils and staff to be even more determined about the restoration of their school building. Executive Head Teacher Dawn Titus, said, ‘I am so proud of the whole school community and particularly the children as they have demonstrated compassion for others at a time when we could have focused on our own situation. Belonging to a Catholic community means we are always aware that others across the world are living in very difficult circumstances. If we can do anything to help children in other countries to receive and engage with education then we will respond.’

Fresh Fruit and Veg are Top of Menu

Pupils at St Charles Primary School are growing their own fruit and vegetables as well as several varieties of tasty herbs in their new food growing gardens. Kensington and Chelsea's Deputy Mayor, Councillor Will Pascall, along with Deputy Mayoress Councillor Sarah Addenbrooke officially opened the new gardens. During his visit the Deputy Mayor congratulated the Page 8

children, saying: ‘It's wonderful to see the children's delight in their garden and hear about the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.’ Celebrity chef Sally Clark was also on hand to give the children recipe tips and ideas. The garden opening is part of a special Food Explorers week which has included pupil visits to local farms, cafés and restaurants.

Commemorating the Loss of HMS Hood On 24 May 150 pupils, former pupils, staff, parents and guests of St Benedict’s School gathered for a lecture by one of the foremost experts on HMS Hood Rob White, an awardwinning producer, broadcaster and documentary maker. The occasion marked the 75th anniversary of the loss of the Hood. He delivered a powerful and moving account of Hood’s career and of the discoveries which have been made about her loss. 75 years ago to the day, on 24 May 1941, at around 6am, shells from the German battleship Bismarck destroyed the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood, in the Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland. Of Hood’s crew of 1418, only three survived. Two of those killed were former pupils of St Benedict’s: Midshipman Basil Patrick ‘Paddy’ Stevenson and Lieutenant (Engineering) Michael Stephen Humphrey, quite a remarkable coincidence for the small school which St Benedict’s was in the 1930s. Rob White was a member of

the expedition which located the wreck in 2001, resulting in a memorable series of documentaries, one of the most expensive (and risky) projects ever financed by Channel 4 Television. In his lecture he also described the horrific experiences of one of the three survivors, Ted Briggs, whom in 2001 he took to lay a plaque on his shipmates’ final resting place, bringing closure to 60 years of trauma. After the lecture, and a vote of thanks by Sea Cadet Sam Lythgoe, there was a short act of remembrance in front of the school’s war memorial.

The proceeds from this lecture will go towards the school’s War Memorial Fund. Captain Shaun Hullis, St Benedict’s School CCF Contingent Commander, commented: ‘In November 2014 we launched the War Memorial Fund to replace the memorial, re-locate it, and correct all errors and omissions, to provide a more enduring and fitting tribute to our Fallen; the aim is to unveil the new memorial on 11 November 2018. After this evening, we are nearly halfway to our goal of £15,000.’ Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | July 2016

Grade II Listing for St Michael’s, Ashford

St Michael

Under the recommendation of Historic England, St Michael’s Church, Ashford was added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest at Grade II by the decision of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in April 2016. St Michael’s Church, Ashford was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, OM (18801960), one of the most highly esteemed architects of the twentieth century, whose career spanned the first half of the century and included several ecclesiastical commissions for both Anglican and Catholic parishes. The church was built in phases between 1927 and 1960, to unified designs by Scott. The nave and ritual east end were constructed in 1927,

Boundary walls are also listed

extended westwards in 1938, and finished with a campanile tower, which was added c1960. There is a clear precedent for listing churches by Scott, including St Joseph’s, Sheringham, Norfolk (1936, listed Grade II), to which St Michael’s bears a resemblance, and Our Lady Star of the Sea, Broadstairs, Kent (1931, listed Grade II). St Michael’s is widely acknowledged to be among Scott’s favourite works, a fact confirmed by a letter sent from Scott’s practice shortly after his death, and held amongst parish papers. Significantly, St Michael’s represents a departure from Scott’s preferred simplified Gothic Revival style. The design is Italianate neoRomanesque drawing inspiration from early Christian architecture and characterised by assured but spare historical references embodied in a unified whole which is unmistakably contemporary.

lofty basilica, demonstrating Scott’s competence in spatial massing, with a tall, narrow nave, flanked by arcades of lightly profiled but otherwise unembellished arches (similar to those at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome) directing the eye to the sanctuary, which is set unusually high above the nave, thus contributing to the vertical emphasis. Against a blank east wall, again a common feature of Scott’s churches, sits a fine, beautifully-decorated, folding triptych reredos, also designed by Scott and exhibiting a high degree of craftsmanship and decorative sensibility. The sheer, clean quality of the interior is further relieved by a lively painted ceiling, providing accents of colour and detail that might more traditionally be provided by stained glass windows.

Sheer brick walls St Michael’s is representative of Scott’s characteristic use of sheer brick walls, relying for effect on clean lines, carefully specified materials and skilful massing, rather than surface detail, a fact also representative of the drive towards economy necessitated by the fiscal stringency of the inter-war period. The church is a good example of the architect’s innovative and skilful interpretation of historical references, articulated in a contemporary manner. Internally, the church is a

Woodcarvings There are also a number of high-quality fixtures and fittings, including fine sculptural representations of saints by the distinguished Austrian woodcarvers Anton Dapré and his sons Leo and Jim, sculpted between 1929 and 1961, and a rood carving suspended over the altar by an unknown sculptor in 1929. The church is generally intact, retaining principal fixtures and fittings. Reordering was sensitively carried out in 2006 under the direction of George Mathers and the south porch addition (added at this time) has been skilfully executed, with due regard for

1929 Rood carving

Wood carvings by Dapré

St Michael’s Church exterior from the east

the original building. In 2010, under the direction of architect Jane Ferra, the contemporary floor tiles replaced the wornout 1940s linoleum. Also of interest are the surviving priests’ quarters, incorporated at the liturgical east of the building close to the sacristies, and serving as temporary accommodation

prior to the construction of the adjacent presbytery in the 1960s. The context is complemented by a boundary wall and entrance screen located at the eastern perimeter of the site, the latter notably well-proportioned. Prominant building St Michael’s is a prominent building within the suburban landscape of Ashford, with associated features, and forming a key ensemble with the war memorial (listed Grade II) when viewed from the main thoroughfare at Church Road. The building contributes significantly to Ashford’s urban space, a fact representative of the gradual integration of Catholicism into mainstream civic life, from Emancipation a century earlier through subsequent decades of population shift, immigration and suburban development.

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Westminster Record | July 2016

‘Each Person Matters; No Life is Redundant’ ‘Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.’ This quote is from Pope Francis cuts straight to the heart of the issue that dominates our televisions and newspapers; hundreds of people fleeing from conflict across the Middle East. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than one million migrants arrived in Europe in 2015, the majority of them from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The UK government has promised to take 20,000 refugees directly from camps in Syria, and is working with a variety of organisations to provide support for their resettlement. The Church has

also reached out to help as many people as it can, truly representing the community and warmth of the love of Christ and the hospitality that it has always practiced. We only have to look at Pope Francis to see an example of this generosity of spirit. This April he visited the refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos and invited 12 refugees to come back to Italy with him and be supported by the Vatican. This was not a huge deviation for the Holy Father, but an expression of what is taught in Rerum Novarum, one of the cornerstones of Catholic social teaching. Pope Francis, in

bringing the refugees to Rome, respected their right to safety, and acknowledged the rights of all refugees to family life, community and work. We have been reminded often in the past few months of our Christian duty toward humanity and our promise to see Christ in the face of others. Charities like Caritas Westminster are working with many people and organisations to house, help and welcome refugees. Across these two pages is a breakdown of what is being done in each area of the diocese. For more information on these initiatives, please go to http://rcdow.org.uk/caritas/

Central London The Central London hub is run by Caritas development worker Finola Ryan, who leads on issues of homelessness and housing. She is working with a variety of existing organisations to help a number of refugees and asylum seekers already in London. Caritas is currently working closely with Housing Justice to adapt existing services to meet the unique needs of refugee families. Also in Central London, working indepdently, is the Refugee Centre run by Notre Dame de France, the French Church in Leicester Square.

North London There is plenty of support available in North London, based around the Caritas hub at Arnos Grove. Our Lady of Lourdes drop-in at Arnos Grove offers a friendly welcome every Wednesday 10.30-1pm in the parish hall. It offers a chance for people to come in for a chat and a cup of tea and to find out about other local services. There are also friendly informal English conversation groups which offer a chance for anyone to come along and practice their English speaking skills. As part of this they run a Page 10

The centre offers English classes, specialist advice and many other services aimed at helping people to integrate and thrive.

East London Phoebe Prendergast is the Caritas Westminster Development Worker for East London. In this area Citizens UK are coordinating the response to the migrant crisis. They are working with the council and local voluntary organisations. One of the main ongoing campaigns is to find appropriate homes for families in the private rented sector. They are particularly looking for landlords to join their Homes for Resettled Refugees Register. Many existing local organisations in East London are working with refugees and migrants. These include, Jesuit Refugee Service, Praxis, Hackney Migrant Centre and Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants. For information on how you can help, or to find out more please email Phoebe Prendergast on phoebeprendergast @rcdow.org.uk

Hertfordshire Caritas Westminster has a hub in Hertfordshire which is doing a great deal to care for current refugees and prepare for the arrival of more. In Hertfordshire the Refugee Council are delivering the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme for the majority of Hertfordshire councils. The Refugee Council

put resources in place to ensure that new arrivals to the area are welcomed and supported. They are also working with local groups like the Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership, supported by Caritas Westminster. There are several other smaller projects supported by Caritas

Westminster, such as the Herts Welcomes Syrian Families group to assist in welcoming and providing practical support. In addition, Caritas Westminster has been supporting the Catholic parishes in St Alban’s to develop a Welcome Box group, to assist in welcoming

refugees locally. There are also several groups that make semi-regular trips to the refugee camps in Calais and beyond. For information on how you can help, or to find out more please email Edward de Quay on edwarddequay @rcdow.org.uk

Caritas Volunteer Evening For information on how you can help, or to find out more please email Finola Ryan on finolaryan@rcdow.org.uk

crèche, so that the parents can concentrate and the children have a chance to play and socialise with children who may be in a similar situation. In North London there are people available to accompany refugees to meetings, as well as provide help with CVs. They also offer help with filling in benefit forms, both on paper and online. Everyone is welcome to take part in these activities and access these services. For information on how you can help, or to find out more please email Sue Day on sueday@rcdow.org.uk Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

On Tuesday 7 June Caritas Westminster launched their Volunteer Service in partnership with the Jewish Volunteer Network. The evening was held in St Aloysius parish hall near Euston and was attended by a number of Caritas organisations as well as potential volunteers. The evening was introduced by Caritas Trustee Bishop Paul McAleenan, and there were talks from John Coleby, Director of Caritas, on how the volunteering service will work, followed by Leonie Lewis, Director of JVN, talking about the strong commitment to volunteering in the Jewish faith. There was also a talk from Rev Cham Kaur-Mann, from the Cinnamon Network, which runs a similar scheme in Birmingham, and Lia Bogod, JVN Head of Volunteering on why volunteers are so important. The talks concluded with Cristina Gengemi, CoDirector of Kairos Forum, who

led a spiritual reflection and discussion on caring for the poor and vulnerable. Everyone at the evening praised the innovation of the two organisations that would allow people to be matched with placements. Several Caritas agencies such as the Cardinal

Hume Centre and PACT, who had stalls at the event also expressed their enthusiasm for any initiative that would encourage more people to give their time. A key part of the evening was the faith element, which was summed up by Leonie quoting Lord Sacks: ‘If I am only for myself, what am I?’.

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Westminster Record | July 2016

The centre offers English classes, specialist advice and many other services aimed at helping people to integrate and thrive.

Caritas Volunteer Evening For information on how you can help, or to find out more please email Finola Ryan on finolaryan@rcdow.org.uk

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Westminster Record | July 2016

schools, youth groups, and diocesan initiatives. These experiences can have a lasting and profound effect on those involved. All of this can help us either to see the future and ourselves more clearly, or to hear God calling us to some mission connected with his good work. No Christian lives for him- or herself. Whether we Fr David Reilly, Diocesan are married, single, priest or part of a religious order, being a Youth Chaplain Christian is to live a life of shared values, dreams and At the end of June, we celebrated the ordination of six faith. Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, helps us men to the priesthood. In fact, understand this by his own every year new men join the example (Matthew 20.28). After seminary to be formed as priests and others are ordained all, if he, the Lord and Master washed the feet of his disciples, to begin their work as priests. Some of the young men in the surely we can wash each seminary have been connected other’s feet (John 13.14)? Perhaps the experience of with Westminster Youth Ministry in recent years: some the Jubilee of Mercy may have have worked as colleagues and given us a new insight into others have been volunteers at being there, and being merciful, SPEC or similar places. Others for others. It would also be a very good thing to ask yourself, have experienced our work in as you read these words, Lourdes and or have been inspired by their experience at whether God is also calling you to be a priest or a consecrated World Youth Day. person, so that the good news All around the diocese, may spread to the very ends of young people have an the earth. important part in our parishes,

Deep Catholic Heritage of Brook Green

On 11 June, Brook Green parish celebrated a major milestone with a Mass to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. The principal celebrant was Cardinal Vincent, along with Parish Priest Fr Richard Andrew and Assistant Priest Fr Ivano Millico. Among the other concelebrants were Fr Richard’s two immediate predecessors, Fr Terence Tastard and Canon Edward Matthews. After Mass, Cardinal Vincent blessed the new pastoral facilities which are currently being built and are Page 12

due for completion later in the summer. A combined choir of children from the two primary schools in the parish, Larmenier and Sacred Heart and St Mary’s, sang before and after the blessing. Although it is only 150 years since the dedication of Holy Trinity, there has been a Catholic presence in Hammersmith since 1669, when nuns from the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary first established a house, school and chapel. By the 1850s, the Catholic population had grown and the chapel was too small. Cardinal Wiseman granted land and Fr Joseph Butt, who

Director’s Spotlight Phil Ross, Youth Ministry Director

Having worked for many years as a teaching assistant at a local primary school, my wife Ann recently decided to take early retirement and was looking forward to supporting my daughter, Frances, who’s soon to be married and my son who’s just finished his third year at university. All seemed set and I was looking forward to lots of cake as Ann is a fabulous baker! Here’s the twist, as not long after Easter, Jon Rogers, who has been wonderfully and adroitly captaining the SPEC ship for several years, decided to make a career change and he’s now training to be a paramedic. Everyone wishes him well. Naturally some decisions had to be made quite quickly as the building work at Pinner is in full swing and plans are well underway to welcome the new volunteer missionaries ahead of the new school year. So, I’m moving into SPEC as the director, and will be combining the role with my existing role as Director of Youth Ministry, and not surprisingly, will be joined in Pinner by my dear wife Ann. Ann’s retirement lasted all of four months and some would say that Ann’s decision to try to retire was providential. She is now looking forward to a whole new chapter in her life! became the first Parish Priest, led the endeavour to build the current church. The foundation stone was laid in 1851; the church was opened in 1853, but it was only in 1866 that it was consecrated.

Institution of Acolytes and Lectors On Sunday 19 June at St Helen’s Church, North Watford, at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul McAleenan, the role of Lector was conferred on Colin Macken, Kingsley Izundu and Alex Burke, who have completed their first year of formation for the permanent diaconate. The role of Acolyte was conferred on Liam Lynch, Tony Barter, Paul Quinn, Jeremy Yates and Stephane de Joiris, who have completed the second year of their formation.

Photos © Danilo Leonardi/property-and-architecture-photography.com

Chaplain’s Corner

Westminster Record | July 2016

Commemorating the Life and Work of Cardinal Hume In anticipation of the 17th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Basil Hume on 17 June, the Cardinal Hume Centre held a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate his life, and the work of the centre he founded, on 15 June. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, a trustee of the centre, who gave a moving homily about Cardinal Hume. He spoke about how the Cardinal

worked tirelessly for the poor and vulnerable living out the teaching of Christ in his work. Bishop Nicholas remarked that this was proven when he met a homeless man who told him he was wearing the Cardinal’s trousers. Initially being sceptical of this comment, he discovered later that not only was this true, but that the Cardinal had donated them himself.

The readings at Mass were given by people involved with the centre, and a postcommunion reflection from the opening mass of the centre was delivered. The offertory was brought forward by members of the Hume family. Director of the Cardinal Hume Centre, Cathy Corcoran, closed the Mass by thanking everyone who had been involved with the work of centre in the past 12 months.

Inside the Hospice: Do Not Be Afraid by Fr Peter-Michael Scott Apparently ‘do not be afraid’ is quoted 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year. I am not sure how true this is, but certainly both God the Father and Jesus say those beautiful words quite a few times. ‘Do not be afraid’ is spoken by God to Moses, Abraham, Joshua and Elijah. Jesus says the same when he calls the first disciples, walks on water, is transfigured, enters Jerusalem and when resurrected. Fear comes in all shapes and sizes, and, talking to patients, a worry they sometimes express is being frightened at facing God at the end of their lives. These are always beautiful conversations, and I find myself echoing Jesus’s parable of the Prodigal Son or the Lost Sheep, and saying, ‘do not be afraid’. In a recent interview regarding the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, ‘We stand before a God who knows our sins, our betrayals, our denials, our wretchedness. And yet he is there waiting for us, ready to give himself completely to us, to lift us up.’

I think judgement is when we can see God gaze at us, when we come into his light. This light is one of love and tenderness. He knows us and delights when we admit that we know ourselves. We know our weaknesses and failings as well as our achievements In his homily on Sunday 7 April 2013, Pope Francis said, ‘Let us...remember Peter: three times he denied Jesus, precisely when he should have been closest to him; and when he hits bottom he meets the gaze of Jesus who patiently, wordlessly, says to him: "Peter, do not be afraid of your weakness, trust in me." Peter understands, he feels the loving gaze of Jesus and he weeps. How beautiful is this gaze of Jesus – how much tenderness is there! Brothers and sisters, let us never lose trust in the patience and mercy of God!’ Knowing then that we are going to be looked at with love, how easy it is to confess our faults. So let us not be afraid. Please pray for the patients, staff and volunteers of St Joseph’s Hospice.

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Westminster Record | July 2016

Candidacy at Allen Hall

Westminster Priests Celebrate 25 and 50 Years of Ministry On Saturday 28 May, six men in formation at Allen Hall Seminary were admitted as Candidates for Holy Orders by Archbishop George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff, at a Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen and Mother of Mercy. The men admitted to Candidacy included Mark Dunglinson, Rajiv Michael

and Jonathan Stogdon from the Diocese of Westminster, Joshua Hilton from the Diocese of Leeds, Robert James from the Diocese of Cardiff and Johnny WhitbySmith from the Diocese of Nottingham. The celebration is a public statement of intent on the part of these men to go forward for Ordination. It is also an

acceptance by the Church of this desire and a formal recognition of the journey towards Priesthood. May God bring to fulfilment in them the good work begun in their journey hitherto. Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue their journey towards Ordination.

My Vocation to Marriage

by James Kelliher Back in 2013, I spent five months working on the organising committee for World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. As an international volunteer in Brazil, I was invited to many local events around the city, such as festivals, overnight vigils and birthday parties. It was during these events, and through mutual friends, that I got to know a local girl who would become my wife, Bruna. Page 14

We developed a friendship during my time in Rio, which continued afterwards, when I was back in England. As could be done only in the twenty-first century, we kept in contact via Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype. Months later, I returned to Brazil to visit many of my dear friends. Whilst there, I spent more time with Bruna and noticed how well we got on with each other.

On 8 June, priests of the diocese celebrating 25 and 50 years of ordination visited Archbishop’s House for Mass with the Cardinal and Auxiliary Bishops followed by lunch. In attendance at the celebration were Fr Peter-Michael Scott, Fr Mihall Lowry, Fr James Garvey, Fr Allen Morris and Fr Voytek

Przyjalkowski (25 years) and Mgr Canon Harry Turner who is celebrating 50 years. Other priests celebrating anniversaries are Fr Howard James and Fr Dominic Byrne (25 years), and Fr Patrick Egan (50 years). With gratitude, we pray for them and for all our priests.

Catholic Marriage Enrichment

A few months later, we decided to officially become boyfriend and girlfriend. I visited Brazil a couple more times, and she stayed at my family’s home over the new year. It was during a trip to Rome that I proposed to her, on the top of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, overlooking the Eternal City. After months of preparation, we were married in September of the same year in Rio de Janeiro, with many of the friends and family I made during my time working in Brazil as witnesses. We’ve now been married for about 10 months. Bruna has done well to adapt to English life, but the adjustment hasn’t always been easy. However, it’s been a joy to be able to share our lives together and grow in holiness. Looking to the future, with a deep love of our Catholic faith, its beautiful teachings and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we hope that, God willing, we will nurture a wonderful family.

1-2 October 2016 – Niland Conference Centre, Bushey, Herts Dates for 2017 – March, June and October Saturday & Sunday £110 per couple (£75 supplement for overnight B&B accommodation)

A good marriage needs ongoing attention. A GREAT marriage requires actively cooperating with God’s grace. Rediscover how to renew the joy of being a man and a woman in love, drawing on the wisdom of Theology of the Body and authentic Catholic teaching. NO GROUP SHARING!

“Marriage is a deeper love. A lifelong decision of the heart.” Pope Francis Amoris Laetitia

For Information/Registrations: family@rcdow.org.uk Tel: 020 7931 6064 Office for Marriage & Family Life, Diocese of Westminster Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street London SW1P 1QN

Westminster Record | July 2016

St Edmund’s School Pilgrimage of Mercy Cardinal Vincent welcomed St Edmund’s Primary School on the steps of Westminster Cathedral 16 June on their pilgrimage for the Year of Mercy. He began by pointing out the inscription on the Tympanum of the Cathedral, ‘Lord Jesus, King and Redeemer, save us by your blood’, and the writing above the holy door Porta Misericoridia which is painted above the

Cathedral Holy Door. He went on to explain how they were connected: that Christ saves us through Mercy. He told them how important it was to show Mercy to each other. To finish he led the gathered pupils in the Our Father before welcoming them into the Cathedral where they followed the Way of Mercy.

Haringey Deanery Pilgrimage Walk

The 31st Annual Multi-Faith Pilgrimage for Peace and Friendship in Kensington took place on Saturday 21 May 2016. About 120 pilgrims representing various religions took part, among them Christians of different denominations,

Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, as well as others. Deacon Jon Dal Din of Westminster Interfaith reports: ‘We visited a Synagogue, a Baha’i and an Ismaili Centre, a Sunni Mosque and a Sikh Gurdwara, as well as a Coptic Church, a

Catholic Church, where not only were we fed well by a group of Sikhs from Birmingham but also moved by the prayer chants of a Russian Orthodox group. It was an exciting and spiritually uplifting day enjoyed by everyone. ‘

Door of Mercy Opened at St Thomas More In May, Fr Chris Connor opened the Door of Mercy at St Thomas More Catholic School in Wood Green during one of the school’s weekly voluntary Mass, which was attended by many of the students and staff. Pope Francis explains that, ‘to pass through the Holy Door means to rediscover the infinite mercy of the Father who welcomes everyone and goes out personally to encounter each of them.’ The Year of Mercy is a time for the Church and Catholics everywhere to show mercy and compassion in our thoughts and our deeds. There is also a focus on forgiveness, reconciliation, and doing good work for the needy and those on the boundaries of society. It

is also a sign of spiritual renewal, and the passage from sin to grace. The students at St Thomas More Catholic School have been taught about the purpose of the

Door of Mercy and how important it is to ask for forgiveness for the wrong that we have done to others as we pass through the door.

by Fr Joe Ryan Over the May Bank Holiday about 70 parishioners from the Haringey Deanery set out to visit each of the six Catholic churches, beginning at St Francis de Sales, Tottenham. The most challenging part of the pilgrimage was the climb to Muswell Hill. But the sight of Alexandra Palace and the treelined pathways encouraged those of us who were struggling a little. Fr Mark celebrated Mass in honour of Our Lady and reminded us that once the 'Mossy Well' (Muswell) was a place of pilgrimage, prayer and healing. The well no longer exists, as it was devastated during the Reformation. After a most delightful walk through Highgate Woods with magnificent views over the City of London, we arrived at St Peter-in-Chains, Stroud Green. I never knew we had so many beautiful spots in the Borough of Haringey. Fr Sean Carroll and parishioners welcomed us and

we were given a brief history of the church and the foundation of the parish by the Canons Regular over 100 years ago. As we progressed to St John Vianney, West Green, we took in a view of the former parish of St Augustine's, Mattison Road, now housing the London Catholic Worker and a place of refuge for up to 20 asylum seekers. On arrival at St John Vianney, we learnt about the Lampedusa Cross, reminding us of the sad stories of migrants who are uprooted from the security of their homes by war, violence and starvation. At St Ignatius, Stamford Hill, we were welcomed to the Jesuit parish by Fr Hugh Duffy SJ who pointed out some of the beautiful mosaic works adorning this magnificent church. All the participants declared that 'we must do this again'. I feel we have stumbled on a real blessing here as a deanery and have no doubt a tradition has begun. Page 15

Westminster Record | July 2016

Making a Pilgrimage in Solidarity with Refugees Handmade crosses carved by an Italian carpenter from the driftwood of capsized refugee boats are being shared with communities in Westminster through CAFOD. Pope Francis carried a Lampedusa Cross, named after the Italian island, home to carpenter Francesco Tuccio and where thousands of refugees have drowned, at a memorial service for those who had died. Canon Christopher Tuckwell, of Westminster Cathedral, reflected on the lives affected by the wooden cross: ‘The simplicity and the roughness of the cross reminds us how many refugees left everything behind and although some lives were saved many were lost. It is very humbling to hold this cross in solidarity with our neighbours.’

Nalini Nathan, Community Participation Coordinator at CAFOD Westminster added: ‘Meeting Canon Tuckwell was an honour and I am happy that he wants to support CAFOD and what we are doing. Through this we feel we are offering a welcome to the refugees arriving in the UK, as well as praying for those far from our shores. We are also answering the call of Pope Francis to show our love for those who are suffering.’ CAFOD is inviting Catholics of all ages in schools, parishes and communities across the diocese to take part in the Lampedusa Cross Pilgrimage and also share messages of welcome, hope and love, which will be shared with refugees in the UK as an act of solidarity and dedicated

at a special event to take place in November. In this year of Mercy, Pope Francis invites us all to make a pilgrimage to mark ‘an extraordinary moment of grace and spiritual renewal’. This pilgrimage is a way for us to show solidarity with all those fleeing war, poverty and persecution in our world. At a recent meeting, the Westminster schools volunteer team took part in the pilgrimage and are looking forward to taking it into schools throughout the diocese. Parishes have already planned a number of events, and volunteers and supporters were privileged to be part of the recent pilgrimage jointly organised with Justice and Peace at Notre Dame Parish Leicester Square.

To find out more about the Lampedusa Cross Pilgrimage and how to share a message visit www.cafod.org.uk or telephone the CAFOD Westminster volunteer centre on 020 8449 6970.

Love in Action in North Harrow Climate, Laudato Si’ and Keeping the Lights on

During the summer months the parish of St John Fisher, North Harrow, will be examining the fundamental principles which underpin Catholic social teaching. Through a programme called Love in Action, the themes of human dignity, the option for the poor, community and participation, solidarity and peace, the dignity of workers, and care of creation will be explored through liturgy, group work and individual reflection. The parish primary school is also participating in the programme and each of the themes will be explored by the children. The parish has worked closely with Caritas Westminster who designed the programme. Initially all those who led groups in the parish came together for two evenings where Page 16

they were introduced to the methodology of Love in Action. For this parish, promoting Love in Action forms part of the response that all parishes in Westminster were called to make to the Proclaim ‘15 initiative. But it was also felt that this was a good way of helping people to really appreciate the Holy Year of Mercy and what that might mean for them. It is hoped that having really thought about the principles that guide Catholic thought on justice and peace, the parish will be able to respond to some of the challenges posed by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation, the Joy of the Gospel. Here Pope Francis not only shows us what it means to teach with love, he also reminds us that to evangelize in this new age does not require us to deny who we are. In fact, the opposite is true. The New Evangelization requires us to rediscover and then become what disciples of Christ are intended to be. Parish Priest Fr Shaun Middleton said, ‘We live in challenging times and through Love in Action we hope to regain that vision of the Church which the Holy Father gives us as that place of human encounter and solidarity where the Kingdom of God is proclaimed and realised.’

by Barbara Kentish Three meetings will be held by Westminster Justice and Peace, Caritas Westminster and CAFOD in the Autumn, to explore action on Climate after Laudato Si’ and the Paris Climate Talks. The meetings will be held on: 24 September: Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew in Hitchin 1 October: Our Lady of Grace and St Edward in Chiswick 8 October: Our Lady of Victories in Kensington The aim is to encourage the diocese to play its part in caring for our common home. Both the publication of Laudato Si’ and the UN talks took place in 2015 in response to the climate crisis. Both were an excellent step forward in focusing our minds and spirits on the future of our planet. ‘Business as usual’, however, has to be the government’s focus. Along with reducing our carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, mainly by giving up dependence on fossil fuel, the government must also ‘keep the lights on’ for economic and social order to be maintained. Churches have a huge

responsibility. We can show a peaceful way forward in reducing our fuel use by adopting the LiveSimply maxims of living simply, sustainably and in solidarity with our neighbours. We can lobby for policies which depend less on fossil fuels and promote renewables. As Laudato Si’ spells out, we believe in the integrity of all creation, where no one creature can dominate, and where the goods of the earth, including climate, are for the benefit of all. We can celebrate this

through liturgy and prayer, starting with the World Day of Prayer for Creation instituted by Pope Francis on 1 September, using some of the prayer resources of the Global Catholic Climate Movement at: http://catholicclimatemove ment.global/liturgical-prayerand-spiritual-resources/ Parishes can ensure they attend the area climate meetings by contacting Barbara Kentish at barbarakentish@rcdow.org.uk. There will also be a DIY conference in October to share practical action. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | July 2016

The Cardinal’s Kitchen

St Mary Magdalene Celebrated

By Paola Greco with an Introduction by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor 64 Pages £6.99 What do you cook for a Cardinal? That’s a question that most of us, thankfully, will never have to answer. Yet it was precisely the dilemma that Paola Greco found herself facing a couple of times per week through a stroke of luck. When she was asked if she knew anyone who might cook for Cardinal Cormac MurphyO’Connor, she offered her services. Thus began a felicitous relationship that lasted a couple of years and became the inspiration for this book. Although not a professional chef, Paola is a wonderful cook, as many of us who work in Archbishop’s House have been fortunate enough to find out through personal experience. She prepares what are often simple meals with such great love and takes great delight to see her food being enjoyed by others. No doubt that is the same joy she brought to the Cardinal’s table as she prepared many a delicious meal, mostly inspired by the regional cuisines of her native Italy. And it is the same joy about food

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that she brings to her book, which she calls a ‘guide to good eating’. The book is a mix of history, anecdotes, curious facts, advice about food, interesting digressions and some recipes too. There’s plenty to amuse and inspire in this slim volume. We learn about the connection of food and drink with the Church, the ingredients and specialities of different regions in Italy, and the origin of certain foods, among other things. Throughout, Paola charts her progress cooking for Cardinal Cormac and his guests. With his characteristic sense of humour, we find out that the Cardinal

gave her a rating from one to 10 on each meal. As Paola strove to offer up a varied menu of interesting and nutritious meals, she took up the Cardinal’s challenge in her quest to achieve a perfect 10. Along the way, the reader is informed, entertained and even inspired to try out some of her recipes. To launch the book, Paola is hosting an event at Cathedral Hall from 5-7pm on 20 July, with samples from her tasty recipes on hand to try. To express interest in attending the event or to purchase a copy of the book, please email pgrecocariglia@hotmail.co.uk.

THE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER FOR THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ACROSS THE UK

In June of this year, Pope Francis raised the celebration of St Mary Magdalene from a memorial to a feast. The decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments about this change in status explains: ‘The Church, both in the East and in the West has always regarded

St Mary Magdalene the first witness of the Lord’s resurrection and the first evangelist, and with the greatest reverence has always honoured her although in diverse ways. 'Given that in our time the Church is called to reflect in a more profound way on the dignity of Woman, on the New Evangelisation and on the greatness of the Mystery of Divine Mercy, it seemed right that the example of St Mary Magdalene might also fittingly be proposed to the faithful. In fact this woman, known as the one who loved Christ and who was greatly loved by Christ, and was called a “witness of Divine Mercy” by St Gregory the Great and an “apostle of the apostles” by St Thomas Aquinas, can now rightly be taken by the faithful as a model of women’s role in the Church.’ A feast ranks higher than a memorial, but below a solemnity in the Church’s calendar. St Mary Magdalene’s feast is celebrated on 22 July.

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Westminster Record | July 2016

St Bridget of Sweden: Saturday 23 July St Bridget was born in 1303 to parents who were wealthy Swedish landowners. We know little of her early life, beyond the fact of her marriage at the age of 14. Presumably the years after this were much taken up with her family, since she became the mother of eight children, four boys and four girls. In an age where infant mortality was high, no less than six of them survived. However, Bridget developed at this time a reputation for her charity, not least towards unmarried mothers. In the 1330s we find her in the service of the new Queen of Sweden and in 1341, with her husband, she made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, although he died shortly after their return. His death left Bridget free to devote herself to care for the poor, which she performed as a member of the Third Order of St Francis. At the same time she was also planning what was to become her legacy to the Church, a Religious order, to which both men and women would belong, living alongside each other (but always with a Mother Abbess). Sadly, the men dropped out in the centuries following the Reformation, but the Brigittine nuns continue to fulfil the saint’s vision. 1350 being a Jubilee Year, Bridget went to Rome and, in fact, stayed there

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for the rest of her life. These were not good years for the Church, with the Papacy having moved to Avignon in France, and Bridget, like Catherine of Siena, became an ardent campaigner both for the Pope’s return to Rome and for the reform of abuses. Her inspiration seems to have lain in her devotion to Christ’s Passion. She is recorded as having first received a vision of the Lord at age 10 and continued during her life to receive what she termed revelations. Whilst these have never been formally approved by the Church, nonetheless the devotions which they inspired were popular and widespread during the Middle Ages, perhaps excessively so, as they attracted extravagant attached promises of spiritual welfare. However, there is no doubting St Bridget’s personal holiness and zeal, which carried her through the disappointments of not seeing the Pope return permanently to Rome (this happened a few years after her death) and never seeing the monastery she had caused to be built in Sweden nor any nun in the habit that Christ had shown her. St Bridget, in fact, shows us the importance of faith that is content to trust in God’s good providence, a faith that has borne good fruit since her earthly death and heavenly birthday. Additional Fact: Pope Francis has recently canonized Mother Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, a Religious Superior who sheltered Jewish families in her convent in Rome towards the end of the Second World War. Reports noted that she is the first saint of Swedish origin to be canonized since St Bridget, some 625 years ago (St Catherine of Sweden, St Bridget’s daughter, was acclaimed as a saint, but never formally beatified or canonized). In part that can be attributed to Sweden having not been a Catholic country since the Reformation, and Mother Mary Elizabeth herself was a convert from Lutheranism.

Fr Des Beirne RIP Fr Des died on 7 May in Dublin. He served as Principal of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, from 1976 to 1992. He was a member of the Vincentian community at St Mary’s. During his tenure as Principal, Fr Des was steadfast and unwavering in his commitment to the future and Catholic identity of St Mary’s. In addition to his legacy at St Mary’s, Fr Des will be remembered for his service as a governor of Christ’s Joint Catholic and Church of England School, Richmond, and support of the Westminster Adult Religious Education Centre.

In Memoriam: July 1 Mgr Anthony Howe (2011) 3 Fr William M Brown (1989) Fr George Ennis (2007) 4 Fr Joseph Anthony Carr (1999) 6 Fr Terence Wardle (2010) 7 Canon Alfred Cuming (1978) Fr John Power (2002) Fr Frank Morrall (1995) 8 Fr Joseph Gardner (1992) 9 Fr Christopher Pemberton (1983) Fr John Norton (1989) 10 Fr Peter Harris (1976) Fr Thomas Kelly (1983) 12 Fr Daniel Higgins (1996) 14 Mgr Canon Joseph Williams (1991) 15 Fr Christopher McKenna (2003) 16 Fr Michael Giffney (1987) Canon Joseph McKenzie (1988) 17 Fr Horatio Hosford (2014) 19 Fr Peter Pearson (1971) 21 Fr Anthony O’Sullivan (1997) Canon Philip Moore (1976) Fr Norman Kersey (1999) Canon Herbert Veal (2005) 22 Fr Tom Allan (2007) 26 Fr George Fonseca (1998) Fr David Roderick (2005) 27 Fr Graham Feint (2000) 28 Fr Ralph Gardner (1976) Fr Patrick Whyte (1988) Deacon Sydney Adams (2005) 30 Fr Callum Maclean (1982) Fr Vincent Commerford (1997) 31 Fr Albert Vaughan (1995)

Fr Harold Hamill RIP Fr Harold died on 8 June at Maryville Care Home in Brentford, in his 89th year, having served as a priest for just under 62 years. Educated at St Paul’s School in Barnes, he was employed by the National Coal Board for several years after the war before beginning formation for the priesthood at Campion House, Osterley. Ordination by Cardinal Griffin in 1954 led to service in a number of parishes across the diocese as Assistant Priest, initially at Commercial Road and finally at Ashford before he became a Parish Priest, first at Hemel Hempstead North and then at Hampton as Administrator. In the years following his retirement in 1993, Fr Harold suffered the loss of his siblings; may he now, in turn, rest in peace.

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | July 2016

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - July

If you have an event, please email: communications@rcdow.org.uk

1 Fri

DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL; Friday abstinence (except in Cathedral)

Prayer Groups

2 Sat

Feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession meets every third Wednesday at St Anselm & St Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Parish Mass at 6pm followed by Prayer Group until 8.45pm. Rosary, Adoration, Silent prayer and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Email: Antonia antonia4161@gmail.com.

3 Sun

+ 14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

4 Mon

Feria, Fourteenth Week of Year 2 or St Elizabeth of Portugal

5 Tue

Feria or St Anthony Zaccaria

6 Wed

Feria or St Maria Goretti, Virgin & Martyr

Westminster Cathedral Young Adults meet socially after the 7pm Mass on Sundays and then at the nearby Windsor Castle pub. For further details please contact: westminsteryoungadults@gmail.com

MONDAYS

Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults meets Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details at www.soulfoodgroup.org.

SUNDAYS Taizé at St James, Piccadilly W1J 9LL every third Sunday 5pm. Call 020 7503 5128 for details. Tyburn Benedictines Monastic afternoon Every first Sunday 2-5pm Martyrs’ Crypt, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place W2 2LJ.

Mothers’ Prayers at St Dominic’s Priory, Haverstock Hill NW5 4LB Mondays 2.30-3.30pm in the Lourdes Chapel. All are welcome.

TUESDAYS Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesdays 6-9pm concluding with Benediction at Newman House, 111 Gower Street WC1E 6AR. Details 020 7387 6370. Prayers for London at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden Tuesdays 7.30pm. Organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Willesden, Nicoll Road NW10 9AX. Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place, W1U 3UY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday of the month. 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall, 83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion. Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@yahoogroups. co.uk.

7 Thu

Feria

8 Fri

Feria; Friday abstinence

9 Sat

Feria or St Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

THURSDAYS

10 Sun

+ 15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life Every first Thursday of the month. Young adults from all Christian denominations pray and share a meal. Details www.jcfl.org.uk.

11 Mon

ST BENEDICT, Abbot, Patron of Europe

12 Tue

Feria, Fifteenth Week of Year 2

13 Wed

Feria of St Henry

14 Thu 15 Fri

Feria or St Camillus de Lellis, Priest

16 Sat

Feria or Our Lady of Mount Carmel or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

17 Sun

+ 16th ORDINARY TIME

St Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor; Friday abstinence

18 Mon

Feria, Sixteenth Week of Year 2

St John Paul II Prayer Group Every second Thursday of the month 7-8pm, Mass, Adoration and Prayer at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB.

19 Tue

Feria

20 Wed

Feria or St Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr

21 Thu

Feria or St Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest & Doctor

22 Fri

St Mary Magdalene; Friday abstinence

FRIDAYS

23 Sat

ST BRIDGET, Religious, Patron of Europe

Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD.

24 Sun

+ 17th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

25 Mon

ST JAMES, Apostle

26 Tue

Ss Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group meet every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, please call 020 8748 2632.

27 Wed

Feria, Seventeenth Week of Year 2

28 Thu

Feria

29 Fri

St Martha; Friday abstinence

30 Sat

Feria or St Peter Chrysologus, Bishop & Doctor or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

SATURDAYS Taizé at Notre Dame de France 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX at 7.15pm. Call 020 7437 9363.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets every Sunday for walks around London and the Home Counties. Contact by email: antoinette_adkins2000@yahoo .co.uk, call 020 8769 3643 or check out the website: www.stfrancisramblers. ukwalkers.com

31 Sun

+ 18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

At Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Acton, the Queen of Peace prayer group meets every Friday evening after 7pm Mass. The evening consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily, recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. All welcome. Praying with Pope Francis - July 2016 Universal Intention: Indigenous Peoples: That indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect. For Evangelisation: Latin America and the Caribbean: That the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, by means of her mission to the continent, may announce the Gospel with renewed vigour and enthusiasm.

Ealing Abbey Events Summer Term at the Liturgy Institute During July and August the Liturgy Institute will give 10 day courses in Liturgy and Latin, accredited by KU Leuven and in collaboration with Pontifical Institute of Litrugy, Rome. For more information, visit: http://liturgyinstitute.org/ courses-summer-2016/ Ealing Abbey Lay Plainchant Choir New members are always welcome. Workshops take place on Wednesdays from 6.40pm to 8pm. Contact Dom Peter on 07474 515 365 for more details.

Other regular Masses Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW. Young Adults Mass Held every Sunday at Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Mass at 7pm. Social gathering afterwards. Contact: team@fsplus.info or visit www.fsplus.info. Mass at Canary Wharf Held on Tuesdays at 12.30pm at 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details www.cwcc.org.uk. St Albans Abbey Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY. Members of the Westminster LGBT Catholic Community are specially welcomed at the following Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, and invited to our parish hall afterwards for tea/coffee, when there is also an opportunity to learn of pastoral help available: 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, 5.30pm. EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASSES Sundays: Low Mass 9.30am, St James Spanish Place W1U 3QY. Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 5pm, St Bartholomew, St Albans AL1 2PE. Low Mass 5.30pm, Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, NW10 9AX. Mondays: Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Low Mass, 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Fridays: Low Mass 7.45am St Mary Moorfields, 4/5 Eldon Street EC2N 7LS. Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only. Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Friday only. Low Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Friday only. Saturdays: Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 4.30pm, Side Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW. Second Saturday only.

A Day with Charles de Foucauld On 23 July 2016 at Our Lady of Victories, Kensington High Street, a day with Blessed Brother Charles of Jesus, celebrating his centenary: 1916-2016. The day begins with coffee after 10am Mass and finishes at 3pm. The theme is ‘Insights into the challenges of becoming followers of Jesus today’. Page 19

Westminster Record | July 2016

Weaving Solidarity for Life by Sr Ann Gray Recently we celebrated the feast of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. When I reflect on this scene in St Luke’s gospel, I see two women reaching out in love and concern to one another. I see Mary first of all: a young woman who has just received disturbing news, an invitation which is going to change her life completely. Then, Elizabeth: an older woman who had also received news that was going to involve major changes and adjustments in her life. In gestures which are so symbolic of women, Mary and Elizabeth, in their concern for one another, seem to forget their own situations. Mary has set out in haste to be, I am sure, of assistance to Elizabeth. As Mary arrives, Elizabeth, I imagine, reaches out to her younger cousin and in her reaching out experiences the Divine Presence in Mary. Reflecting on this scene in recent years I have found that I tend to associate more with Elizabeth, the older woman but recently I had a different experience. In May, I participated in the meeting of the International Union of Superior Generals (UISG) in Rome. During this meeting we were granted an audience with Pope Francis, which turned out to be a real Visitation experience for me. Here was our Holy Father encountering this group of Congregational Leaders, most of whom were much younger than himself. I marvelled as he walked sprightly towards us with a huge smile on his face, as if he had been looking forward to being with us. What followed was an experience of the mysticism of encounter to which he invited us in his Gospel of Joy.

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This was truly an encounter in which we and Pope Francis experienced the Divine Presence in one another. And a sense of wonder crept into the room as he proclaimed to us: ‘You, women Religious, are an icon of the Church.’ And I found myself reflecting, what does it mean to be an icon, an image which is the fruit of deep prayer and contemplation, an image which inspires and leads others into prayer and contemplation? Each of us can ask, is this how I see myself and how others see me? The theme of the meeting in Rome of the Leaders of Religious Congregations was ‘Weaving Solidarity for Life’, based on St John’s gospel, ‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’ We were a group of 870 Congregational Leaders, representing over half a million Sisters throughout the world and speaking more than ten languages. In the sharing of Sr Carol Zinn CSJ on ‘Crossing the threshold: weaving global solidarity for the life of the world’, we heard that ‘everything is a caress of God’ and were challenged with the questions, ‘how will we use our influence?’ and ‘what conversion of heart is needed so that we might heal the planet?’ With the sharing of Sr Mary Sujita SND on ‘Solidarity for life on the periphery’, we were called to be ‘border crossers’ and to set out on a prophetic walk on which we need to consider how the peripheries affect our decision making. ‘Where are we? Where do we want to be?’ were the questions posed by Sr Marian Ambrosio IDPI in her sharing on ‘Living and witnessing as apostolic religious women’. All of this sharing was very meaningful and inspiring but what touched my heart and challenged me most was the sharing of Sisters who are living and working in the most harrowing of circumstances: in Lebanon where people are experiencing the solidarity of martyrdom and where God is the shield behind which war is being waged, in Iraq where Sisters were allowed to return

to a city during a one-hour ceasefire to collect their Congregational Archives, only to discover that the graves of their Sisters had been desecrated, in Venezuela and Haiti where people have no food, in India where a mother faces the grief of a child dying in the morning and another the same evening. And I could hear the question of Sr Mary Sujita again, ‘Have we the ability to weep, in our broken world in crisis which is the context of mission today?’ Then, as we prepared to return home, Sr Carmen Sammut, President of UISG, sent us on our way with her inspiring words, ‘On this final morning, I imagine you standing before a narrow door. The Lord is near that door. He invites each of us by name, to pass through this door. It is up to each one of us to accept the invitation to enter or to remain outside. We are entirely free. In order to enter, we must agree to put on a wedding

garment. What can that garment symbolise for us? ‘It is the garment we have woven here, during this assembly. It is multi-coloured, with designs created from ideas that sprang up here, situations that we ourselves described, dreams that we dared express, transformations that took place within our spirits, our hearts and our wills, challenges that move us forward, calls of the Spirit we

have heard in our hearts. What a beautiful garment the Lord presents to each of us! Will we dare put it on to enter the feast?’ My prayer is that the Missionary Sisters of St Columban ‘can continue to weave global solidarity day by day for the life of the world and of our contemporaries.’ Sr Ann Gray is Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of St Columban.