Westminster Record June 2015 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

June 2015 | 20p

Celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony

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Ordination Season in the Cathedral

Review of Cardinal Cormac’s memoirs

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St Mary’s First Chancellor Cardinal Vincent was installed as the inaugural Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, on 27 May during a special service of Vespers at the Cathedral. During the Rite of Installation, Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of Governors of St Mary’s, handed the seal of the University to Cardinal Vincent, as he inaugurated, admitted and installed him as its first Chancellor. In turn, Cardinal Vincent accepted an Oath of Office from Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell and entrusted to him the Seal of the University, ‘in full confidence that you will lead this University Community in the impartial search for truth that brings light and meaning to the relationship between faith and reason’. In the homily which followed, Cardinal Vincent recalled the ‘remarkable visit’ of Pope Benedict to the University in 2010: ‘This visit, and this person, Pope Benedict, stands for me as a strong sign of the path still to be followed by St Mary’s, in depth of endeavour, in vision of education and in wholeness of life.’ The Cardinal pointed to the words of St Paul to Timothy: ‘Accept the strength that comes from the grace of Christ.’ He said, ‘I hope these words long remain at the centre of your lives, both individually and as an institution. You have seen your Vice-Chancellor receive a very formal mandate and give a very solemn undertaking. This is indeed a mandate of the Church, but, just as importantly, it is an invitation to rely on

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L-R: Bishop Richard Moth, Chair of Governors, Francis Campbell, Vice-Chancellor and Cardinal Vincent, the first Chancellor of the University

someone who is beyond all doubt and defeat, the one alone who has conquered the evil and death which is written into our world.’ Speaking of this historic day for the University, Bishop Richard explained that the Cardinal’s installation ‘underlines, in a most powerful way, our place in the Diocese of Westminster and our commitment to strengthening and developing

St Mary’s University as a Catholic institution of higher education’. Vice-Chancellor Francis Campbell said: ‘Today is a time to celebrate at several levels; to acknowledge great debts to those who have gone before us and to imagine a successful and vibrant St Mary’s of the future.’ He invited the University to rededicate itself to ‘those immutable Christian values of

love neighbour and generosity of spirit’ and to combine them with ‘a passionate pursuit of excellence in teaching and research’. Founded in 1850 by Cardinal Wiseman and L’Abbe Jean-Marie de Lamennais with a community of six students at Brook Green House in Hammersmith, St Mary’s University now occupies a 50-acre site in Strawberry Hill. On 23 January 2014, the Privy Council conferred full university status on St Mary’s.

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Editorial

Westminster Record | June 2015

Westminster Record – Contact Us The Caring Face of the Church Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Chris O’Callaghan, John Scott 020 7798 9030, and Hannah Woolley 020 7798 9178 Design Julian Game Proofing John Scott To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 214 1216 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

July publication dates Editorial deadline: 12 June 2015 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 19 June 2015 To advertise contact Carol Malpass 0161 214 1244 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.

The canonisation of Josephine Bakhita, a former slave, in 2000 provided a focus for the struggle against modern slavery and trafficking, something that Pope Francis has called a ‘shameful open wound’ that has no place in a civilized society. Yet according to the United Nations some 2.5 million people are currently living as victims of human trafficking. Here in the Diocese of Westminster we are taking a strong lead in the battle against this scourge; necessarily so, since it is estimated that half of those trafficked to this country come through London. Working together with the Police and the Bishops’ Conference, Project Bakhita seeks to support those who have escaped modern slavery, and helps them to rebuild their lives. Caritas Bakhita House will provide

safety, healthcare and pastoral guidance, and aims to allow these unfortunate people to reintegrate and rediscover a future. We include this month an article about the Congregation of the Adoratrices, who work with victims of human trafficking. The theme of outreach is also central to the work of CAFOD, as we have a report on their response to the disaster in Nepal, while Bishop Nicholas writes on Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, and the worthy recipient of this year’s Templeton Prize. Jean Vanier was moved by his experiences in the devastation of post-war Paris to do ‘something else’ for those on the margins, a real lesson to us in living out the Gospel. We have a report on the annual Mass for Migrants. Outreach among this vulnerable group is also one of the concerns of the French Church of Notre Dame, a gem hidden near Leicester Square, celebrating its 150th anniversary. Well worth dropping by, while waiting for your movie at the Odeon, to see its murals painted by Jean Cocteau.

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

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

Cardinal Welcomes Royal Baby and Government

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Following the birth of Princess Charlotte to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on 2 May, Cardinal Vincent sent this letter to Kensington Palace on behalf of the Catholic community of England and Wales. Your Royal Highnesses, On behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England Page 2

and Wales, I would like to congratulate Your Royal Highnesses on the birth of your daughter, Her Royal Highness the Princess of Cambridge. The birth of the new Princess will be a source of joy not only for the Royal Family, but for the peoples of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and beyond. I assure Your Royal Highnesses

of the prayers and best wishes of the Catholic Church in England and Wales for your new family member. May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect you all, and may the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph intercede for your family. A few days later on 8 May, following the victory of the Conservative Party in the General Election, Cardinal Vincent sent his congratulations to Prime Minister David Cameron, saying: 'I send my congratulations to Prime Minister David Cameron on the result of yesterday’s General Election. His new government faces many challenges, not least encouraging and sustaining economic growth and, at the same time, giving particular attention to the needs of the poorest people in our society today. The Catholic Church in England and Wales looks forward to working with the newly elected Parliament for the common good of all.' Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

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Westminster Record | June 2015

Papal Knighthood for School’s Champion On 13 May Andrew Cole was invested as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory in the Chapel at St Mary’s University Twickenham. The principal celebrant of the Mass was Bishop John Sherrington with Archbishop Peter Smith, Bishops Howard Tripp and Paul Hendricks and clergy from the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark, Arundel and Brighton and Liverpool concelebrating. Mr Cole was awarded the special honour in recognition of his commitment and drive in founding St Richard Reynolds Catholic College in Twickenham, which serves students from the dioceses of Westminster, Southwark and Arundel and Brighton. He has served as the Chair of Governors of the College since it was formally opened by then-Archbishop Vincent in September 2013. In his homily, Bishop John thanked Mr Cole for his dedication and commitment and pointed out that it was not he who was bestowing the title on him, but rather ‘the Holy Father, Pope Francis honours Andy’. Continuing he said, ‘Andy’s zeal, stirred by the desires of many parents, led the Dioceses of Westminster and Southwark and the Richmond Borough Council to found this school. It is good to be working in partnership with the Local Authority, particularly in relation to locating part of

L-R: Leo Simmonds, Hon. Secretary of the Knights, Archbishop Peter Smith, Andy Cole KSG and Bishop John.

Strathmore, a community special school, on the St Richard Reynolds site. I would also like to again thank Lord Nicholas True for his leadership of the Council which made the decision to found the schools. We continue to work with and look forward to a good working relationship with the Local Authority. Today we are delighted that the school has attracted so many applicants for the next entry of pupils in September, a confirmation of the vision of so many of you here tonight’.

Remembering the mission of the Catholic school, Bishop John said ‘All those who fought for St Richard Reynolds Catholic College did so because they believed in faith education and the role of the Church in providing education for its members and for others when possible. We do this because we believe that this vision of education ensures the full development of the child’s Godgiven gifts and the development of the whole person who is created to

become a “friend of God” and find fulfilment in serving others and the common good.‘ The Order of St Gregory the Great is one of the five Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See. The honour is bestowed on men and women in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Roman Catholic Church, through their unusual labours, their support of the Holy See, and their excellent example set forth in their communities and their countries.

Opus Dei Celebrates First Feast Day of Blessed Alvaro

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On 12 May Cardinal Vincent celebrated a Mass on the first ever Feast Day of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo at Westminster Cathedral. In his words of welcome he thanked Opus Dei members for their discreet and under-stated service of the Church, not only in this Diocese but throughout Britain. Archbishop Arthur Roche, who concelebrated, preached the homily in which he spoke about Blessed Alvaro as a model of holiness. He said that 'the most effective leadership in faith always begins by personal example.' Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

The Archbishop presented Blessed Alvaro as an example of someone who sought sanctity in an inconspicuous and humble manner in everyday life, and encouraged his listeners, mainly married people, to do the same. He described 'the simplicity of family life' as 'the chosen place where people learn to fall in love with Christ day by day'. 'The one thing I have readily noticed in the members of Opus Dei,' he said, 'and I say this as an outsider, is the natural way in which you relate everything to God and his providence, not least in difficult and trying times.'

He recommended this as 'a well-applied spirituality accessible to everyone.' Blessed Alvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid in 1914. He was the closest collaborator of St Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, for many years. When Escrivá died in 1975, Alvaro succeeded him as head of the Prelature until his own death in 1994 aged 80. He stood out for his humility, fidelity and love for the Church and played a discreet but significant role in the Second Vatican Council. Beatified in his native Madrid in September 2014, his feast day is now celebrated annually on 12 May. Page 3

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Westminster Record September 20112015 Westminster Record | June

Spirit in the City to Return to the Capital The Spirit in the City Festival will return to the heart of Central London on 10 June with a weekend of events celebrating Catholic life, worship and culture in some of London’s most iconic locations. Now in its 10th year, the Festival will take place over four days between four churches: Notre Dame de France in Leicester Square, Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory in Warwick Street, Corpus Christi in Covent Garden and St Patrick’s in Soho Square. The festival will open with a performance of Three Witnesses:

A Remarkable Narrative of the Gospel of Luke in the 21st Century by the Saltmine Theatre Company. The play will be performed just once on Wednesday 10 June at Notre Dame de France. Tickets cost £7 and £5 for concessions. To book tickets, please email info@spiritinthecity.org or call 020 7440 2663. Thursday’s events will conclude with Mass by Bishop Nicholas at Warwick Street and a celebration after to mark 10 years of the Festival. Friday’s workshops will take place in St Patrick’s, Soho, with Eucharistic Adoration in the

church throughout the afternoon. In the evening, priests will lead a street procession from St Patrick’s to Corpus Christi Church in Covent Garden, concluding with Benediction. An all-day festival in Leicester Square will end the celebrations on Saturday 13 June. There will be live music, a prayer tent, prayer ministry and street performances from the Saltmine Company. A final Mass to close the Festival will be celebrated by Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood at Notre Dame de France at 6pm. Twitter - @SitC_Festival

Leading the music at Warwick St Church before Mass at last year’s Festival

Cardinal Condemns Murder of Yazidis by Islamic State

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Bishop Nicholas meets members of the Yazidi community in Erbil, Iraq

Following the murder of 300 members of the Yazidi community on 2 May by Islamic State (IS) forces near Mosul in Iraq, Cardinal Vincent released the following statement: ‘I am deeply shocked by the brutal murder of these peaceloving people. The Yazidis I met in our recent visit to Erbil impressed me with their quiet Page 4

dignity. I am sure that all people of decency will condemn these killings. I commend those who have been killed to the mercy of God and I pray earnestly for the peace of the region.’ The Yazidis are an ethnoreligious group primarily based in the Nineveh Province of Iraq. They have been targetted repeatedly by IS since 2014. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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Westminster Record | June 2015

White City Parish Fall in Love with Fatima Parishioners and priests from Our Lady of Fatima parish in White City travelled to Fatima in May as part of the ongoing celebrations of the parish’s Jubilee Year marking 60 years since its founding. They

joined over 300,000 fellow pilgrims from around the world for Our Lady of Fatima's feast day on 13 May. Fr Richard Nesbitt, Parish Priest, said: ‘We all fell in love with Fatima, where you feel

Cardinal Sends Greeting to Polish Community Ahead of WYD © Monika Rybczynska

Our Lady's presence so powerfully. This was one of the key moments of our Jubilee Year journey as we were able to re-consecrate our parish in Fatima to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’

Ahead of the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland on 6 June and World Youth Day in 2016, Cardinal Vincent sent the following message to the Polish community of St John the Evangelist Church, Putney: I am pleased to be able send you my greetings on the occasion of this prayer gathering in which you ask God’s blessing on the people of Poland and for the forthcoming World Youth Day, in Krakow.

I greet, in particular, His Excellency Archbishop Damian Zimoń, and assure him of my prayers. I am aware of a large youth gathering taking place today in Lednica, Poland, as an important part of the preparations for the 1050th anniversary of the baptism of Poland. May your prayers this evening and those of Polish people everywhere bring God’s abundant blessings on your homeland and on all that you give to the universal Church in so many ways.

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Schools News Fourth Plinth Awards for St Benedict’s Students

Westminster Record | June 2015

Alex Szczech receives his prize at City Hall

Three Year 9 pupils from St Benedict’s School in Ealing have won awards in the 2015 Fourth Plinth Schools Awards Competition. Alex Szczech’s ‘The Pigeon of Trafalgar Square' scooped the Award for Best in the Borough of Ealing while Oscar LlinaresPerales and Jules Dehon with 'Cloud in a Box' have received an award in the 12-15 age category. Nicola Bradley also received a prize for being an outstanding Art Teacher. Her award recognised the extraordinary commitment she has shown in helping her students realise their creative vision. They received their awards at a ceremony on 30 April at City Hall. Alex Szczech’s work expresses a controversial view of pigeons and banks: ‘Banking is a profession which is thought of as important and affluent despite recent controversy, while pigeons

are viewed as pests. Through this sculpture I am trying to show that bankers are no better than pigeon food. The pigeon is made of money showing the unnatural state of an organic being which so highly prizes something nonessential and superficial.’ Oscar Llinares-Perales and Jules Dehon tackled a favourite talking point of the British public, the weather: ‘Encapsulating an element of the weather in a glass case like a research specimen will provide passers-by in Trafalgar Square with a never-ending topic of conversation, encouraging interaction between people who would otherwise be strangers. The artwork also alludes to the controversy that surrounds “The Cloud” which seems to be privy to all our darkest secrets and seemingly able to expose them at any moment, creating a sinister juxtaposition to what on

the surface is just a casual friendly comment about the weather.’ The Fourth Plinth is an annual competition providing an opportunity for students aged 5 to 15 to create an artwork inspired by the commissions for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. This year’s competition, organised by the Mayor of London in partnership with Cass Art, was judged by awardwinning artist Mark Wallinger, who praised young Londoners' creativity: ‘The overall quality of the work submitted for the Fourth Plinth competition was extraordinarily strong. I was quite overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of imagination displayed and the enormous diversity of materials that were used to express the proposals.’ Artwork from the Fourth Plinth Competition will be on display at City Hall until 3 July.

St Gregory’s Retains Eco Green Award

A Kenton secondary school is flying the flag for the borough by maintaining its prestigious Green Award. St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Donnington Road is the only school in Brent and one of only five secondary state schools in London to hold the Eco Schools Green Flag Award. In order to achieve this award, a school must already have achieved bronze and silver awards and must show that they have achieved significant and sustained impact in their school across a number of eco criteria, such as minimising litter and waste, saving energy and embedding the ethos of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ across the school curriculum. In addition, schools have to show major progress in one project area, which for St Gregory’s is their Eco Garden. Page 6

The Award, which was first achieved by St Gregory’s in October 2012, is only valid for two years, after which the school has to reapply to prove that they are maintaining the Eco Schools’ criteria. An Eco Schools Assessor recently visited the school and commented: ‘It was clear to see that the pupils, teachers and staff are involved in projects and they are very proud of the work they have achieved. Keep up the good work.’ Headteacher Andrew Prindiville said, ‘Our whole school community is absolutely delighted to have achieved this award for the second time, reflecting the sustained hard work, commitment and support from pupils, staff and governors combined.’

Mayfields Girls School Sing at Mass for the Ascension Mayfield Schola Cantorum was delighted to be invited to sing at Westminster Cathedral for the Vigil Mass of the Ascension on 17 April. Members were even more thrilled to find that the Cardinal himself was the celebrant. The Choir specialises in Sacred Music and sings regularly at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey and has sung previously at the Vatican. Its Director Peter Collins said:

‘For the girls to increase their experience by singing for such a moving service in such an iconic setting is wonderful. The Cathedral authorities have indicated that they will invite us again and we shall look forward to that greatly.’ Olivia Larsson, Year 10, said: ‘It was a wonderful experience to sing in such a beautiful Cathedral and exciting to realise how big the congregation was. I loved the anthems we sang.’

Daphne Bagshawe, Assistant to the Director of Music, said: ‘To sing for a great feast such as the Ascension is something any choir would value. It is probably a good thing the girls did not know in advance that the Cardinal would be the celebrant as it might have made them nervous, though after the Mass they were all thrilled to be photographed with him.’ Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

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Westminster Record | June 2015

L’Arche Founder Jean Vanier Receives The Templeton Prize

Interfaith Prayers Following Nepal Quake

©Islamic Relief UK

On 1 May, an interfaith gathering took place at the London Muslim Centre in support of Islamic Relief’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal which raised a total of £6,000. Jon Dal Din, from Westminster Interfaith, attended on behalf of the Diocese and the Christian-Muslim Forum. In his address, he quoted Pope Francis, emphasising ‘fraternal solidarity' and the importance of working together in times of crisis.

JFK Student Raises £550 for Cancer Research UK

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By Bishop Nicholas Hudson What can bring us happiness? This question, which vexed Aristotle and the author of the Psalms, is the question being asked implicitly by the John Templeton Foundation, as it seeks answers to ‘the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality’. Templeton has recognised that L'Arche has found something of an answer: that you begin to find happiness when you share your life with the poor. The Templeton Prize annually honours those who have ‘made exceptional

contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery or practical works.’ Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche, has been judged to have succeeded on all three counts and he was accordingly awarded the Templeton Prize at St Martin-inthe-Fields, Trafalgar Square on Monday 18 May. Jean explained the vision of L'Arche by recalling what Jesus said: ‘When you give a special meal, don't invite your family and rich neighbours, so that they invite you back in return. No,

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Jean Vanier with Bishop Nicholas

when you give a meal, invite rather the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind: that they cannot repay your invitation means you will be blessed.’ ‘It is not they who will be blessed,’ he went on to explain, ‘but you!’ Herein lies the key to happiness: that welcoming into your life those whom society would discard will bring you unimaginable riches. Members of L'Arche then illustrated the point by dressing a table for a feast and inviting forward people with disabilities. I was invited to join Bishop Richard Chartres of London and Jean Vanier in laying the table and summoning forth people with disabilities. The joy around the table was palpable. The joy in the Church at the presence of so many people with disabilities reminded me why I love L'Arche. It's because it announces the Kingdom: it opens our hearts to realise that when we share our lives with those whom society judges unworthy and useless, we are profoundly enriched. More than that: we experience communion; and discover a happiness we simply won't find elsewhere.

By Liz Gardner Celine Watts, a Sixth Form student from John F Kennedy Catholic School, organised a charity fundraising Football and Netball event on 30 April in aid of Cancer Research. It was a great success and along with organising a raffle and selling Cancer Research wrist bands she raised over £550 for the charity. The football match consisted of a keen team of staff and previous students against the current senior boy’s football team. The game was played in good spirit, ending in a 2-2 draw. Fifteen teams took part in the netball tournament. The JFK netball teams were out in force with every year group

represented, plus a Teachers’ team and a JFK Mums’ team. Our feeder schools also supported the event with several teams from St Rose’s Infant school and St Thomas More, St Albert the Great and St Cuthbert Mayne Primary Schools. The overall winners of the netball tournament were the Year 9A team, who beat St Rose’s Infant School in the final 3-2. Celine is just 18 years old and took the time and effort to organise this event, which shows talent beyond her years. She is a great role model to the younger students at John F Kennedy School. Page 7

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Westminster Record | June 2015

Proclaim ‘15: Mill Hill’s Response Essential Resource for Tourist Season By Chris Rosser

As the National Evangelisation Conference in July organised as part of Proclaim ‘15 draws ever nearer, Chris Rosser from the Church of the Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate, Mill Hill, writes about how his parish is responding to Proclaim: Our parish is lively and busy but we are always looking to improve and strengthen our community of faith. We were touched by Pope Francis’ call for parishes to be ‘a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey’ and the inspirational presentation we received from Bishop Nicholas at one of the Agency for Evangelisation’s introductory information sessions. Bishop Nicholas suggested that, rather than planning new initiatives, we should think more of deepening what we already do. He outlined five

different pastoral areas we might consider and ask ourselves two simple questions: ‘What are we already doing well?’ and ‘What more can we do?’ This struck a chord and seemed a natural progression for several of our current parish priorities. For some time we have been trying to discover how to reach out more effectively to the wider parish community beyond the regular Mass attenders. There are also new housing developments in the area as well as many housebound who are not receiving our support. Furthermore, we are meeting a growing number of families, particularly from overseas, who are seeking full initiation into the Church and the Sacraments. How can we respond quickly and effectively to them? In his presentation, Bishop Nicholas set out a clear simple action plan. We began with an open Parish Meeting in

February, with a special invitation to those who are not currently involved in parish activities. Forty people responded and spent a creative day reflecting on Bishop Nicholas’ five pastoral areas and applying his two simple questions. The outcome was a clarification of three initial pastoral priorities: The Housebound, Prayer and Welcoming. A number of ideas were suggested and these were followed up by a subsequent core group meeting which distilled the ideas into the three best ones under each heading. The next step was to hold a further open Parish Meeting to identify clear action points and where possible names of those committed to following through. We now have thirty action points, albeit not all yet have a name attached. That’s the talking and planning completed – the easy bit. Now the real work must begin!

As the days get warmer and evenings lighten, our thoughts turn to the promise of summer. Our city sees a great number of tourists between June and September, many of whom come from Catholic countries and will want to attend Mass while on holiday. The Diocese has just ordered a reprint of our Central London Churches Guide, a small pamphlet with details of 16 churches in the capital with their Mass times, locations and nearest Tube stations. The resource is available for all parishes and anyone who wants to know where to go to Mass in the capital. If you would like to order some of the Guides for your parish or group, please email communications@rcdow.org.uk or call 0207 798 9031.

Bishop John on End-of-life Care Churches Together Presidents Express the release of Sorrow at Violence to Persecuted Christians Following ‘Dying without Dignity’,

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The Presidents of Churches Together in England, including Cardinal Vincent, have expressed their deep sorrow at the alarming increase in violence against and murder of Christians in many parts of the world, following their meeting on 13 May. Receiving reports of martyrdom in Iraq, Iran, Egypt, India, Pakistan and Indonesia among other countries, the Presidents called upon all people of goodwill to uphold respect for the sanctity of life Page 8

and the flourishing of every human being. Stressing the fundamental God-given right and freedom to practice one’s faith and belief, they called for peaceful co-existence of diverse communities everywhere. Following this theme, they remembered Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, assassinated while celebrating Mass on 24 March 1980 because of his Christ-centered stand against the perpetrators of injustice and oppression. They joined in prayer with the people

of El Salvador where on Saturday 23 May Archbishop Romero was beatified, the stage preceding canonisation in the Church. Archbishop Romero stands in a historic line of those who have been martyred for their faith. The Presidents encouraged all to work and pray that his death 35 years ago and the deaths of other Christian martyrs are not in vain; and that the day comes when the peace of God will reign in all our hearts and lives.

a report by the Health Ombudsman documenting ‘tragic’ cases where people’s suffering could have been avoided or lessened, Bishop John Sherrington has expressed his shock at the state of end-of-life care in this country. In response to the report released on 20 April, which concluded that thousands of dying patients are being let down by poor care provision, Bishop John said: ‘As many people will have been, I was shocked by some of these stories in the Health Ombudsman’s report. In this country we have been pioneers in developing excellent practice in the palliative and pastoral care of those who are dying, and it is important we should read this report in context. Everyone deserves to have the highest quality of care, as we are all equal in the face of illness.’ He continued: ‘As a society we also need to reflect more honestly and deeply on the reality of death, and help to promote the quality of professional care and pastoral

support needed. We need to learn again the art of dying well which we find in our Christian heritage.’ A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘These are appalling cases – everyone deserves good quality care at the end of their lives. The five priorities for end-of-life care we brought in emphasise that doctors and nurses must involve patients and their families in decisions about their care, regularly review their treatment and share patients’ choices to make sure their wishes are respected. NHS England is working on making these priorities a reality for everyone who needs end-of-life care.’ Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Parish Profile

Westminster Record | June 2015

NDF: Leicester Square’s Secret ‘Pantheon’ Leicester Square: the glitz, the glamour, the nightclubs, the cinema, the street entertainers...and the Catholic Church? By Chris O’Callaghan You may have been to Leicester Square many times, yet not noticed Notre Dame de France Church on Leicester Place just north of the Square. The narrow entrance between a building site and a theatre entrance is easily missed but for the large white statue of Our Lady over the door. The church proper is fascinating, being completely round and topped by a dome through which light pours. It is comparable to the Pantheon in Rome, though smaller and without a hole in the roof. On its east wall there is no crucifix, but an Aubusson tapestry designed by Benedictine Dom Robert de Chaunac, which attracts your eye upon entering. The building was not designed as a church. When Cardinal Wiseman recognised the needs of the French Catholic community in London in the 1860s, Fr Faure was able to purchase the lease of a disused tourist attraction called the Panorama and a temporary chapel was consecrated in December 1865. The completed church was then consecrated in June 1868. In November 1940, two bombs hit the church and exploded in the crypt, completely

blowing it apart. Miraculously no-one was injured, especially as the priests would regularly shelter in the crypt during air raids listening to the radio; on that night though, the radio was not working and they had found shelter elsewhere, thus saving their lives. The church was rebuilt and reconsecrated by Cardinal Feltin, Archbishop of Paris, in October 1955. I met Fr Paul Walsh SM, an Irish Marist who serves as parish priest. The Marists have had an almost constant presence in the parish since 1865 apart from a break between 1987 and 1992. There are currently six Marists in community at Notre Dame: two Frenchmen, a Senegalese, an Englishman, a New Zealander and an Irishman. The expression of the Order is to be ‘hidden and even unknown in the world’ with their charism and inspiration coming from Mary who kept a low profile and was humble in the Gospel. Fr Paul cites the example of the wedding at Cana: Mary tells the servants to get the water into the jars and then lets Jesus act as she withdraws from view. The congregation has greatly changed since the founding of

the parish. Originally it was dominated by native French people, but the breakup of the British and French Empires in the 1960s has brought many people from Francophone African countries. The main Sunday Mass congregation consists of between 55-60% African French and 35% native French, with the remaining 5% English or other nationalities. The growth of ethnic French-speaking chaplaincies in the Diocese, such as the Congolese chaplaincy, has seen some parishioners move away, but Notre Dame remains a crucial part of the French connection. The Marists currently provide catechesis in eight French schools in London, using schools, parish halls and even people’s homes for classes. It is the biggest French school chaplaincy in the world outside France ministering to over 900 students. In addition, around 150 couples attend French language marriage preparation at Notre Dame every year; there are two baptismal celebrations a month and in April there were two celebrations of Confirmation because the church is not large enough for all the candidates. The Masses were celebrated by Bishop Renaud de Dinechin, an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Paris, but were once celebrated by Cardinal Hume in French, his mother’s native tongue. As well as the work of sacramental preparation for the French community, Notre Dame leads social outreach in Central London. It was the first Catholic church to host a night shelter through Churches Together in Westminster and each Saturday feeds over 120 people in its soup kitchen. At the start of April, Brother Ivan counted over 200 people being fed in one night. Its refugee centre next door provides a clothing depot, legal advice on housing and benefits, a clinic and health centre, English language classes, computer lessons, theatre and art and crafts workshops, and employment advice in conjunction with the LSE. The centre is funded principally through the generosity of the Marists and parishioners, and staffed by volunteers. As other centres are

closing due to financial constraints, it has become increasingly busy with those seeking help. The church doors are open from 9am to 9pm all year round and there is a constant stream of people coming and going. Notre Dame is also noted for evangelisation, hosting the annual Spirit in the City Festival in June (see page 4) and Night Church twice a month, when people are invited to come in and light a candle or take a few moments of quiet away from the madness of the Square. This year the parish celebrates its 150th anniversary with a programme of special events. The most recent was the ‘feast of music’ Grand Community Concert with music from many genres: classical, African choir, Taizé, African Gospel and charismatic songs. By the end there were around 100 people dancing around the Sanctuary!

The celebrations culminate with Mass in December celebrated by Cardinal Vincent alongside the Marist Superior General and other French priests and bishops. This parish profile ends with a tinge of sadness, as Fr Paul will be leaving Notre Dame in June after 13 years over two stints to return to his native Dublin. He leaves behind a parish full of life with notable pastoral and evangelising outreach. ‘I’ll never find anything like it again’, he told me. On behalf of the Record and staff of the Diocese, we all wish you Au Revoir and Bonne Chance in the future. It is clear that your ministry will be much missed. Founded: 1865 Mass Times: (Sat 6pm), 10, 11.30 - all in French Address: 5 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX Telephone: 020 7437 9363 Website: www.ndfchurch.org Page 9

Combatting Trafficking

Westminster Record | June 2015

Combatting Trafficking

Westminster Record | June 2015

Healing the Wound of Human Trafficking with promises of marriage, jobs and a better life, only to find themselves enslaved upon arrival. Regardless of their country of origin and whether they arrive by boat, plane or coach, it is this trade in people that the Santa Marta Group, led by Cardinal Vincent, is targeting to end this ‘open wound on the flesh of humanity’ as Pope Francis said so powerfully and so clearly at the first meeting of the Group in 2013. The Record has reported in the last year on the progress of this work in the Diocese. Cardinal Vincent has spoken publicly many times on the issue

and led the second meeting of the Santa Marta Group in November 2014. Caritas Westminster is working with schools and parishes to educate people about this crime, and with trafficked victims through Bakhita House, its new safehouse designed to help people recover from the trauma and rekindle a sense of hope for the future. In this edition of the Record, we look at the work of Kevin Hyland, the Government’s AntiSlavery Commissioner, and the Adoratrices, an order of nuns who work on the front line to provide pastoral care to victims.

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Hidden in Plain Sight: Seeing the Victims in Our Midst

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Home Secretary Theresa May speaking at the first meeting of the Santa Marta Group in Rome.

Spearheading the UK’s Response

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Pope Francis greets Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland at first Santa Marta Conference.

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During Mass on 1 January 2015, the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis called on people of all religions and cultures to unite to fight modern slavery and human trafficking, which he had previously called an ‘open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ’. He named this year’s theme as ‘No longer slaves, but brothers and sisters.’ Headed by Cardinal Vincent, Project Bakhita has been formed to deliver a strategic, academic and pastoral response to the threats and effects of modern slavery. The initiative is named after St Josephine Bakhita, a slave taken from the Sudan to Italy, where she was freed and became a Canossian Sister in 1896. It will have three separate but complementary elements. First, Caritas Bakhita House will be a support centre caring for victims identified either through the Church or by police. Staffed by professionals, including Religious sisters, the House will be available for the admission of ‘guests’ 24 hours a day. Secondly, working with St Mary’s University in Twickenham, the Project will support the Bakhita Institute

which will study a wide range of issues from victim support to effective police engagement and will feed back its findings to the Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the Santa Marta Group. The Group was formally established in April 2014 as a collaboration between police chiefs, bishops and civil society working together to eradicate human trafficking, a problem that transcends national borders. The partnership builds on the exceptional work which Religious orders have been doing globally. It aims to identify best practice and share resources to provide first-class pastoral care to victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Presently there are members from over 30 countries and the number continues to grow. A major partner to Project Bakhita is the newly appointed Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland. He is responsible for spearheading the United Kingdom’s response and is committed to working with faith groups, which he sees as pivotal in dealing with what he describes as ‘serious crimes, often violent and organised, where criminals use vulnerable people as a commodity’. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

It is often easier to think of human trafficking and modern slavery as another society’s problem rather than a reality that can confront us right here in this Diocese. We may be surprised to realise that we might come into contact of victims of modern slavery in our own communities, and even in our own parishes. As Kevin Hyland explains in our feature article, of the few places victims are allowed to visit by their captors, churches feature prominently. Over time various statutory authorities working together have developed an extensive checklist of signs that a person may be a victim, mainly for use by border officials, police, medical staff and other public officials. At the parish level, some of these signs may single out a potential victim who may be looking for help but doesn’t know how to ask. Some of the potential signs can include:

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He notes: ‘Victims are often allowed to attend church and it is important that parishioners can spot the signs and know what to do next. If every congregation is aware of the risks of trafficking and modern slavery and is able to be the eyes and ears of the authorities, many more victims could be identified and supported.’ He spoke of his experience as the Head of the Metropolitan Police Human Trafficking Unit: ‘I spoke at a conference at Southwark Cathedral with Bishop Pat Lynch. Following this, dozens of exploited Filipino nationals came forward. The community trusted the Church, whereas many are suspicious of the statutory agencies and sometimes the traffickers will reinforce this fear by claiming public officials are in their pay.’ The role of the Commissioner was introduced in the Modern Slavery Act. The Act gives the Commissioner a statutory role to encourage public authorities, including law enforcement agencies, health authorities and local councils, to ensure they have sufficient provision to respond to modern slavery. Through his reporting to Parliament on an

annual basis he can also call to account those who fail to deliver. The Act is ground-breaking legislation and the first of its kind across the world. It simplifies offences, provides victim support and prevention measures and requires large businesses to disclose how they have ensured that their supply chains are ‘slavery free’. No other country has this level of accountability built into national legislation. The Modern Slavery Act and the role of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner show the commitment of the Government of the United Kingdom to respond to modern slavery, united with the commitment of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and globally ‘to unite to fight’ this ‘crime against humanity’, as Pope Francis has requested.

• Someone who shows evidence of physical abuse ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Barely a night has passed this spring without mention of the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean Sea as thousands of people, desperate to reach Europe and the hope of a better life, board unseaworthy, ill equipped and dangerous boats to try and sail to Europe. Eyewitness reports from Libya, destabilised since the fall of the Gaddafi regime, repeat how people are forced into boats by traffickers who make a rich living from the desperation of many. Some are fleeing war zones, some are economic migrants while others are lured

• Someone with visible emotional distress or signs of trauma • Heightened sense of general fear for themselves or their families

• Someone who is withdrawn or refuses to speak • No English language skills or knowledge of how to move about in the community • Someone who is living at the work place or with their employer • Someone who earns very little and might possibly be living in cramped quarters • Someone who has no money or other possessions, but has a mobile phone There may be other signs that may make us wonder if the new person at Mass is in need of help. Equally, the victim may come forward and ask for help. Advice on where to refer possible victims and how to help them obtain assistance is available by calling the Salvation Army on their 24-hour confidential Helpline, 0300 3038151, the National Helpline, run by NSPCC, 0800 0121 700 or contacting the UK Human Trafficking Centre on 0844 778 2406 or by Email: UKHTC@nca.x.gsi.gov.uk. To report urgent information that requires an immediate response contact the Police on 999.

Volunteers needed Caritas Westminster is looking for volunteers to help at Bakhita House, the Diocese’s new safe house for victims of human trafficking. Anyone who can lend a hand will be welcomed and well received. We are especially looking for people who can speak foreign languages fluently and confidently, people with a caring and welcoming disposition to befriend guests and help them feel welcome, people with arts, crafts and gardening skills to teach guests, and cooks. People willing to drive guests to and from appointments are also welcome and required. Every minute of your time that you can give will help create a community spirit which restores life and dignity to a victim of slavery.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email bakhitahouse@rcdow.org.uk outlining the faculties you believe will aid guests at the House.

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Combatting Trafficking

Westminster Record | June 2015

Combatting Trafficking

Westminster Record | June 2015

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Hidden in Plain Sight: Seeing the Victims in Our Midst

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Home Secretary Theresa May speaking at the first meeting of the Santa Marta Group in Rome.

Spearheading the UK’s Response

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Pope Francis greets Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland at first Santa Marta Conference.

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• Someone who shows evidence of physical abuse ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

• Someone with visible emotional distress or signs of trauma • Heightened sense of general fear for themselves or their families

If you are interested in volunteering, please email bakhitahouse@rcdow.org.uk outlining the faculties you believe will aid guests at the House.

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Social Action

Westminster Record | June 2015

CAFOD Launches Nepal Appeal Following Devastating Earthquakes

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The devastating earthquakes that hit Nepal on 25 April and 7 May have killed thousands of people and left many more in urgent need of food, water, shelter and emergency supplies. Hospitals, schools and homes have been destroyed, and water and sanitation services have

been cut off in remote areas. CAFOD’s partners are out on the front-line of the emergency response. ‘It was the worst earthquake I have ever experienced in my life,’ said Fr Pius Perumana SJ, Director of Caritas Nepal in Kathmandu after the first quake.

‘The aftershocks are still strong. Lots of houses and buildings have fallen down. Thank God it was during the day on a holiday as many people were outside when it happened.’ ‘There is a lot of destruction and I saw bodies on the streets. People are still trapped in buildings and we don’t know whether they are dead or alive. Rescue is the first priority’ CAFOD has committed £200,000 to respond to the emergency, and has launched a major £3million fundraising appeal. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – a coalition of leading aid agencies, of which CAFOD is a part – has also launched a joint appeal. With your support they are providing food, shelter kits and emergency supplies to thousands of people in desperate need, including many taking shelter in churches. We are

working with Caritas Nepal, Catholic Relief Services and other agencies in the Caritas coalition of Catholic agencies. Please call 0500 85 88 85 or visit cafod.org.uk/nepal if you would like to make a donation, and please continue to keep those affected by this disaster in your prayers. Ongoing updates on the recovery efforts are available on the CAFOD website. Sixth Form students from the Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School held their own Charity Cake Sale in the week after the first earthquake to donate to this urgent cause. From a Coca-Cola chocolate cake to Rocky Roads and classic cupcakes, the range of homemade sweet treats was fantastic, with everything sold out within the 20-minute morning break time, raising £500 for the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund.

Migrants’ Mass Celebrates Diversity of London The cultural and ethnic diversity of London and its suburbs was once again celebrated at the 10th annual Migrants’ Mass at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, on Monday 4 May. Around 1,500 people were in attendance, including representatives from the many ethnic chaplaincies in the Dioceses of Westminster, Brentwood and Southwark. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Peter Smith, joined by Cardinal Vincent and Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood. It was also attended by many London Mayors, Ambassadors and MPs. A colourful banner procession with international music opened the Mass with readings and prayers proclaimed in a variety of world languages, including Tamil, Spanish, Yoruba and Tagalog. The Tablet’s Joanna Moorhead wrote that the postCommunion music from Uganda had the congregation ‘jiving in their pews’. In his homily, Archbishop Peter defended the human dignity of migrants and their right to migrate ‘so that they are enabled to find peace, security and hope for a better life and the Page 12

Forthcoming CAFOD Events 17 June – Climate Coalition Lobby of Parliament - A day of action, solidarity and celebration of all the things we love which are affected by climate change. It’s the first chance to talk with our newly-elected MPs after May’s general election and before December's crucial international climate talks. 11 July – Visit from CAFOD’s Filipino Partner – Join us in Romero House to welcome Fr Edwin Gariguez, Executive Secretary of Caritas Philippines. He will be sharing how communities are continuing to recover from Typhoon Haiyan. He is also a leading environmentalist who won the Environmental Goldman Prize in 2012. 2 October – Harvest Fast Day 7 November – Pope Francis Encyclical Day For more information about any of these events, please contact CAFOD Westminster on 0208 449 6970 or westminster@cafod.org.uk

Justice and Peace Events for July and August 1 July – Pray and Fast for the Climate evening at Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Welwyn Garden City time 7-9pm (confirm with parish). 17-19 July – Annual National Justice and Peace Conference: The Things that Make for Peace with Professor Paul Rogers, University of Bradford and Fr Edwin Gariguez, an environmentalist from Caritas Philippines. Contact admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk for details. 1 August – Pilgrimage for Water, Finsbury Park 1-4pm contact justice@rcdow.org.uk

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opportunity to realise their Godgiven potential… The Church clearly upholds and recognises the right of a sovereign state to control its borders in furtherance of the common good. But there are no easy answers... So we must pray for our politicians and our Government, both national and local, and whilst we have the right and the duty to hold them to account, we should always do so with courtesy and respect.’

29 - 31 August – Cycling Pilgrimage to Paris Stage 1; Cycle from London (Westminster Cathedral) to Newhaven stopping at parishes on the way to raise awareness of urgency of action on Climate Change leading up to the UN Paris Climate talks. Advance Notice – Justice and Peace Annual Day, 7 November. Why is Paris Important? A Study Day on Climate Change with Columban theologian Fr Sean McDonagh.

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Marriage & Family Life, Catechesis

Westminster Record | June 2015

Celebrating the Blessings of Marriage

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On Saturday 23 May Cardinal Vincent celebrated a special Mass in thanksgiving for the Sacrament of Matrimony in Westminster Cathedral. Over 500 couples were present who were celebrating significant anniversaries, of which 132 were golden anniversaries. Another 34 couples were marking their diamond jubilees, including Pat and Johanna Harkins whose anniversary was on that day. Of those present Mr and Mrs Mojer had been married for the longest, enjoying 67 years of married life.

In his homily Cardinal Vincent spoke about the importance of this celebration and the witness of the couples to marriage in society in light of the legal changes to the definition of marriage: ‘These changes in the law do nothing to dampen our confidence in the deeper, richer vision of marriage expressed in our Catholic faith and in your lives. We celebrate this vision, this invitation to a true pathway of the fullness of life, in our Mass today.’ He went on to reflect on the three blessings that are given to

the husband and wife at the end of the marriage rite. In the first blessing, we are reminded of the foundation of marriage in God with Christ at its heart. The Cardinal explained this saying, ‘marriage is truly part of God’s creative genius, the wonderful complementarity of female and male, or woman and man, that causes us to say, “yes, she, he, is my better half!”’ In this year when marriage and family life is a special focus for the Church, he invited those couples present to share their valuable experience to help him prepare for the forthcoming Synod of Bishops in October. Phil Ross, Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese, who was there with his wife Ann, reflected on the celebration saying, ‘Today's Mass was a real testimony to the love and faithfulness that underpin the marriages of over 500 couples from our Diocese. Marriage is a truly wonderful and giving vocation. Ann and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in June and it became clear that our marriage is relatively new in comparison to many others in the Cathedral today, with 67 years of wedlock being the most longstanding. We have a way to go but look forward to our next 25 years together!’ At the end of the Mass, Edmund Adamus, Director of

the Office for Marriage and Family Life, invited couples to get involved with an initiative called Explore which facilitates a dialogue between a married couple and a group of adolescents in which the realities of married love and lifelong commitment are

shared and explored. Reflecting on the Explore initiative, Ann Ross said, ‘I'm sure our school children will hear some wise words from the couples they meet and I am also sure that they will get a better appreciation of the sanctity, joy and challenges of married life.’

New Marriage DVD Resource St Anthony Communications has released a new DVD celebrating Catholic marriage. Marriage: God's Design for Life and Love presents the enduring Catholic vision and understanding of marriage and the natural law, the beauty and meaning of human sexuality, of family, of the gift of children, and addresses the challenges we face in our world today. It includes presentations by

Cardinal Raymond Burke, Bishop Mark Davies, Fr Marcus Holden, Fr Andrew Pinsent, Louise Kirk, Fiona Mansford and Edmund Adamus on a range of issues and reflections for marriage in the modern world. The film is ideal for any parish faith formation event or group on matrimony. The DVD is available online from www.saintant.com priced at £9.95.

Catechists Hear the Most Amazing Things At this time of year hundreds of our parish catechists around the Diocese will be reflecting and reviewing the sacramental programmes that have been running in the parish for the past year. The Diocesan Office for Catechesis helps many parishes with this process of review. We thought you might like to know that being a catechist is not all hard work and doctrine. In her novel The Colour Purple, Alice Walker, through the character Celie, reminds us that life is not a matter of hurrying about doing good deeds to earn God’s approval. Life is, rather, taking time to notice, appreciate, and praise God for the gifts he has provided for our enjoyment.

Sometimes we can get so absorbed in our responsibilities that we take ourselves too seriously. It is then, if we take the time to notice, that God can send us a reminder to ‘lighten up’. Because catechists are privileged to engage young children and adults in matters that are important and sacred, misunderstandings and misstatements are bound to occur. Some are humorous, some are tender, and some are profound. Here are a few examples of things catechists have experienced and shared with us: All Ears A catechist remembers when she was growing up in a

London parish how she and her classmates struggled to memorise passages from the Penny Catechism. One day, her classmate Kevin was called upon to answer the question, ‘Who is God?’ Kevin must not have been listening carefully when he was being drilled on the right answer (God is the supreme being who created all things), because he stood next to his desk and nervously blurted, ‘God is the string bean who created all things.’ Special Delivery A catechist in Hertfordshire invited the children to voice their special intentions during morning prayer. A little girl asked that everyone pray for the family of ducks that had

made her back garden their home. ‘I know they’re a family,’ said the little girl, ‘because there’s a male and an e-mail and their baby.’ Fluffy Thinking A catechist spent an entire session extolling the wonderful season of Lent. It was only when he asked the students for suggestions of things they could do for Lent that he realised they all thought he had been talking about lint. Happy Birthday, Jesus! A catechist stood before her first Holy Communion group and asked them to name the holy days of the church’s year. The parish priest happened to be visiting the group that day.

They got through all of them, but for some reason could not think of Christmas. Finally the priest said, ‘Children, when is Jesus’ birthday?’ After a few seconds, Maggie in the first row raised her hand. The catechist called on her. ‘Margaret?’ ‘Every day’ Maggie said, ‘is Jesus’ birthday, because Jesus is in all of us, and every day is someone’s birthday.’ For more information about catechist training and formation offered by the Diocese, please email: catadmin@rcdow.org or call 0207 931 6090 to speak to one of our diocesan advisors.

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Vocations

Westminster Record | June 2015

How To Be A Missionary Disciple by Fr Richard Nesbitt

Vocations Pilgrimage to Walsingham Saturday 20 June. An all-day pIlgrimage by coach for those discerning their vocation and for those praying for them. Cost £15 to cover coach travel. Limited spaces available - for more info and to book a place, please contact Fr Richard.

Tony Thomas

Damian Ryan

Chinedu Udo

Christian de Lisle

From the very first moment of his election, Pope Francis has challenged us to become ‘an evangelising Church that comes out of herself’ rather than ‘a self-absorbed Church that lives within herself, of herself, for herself.’ At the heart of this urgent call for renewal is his personal invitation for each one of us to become a ‘missionary disciple.’ What does he mean by this, and how are we to live this out? On Saturday 13 June four of our Westminster seminarians, Christian de Lisle, Damian Ryan, Tony Thomas and Chinedu Udo, will be ordained to the diaconate in the Cathedral. Immediately following the ordination, in the nearby Hinsley Room, there will be an afternoon of retreat and reflection for young adults in their 20s and 30s who would like to deepen their understanding of Pope Francis’s call. An ordination is a very inspiring celebration, when those being ordained give their lives totally and unconditionally to serve God and his Church. For the four men on 13 June this will be the culmination of a journey of discernment lasting many years, a moment in which each man says ‘Use me Lord in whatever way you will.’ We thought this would be a perfect opportunity then to reflect with others on how they too might be able to give themselves so freely. Deacon Brian says: ‘Since I came back to the Church 10 years ago, I have rediscovered very powerfully God’s personal call to a life of ever deeper discipleship. What does it mean for me to be a missionary disciple? Someone who follows Jesus Christ faithfully and fully; this is the essence of discipleship. He calls us by name, and invites

us to become ever more like Him, which means a person of forgiveness, compassion, service, self-sacrifice, someone in love with the Father and filled with the Holy Spirit. So we find this deeper discipleship by imitating Jesus. He was a poor man, who owned nothing and died naked on a cross. This raises questions about our own lifestyles. He was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’; and discipleship is impossible by my own powers, it is a work of grace and the Holy Spirit. Discipleship also has an urgency about it: ‘Leave the dead to bury the dead’, as Jesus said. The first disciples dropped their nets at

once and followed Jesus. So I need to ask myself, what are the nets that entrap me, that stop me from really following Jesus? Perhaps a job description of a disciple would be someone who has heard His voice and responded to it, renouncing their own ways and having the trust to go wherever Christ sends them.’ That willingness to say yes and go wherever Christ sends us is, I think, at the heart of Pope Francis’ call to missionary discipleship. As Vocations Director, I am always looking for this deep freedom really to do God’s will, whatever

consequences this may mean, as the key sign of someone being open to God’s plan for their lives. It is what I experienced myself when I came to know God in my 20s and was received into the Church. My life could never be the same again and the reason for my existence was now to share with others the gift of faith, of a living relationship with God, which I had myself received. I didn’t imagine that this would lead me to becoming a priest! If you would like to explore more deeply Christ’s call for you to be a missionary disciple, why not come along to the ordination at 10.30am in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 13 June and then join others for the retreat afternoon afterwards. For more information, and to register for the retreat, please contact Fr Richard on the details provided at the bottom of the next page.

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Sing Well and Pray Twice A day of music and prayer with international composer Christopher Walker on 29 August 2015, 10am-4pm at St Augustine’s Church, Hammersmith. Workshop, Celebration of Mass & Lunch. Individuals & Parish groups welcome. Advance booking is required: 0208 748 3788.

Vocations

Westminster Record | June 2015

The Congregation of the Adoratrices: Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament of Charity

By Hannah Woolley The Congregation of the Adoratrices has at its heart a mission of Adoration and Liberation. They seek to liberate women through their work with those affected by prostitution and trafficking. The Eucharist, which nourishes and re-builds them, is the centre of their attitude and acts of Adoration. Their foundress, St Maria Micaela, lived deeply this Eucharistic vocation and teaches them to Adore ‘from the world and in the world’. In recognition of their valuable work, on 13 April King Felipe VI of Spain presented the biennial Human Rights Award to the Adoratrices.

little by little and needs to be the woman the opportunity to continue with her life and have cultivated. It is not one decision, but a series of a family of her own. decisions that grow and need to This experience opened be cultivated that leads to a Micaela’s eyes to this situation peace of heart and happiness. and she was surprised by the The sisters’ work is always number of women who were focused on the individual, on affected and by the complex the woman as ‘the protagonist circumstances that brought in her own story’. These women them to this situation. Micaela receive an unconditional decided to open a house to welcome where they will never support and care for these be labelled or judged, but women. In society they were oppressed and despised and, by treated with great dignity and respect, as you would treat helping them, Micaela would anyone else. The sisters aim to lose her own reputation and create a family atmosphere of respect. community whilst maintaining The period leading up to confidentiality and this had been a time of great professionalism. These turmoil and inner struggle for principles have been adopted Micaela. She had initially been from their founder, and resistant, but eventually, although some practical aspects through intense prayer, had of their work develop, the way come to the conclusion that in which the sisters approach God was calling her to this particular mission. Micaela was and engage with the women they work with remains the attracted by the beauty and same. strength of God, and sought to In London the Adoratrices find this in the other. She run a project called RAHAB wanted to restore the dignity that reaches out to women and the image of God in those affected by prostitution and women that she met. victims of human trafficking. In 1850, Micaela decided to fully commit to the care of these The sisters have been invited to women when she heard the call share their knowledge and experience, to form part of the of God saying ‘It is you that I team at Caritas Bakhita House, want in my work’. She left her a new safe house in the Diocese family, rights, wealth and position in society to set up her for victims of trafficking. first house and found a www.adoratrices.com religious congregation. www.rahabuk.com Speaking to the sisters in the Diocese about their own St Maria Micaela, foundress of the Adoratrices vocation, and specifically how they had chosen to join the Adoratrices, I was surprised by the variety of ways that they St Maria Micaela, was born prostitution through had come to join the in Madrid in 1809 into a noble circumstances beyond her congregation. Some had been Christian family. As a control. Micaela invited this attracted by the particular noblewoman, much of her time woman into her home and charism of the congregation, was dedicated in charitable returned her to her own family others by its focus on works. In one of her visits to St without having to explain the Adoration. They describe their ©Mazur/catholicnews.org John of God hospital, she met a whole story to them. This gave call as something that happens young lady on the ward who wore a cashmere shawl. Knowing that this was an expensive garment, she wondered what had brought the young woman to this For more information on vocations please contact situation. She approached the Fr Richard Nesbitt richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7349 5624 woman slowly and with great If you have a story or an event you would like to have featured tenderness. The woman explained that she was the on this page, please contact communications@rcdow.org.uk daughter of a wealthy banker, or 020 7798 9030 but had become a victim of

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Youth Director’s Spotlight: Preparing for Summer 2016

Westminster Record | June 2015

I spent over 30 years in the corporate world before having the opportunity to help guide youth ministry in our Diocese, and one legacy that haunts me is my use of clichés and buzzphrases typical of business life.

My team teases me relentlessly, replaying back to me the phrases I use, even noting them down for future use. Here are some classics: ‘That suggestion came out of left field’, ‘Completing that project on time will be a long putt’, ‘I was simply shooting the breeze with that idea’, ‘It’s now water under the bridge’… I think you get the picture. One particular phrase that hit me recently is ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. I was taking time out to look ahead into 2016 and it was clear that we were going to have to be ‘on our mettle’ if we were to make sure

that everything ‘worked like clockwork!’ Next year will be relentless, especially during the summer. We head into July with our World Youth Day pilgrimage to Krakow, journeying alongside 250 young pilgrims from our Diocese. Time with Pope Francis will be special; from my experience of Rio I know that those who travel to Lodz (where we will be spending the Mission Week) and Krakow will have a life-enhancing experience. Do visit our website for more information on World Youth Day and see what we’re planning. We also have to plan for the

Lourdes pilgrimage; it will be the 27th year of the joyful adventure for hundreds of young Redcaps. We need to ‘get our act together’ and ensure that everything is in order for both of these important youth events. Of course, each year we also support the Youth 2000 summer festival in Walsingham and must be ready to be there for this important movement which itself is celebrating its 26th year in 2015. As we move into August 2016, we will be readying ourselves for the opening of our new residential complex at SPEC Retreat Centre; we are currently

in the middle of the tendering process and will break ground this summer. The work will deliver something special and will enable the team at Pinner to deliver a comprehensive range of residential retreats for the schools and parishes of our Diocese. We have Open Days planned for 19 and 20 June to make sure the SPEC project is not kept ‘under the radar!’ We have a lot of planning underway so ‘let’s get the show on the road!’ Phil Ross is Director of the Diocesan Youth Ministry

Chaplain’s Corner Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain

Many young people I work with are fascinated by the concept of discernment. It is a genuinely exciting thing, at the threshold of adult life, to explore what amazing things God has in mind for each of us. Who can fail to be moved by the opportunity to listen to God’s call and respond generously and full of enthusiasm? The danger is that, amid the excitement, we get caught up in our own ideas and dreams for the future. There is always the possibility that, in planning our lives, we end up following our own path, rather than the one God is calling us to take. When a young couple gets married there is a wonderful sense of commitment and sharing. Each one is saying in a sense they are ready to give up their own dreams and ideas in order to share the dreams and ideas of the other. This needs to happen; otherwise the partnership ends up being dominated by one side’s vision. The same is true for each of us in our Christian calling. Sometimes we must be ready to renounce our own plans for the future in order to give ourselves entirely to what God or others ask of us. Page 16

To find out more about the Youth Ministry and experiences of our young people at: dowym.org.uk.

Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Twitter at: twitter.com/dowym

The world at large likes to think of freedom as the possibility of doing whatever we choose. Yet we know this way of thinking is only an illusion. Real freedom consists in choosing to do what someone else asks. This is true for couples, families, for individuals, for priests and religious. Each of us has the opportunity to choose this path that leads to freedom. Who among us really wants to become the slave of our own selfish desires? Discernment, or listening for God, is the key if we want to give ourselves entirely to what he asks.

Events

Taizé pilgrimage Saturday 15 August – Monday 24 August Taizé, France Performing Arts weekend Friday 16 October – Sunday 18 October Focolare Centre, 69 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6ED World Youth Day pilgrimage Monday 18 July 2016 – Sunday 31 July 2016 Krakow, Poland For additional information on any of these upcoming events, please contact us on our social media channels or email: youth@rcdow.org.uk See photos of youth events at: http://flickr.com/ photos/catholicwestminster

Review

Westminster Record | June 2015

An English Spring by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Cardinal Cormac, Archbishop Emeritus of the Diocese, has released his memoirs titled An English Spring. As the only Archbishop of Westminster not to die in office, he is the only one who has ‘lived to tell the tale’, providing a candid and honest reflection on over 80 years of life and nearly 60 years as a priest. One of the most striking elements is the range of experiences and roles the Cardinal has had. After his years in Rome attending lectures in Latin and praying for the conversion of England, he returned home to serve as a curate in Portsmouth. He was then Private Secretary to Bishop Derek Worlock at Portsmouth and spent just a year as a parish priest before his transfer to Rome to become Rector of the English College, his alma mater, being made Bishop of Arundel and Brighton in 1977. In 1999

Cardinal Hume told him ‘you will have to take over this job’ a few days before he died. Bishop Cormac thus became Archbishop of Westminster in 2000, was created Cardinal in 2001 and served in the Diocese until his retirement in 2009. His various roles in many places allow him to chart the change in the landscape of British Catholicism since the 1960s and he frequently refers back to the documents of the Second Vatican Council and his interest in implementing them. During this varied ministry, the Cardinal recounts many stories of people he has met, including his predecessors in Westminster, four Popes and The Queen. One chapter explores four unique episodes in which he was involved in during his time at Westminster, including the Iraq War and the position of Catholic bishops in the House of Lords. He also

writes of the election of Pope Benedict XVI and the conclave which elected Pope Francis, his old friend who was part of La Squadra, the group of Cardinals who sat together during the 2005 conclave. ‘Tuo e colpevole!’ (You’re to blame!), Pope Francis said to him a few months after his election as Supreme Pontiff. ‘I am sure he said that to many cardinals in the previous weeks’, Cardinal Cormac observes. Overall the book’s strength is its accessibility. It is not a dense theological thesis and the Cardinal acknowledges this early on. Nor is it an autobiography and historians may come to criticise or question absent chapters in the book, which he also admits. But in the main it is an easy read and has some amusing and interesting anecdotes from a man who has been there, done it and got the red biretta.

Page 17

Saints & Obituaries St John Southworth: 27 June As one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, St John Southworth paid the ultimate price for his faith and is often referred to as the ‘Parish Priest of Westminster’. Yet he was not a Parish Priest in the traditional sense, but one who came to Westminster and, under threat of death, continued to serve and help the poor, notably during the plague years of the early 17th century. Born around 1592 into a Lancashire family who lived at Samlesbury Hall near Preston, he studied for the priesthood at the English College, Douai, and was ordained a priest in 1618. He was sent to minister to English Catholics and, under the penal laws in force at the time, was arrested in 1626 in Lancashire. He was condemned to death and imprisoned first in Lancaster Castle and afterwards in the Clink Prison, London. During the plague of 1636 we have accounts of him in Westminster, administering the sacraments and comforting the sick and the dying. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649 and the establishment of the Commonwealth, laws against Catholics were more vigorously enforced. In 1654 an informer told the authorities that a Catholic priest was working in Westminster and Commonwealth soldiers arrested John Southworth. He was tried at the Old Bailey although there was little

evidence against him. His friends advised him to deny being a priest to save himself, but he would not and thus was condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on 28 June. We have a detailed record of St John’s gallows speech. He went to his brutal death with great bravery. ‘This gallows I look on as His cross which I gladly take to follow my dear Saviour,’ he said. The Spanish ambassador bought the body from the executioner and the corpse was sewn together, embalmed and returned to Douai. When England and France went to war in 1793, St John’s coffin, along with other relics, was buried beneath the seminary in the kilns for protection. It was subsequently lost and not discovered again until 1927. Fr Purdie, a Westminster priest, was sent by Cardinal Bourne from England to receive and identify the remains, which were brought initially to St Edmund’s College, Ware. On 30 April 1930 his relics were brought first to the convent at Tyburn and then, on 1 May, to Westminster Cathedral. John Southworth was beatified in 1929 and declared a saint in 1970. Today his casket can be found in the Holy Souls chapel of the Cathedral. Copies of the late Fr Michael Archer’s CTS booklet on St John Southworth are available from the Cathedral shop priced £1.95.

Fr Piotr Smoliński MIC RIP

In Memoriam: June

Fr Piotr Smoliński MIC was born on 21 July 1964 in Międzyrzec Podlaski, Poland. He entered the Marian Fathers in June 1983 and took his First Vows in September 1984. He was ordained to the priesthood in June 1990 by Bishop Zbigniew Józef Kraszewski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Warsaw. Following his ordination, he had a varied ministry, serving as a Parish Priest, Rector of the Marian Fathers’ residence in Lublin, Prefect of Studies, Archivist General at Generalate of the Marian Fathers in Rome, and Superior General conducting the process of beatification for five members of his Order. In 2009 Fr Piotr was transferred to Ealing to serve the Polish migrant community. During his time in Ealing he was heavily involved in sacramental preparation. Father Piotr died suddenly on 20 April 2015 aged 51, in his 25th year of priesthood.

1 Fr Philip Carpenter (1992) Bishop Victor Guazzelli (2004) 2 Fr Stephen Finnegan (1993) Fr Damien McManus (1997) 4 Fr Joseph Rees (2007) Fr William McConalogue (2009) 7 Fr John O’Connell (1970) 9 Mgr David Norris (2010) 10 Fr John Harrington (2007) 11 Fr Vincent McCarthy (1974) Fr Francis Davis (2003) 13 Canon Alfonso de Zulueta (1980) 14 Fr George Lee (1987) 16 Fr Michael Pinot de Moira (2013) 17 Cardinal Basil Hume OSB (1999) 18 Fr Michael Connor (2007) 19 Cardinal Herbert Vaughan (1903) 20 Fr Thomas Kiernan (2013) 21 Fr J Brian Campbell (1983) 22 Fr Anthony Turbett (2000)

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets on 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

Page 18

Westminster Record | June 2015

Ealing Abbey Events

26 Fr John Moran (1988)

Presbyteral ordination of Br Ambrose McCambridge OSB by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Saturday 4 July at 11am.

27 Fr Raleigh Addington (1980)

Book disputation on Ask the Beasts, Darwin and the God of Love, by Elizabeth Johnson. Panel: Clare Watkins, Abbot Martin Shipperlee, Catherine Pepinster & Fr Jim Sweeney CP. Sat 29 August at 3pm in Ealing Abbey Parish Hall.

30 Fr Edmund R J Henry (1971)

Mgr Canon Roderick More O’Ferrall (1991) 28 Fr Cuthbert Boddy (1970) Canon Denis Crowley (1980) 29 Fr Richard Fitzgibbon (2006) Fr William Anderson (1972) Fr Christopher Bedford (2008)

Free Catholic Tours. ‘Saints and Scholars’ walk first Sunday of the month, including Mass. Contact Peter on 07913 904997 or circlingthesquaretours@ hotmail.co.uk

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | June 2015

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

1 Mon

St Justin, Martyr

2 Tue

feria, Ninth Week of Year 1 or Sts Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

Evangelisation Prayer Group for young adults meets from 7pm on Wednesdays at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX. For further details please contact Armel at apostles.jesus@yahoo.co.uk.

3 Wed

St Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession meets every 3rd Wednesday at St Anselm’s & St Cecelia’s, 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.

Prayer Groups 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. 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

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 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday 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.

4 Thu

feria

5 Fri

St Boniface, Bishop & Martyr; Friday abstinence

6 Sat

feria or St Norbert, Bishop or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

7 Sun

+ THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)

8 Mon

feria, Tenth Week of Year 1

9 Tue

feria or St Ephrem, Deacon & Doctor or St Columba, Abbot

10 Wed

feria

11 Thu

St Barnabas, Apostle

12 Fri

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS; No Friday abstinence

13 Sat

feria or Immaculate Heart of Mary or St Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

14 Sun

+ 11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

15 Mon

feria, Eleventh Week of Year 1

THURSDAYS 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.

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

Other regular Masses

Liturgical Calendar - June

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.

16 Tue

feria or St Richard of Chichester, Bishop

17 Wed

feria; Anniversary of the death of Cardinal George Basil Hume OSB, Ninth Archbishop of Westminster (1999)

18 Thu

feria

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 Fri

feria or St Romuald, Abbot; Friday abstinence

20 Sat

St Alban, Martyr

21 Sun

+ 12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

22 Mon

STS JOHN FISHER, Bishop and ST THOMAS MORE, Martyrs

FRIDAYS

23 Tue

feria, Twelfth Week of Year 1 or St Etheldreda (Audrey), Virgin

24 Wed

THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

25 Thu

feria

26 Fri

feria

27 Sat

St John Southworth, Priest & Martyr

28 Sun

+ STS PETER AND PAUL, Apostles

29 Mon

feria, Thirteenth Week of Year 1

30 Tue

feria or The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

Association of Divorced and Separated Catholics Every third Friday of the month. All divorced and separated Catholics are welcome. Call Frank or Christine on 020 8422 1591. Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD. Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group Every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, please call: 020 8748 2632.

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

For more events from around the diocese throughout the month, please see www.rcdow.org.uk

A Day for the Lord - St Patrick’s Church, Soho, will be hosting 24-hour Vigils of Eucharistic Adoration all year with priests available for confessions. The next one will take place from 12noon Friday 19 to 12noon Saturday 20 June. All are invited to take time to pray before the Lord. Praying with Pope Francis - June 2015 Universal Intention: Immigrants and refugees - That immigrants and refugees may find welcome and respect in the countries to which they come. For Evangelisation: Vocations - That the personal encounter with Jesus may arouse in many young people the desire to offer their own lives in priesthood or consecrated life.

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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. Quiet prayer 7.15pm, Mass 7.30pm. 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. LGBT Catholics Westminster Mass 2nd & 4th Sundays 6.15pm, Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street, W1K 3AH. Contact: lgbtcatholicswestminster@gmail. com 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. 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.

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Page 19

Reflection

Westminster Record | June 2015

Great Solemnities of Ordinary Time the wake of that celebration we come to recognise the Mystery of God, Three in One. The Collect of Trinity Sunday puts this well, asking that our response will be in faithfulness, adoration and love. God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty. Meanwhile the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer points to the wonder of unity and differentiation in God, Father, Son and Spirit.

Corpus Christi mosaic

By Fr Allen Morris Easter ends with the great feast of Pentecost, but Easter itself, the time of Resurrection, never ends. The season of 50 days finds its completion in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which began in history, but will continue until history is at an end and all are gathered in the presence of the glory of God in perfect thanksgiving. After Pentecost two great feasts mark something of what we experience in the Paschal Mystery: Trinity Sunday, the feast of the Threeness of the One God, and Corpus Christi, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, of our communion with Him. Two absolute truths treasured in the Church can seem mutually contradictory: that ‘God is One’, and that ‘God is Three’. The unity of God, which Christians affirm along with Jews and Muslims, is proclaimed in the Old Testament: ‘Listen Israel: the Lord our God is the one Lord. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your Page 20

strength.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5). Yet the Threeness of the One God is also intimated, in the plural form of God used in the story of Creation; in the visit of the three ‘men’ to Abraham (Genesis 18), and in the language of ‘word’, ‘wisdom’ and ‘spirit’ of God. This Threeness is more clearly articulated in the Gospels: Jesus praying to his Father, and speaking of the Spirit gifted by the Father and breathed out by the Son. St Paul concluded his Second Letter to the Corinthians by praying: ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.’ (2 Corinthians 13:13). Definition of the doctrine of the Trinity came through the intellectual tussles of the Church’s Councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon, but it is firmly established in the Church’s experience of God with, in and through Jesus Christ. That comes to a heightened pitch in the events of Holy Week and Easter and in

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. The Eucharist gives birth to the Mystery of the Church, apprehendable in us through the life of Christ gifted in the sacred food and drink of the Mass. For at the Last Supper with his Apostles, establishing for the ages to come the saving memorial of the Cross, he offered himself to you as the unblemished Lamb, the acceptable gift of perfect praise.

Nourishing your faithful by this sacred mystery, you make them holy, so that the human race, bounded by one world, may be enlightened by one faith and united by one bond of charity. And so, we approach the table of this wondrous Sacrament, so that, bathed in the sweetness of your grace, we may pass over to the heavenly realities here foreshadowed. The Liturgy feeds the Mission of the Church. To our senses we receive but a tiny scrap of bread and a little sip of wine, but in truth we know the life of the Lord himself is communicated to us, that we might live in him and continue his work.

For with your Only Begotten Son and the Holy Spirit you are one God, one Lord: not in the unity of a single person, but in a Trinity of one substance. For what you have revealed to us of your glory we believe equally of your Son and of the Holy Spirit, so that, in the confessing of the true and eternal Godhead, you might be adored in what is proper to each Person, their unity in substance, and their equality in majesty. For this is praised by Angels and Archangels, Cherubim, too, and Seraphim, who never cease to cry out each day, as with one voice they acclaim: The prayer of the Church on earth finds itself united with the prayer of heaven, angels and saints worshipping the beauty of God. If the Trinity reveals the limits of our ability to comprehend God, so too does the Mystery of the Eucharist. It may be more immediately tangible: we see, touch, taste bread and wine that become Christ’s Body and Blood. Through its transformation, its transubstantiation as we say, everything that is most real about these material elements becomes Christ himself, really, entirely, present. And He is present for us, to win us more fully for Himself. The Collect puts it simply and powerfully:

Image of the Trinity Fr Allen Morris chairs the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. His blog, Living Eucharist, can be found at: livingeucharist.wordpress.com