Westminster Record - May 2019 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

May 2019 | 20p

Praying for Sri Lanka

Holy Week and Easter

Remembering Cardinal Hume

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Pages 12 & 13

Pages 18 & 19

Faith as the source of our hope by Cardinal Vincent Nichols Easter Sunday is a day of peace. This affirmation was shattered by the series of suicide bombs detonated in Sri Lanka on that very morning. Three of the bombs targeted Catholic churches where crowds had gathered for Mass celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. The other bombers ruthlessly attacked international visitors in major hotels. All week the terrible and heart-rending details have been emerging: of families shattered, of children orphaned, of parents suddenly robbed of their children. Images have lingered in our minds, dominating any sense of Easter holiday: devastated dining rooms, blood drenched churches and statues, distraught mourners. For me, unique among these images, was the footage of the young man, heavy rucksack on his back, strolling into the courtyard of St Sebastian’s Church, casually saluting people he was about the blow into pieces. How else can this be described other than pure evil masquerading as everyday, decent humanity? Evil always does that. It comes in human guise, whether embodied in a person or in a conviction-driven movement. The effects of evil disclose its true face: a contorted, corrupt version of human endeavour, justifying hatred as a search for truth or justice, embracing violence and callous disregard for life for the sake of a particular cause, deliberately sowing enmity and the desire

for revenge where there is a measure of accord and peace. Poor Sri Lanka is but the most recent victim. Yet evil is not a stranger in the days of Easter. In fact the confrontation with evil, which everyone has to face in one measure or another, lies at the heart of these Christian celebrations. Two days before Easter Sunday the same faithful gathered to stand at the foot of the gibbet on which hung the tortured body of Jesus, derided by the people and condemned by the authorities. The following day, the same faithful gathered in remembrance of the stillness of the earth at the death of this Anointed One, the Christ, and in the belief that, rising from the tomb of death, he first descended into hell. Only then, only after these confrontations with the totality of evil, did he appear to his followers as ‘the risen Lord’. So many whose lives have been shattered by these atrocities have lived this week in hell. We have seen their faces and felt their agony and despair. We do not know how to respond, other than to assure them of our condolences, our prayers perhaps, and offer material support. Confronted with this evil we feel truly helpless even if angry and outraged. Easter Sunday is far more than a day of peace. It is a day of unbridled relief that at last, in the lexicon of human history, there is a response to evil that not only opens for us an

horizon beyond the horrendous reality of these atrocities, but also gives the energy and spirit for the endless task of building peace. In this sense, Jesus is proclaimed as Saviour. He is present not only in the hearts of those who strive for peace, but also present to those who are caught in the hell of man-made evil. They are not alone. Two vivid images remain in the aftermath of a different tragedy of these days: the fire in Notre Dame Cathedral. One is the glimpse of the cross at the far end of the burned out, still smouldering nave. The cross glinted in a shaft of sunlight, a sign of the promise of Christ in the midst of the devastation of life. The second was the surviving rose window above the west door. A rose window is an ancient lesson in life. Its circumference contains the everyday life of the people, its ‘spokes’ the highlights of that story. At its centre is an image of the Divine, Christ, often in the embrace of Mary, Notre Dame. The lesson is clear: when we are centred on him then a harmony is possible. On the other hand, if there is a vacuum at the centre of our being, and of our common efforts, then confusion will ensue. If this ‘symbolic’ power of faith, its capacity to hold together our disparate lives, is eroded, it is more easily replaced by its opposite, the ‘diabolic’, the disintegrating effects of evil in our midst. This faith is the source of our hope, the response to the yearnings of our hearts.

Cardinal Vincent blesses the baptismal waters with the Paschal candle, the light of the Risen Christ, at the Easter Vigil Mass. (See pages 12-13)

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Government should promote freedom of religion

‘Create a sense of belonging for young people to counteract gang culture’ Cardinal Vincent joined other church leaders at the Standing Together rally in Trafalgar on Saturday 6th April to call for an end to knife crime, to demand action and to stand alongside young people, families and communities affected by the scourge of violent crime. Reflecting afterwards, Cardinal Vincent spoke about the need to warn young people about gangs and to provide them with alternatives: ‘I know some of our Catholic schools in London are leading the way in the work with the Metropolitan Police to try to explain to young people early in their lives about the dangers, about the risks, and about how to react. ‘The only way of counteracting a gang culture is to create for young people a sense of belonging to something else: something that’s positive, creative and attractive to them. ‘I had a request from a priest this week who’s looking to start a boxing club in his parish. In my youth in Liverpool there were a lot of Catholic parishes with boxing clubs because they taught discipline and the right use of strength. They even produced a few world champions (John Conteh was one) but this was the alternative to gang culture and this is the kind of reaction we need to involve young people in a way that calls out their commitment and helps them to build discipline and self-control in their lives, and that’s the best counter to some of the worst influences today.’ The Cardinal also made reference to negative social media influences: ‘In families and schools we need to be scrupulous in telling

each other the truth and not hiding behind the half-truths, crudeness and unworthiness of things that are cheap, quick and popular today. Young people need deep roots so they can stand tall and grow to their full potential.’ He also had a direct message to young people who have found themselves involved in gangs or carrying knives: ‘If you or your friends are involved in gangs, try to find a way out. If you or your friends carry or possess knives, go to one of the banks and anonymously get rid of the knife in your possession, just get rid of it. It doesn’t make you safer it puts you at risk of using it and not only will you cause harm to somebody else, you’ll damage your own life. ‘So build friendships, find places where you can go and sit and honestly talk and share your experiences with other people. Say your prayers, turn to God, turn to Christ and let your life grow from that relationship with Jesus rather than from anywhere else.’ Continuing to emphasise the need for prayer and to look to the Cross not just as a place of sorrow and suffering but a place that witnesses the birth of new hope, he said: ‘For families worried about their youngsters, talk, talk, keep talking. To families who are worried and strained in their relationships, find times of silence when you sit together, say a simple prayer.’ In the Diocese of Westminsters, secure knife bins where knives can be disposed of anonymously are availble at the Parishes of St Ignatius in Stamford Hill and St Melliltus in Tollington Park.

In a joint Catholic and Church of England response to the government-commissioned independent review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby argued that government should promote freedom of religion and belief as a fundamental human right. They also called on government to take a joinedup approach to freedom of religion and belief in foreign, aid, security, trade, resettlement and asylum policy, rather than treating it as an isolated diplomatic activity. The independent review was launched by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt earlier this year and is being led by Bishop of Truro Philip Mountstephen. Cardinal Nichols and Archbishop Welby said in a joint letter to accompany the submission: ‘Christians form an important part of the social fabric in almost every country of the world. Yet in many places, our Christian sisters and brothers face persecution of an intensity and extent unprecedented in many centuries.

‘This submission is shaped by their voices and by our commitment to make them heard. ‘We must remember, too, that these threats to freedom of religion or belief are not restricted to Christians alone. Rather, it is a widespread experience of the followers of other faiths. Many are deprived of this basic expression of their human dignity. Similar threats are also faced by atheists and agnostics who seek to uphold crucial decisions of conscience. ‘We ask Her Majesty’s Government to take note of the practical recommendations offered by our Churches in this submission and to take meaningful action not only in protecting Christians facing persecution but also in promoting freedom of religion and belief more widely.’ The call was echoed by Archbishop Bashar Warda, Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Erbil, Kurdistan Iraq, where Christians were chased from their homes in 2014 as ISIS took hold in Northern Iraq. Archbishop Warda said: ‘The UK government has taken the first courageous step to have the global review into Christian persecution. The next courageous step is to come and listen to those who suffer and

witness the persecution, the destruction, the displacement and the frightening figures of persecuted flight. The Church in England and Wales is a great support to us here in Iraq since the coming of ISIS in 2014. Cardinal Nichols made a great impact when he came here in 2015 to see and experience our situation at first hand.’ Nigeria has also seen significant violence and persecution against people on account of their religious belief. Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City in Nigeria said: ‘Against the backdrop of the violence and bloodshed that characterized the last elections, we are pained that the culture of death is becoming embedded into our daily lives. This persistent devaluation of human life and property poses an existential threat to our personal survival and that of our nation. How can government continue to appear helpless in the face of such shameful tragedy? We strongly appeal to the President, in collaboration with the Governors of Kaduna State and other affected States to seriously take steps to arrest this drift before total anarchy and mayhem consume the entire nation.’

Technology can strengthen fight against human trafficking In an interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Vincent spoke about the possible use of technology to strengthen the global network of the Catholic Church in the fight against human trafficking. ‘One of the themes of the conference,’ he said, ‘is about raising awareness and education.’ ‘There’s much more we can do to alert people to where the phenomenon of human trafficking is most likely to be found. We can create apps that put in people’s pockets a means of response when they feel themselves at risk or in danger.’ He paid tribute to the network of religious orders around the world who, through a simple phone call, can organise help for a victim of trafficking who may want to return to their original homeland. However, he noted, that more can be done to raise awareness and to ‘help strengthen, to give muscle and

flexibility to the global network of the Catholic Church.’ This is where technology can help. He gave as an example the Safer Car Wash app, which presents users with a series of questions that alert them to signs that a particular car wash may be exploiting victims of trafficking, thus enabling them to ‘send a message almost immediately to a national police resource who will then investigate.’ The Cardinal noted that, according to recent reports, ‘this app has succeeded in vastly increasing the closing down of car washes that were employing slave labour. So we are looking at the possibilities given us by modern technology.’ He explained too that, in addition to raising awareness of what people are buying, it was also important to raise awareness among and generate new opportunities for young Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

people who are at risk of being trafficked. In Edo State, Nigeria, a collaboration between the Diocese of Benin and Uromi and the Santa Marta Group, is generating new opportunities for young people in farming, a traditional occupation, ‘so that they have an alternative to leaving their homeland and seeking some quite false hopes in other parts of the world.’ He also spoke about the symbolic importance of the Holy Father asking Sr Eugenia Bonetti, a Consolata Sister, who is the founder and President of the Association ‘Slaves No More’, to prepare the Stations of the Cross meditation for Good Friday. ‘The Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum are televised all over the world, and that will help to bring this traumatic situation, that the Pope describes as ‘a wound in the body of humanity”, to the attention of a much wider population.’ Page 3

Westminster Record | May 2019

Notre Dame: Symbol of enduring faith and hope Following news of the fire that devastated the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris on Monday of Holy Week, Cardinal Vincent said: ‘The shock at this fire is spreading round the world. It is an iconic building visited by millions but more importantly is a symbol of faith which is at the heart of Europe. We pray the fire is extinguished quickly & with a shared effort the building made good. ‘Who is not deeply moved at the sight of this great Cathedral in flames? For the people of Paris this is a disaster that touches their very soul. Pray for them.’ In a message to Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit, the Cardinal wrote: ‘Our prayers and tears have mingled with those of your people, and of people all over the world who recognise in Notre Dame a symbol of enduring faith and hope in our Heavenly Father, in his Son Jesus Christ and in our Blessed Mother, Mary. 'The Cathedral of your Diocese of Paris has long also belonged to our entire human family as is shown by the huge number of people who go into

the Cathedral year after year. Your tragedy is ours also. 'Now I promise you the prayers and support of Catholics in England and Wales and, I am sure, of all people of good will in our countries. We offer our sympathy and support in prayer to the people of Paris and our deepest desire that Notre Dame should rise again to watch over your City and all its people. Fr Pascal Boidin, Parish Priest of Notre Dame de France in Leicester Square, expressed his sadness at the devastation, saying. ‘Notre Dame de Paris has witnessed all the happy and unfortunate events of the history of France. She has seen kings and revolutions, wars and liberation. Her stones are living stones bearing witness to all these moments in history.’ Adding a hopeful note, he said: ‘The Apostle Peter invites us to approach Jesus, “the living stone rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious in his eyes”. He reminds us that ‘you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house’ (1 Peter 2:4). The true church is the assembly of the faithful gathered around Jesus Christ.’

Praying for Sri Lanka

Following news of multiple explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, which have claimed over 250 lives and left hundreds injured, Cardinal Vincent has written to Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Manisha Gunasekera, and Sri Lankan Catholics in the diocese to offer condolences and prayers. The Cardinal expressed his dismay at the ‘sad and shocking news of the bombings at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, after the recent years of peace’. He offers prayers ‘for those who have died’ and ‘those who have been injured, and whose lives have been radically changed by this violence’. The Cardinal also expressed ‘deep dismay that those targeted and killed include Catholics gathering to celebrate the joy of Easter. They have a special place in our prayers’. He adds: ‘We remember in our prayers especially this morning the Sri Lankan community in England and Wales, many of whom may well

have direct connections with those caught up in these atrocities. ‘May the risen Lord strengthen all people in Sri Lanka, and nurture in them an unquenchable hope, both in the promise of heaven and in our capacity to contribute to the building of a peaceful society.’ National Director of Missio in Sri Lanka, Fr Basil Fernando, shared his shock and sorrow in a letter to Catholics in the UK: ‘With much heartache and grief, I wanted to share with you about the bomb blasts triggered in Sri Lanka recently. It must be highlighted that this is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that Roman Catholic churches have been the target of terrorism. ‘It is now reported that a total number of 253 people have laid down their lives, including 38 foreign nationals and 45 children. The total number of injured stands at this moment as approximately 500, among whom there are critically wounded and disabled patients.’ He is attempting to launch programmes to provide immediate relief to families that affected by the bombings, and in the longer term to provide trauma counselling to help families rebuild their lives. Please keep the people of Sri Lanka in your prayers. To find out more and to support Missio’s work in Sri Lanka, visit https://missio.org.uk/sri-lankaour-darkest-hours/

Cardinal offers condolences following Christchurch mosque attacks Following terror attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which left 50 people dead on 15th March 2019, Cardinal Vincent sent a letter of to Cardinal John Dew, Archbishop of Wellington expressing condolences and sympathy on behalf of the Catholic Church in England and Wales: ‘I am writing to offer my sincere condolences following the terror attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch. These attacks have shocked the world and all who hold that respect for human life is an essential foundation for every society. ‘Please do pass on my deepest sympathy to the religious leaders of the two mosques. May God grant strength and enduring faith to all who are bereaved, injured and traumatised. May God welcome into his merciful presence all those who have died. May God turn the hearts of all who commit evil to a true understanding of his desire and intention for humanity. ‘I assure you, too, of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We, too, mourn this loss of life. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died.’

Supporting Sri Lankan seafarers

Bishop Nicholas Hudson and Archbishop of Toulouse Robert Le Gall OSB light a candle in front of the mosaic of St Joan of Arc in Westminster Cathedral for the people of France. Archbishop Le Gall said that he found it extremely touching that the people of Westminster wished to join their prayers with the citizens of France for all who were affected by the fire in Notre Dame, and that he thought it a beautiful gesture of solidarity. Page 4

Catholic charity Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) extended a hand of friendship and support to seafarers from Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday bombings in the country. On North Tees, in Hexham & Newcastle Diocese, AoS Port Chaplain Deacon Peter Barrigan and Ship Visitors Hugh and Mary Ward held a service on board the tanker B Gas Maud on the night of 24th April. On board were two Sri Lankan seafarers, whose communities back home had been affected by the bombings. Although they are Buddhist,

one of the men and his wife regularly went to St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, wellknown as a place of worship open to all religions. ‘We spoke and prayed with the crew who had been at sea when the attacks occurred,’

Deacon Peter said. ‘It was an anxious time for the seafarers on board but in the midst of the stress and worry, we were able to provide some comfort to them from our visit and the service on board,’ he added.

Westminster Record | May 2019

Lourdes Ward: ‘courage and strength to all who come here’ ‘May the living waters of Christ which flow in the shrine of Lourdes flow also through this ward.’ These are the words with which Bishop Nicholas Hudson began Mass at St Joseph’s Hospice before he opened the refurbished Lourdes ward. The Gospel told of Jesus’s encounter with the Samaritan woman. Bishop Nicholas suggested that Jesus’s telling this woman he is the Messiah is a measure of how much he thirsts for her. This thirst he

Bishop John Sherrington ‘disappointed’ at Royal College of Physicians’ ‘neutral’ position on assisted suicide On 21st March, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) announced that it had adopted a neutral position on assisted suicide following a survey of its UK fellows and members. Of three options that were proposed, 43.4% of respondents thought the RCP should be opposed to a change in the law on assisted dying/suicide. The percentage wanting the RCP to support a change in the law was 31.6% and 25% thought the RCP should be neutral.

Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, Bishop John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, reacted to this decision: ‘We are disappointed at the Royal College of Physicians dropping their opposition to assisted suicide and moving to a “neutral” position on the topic, despite a majority voting to oppose any change in the law. Parliament voted overwhelmingly to reject assisted dying, recognising that it is important to protect persons who are vulnerable. Moreover, the

British Medical Association (BMA) continues to oppose assisted dying, saying their “focus remains on improving the standard of palliative care available for patients, through calling for greater investment and support to enable staff to deliver the highest quality endof-life care”. We support the BMA’s position and call for increased investment in good palliative care, which supports the dying persons in all dimensions of life for a good death, including the spiritual meaning of life.’

expresses poetically by saying, ‘The waters that I shall give will turn into a living spring inside you.’ ‘And what he says to her he says to each of us too: “Yes, I am the Messiah. And yes, I want to live in you - if only you would let me”.’ Bishop Nicholas said his hope was that all who visit this ward will meet that life, that livegiving water in one another. After Mass, Bishop Nicholas blessed the ward and met several of the patients. He told the assembly gathered at a festive lunch that he was touched that St Joseph’s had chosen to rededicate this thoroughly reappointed ward to the Shrine of Lourdes. He said he felt sure that Our Lady would watch over all who came there: patients, patients’ families, friends and staff. ‘And Saint Bernadette too! Because it was to Bernadette that Our Lady revealed her

desire, God’s desire, that the sick come to Lourdes, not necessarily to be cured but strengthened, given courage to bear their illness. And I’d like to suggest,’ he said, ‘that this desire of Our Lady touches the very heart of St Joseph’s mission, which is to give strength and courage to all who come here.’ ‘Of course,’ he added, ‘it’s a message the Sisters of Charity have been communicating for more than a century, ever since they opened their doors to the sick and poor of the locality a hundred and fourteen years ago in 1905. Part of what is in our hearts today is surely to thank and congratulate them for what they set in train, set in train and maintained, all those years ago. We rejoice with them to see another major step in the mission of St Joseph’s Hospice realised today in the recreation of Lourdes Ward.’

Inside the hospice: Clean living and assisted suicide by Fr Peter Michael Scott Recently I had a vegan ‘clean living’ dinner with my brother, his wife and two guests. An extra participant was Tilly, my brother’s shipoodle. Tilly is a clever hound: if you are a dog lover she automatically gets your attention, but if you’re not, she works on you with her cheery face and beaming eyes. Everyone ends up liking her. In the course of the meal, with Tilly eyeing my cauliflower steak, one of the guests asked why the Church is opposed to assisted suicide. She finished the question by looking at Tilly and saying ‘we put dogs down out of kindness, why not human beings?’ It is a common question, and one most likely born out of compassion. However, we people are made in the image and likeness of God, animals are not, and the reason we end

dogs’ lives quickly and unnaturally is because we correctly apportion more resources on human health needs than on animals’. As a society, we cannot afford to give pets palliative care so we choose the cheaper option. Adorable as Tilly is, she will never be a human’s equal and people are far more valuable. However, that does not answer the question of assisted suicide. Fundamentally we know that killing another breaks the sixth commandment, and that basic instruction from God is difficult to argue against. Loving another person is never about killing them; it is always about nurturing and protecting. Apologies if this all sounds blunt, but having worked in a hospice for the past four years, I know that good palliative care gives patients and their loved ones confidence in dying.

At the end of the day, I do not believe anyone wants someone to kill them, especially if they know that effective medical interventions will allow them to die comfortably and naturally with their family around them. It is in this measured and loved way that many families, while sad, have time to acknowledge the gift of the person dying and give them into God’s care. We seriously need to wake up to the benefits of palliative care and resource it properly. By the way, the vegan meal was delicious and we all ended up approving the principles of toxic free clean living. Surely a natural death, with loved ones in attendance is clean living? Please pray for the patients, staff, volunteers and Sisters of St Joseph’s Hospice.

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Celebrating generations of Catholic worship in Royston On Sunday 24th March, parishioners from St Thomas of Canterbury and the English Martyrs Church gathered to celebrate one hundred years since its opening in the town of Royston, Hertfordshire. The foundation for the church was laid on the A10 London to Cambridge Road in 1916 where it is still located, with the church officially opening in 1919. The centenary celebrations began with Mass presided by Cardinal Vincent and assisted by Parish Priest Fr Philip Knights and other clergy with past associations to the parish. Also in attendance were the

Sisters of Providence from the nearby convent, and local dignitaries including Sir Oliver Heald MP and Mayor Cllr Iain Leggett, local town and county councillors and parishioners. An icon of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, acquired on Fr Philip’s recent trip to Rome was blessed by the Cardinal, and is displayed in the church to commemorate the event. After Mass, attendees gathered in the parish hall where photographs, local historical information, and artwork, prayers and cards created by children from the

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School were displayed. After a celebratory drink and a bringand-share lunch provided by parishioners, the Centenary Grand Draw took place. The event was a memorable and uplifting tribute to the Catholic community in Royston spanning many generations who have worshipped at St Thomas of Canterbury throughout their lives. Credit is due in no small way to the Centenary Committee and all those who contributed their time, skills and culinary expertise towards making the occasion a great success.

‘The Eucharist: It’s Everything!’ With St Joseph as their patron, it was highly appropriate that the Little Sisters of the Poor should choose the Feast of St Joseph, 19th March, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their opening in Stoke Newington. As Bishop Nicholas Hudson opened the festive Mass in the chapel of St Anne’s home, he invited all present to recall those who had gathered with them there a decade ago and are now with God, including Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor. Bishop Nicholas recalled the Cardinal placing in the altar relics of the True Cross, St Bernadette, St Maria Goretti, and St Jeanne Jugan, Founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor. Canon Digby Samuels and Mgr

Tony Philpot were also fondly remembered. Bishop Nicholas recalled visiting Mgr Tony in his final weeks. Tony regretted that he could no longer descend to the chapel for Mass. But then he pointed to the TV above his bed and said, ‘Look, I can follow it from here.’ ‘That’s lovely,’ responded the Bishop. To which Tony replied, ‘Lovely? It’s everything! The Eucharist is everything!’ In his homily, Bishop Nicholas suggested St Joseph must have been the most extraordinary of men to have been chosen especially by God to look after the young Jesus and his beloved Mother. He invited the congregation to

imagine in their mind’s eye, and with joy, St Joseph keeping watch over Mary and taking in the face of newborn Christ, saying to himself, ‘So this is the face of God!’ To think, said Bishop Nicholas, that, without St Joseph to protect them, the Holy Family might never have survived. Bishop Nicholas was joined at Mass by the chaplain to St Anne’s, Fr Dan Magnier, and also by Mgr Jim Curry, whose godfather is a resident. Resident priests Canon Philip Cross and Fr Peter Stevens also concelebrated. After Mass, Bishop Nicholas blessed a great festive lunch to launch a long afternoon of well-deserved celebration.

Award-winning parish centre in Ware by Deacon Adrian Cullen Ware Parish set out to use its Growing in Faith funds to rebuild its parish centre, under the guidance of Fr John Gray. Parishioners were very generous in their support, contributing towards the £400k needed to build the new hall. The hall serves as a place where parishioners can gather after weekend Masses, and where the Children’s Liturgy is held on Sunday mornings. Faith sharing groups, mothers and toddlers, youth group, the Union of Catholic Mothers, and Justice & Peace are just some of the groups that also meet in the comfortable surroundings. The large room Page 6

can be split in two with dividers, allowing more than one group to use it at the same time. It can also be used as one large room and, with the new kitchen, is a great venue for events such as quiz nights, children’s parties and the annual Fair Trade wine tasting evening! A key aspect of the new parish centre, to meet with local

conservation area requirements, was that it should be in keeping with the existing church building, which is faced with semi-knapped flint. This was done to such a high standard that the parish beat six other competitors for the Ware Society Town Award 2018. The award was accepted by Fr John Gray, now retired, and Fr Charles Cahill, Parish Priest.

Live Simply Award for Harpenden On Sunday 10th March a Live Simply Plaque was officially presented to Canon Anthony Dwyer by Maria Elena Arana, the CAFOD Live Simply Award Coordinator at a Mass to celebrate the parish’s achievement. After Mass, Canon Anthony formally planted an Acer tree in the garden at the front of the church and set a commemorative plaque in place. He emphasised that the award was just the beginning and that the parish did not intend to rest on its laurels.

Westminster Record | May 2019

‘Unbreakable bond between love of God and love of neighbour’

Recalling Cardinal Hume’s concern for the homeless, Bishop Nicholas explained that ‘at the end of a long day’s work, [Cardinal Hume would] put on his mac and go out onto the streets of Westminster to ask the homeless if they were all right.’ It was this concern which led Cardinal Hume to ask ‘the help of those who had money to help him establish the Cardinal Hume Centre,’ added Bishop Nicholas. ‘I know he would be so proud to see what the Cardinal Hume Centre has become; so proud of all of you Trustee myself; and very proud to see the Cardinal Hume Centre for continuing this work. Never would he have called it his make this statement, in bricks work. No, he was absolutely and mortar, this million-pound clear: it was God’s work. He statement of our belief in the often used to say there is importance of everyone whose life has been and is being turned actually an unbreakable bond between love of God and love around by the Centre. of our neighbour. That’s to say ‘I know Cardinal Hume you can’t love God without would have felt the same. He was absolutely convinced, as we loving your neighbour. At the should be too, that “every person Cardinal Hume Centre we know that, we experience it, we matters”; every single person is announce it.’ as important as the other.’

The Cardinal Hume Centre, which has transformed the lives of so many people living with poverty and homelessness, celebrated the completion of a £1m rebuild project on 28th February 2019. Bishop Nicholas Hudson blessed the revamped building and all staff and volunteers who work to serve the needs of the Centre’s clients. Thanking all who were involved in this ‘fantastic achievement’, he said: ‘I’m a

’The faith you show as a couple... speaks volumes to all who observe’ Hundreds of mothers gathered in Holy Rosary Church, Marylebone, on 23rd March for the annual gathering of the Diocesan Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM). Fr Michael Johnston, Parish Priest, welcomed them in his capacity as the newly-appointed Diocesan Chaplain. He made them laugh when he told them it was when he remembered that his mother had been a member that he thought he had better accept the Cardinal’s invitation; otherwise he would be in trouble when he met her on the other side! Fr Michael succeeds Fr David Irwin in the role; and due tribute was paid for Fr David’s generous service. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson. He thanked the UCM for all they have given and continue to give of themselves as mothers, wives and as members of their parishes. This Mass taking place between the Solemnities of St Joseph and the

Annunciation, he suggested we all have much to learn from both St Joseph and Our Lady, about fatherhood, motherhood, marriage and discipleship. Most touching, he said, was to contemplate the image of the newborn Christ child asleep in the arms of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Joseph looking on. ‘You can imagine him looking on the face of the little Jesus and telling himself, “So this is God-with-us. I’m looking at the face of God”.’

Bishop Nicholas went on to reflect on how much Jesus must have learnt from his parents about marriage, just as the children of UCM families will have learnt from their parents’ generosity and commitment. ‘You should always remember,’ he concluded, ‘the faith you show as a couple, your willingness to forgive, and the hope you express that you shall be together with God after this life is ended, will speak volumes to all who observe you: your children, your friends and all who share in the fruit of your marriage.’

The redesigned building aims to reflect the Benedictine ethos of welcome, sanctuary and support which was so important to the Centre’s founder, and underpins the vital work of the charity to this day. Major improvements include a new welcome and assessment centre, an attractive family area, better working space for the housing, welfare rights and immigration advice

teams, extra interview rooms, an upgraded play space for children and families, and enhanced and extended training facilities. The flexible space makes it possible to adapt and offer different services in future in response to emerging need. For more information about the Cardinal Hume Centre, visit www.cardinalhumecentre. org.uk

Bishop Nicholas with Knights and Ladies of Marshall on Laetare Sunday at St John the Baptist, Hackney.

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, presenting a donation from the British Jesuit Alumni Association to Roland Hayes, President of the Westminster Diocese Section of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. The donation will greatly assist the charitable purpose of the Order, to provide regular support for the Christian communities in the Holy Land.

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Former Irish President visits Convent of Jesus and Mary The first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson visited the Convent of Jesus and Mary in March to talk to pupils about the fight against climate change and its impact on human rights. Mary, who was in London to collect a Kew International Medal for work on food security and climate justice, began by sharing the personal connection she has with the Convent having had two aunties who were Jesus and Mary nuns and once considering becoming a nun herself. She shared some of the highlights of her career and reassuringly emphasised that she didn’t start off with a plan for where she is today, but being wedged between four brothers did spark an early interest in gender equality and human rights. Mary also benefitted from parents who told her she had the same opportunities as her brothers, and, despite bookies’ odds at 100 to one when she stood for election, she defied expectations by becoming Ireland’s first female President in 1990. In addition to her role as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and her appointment by Nelson Mandela as one of the Elders, an independent group of

global leaders who work for human rights, she also established the Mary Robinson Climate Justice Foundation. She spoke about the connection between human rights and climate change, highlighting the fact that all the good work that is done to help poor countries is being undermined by the effects of climate change. In answering students’ questions, she said: ‘One of the things we need to look at is how we run our economies. We basically run them on consume, consume, consume, produce consume. We can’t go on like that. We need to move towards a more sustainable life and livelihood.’ In the fight against climate

change she advised pupils to ‘do something to make a difference that you wouldn’t otherwise do, in your families, lives and home. In my case it was becoming a pescatarian. Secondly once you have made your own personal commitment, you need to get angry with government, and that’s governments of every level, who are not doing what they should be doing. And the third thing, which I think is really important, and something young people can really help with, is to imagine the world we want to get to: a world where we don’t need to do some of the things we thought we had to do in modern life, a world of happier times and better relationships perhaps.’

St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls Gospel Choir has been selected to join former teacher Karen Gibson and the Kingdom Choir for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The Kingdom Choir, founded and conducted by Karen, became a household name following a performance at the wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last year. The Enfield secondary school choir, which was a finalist in the BBC Songs of Praise Youth Choir of The Year contest in 2018, is set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall on the first wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, 19th May.

Young scientists at St Benedict’s School St Benedict’s School science labs buzzed with scientific discovery as all pupils in Year 8 presented their projects to over 150 younger children from local junior schools at the school’s annual Science Fair. Pupils had been working on their projects in biology, chemistry and physics lessons for several weeks, devising and conducting experiments, and carefully recording their results and conclusions. They all enthusiastically explained their methods and findings to the visiting junior school children, who had an

opportunity to visit over 40 science stalls set up across nine labs. The younger children enjoyed some hands-on participation, asked lots of questions and found out about a wide variety of scientific topics such as: Can you charge your phone with fruit? (yes!); Do video games affect your reaction time and cognitive ability? (not necessarily); Does the colour of food affect its taste? (yes); Is there a link between gender and colour preference (no) and What do fizzy drinks do to your teeth? Mrs Sarah Marais, the

Fair’s organiser and Biology teacher at St Benedict’s, said: ‘The Science Fair was an opportunity for our Year 8 pupils to investigate a topic which interested them. The task was to design a test, conduct their investigations and present their results to visitors. The projects ranged from constructed wind turbines to the chemistry of setting gelatine. The pupils had prepared a hypothesis, identified variables and tested them in the most quantifiable way possible and their presentations were fascinating!’

Sixth Form students from Nicholas Breakspear joined the HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes, supported by a bursary from the Luton Circle 216 of the Catenians. Dennis Cooper of the Catenians expressed his delight at seeing 'so many young people give up their time to help others and support the HCPT pilgrimage'.

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Celebrating Young People Awards open for nominations

The Celebrating Young People Awards are open for nominations. They are being offered as an opportunity to respond to Pope Francis’ recent letter, Christus Vivit. Million Minutes CEO, Danny Curtin explains: ‘Pope Francis has written to the young people of the world, calling them to fight for the common good, serve the poor and to bring about the revolution of charity and service. He calls on the Church to support and encourage all young people in their mission. These awards are a timely opportunity to respond to the Pope’s call, and to show the young people in our midst that we value their commitment to bring the Gospel alive in the world today.’ The awards honour the achievements of young people across the country who make our communities and the world a better place. There are six award categories, which take their inspiration from Catholic social teaching and recognise the enormous, often unseen, social action of young people: promoting dignity of the human person, community and participation, the dignity of workers, solidarity and peace, the option for the poor, and the care of creation. There is also an award for inspiring youth minister and the main youth Award, the Pope Francis Award, selected and presented by Cardinal Vincent Nichols Parishes, schools and individuals are invited to nominate young people aged 11-25, who will all be invited to a ceremony in London’s West End in July. Nominations are open now at www.millionminutes.org/ awards. The deadline for nominations is the 24 May 2019. Page 10

profound experience capable of sustaining your entire Christian life.’ (CV125,129) St Irenaeus famously wrote, ‘Gloria enim Dei vivens homo, vita autem hominis visio Dei’, ‘for the glory of God is the living man, and the life of man is the vision of God’. God wants us to be fully alive and our life is derived from our seeing God, made visible to us in Christ Jesus, who is himself truly risen and alive. Our young people need to know that Christ is alive and that in him they also can be Fr Mark Walker, Youth Chaplain more fully alive, indeed, truly alive. Pope Francis has given us The title of Pope Francis’ helpful reminders and pointers recently published Apostolic to show how we can more Exhortation, written in effectively bring this message to response to the deliberations of our young people. May this the Synod of Bishops on Young Easter season be a time for us all People, the Faith and to become more fully alive as Vocational Discernment, is we allow the Risen Christ to be particularly appropriate for alive in us. this Easter season when we celebrate the Resurrection of Director’s Spotlight the Lord. The exhortation begins, Christus vivit or ‘Christ is alive’. Indeed, in the first paragraph the Holy Father writes: ‘The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’ The Easter message, then, is at the heart of what the Holy Father wishes to communicate to our young people, and what Westminster Youth Ministry, therefore, needs to communicate to them as well. In the section of Andrzej Wdowiak the document on youth ministry Director of Youth Ministry in particular, Pope Francis stresses the need to proclaim I hope you all had a blessed this essential kerygma at the Easter, the most important time heart of the Gospel, ‘the in the Church’s calendar when foundational experience of we focus on the core of our encounter with God through faith: the death and Jesus’ death and resurrection.’ Resurrection of Jesus Christ. (CV213) The faith is the main focus of The Lord is indeed risen and Westminster Youth Ministry and alive, not as a two-thousandcentral to our mission to help year-old memory but alive right young people pursue the true, now, as this Easter season the good and the beautiful constantly reminds us. Not only found in Christ, because each of is he alive but he wants us to be us is made for greatness. But alive and is, in fact, the only one what shapes the faith of our who can show us how. As the young people? Holy Father writes, ‘Alive, In Research Among Catholic [Christ] can be present in your Young Adults in England and life at every moment, to fill it Wales: How to Disrupt the with light and to take away all Limbo of Non-Belonging, a sorrow and solitude. Even if all report by Dr Karen North of St others depart, he will Mary’s University, the data remain…If in your heart you revealed that the witness of can learn to appreciate the parents is imperative if young beauty of this message…if you people are to grow up practicing can make friends with him and their faith. Practicing Catholic start to talk to him, the living parents are significant as Christ, about the realities of mentors and as the first teachers your life, then you will have a of faith, in so far as they provide

Chaplain’s Corner

a place of religious nurture. This combined with a broader family and Church support shapes the faith of a young person. The parish community at its best is a place where old and young are most at home. The parish is a place where most people attend Mass and thus one of the strongest indicators of affiliation and commitment. While most young people indicate that parishes were helpful, at the same time they said that the parish is not enough to nurture their faith, with the heart of the issue appearing to be a lack of peer support available. Although not much data are available on how Catholic schools support the development of faith in the young person, the report, to certain degree, confirms that, unless there is good mentoring from priests, school chaplains and key role models, RE lessons will play second fiddle to experiences of faith, such as retreats and pilgrimage opportunities fostered by the parish and school communities. Not many schools have a school chaplain and, as a matter of fact, not all students in our schools are Catholic, let alone practicing Catholics. At Spec, we find that the way school children engage with their faith while on retreat in many ways reflect and depend on the role models they encounter at school, home and parish; on some occasions this means they have absolutely no idea who Jesus is. From the feedback we receive we understand that our contribution to faith transmition will vary but overall it is

positive and appreciated by those attending. The residential retreats in particular help to build community amongst the young people, and promote a sense of faith and belonging. They also provide opportunities to move from passive participation to active acceptance of the message of Christ in the environment where individual questions on faith, needs and concerns can be met. It is also a chance for about 80% of Catholic children and young people in our schools and parishes to have some experience of faith. A leadership programme for young people attending John F Kennedy Catholic School is an attempt to respond to the shortage of role models in faith. The partnership between Hemel Hempstead Parishes, the school and Westminster Youth Ministry aims to create young Catholic leaders who will inspire other young people in school, and, in turn, inspire them to share their faith with their peers in their communities and parishes. The faith is fundamental to the good works we try to do in the name of Christ as an expression of his love for our neighbour; and it is faith that forms people’s social values. Perhaps there is a need for greater coordination and cooperation when working with young people and young adults, especially involving families, schools, parish communities and agencies. For the faith to be alive it needs nourishment and the openness to the mysterious ways God is present in our lives. https://dowym.com/ and https://dowym.com/spec/

Westminster Record | May 2019

The Saint and the Sultan Imam Luqman Ali and his wife Eleanor, co-founders of the Khayaal Theatre Company, were guests at the Catenian Association’s Luton Circle recently. Luqman spoke about the encounter of St Francis of Assisi and Malik al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt, during the Fifth Crusade 800 years ago, and the need for tolerance and coexistence in a multicultural world. In a follow-up communication just days after the tragedy in Christchurch, Luqman wrote to Luton President, Dennis Cooper

thanking the Catenians for their ‘heartfelt’ prayer and condolences: ‘Alongside our remembrance and prayer for my fellow Muslims lost in Christchurch NZ, we are also remembering all of the Christians, Jews and Sikhs who have been slain while at worship in recent years in such places as Pakistan, Egypt, USA, Nigeria and elsewhere. There is so much more work to do to repair humanity's often estranged relationship with virtue in the light of God so that sacred peace is restored in our world.’

Christ is Alive Pope Francis released his PostSynodal Exhortation Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive) to Young People and to the entire People of God on 2nd April, following the Synod of Bishops in October 2018, on the theme of Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment. Cardinal Vincent led the delegation from England and Wales, which included Bishop of Hallam Ralph Heskett and Bishop of Plymouth Mark O’Toole. Welcoming the publication of Christus Vivit, they said: ‘What a joy it is to receive this Post-Synodal Exhortation Christ is Alive. Reading it brings back all the best features of the Synod of Bishops we attended last October: the vitality of young people; their love for the Church and for us Bishops; their willingness to face the difficult

challenges before us; their capacity for prayer and a living, loving relationship with Jesus. We thank Pope Francis so warmly for this remarkable document which will now be poured over by many young people and brought to bear on their lives. ‘The closing words of this Exhortation will be so welcome: “The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them! And when you arrive where we have not yet reached, have the patience to wait for us” (299). ‘Here is a great invitation from Pope Francis asking all of us to reflect on so many aspects of our world today, a world in which hunger, homelessness, violence, cruelty and exploitation touch and diminish the lives of so many young people. These and many other challenges face young people in

particularly dramatic ways, including the rights and roles of women and our own past in the Church (42); the exploitation of the images of young people (79); the desires, hurts and feelings of young people, including their sexuality (81); the digital world (86); abuse of every kind (95). ‘The Pope writes with great vigour of the message of the Living Christ and invites young people to ‘make the most of these years of youth’ (143), in friendship with Christ (150), in ‘strong social friendships’ (169) and always as ‘courageous missionaries’ (175). ‘He also spells out the challenges for ministry in the Church and speaks about the task of true discernment. ‘In Christ is Alive we have received a great gift. Now we can open the wrapping and delve into the richness of what we have been given!’

L to R. Back row: Canon Anthony Dwyer, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Harpenden. VP Peter Ward. President Dennis Cooper. Michael Cole, President, Mid Herts Circle, Director of Province 14, Denis Murphy and Linda Cooper. L to R. Front row: Geraldine Ward, Imam Luqman Ali and his wife Eleanor, Edward Simpson, Mid Herts Circle and Christopher Beasley, Highgate Circle.

Children of Abraham Study Weekend In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis says that ‘interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world’. He reminds us that with the Jews ‘we believe in the one God who acts in history, and we accept his revealed word’. He says that the followers of Islam ‘profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, who will judge humanity on the last day’. Overall Pope Francis encourages us ‘to remove our sandals before the

sacred ground of the other’. There will be a study weekend entitled ‘Children of Abraham - interfaith topics’ on the 13th and 14th July at the Bar Convent in York. The weekend is part of the Jesuit-inspired ‘Living Theology’ series, and this year is jointly sponsored by the Newman Association. Speakers include Fr Damian Howard SJ (on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations), student Rabbi Gabriel Webber (on Judaism ‘from the inside and the outside’), Dr Geoffrey Turner (Psalms, prayers for

both church and synagogue), Ms Frances Smith (on Islamic architecture in Spain), and Dr George Herring (on John Henry Newman). The cost for the study weekend is £70 (students £35). For anyone who cannot come for the whole weekend, attendance for just one of the days is half the price. Booking is essential. For full details, and the Booking Form, please visit www.jesuit.org.uk/livingtheology-york-2019, e-mail tpj.egerton@virgin.net or phone Patricia on 01642-645732.

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Holy Week and Easter Celebrations The following are excerpts from the Cardinal’s homilies for Holy Week and Easter.

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Jesus, we can say, ‘turned towards his Father in every moment’. His will was always attuned to the will of the Father; his decisions were made after silent prayer to his Father; his death was the final offering of his entire being to his Father. We remember every day whose will it is that we seek to obey, who fills our hearts with fresh readiness every morning. Only then is it possible to respond, day by day, to all the demands made on us, not with a sense of duty but with a freely given service. All we are and all we have is a gift of the Father. It is our perfect happiness to give back to him each day all that we have received, and ultimately to make of our lives a total sacrifice to him, in whatever circumstances he chooses for us. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Each of the oils to be blessed or consecrated tells of God’s way of working in our world. Each anointing with these oils reveals something of what the Father gives to us and asks of us. Called by the Father in baptism we are to follow his Son; strengthened by him in Confirmation we are to give witness in the world; consoled by him in sickness we are to make of our suffering a worthy offering for our brothers and sisters; set apart by him we are to be companions of his Son in the ordained priesthood. The Father’s invitation is to see our lives as an unfolding gift, to be lived in his loving presence. We are to live each moment of each day ‘turned towards the Father’ who has chosen us, anointed us and sent us out.

Chrism Mass

Detail of chasuble worn by the Cardinal on Maundy Thursday with image of St Louis holding the Crown of Thorns, a poignant reminder of the Notre Dame fire

chosen by the Father to be companions of his Son (Jn 17:6) and so the opposition and cynicism we experience as his disciples do not really matter (Jn 15:11) because the Father and the Son will come to make their home in us (Jn 14:23). He is with us always (Jn 17:26). This is the hour in which he becomes the holy and living Sacrifice who takes away our sins. His self-offering continues to be made real in every celebration of the Mass in which he is always ‘our supreme high priest’ (Heb 4:14). This is the hour in which we come to venerate him on his Cross of glory for he is ‘the source of eternal life for all who obey him’ (Heb 5:9). He shines on us from the Cross as the beacon of hope and healing in our world. This is the hour. Come, let us adore him.

pain and distress, our own share of suffering, whatever it may be, can prepare us to receive far greater gifts than those we lose. We ask the Lord to fill our hearts with the assurances of a strong faith in him, by which we shoulder our burdens and challenges with quiet perseverance just as he did. With this faith we can have a keen eye for the limitations of all that this world offers and not permit its attractions and joys to blind us to the true and lasting hope he alone can offer.

way of being human. This evening he presents to us this new way of life in one eloquent gesture: the washing of the disciples’ feet. This evening let us remember, as we receive the Lord in Holy Communion and in his blessing, we are asking that the example of Christ may be realised in our lives too. We come forward to receive not because we are worthy but because we long for the newness of Christ to find its home in our lives. We recognise in him a healing remedy for our failings. We know him to be the only source of new life who, if we are faithful to him, will slowly transform us, day by day, into images of his goodness and inner beauty. This is the Lamb of God who gives his life not only for us but also to us that we might live in him, through him and with him, always to the glory of God the Father. His symbol is the Cross. And who can forget the image we saw on Tuesday morning of the Cross of Christ, shining through the smoke and ruins of the interior of the great Cathedral of Notre Dame, summoning us to renewed hope, declaring that no matter the ruination we may make of our lives, he is there, calling us again to his side that his grace may again be at work in us.

This is the hour that makes clear who it is that hangs on the Cross. He is the only Son of the Father, truly God in our flesh. This is the hour that makes clear the very heart of God: an unwavering love that is stronger than death (Sg 8:6). This is the hour in which we are entrusted by Jesus into the hands of the Father (Jn 17:11), in which we are bound to each other by his words to Mary and John from the Cross. This is the hour in which he tells us that we have been

the dismay and violence that is also written deep within us. Today we are living through times that are deeply distressing: anger and aggression not far from the surface; conflict between peoples over power and wealth; distress and hunger around us; hurt and betrayal marking our homes,

including the home of our Church. What are we to do? Turn to the risen Christ. He is our light: to live with him and by his rule is our only way. On this Easter night, the family of the Church is reminded of that dignity, renewed afresh in Christ. Whatever life may bring, never for a moment relinquish that dignity.

Easter Vigil Our strongest memories this night focus on the person of Jesus, the one who gives us our fundamental identity. Tonight we use two great symbols: fire and water, two of nature’s great forces. We lit a fire inside this Cathedral, a living fire, so that its qualities might impress in our hearts the new fire of the Holy Spirit, the new light of Christ. As we hold our lighted candles, our share of that living fire, we pray that the power of Christ

may burn out of us all evil, that he alone may be the guiding light of our lives. Water will be blessed and sprinkled among us as a sign of our baptism. We know Jesus to be the living water, the one who flows from the depths of God, a life-giving spring in the desert. This water alone can quench the longings that lie deep in our own hearts: a longing for wholeness, a longing for peace, a longing to find the way of overcoming

all that would obstruct the ultimate will of the Father; that in his Beloved Son, death would be showed up for what it is: a fear and a darkness that blind us to the horizons beyond this world. It is the Father’s will that such fear and darkness be banished. If the suffering of Jesus, which we contemplate today, is neither random nor pointless, neither is the suffering that comes our way. Far from simply robbing us of independence, making us rely on others, far from simply inflicting

Supper, is a world of violence and killing. This is the world he came to redeem, to bring it back to its original purpose and beauty, its Garden of Eden. In these days of his redeeming work Jesus gives us a new way of living. His way is clear: forgiveness, compassion, truthfulness in all things, an absence of pride, service of those in need. This is made possible because he lives always in the presence of his Father, in union with the Father, seeking the Father’s will and close to him in constant prayer. This is his new

The painful path of Jesus, in which we follow, takes us away from clinging to ambitions which can bring only temporary praise and reward. His path helps us to see beyond this life to the summoning of a life beyond death. The pain suffered by Jesus is neither random nor pointless. Rather it is a stripping away of

This evening we are invited by the Lord to begin our sharing in those life-changing events by which the power of death is broken and the burden of sin is lifted from our souls. He invites us to see, in this Sacred Meal, the symbolic anticipation of his death: This is my Body given for you; this is my Blood poured out for you. This evening we receive what we witness tomorrow. The world into which Jesus came, the threshold he crosses in a particular way with his arrest in the Garden, taking place shortly after the Last

Palm Sunday

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Holy Week and Easter Celebrations The following are excerpts from the Cardinal’s homilies for Holy Week and Easter.

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Chrism Mass

Detail of chasuble worn by the Cardinal on Maundy Thursday with image of St Louis holding the Crown of Thorns, a poignant reminder of the Notre Dame fire

Palm Sunday

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Proclaim Spring Gatherings 2019 Teams, Vision,

Action

by Deacon Adrian Cullen, Evangelisation Coordinator Over 200 participants from more than 60 parishes took part in the Proclaim Spring Gatherings, Evangelisation workshops held at five venues across the diocese during February and March. As one participant exclaimed, ‘It was so good to be with people from different parishes who shared enthusiasm for Christ’. Passion for bringing the Good News of the Gospel to others was indeed at the heart of the gatherings. Liturgy, presentations and round-table discussion gave an opportunity for parish priests, parish teams and individuals to share and learn from each other, responding to Pope Francis’ call to build missionary parishes and grow missionary disciples. Each gathering was led by one of Westminster’s Auxiliary Bishops. Bishop Nicholas Hudson at the workshop for parishes in central and eastern areas of the diocese, quoting from Blessed John Henry Newman talked about how as evangelisers we are to ‘radiate Christ’, and that through exercising corporal and spiritual works of mercy we can evangelise in diverse ways: through prayer, faith formation, through marriage and family life, and through social action, that is caritas. In the Hertfordshire gathering, Bishop McAleenan posed the question: ‘Is the call to evangelise exciting or daunting?’ He challenged the fifty people attending the workshop to look out to the wider community as well as to those in the parish, and seek new ways to make the full message of the Church better known, calling on external help when needed to support the work of local evangelisation. Bishop John Wilson, at St Mark’s School in Hounslow, where the gathering for west area parishes was held, spoke of the need for us always to be ready to share our faith, such as

the time he visited a local garage to get his car tyre fixed and how the chatty, young mechanic, finding out that he was a bishop, proclaimed how important that the forthcoming baptism for his young child was to him and his wife, indeed taking off his shirt to reveal a large tattoo of the crucified Christ to Bishop John – and to the queue of customers which was forming behind him! At the Niland Centre in Bushey, Bishop John Sherrington led the liturgy at the north area gathering, and gave a presentation which focused on the family. Quoting St John Paul II, he reiterated the call that, ‘Every effort should be made to strengthen and develop pastoral care for the family... in the certainty that future evangelization depends largely on the domestic Church’. He pointed to the increasing complexity of Catholic family life, and how the faith is not passed on as it was in the past. Bishop John also referred to the post-synodal document on youth that highlighted the urgent need for a profound rethink on how ‘catechesis is presented and of the connection between passing on the faith in families and in the community, with greater emphasis on processes of personal accompaniment’. The gatherings have been well received by those who attended: ‘a good deal of food for thought and concrete ideas for the parish’; ‘we came away refreshed and with enthusiasm to actually go and do something!’ The gatherings’ closing liturgy called on the Holy Spirit to fill participants with new energy to share the message of the Gospel in their parishes and beyond. More information on parish evangelisation is available on the Agency for Evangelisation pages of the Diocese of Westminster Website.

Round-table discussion at the Proclaim Spring Gatherings explored how Parish Evangelisation Teams were to be the evangelising conscience of the parish. By developing a vision, focusing on its local mission and involving parishioners in evangelizing initiatives, the local parish grows into a missionary parish, reaching out to those who have not heard of Jesus, and helping those who already know him to know him better and become missionary disciples. Amongst the presentations and talks given, participants heard from Kentish Town Parish on its evangelizing work to the homeless, from St Alban’s Parish and how its mission team helps parishioners to reach out to passers-by through events such as share a light, from White City Parish which has a variety of community outreach events, and Potters Bar Parish which is developing an Alpha Programme, encouraging people to talk about life and faith. There were plenty of new and inspiring ideas and examples of evangelising initiatives for participants to take away, and, as one participant put it, to help ‘kick-star’ the renewal of our parish’.

From Evangelii Gaudium to Spring Gatherings Fr Chris Vipers, Director of the Agency for Evangelisation, in welcoming participants to each of the spring gatherings set the scene on how evangelisation has been given new energy since the publication of Pope Francis’ exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, ‘Joy of the Gospel’, in 2013. In July 2015 the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales responded with a national conference in Birmingham. This was followed in November 2015 with a Westminster Proclaim Conference, attended by more than 300 people from over 140 parishes. Fr Chris explained how following Proclaim Westminster, parishes set up evangelisation teams, undertaking a variety of initiatives under the headings of prayer, faith formation, marriage and family life, and

caritas. Over 500 evangeilising initiatives were identified initially, and more established each year since. Initiatives have included the establishment of new prayer groups and adoration liturgies, the revitalising of SVP groups and participation in Caritas ‘Love in Action’ projects, increased numbers of Lent and autumn Faith-Sharing Groups, family and youth prayer and activity programmes, and the development of parish welcoming teams and outreach projects. The Proclaim Spring Gatherings 2019 are building on the successes already achieved, to bring new energy through sharing experiences and ideas, and to help more parishes to become missionary parishes, forming missionary disciples.

For more on building missionary parishes and forming missionary disciples, visit http://bit.ly/Proclaim2019

Evangelising through 2019... Thy Kingdom Come, a global wave of prayer for evangelisation, 30th May to 9th June www.thykingdomcome.global/ Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019 www.october2019. va/en.html Over 90 people took part in the Bible Timeline course hosted by Fr Alexander Sherbrooke at St Patrick’s Soho from October to April. The sessions followed Jeff Cavin’s course, with input from Mauro Iannicelli. The course was well-received, with participants reporting that it has transformed their understanding of the Bible, strengthened their relationship with God, and renewed their prayer life and their experience at Holy Mass.

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Westminster Record | May 2019

St Columba’s collects over a tonne of donations for foodbanks During Lent, St Columba’s College collected a total of 1.4 tonnes of food, from families and staff to support local food banks. When they began their Lenten food drive two years ago, students and staff donated 700 kg of food, and last year 1.2 tonnes were donated. This project was entirely student led, organised, publicised and carried out by 12 Lower Sixth Form students. It began in late February when these students, along with students from Nicholas Breakspear School in St Albans, attended the launch of the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal at the Borehamwood Foodbank with Cardinal Vincent. They heard about the amazing work that the volunteers do to support the local community, and how, more than ever,

foodbanks need our support. In Borehamwood alone, there has been a 23% increase in the amount of food distributed since last year. According to one St Columba’s College student, Augustine McMahon, ‘Having attended this inspiring event, we knew the importance of what we were doing by collecting food: a simple act, but one that could give people dignity and, most importantly, meet a basic need’. The food was collected over several weeks and involved the whole school, from Sixth Form students collecting and counting the food each morning, to Senior School students labelling items and Prep School students helping to stack the food on the display. The donations were split between three

charities: Borehamwood Foodbank, the St Albans Foodbank and the Open Door homeless shelter in St Albans. According to Fr Dominic, Parish Priest of St Teresa’s and Ss John Fisher & Thomas More Churches in Borehamwood, ‘Borehamwood Foodbank relies on the generosity of many donors to give us food for the people who come for help to feed their families. Over the past few years, St Columba’s College has taken up the challenge to collect food for us. Their collections have made a great impact on our stock of food.’ This project was a very meaningful experience for all involved but, more importantly, it is helping to meet a great need that exists in local communities.

A shared love for helping others

Fairtrade: Will Westminster be First? by Michael Walsh Parishioner at Our Lady and St George, Enfield Our diocese is very close to becoming the first Fairtrade diocese in England and Wales, if only three more of our parishes accepted the simple and light commitment of being Fairtrade. Parishes applying accept that they will have Fairtrade refreshments such as tea and coffee served at parish meetings and will hold one activity per year promoting Fairtrade in the parish. Simple and not costly, but it would make a big difference to poor communities round the world. By purchasing products with the FAIRTRADE mark, we will be supporting people in the developing world as they work

to improve their lives and their communities. The mark means that the Fairtrade ingredients in the product have been produced by small-scale farmer organisations or plantations which meet Fairtrade social, economic and environmental standards. The standards include protection of workers’ rights and the environment, payment of the Fairtrade minimum price and an additional Fairtrade premium for investment in business or community projects. Further information is available at https://cafod.org.uk/Campaign/Fairt rade or by contacting Tony Sheen on 0208-449-6970 or tsheen@cafod.org.uk.

Following on from their amazing work collecting backpacks filled with school supplies for Mary’s Meals to mark World Day of the Poor and Mitzvah Day, six North London schools, three Catholic and three Jewish, gathered together to share their experiences. Organised by Caritas Westminster and Mitzvah Day, the schools spent the morning learning about each other’s faiths and what it means to be charitable. There was a particular emphasis on how our faith asks us to look after our neighbours, with a discussion on Tzedakah, the Jewish obligation to charity, and Mark 12:31 ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ The pupils watched a short video from Mary’s Meals, showing how their donated backpacks and schools supplies will be used by people their own age in the developing world. Continuing the spirit of interfaith cooperation, the children were encouraged to work together in pairs with someone of a different faith to make a card for a patient at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, another reminder of some of the

difficulties that children their own age might face. The session was bought to a close by Siobhan Garibaldi for Westminster SVP who will

be working with Caritas Westminster, Mitzvah Day and the six schools for the next World Day of the Poor and Mitzvah Day.

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Pope’s Prayer Intention: May 2019 In this May-time, we have continued to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection and we will conclude the month with his Ascension, which of course brings us his absolute promise to remain with us in a new, original way. In our northern hemisphere the warmer, longer days of spring have duly arrived; blossoms and new crops flourish although our concern about what we are doing to our common home, our planet, are more vividly present than ever. Pope Francis directs our attention, in this month’s Intention, south of the Equator, asking us to pray with him for the challenges facing the Church’s mission there. His Evangelisation Intention for this month is ‘that the Church in Africa, through the commitment of its members, may be the seed of unity among her peoples and a sign of hope for this continent’. Nobody of good will would have failed to be astonished at the Pope’s powerful appeal, just before Holy Week, to the leaders of the divided land of

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Sudan. They had been at the Vatican for a retreat that was focused on healing the divisions and ending the violence in that blood-soaked land. Over 400,000 have died violently in civil wars which produced the continent’s worst refugee crisis since the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Christianity is, not least in the Cross of Jesus, a sign of contradiction but here was an example for those leaders (and for all of us) of another kind of paradox. Christians and our churches, sadly, remain disunited but here was a counter-sign as no less than the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury had assisted in guiding this retreat. At the final meeting, Pope Francis, appealing as ever for dialogue, did something extraordinary. Always adept at the telling gesture, Francis spontaneously went to each of the leaders, knelt before each of them and kissed their feet in supplication. Reporters present were astonished by this gesture of an elderly man, who has

chronic pain in his knees and hip and who functions with only one lung. This was no empty gesture; it was a powerful plea for unity among the African peoples, expressing the sentiment of this month’s Intention. We pray with the Holy Father that this might be, as the Intention says, a sign of hope. Pope Francis has gone to Africa several times since his first visit in November 2015. The Majority World, the global south, has been a focus of his apostolic journeys. But he does not go to proselytise, to convert. On his most recent visit, to the predominantly Muslim country of Morocco, he, the pontiff asked Catholics to avoid trying to convert people, saying this: ‘always leads to an impasse’. Such an impasse would prevent dialogue. ‘Please, no proselytising,’ he told the congregation at Rabat's cathedral. The next day, he provided a concrete example of the reason why. The Pope met migrants at a centre run by the Catholic humanitarian organisation Caritas. ‘The issue of migration will never be resolved by raising barriers,’ he said in a speech. Once again, he is hoping and praying that the Church may be that ‘seed of unity’ rather than a proselytising competitor among religions vying for the allegiance of people. Our Prayer Network, formerly known as the Apostleship of Prayer, has developed an online prayer facility which helps you to make each day different: we call it Click-to-Pray. This network, the biggest in the Church, allows millions of people around the world to pray with the Pope for the challenges that face humanity and the Church’s mission, such as this month’s Intention. Digital means are essential in our time for spreading this message: Clickto-Pray is now the Pope’s third official digital platform along with his social media presence. Download the to your smartphone or your tablet and pray with the Pope! It is fitting, therefore, that our thee challenges, or proposals, for this month include making good use of the internet.

THREE CHALLENGES FOR THE MONTH AHEAD: 1: Do some research online; look for good examples of reconciliation between people and groups separated by war or religion, especially on the African continent and spread them in your own social media networks. 2: Make a deliberate resolution to look for opportunities, in the family, at school and at work, to be an agent of peace and reconciliation, taking on this task as a way of evangelisation because this is how to evangelise without proselytisation. 3: Promote, in your parish or other worshipping community, a moment of prayer, praying that the Lord will heal the wounds of war and the division of the African peoples and open paths of reconciliation. PRAYER MOMENT: As St Ignatius of Loyola always recommended, when we take some time to pray, we should always begin by pausing to become aware of God’s gaze upon us: God already looking at us, beholding us, wanting to share God’s own being with us. At this time in particular we can remind ourselves of the risen Christ’s joy and glory and the Trinity’s desire always to be with us, inviting us to participation in that glory. A suggested spoken prayer this month has been prepared for the worldwide Prayer Network, which you might like to meditate with: God of kindness, you created your children to live united to you, in communion with one another. In this month of May, with Pope Francis and all of us in his personal prayer network, we pray to you for the Christians of Africa, so that they open themselves to your presence and to your reconciling action in the midst of the divisions of this world. May your grace Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

move hearts to forgiveness and mercy, with a sincere desire for that dialogue that builds peace and nurtures hope in the future, in particular of the poorest and the young. Our Father … DOWNLOADS and FURTHER ACTIVITIES: • The latest version of our Click-to-Pray website (www.clicktopray.org) and app contain new features for your daily prayer, beginning with the Morning Offering where we offer our day to the Heart of Christ, in union with the Holy Father and the whole people of God. • Each month we produce the Pope Video in which the Holy Father personally presents his Intention, appealing to us to join him in prayer. Watch it at www.popevideo.org and share it on your own social media accounts. • Prayer cards and leaflets about the Pope’s Prayer Network can be sent out on application to the London office by emailing prayernetwork@jesuit.org.uk or by leaving a voicemail on 02084425232. • If your parish or chaplaincy would like to know more about the Pope’s Network, or commit to prayer for his Intentions each month, contact the office and we’ll offer support. • Say a prayer for the whole Network on the Feast of the Sacred Heart next month (June) as we celebrate, in Rome, with the Holy Father, our 175th anniversary! The next day we will celebrate, with the Jesuit Superior-General Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of St John Lateran. There will also be a one-day guided walking Ignatian pilgrimage around central Rome. Tickets for the special Audience with the Pope have all been taken up but, if you’re in Rome then or are thinking about a last-minute pilgrimage, call the office to see if any tickets have been returned.

Westminster Record | May 2019

A Revolution of Tenderness Book Review: A Cry is Heard, My Path to Peace Jean Vanier Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2018 144 pages/£9.99 (paperback) by Bishop Nicholas Hudson I have read more of Jean Vanier’s books than I can remember. But this one I read at one sitting: I could not put it down. Jean tells us things we have never heard before: like when Pope St John Paul II invited Jean to lead the rosary meditation in Lourdes; six months from death and barely capable of speech, Pope John Paul motioned to Jean at the end of the prayer to come and sit next to him; and he gave Jean his rosary, the rosary they had just prayed together, confirming in this profound gesture, says Jean, what we always knew him to be: ‘a friend who continues to watch over L’Arche.’ A Cry is Heard I expected to be a book about hearing ‘the cry of the poor’. It is indeed partly an account of how ‘the Lord hears the cry of the poor’ (Ps 34) through the 140 L’Arche communities which have sprung up across every continent ever since Jean first shared his home with Raphaël and Philippe, two men he had befriended in a local psychiatric hospital. But it is even more about the urgent cry for freedom which surfaced powerfully in Jean himself and which he experienced to be answered profoundly in L’Arche; and an appeal, albeit implicitly, to let the same cry for freedom surface within the reader as well. Jean was only 13 when this cry rose up within him as a compelling desire to leave home and join the Royal Navy. Jean’s father, Georges Vanier, was Governor General of Canada; and he recognised in Jean the authenticity of the ‘small inner voice that took hold of me and pushed me’ (20) to beg permission to leave home and cross the Atlantic. Jean’s cry for freedom he knew to be heard in his father’s simple response: ‘If it’s really what you want, then do

it’ (20). He recounts how eight years in the Navy made him a stronger person, strong enough to obey the ‘small inner voice within me, saying (next) “Follow me” (out of the Navy) to find the kingdom of God’ (23-24). He was led to the community of L’Eau Vive, a religious community, a place of study and prayer near Paris. There he completed a Sorbonne Doctorate in Philosophy. He taught some years in Toronto. But he soon felt the call back to L’Eau Vive. This gave him his first encounter with people who have a learning disability; he was profoundly touched by their yearning for relationship, by the way they asked him, ‘Will you be my friend?’; and his heart was opened. Jean describes the voice which called him back to France and the voice which called him to share his life with Raphaël and Philippe as being the same ‘small voice’ which had called him to cross the Atlantic at 13, a continuum, in other words, a voice which did not constrain but was rather his ‘way to freedom’. It is a freedom, he explains, which needs prayer; it is a ‘learning to listen to that inner voice often in profound solitude’ (31). Such attentive listening, he warns, can lead to surprise learnings: it is likely to lead to a learning not so much to accept as a ‘learning to ignore’: ‘learning to ignore ... the lure of power ... the desire for recognition ... everything that strengthens my ego’ (32). There is power in the simplicity with which Jean can say: ‘My small voice had shown me the road to take. I had to live in Trosly’ (33), because Trosly, just 40 miles north of Paris, is where L’Arche began in 1965. What Jean discovered in sharing his life with people whom most of society rejects was a profound joy: ‘the joy I experienced there exceeded everything I could have imagined’ (35). What others might have considered limiting, he experienced as a deep freedom. For he discovered in people with learning disabilities nothing less than ‘a path towards God’ (34). He says he has grown used to people thinking those with a learning disability ‘are poor little things we need to take care of’ but he knows them to be nothing less than ‘messengers from God’, ‘messengers from God who bring us closer to Jesus’ (50).

A Cry is Heard sets out to name the multiplicity of fruits which have been reaped not only by Jean and L’Arche but by the churches and indeed other faiths through the experience of interchurch and interfaith communities being formed around those with intellectual disabilities. Jean has the courage as well to name the damage and hurt which was recently revealed to have been done by Fr Thomas Philippe, the Dominican priest who called Jean to L’Eau Vive and introduced him to people with learning disabilities. Fr Thomas was revealed to have sexually abused adult women, without disabilities, in a spiritual direction context. ‘These behaviours caused serious harm to these women,’ writes Jean. ‘It was good that L’Arche and the Church wanted all people who had suffered in this way to be able to speak and be heard within the context of a canonical investigation.’ Jean’s description of this tragic reality I find salutary: ‘I was shocked. I felt anger. Then sadness ... and almost disbelief,’ he says. Gradually I had to accept this painful reality.’ He adds that he prays for the victimsurvivors and he prays for Fr Thomas. ‘I pray that together, at the foot of the cross of Jesus, we can all be open to the mercy of God’ (72-3). As I closed this powerful book, there came strongly into my mind a saying of Pope Francis’s. It is the idea of a ‘revolution of tenderness’. Pope Francis speaks often of the ‘revolution of tenderness’ which was achieved by Jesus in his outstanding ministry of mercy. The book itself cites Cardinal Rylko saying, ‘L’Arche has caused a Copernican revolution’ (50). This revolution of tenderness Jean is describing as having happened in him and through L’Arche when he says, ‘At the beginning, I thought I would carry out a Gospel work by trying to do people with disabilities good. Over the years I evolved as I discovered it was these people who did me good and, more than that, changed me’ (74). He puts it even more simply when he says, ‘If I encounter the poor with compassion and mercy, it is they who transform me’ (87). Here he is describing nothing less than his extraordinary share in the revolution of tenderness which Jesus came to effect; and I judge this to be Jean’s best rendition of that revolution to date.

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Remembering Cardinal Hume June 17th is the twentieth anniversary of the death of Cardinal George Basil Hume, ninth Archbishop of Westminster. To commemorate this anniversary, we share some of Cardinal Hume’s own words, which continue to inspire many people today.

Life is a pilgrimage

The life of the soul, both now and hereafter, is one of knowing and loving. In this it reflects the very nature of God himself. One day we shall see God as he really is, face to fact, know him immediately without any intermediary. Beatitude, that is perfect happiness, will follow from that vision and we shall be in that endless now of ecstatic love, as we are united to him who is absolute truth and goodness and, as such, infinitely loveable. For us it is not so yet. At present our knowledge of him is imperfect and needs must be mediated through finite things and persons; either through his creation or through the sacred words which convey to us his divine message. ‘I am going to prepare a place for you’ Yes, there is a place ready for us, a new beginning for which life has been but a preparation, a place where God will wipe away every tear and death will be no more. A place where loved ones will be seen again, a place where all our noblest desires will be totally satisfied, for we shall see God as he truly is. We shall discover that all that we thought and experienced about love were but hints of the real thing when we are together, at one with God. Page 18

Looking forward The greatest grace which God can give is the knowledge that he loves each one of us more than any lover ever loved his, or her, beloved. To realise that, and to allow it to sink deep into our minds and hearts, can change our lives completely. Who can separate us from that love? As we approach the last bit of the journey there are days when we fear that we face an unknown, unpredictable, uncertain future. That is a common experience. But do not worry; because the time comes when we no longer carry heavy bags and all those possessions. We shall travel through the

Concerning Me cold, grey, light of a bleak English morning into God’s spring and summer; into his light and warmth. ‘This day you will be with me in paradise’ This day will inevitably come for each one of us, we do not know when. But it most surely will come and what a joy it will be when we hear the words: ‘This day you will be with me in paradise.’ We must move in our spiritual lives from thinking of death as the great enemy and begin to think about ‘this day’ as the one when we shall be going home, the one for which we were made and for which the whole of our lives is the preparation. Life is indeed a pilgrimage as we walk each day closer towards its end which is the vision of God. We are made for that, and life is a preparation for the moment when we move from this situation into eternal happiness. Joy and sorrow, agony and ecstasy, pain and well-being: they walk hand in hand up that hill which is called Calvary. But beyond it to a place where there is no more death, no sin, no pain, only empty tombs and life everlasting. The moment of ecstasy I see this life as a period of training, a time of preparation, during which we learn the art of loving God and our neighbour, which is the heart of the Gospel message. Sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing. As we learn, then many things begin to look different. Death, for instance, comes to be seen as the way which leads us to the vision of God, the moment when we shall see him as he really is, and find our total fulfilment in love’s final choice. The ultimate union with that which is most loveable, union with God. I call that the moment of ecstasy. The One who will understand, who will forgive, who will console. That is my view of God. (from Oremus Special Edition 1999)

As a small boy in Newcastle I remember seeing a funeral procession. It was the first time I had seen a coffin. I was told it held a dead person going to the cemetery. I couldn’t accept death was the end of everything. I knew I didn’t want to die. Life was too good. Later, when a teenager, I reflected further. Death seemed such a mockery. Was all human achievement just to be tossed away, buried or burned? I slowly realised that death was not the end of all that I loved, but a new beginning – I saw it as a gateway. I realised I was not a permanent resident of this world, but a pilgrim walking through life. And so began my journey in search of something, or indeed someone, who would make sense of my life. May people share this heartfelt longing.

But the journey is always a personal one. No one can undertake it for another. Others will have different starting points leading them to see life as a pilgrimage. The start for some may be a great shock or sadness – the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a terminal illness, an agony of mind. Anguish and sorrow can make us ask ‘Why me? Why do I have to suffer so much?’ and lead us to seek a deeper meaning and purpose to life. For others it may be a good experience like falling in love, delighting in friendship, having children. I see these as hints from God showing us that life’s riches and gifts point beyond themselves to a deeper and everlasting joy. At the end of the pilgrimage we shall see the beauty of God and know the intimacy of his love. We shall see him as he is. That is heaven.

Westminster Record | May 2019

The Cross in the light of Easter

resume our journey, refreshed and renewed. The Church is uncompromising about moral principles but compassionate and understanding when people fall. As a friend put it ‘The Catholic Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners.’ The Church may not prevent our suffering or take away our sorrows. But even shocks and sadnesses can lead us closer to God who says: ‘Come to me all you who labour and are burdened. I will give you rest.’ That gives courage to keep going through life with a lighter step and a more cheerful heart. People on a journey of faith need each other. So another reason people are sometimes drawn to the Catholic Church is they feel that this is where they belong. They are at home there. The Catholic Church is primarily a community of people. To be a Catholic is to belong to a family which prays, believes and acts together. Life is a journey to God. As we walk we strive to love God and our fellow men and women. For me personally, the most profound truth of my faith is that there is Someone who loves me completely and totally in spite of my weaknesses and failures. That keeps me going.

through faith and with the experience of suffering that we will discover the joy of the Resurrection that lies deep in the agony of the Crucifixion. We will then realise how light is the burden, and how sweet is the yoke. The dark side of life, either for ourselves or for those we know and cherish, will always be there. But taken up by Christ, assumed by Christ, experienced by Christ. It has new meaning and a new significance, and is the gateway to joy, the gateway to hope, the gateway to life. Now look further Look – and this is always important – look beyond the Cross, and behind the tortured figure. For you can see dimly outlined, with the eyes of faith, the face of the Risen Christ. When we are called upon to carry the Cross of Christ, it is a particular call from God to grow closer to him. An anxiety in the family, a difficult situation we have to face, the possibility of being unfairly treated by life or by other people, dogged by ill health: these things happen to us, day in and day out.

The journey continues We can recall that we are helping Christ in carrying the Cross. Because there is no doubt that the way to help must be, to some extent, over the hill that leads to Calvary. That is part of life. But always at the end of it, the looking forward, the expectation, the joy of knowing that it all leads to the vision of God which is eternal happiness, the point of love. (from Westminster Cathedral Bulletin, April 1995)

As I grew older I recognised that the longing inside me was the beckoning of a loving God, calling me to himself. It was not wishful thinking but real. There is an ultimate significance to human existence beyond money, beyond pleasure, beyond pain, even beyond death. What lies at the end of our earthly journey is not to be ignored or dreaded. Death can become a friend because there is Someone beyond it, ready to welcome and embrace all who truly seek him. If we honestly seek him, we shall find him. But how do we know which direction to take? We need guidance to find the right road, forgiveness when we have gone wrong, healing when we are wounded, and strength to keep going. Some are led to seek these in the Catholic Church. One reason is that the Catholic Church speaks with authority about the basics of Christianity. It gives security and confidence. The Church points the way to God clearly and with a sure touch. The Church also provides moral guidance, warning us of pitfalls and dangers on the journey to the vision of God. We all stumble and fall occasionally, but the Church always offers God’s forgiveness and healing. We are helped to

There is no adequate explanation why there should be suffering. So many terrible problems baffle us: suffering, death, the chaotic society in which we live. What do all these things mean? How do we make sense of it all, explain it all? The only understanding I have is to look at the Crucifix. There I know is the explanation and the solution, because in it you find the meaning of life and the meaning of love, for ‘No greater love hath a man than he lay down his life for his friends.’ In the death of Christ, God made man, the proof of God’s love for us is shown and proclaimed in a manner that could not be equalled. Risen, yet hidden Joy comes to those who rejoice to carry the Cross; it is a noble vocation. But we must not forget that we are made for joy, not for sadness. That joy will come from receiving love and giving love. Behind every Crucifix, hidden (foe we cannot see him) stands our Risen Lord. Hidden in every suffering and pain is the joy of closer union with him. His is the victory. He invites us to share it. It is only

(from Westminster Cathedral Bulletin, November 1994)

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Westminster Record | May 2019

A privileged journey to Rome

Rooted in the word of God: ‘I am a Masterpiece’

by Thomas Lofaro

At the beginning of Lent, a 16strong group of pilgrims from the diocese of Westminster travelled to Rome. The faithful included members of the LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Community, friends and family members, and were led by Martin Pendergast and Fr David Stewart SJ. The pilgrims took part in the morning Papal Audience on Ash Wednesday. The group was surprised with privileged seats and an invitation to have a photo with Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square after the audience. That afternoon, the group took part in Pope Francis’ Mass at the Church of Santa Sabina, which included the imposition of ashes. The week was an opportunity to reflect on the Catholic faith and its current challenges. It included a conversation about Pope Francis’ reforms with Romebased journalists Christopher Lamb of The Tablet and Robert Mickens of La Croix International. The pilgrims also reflected on the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (‘The Joy of Love’), Pope Francis’ response to the 2014/2015 synods on marriage and the family. Their reflection focused on Pope Francis’ principles of accompaniment and moral discernment, and the implications of these principles for people on the margins of the faith. During their pilgrimage, the group was addressed by the American moral theologian, Professor James Keenan SJ. The group celebrated Mass in the Cardinal’s Titular Church of the Most Holy Redeemer & Page 20

St Alphonsus. The pilgrims were generously welcomed by the English-speaking Catholic, Anglican and Methodist communities in Rome, with whom the group celebrated an Ecumenical Liturgy of the Word and Blessing of Ashes in the Church of St Ignatius. A particularly poignant moment was morning prayer in the St Bartholomew-on-theTiber Church, which is run by the Sant’Egidio community, when the group prayed for

victims of homophobia and transphobia around the world. The Sant’Egidio community have a charism for serving the poor and people in their moment of need. This is particularly relevant for the LGBT+ community this month, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the bombing of the Admiral Duncan pub in London, and reflect on the continued suffering of LGBT+ refugees, many of whom have fled threats of violence and death, and have experienced discrimination and persecution, on account of their sexuality and gender identity.

by Alex Pizzoni

Flame 2019 was a fascinating experience. The theme of ‘Significance’ highlighted that we are all uniquely created and have a gift to offer to the world. There was a mixture of concert-style music, addresses and theatre, all of which contributed to an electrifying buzz around Wembley Arena, as thousands of Catholics from all over the UK travelled hours for the event. Thomas Lofaro is a member of the A number of speakers took to LGBT+ Westminster Catholics the stage in the morning. Pastoral Council. Christian rapper Guvna B, who The Westminster LGBT+ Catholic was raised in Hackney, spoke community aims to create a space about his life and the decision to where Catholics who identify as rap about his faith. His wife, LGBT+ can find friendship and Emma Borquaye, spoke about support, both emotional and her faith journey and launching spiritual. For more information the social media App ‘Girl Got and contact details, visit Faith’. https://farmstreet.org.uk/activities/ In a powerful and inspiring lgbt-catholics-westminster/. pre-recorded video message, Jean Vanier spoke about his decision to quit engineering, to pursue a life of following Jesus. Over the years, he has welcomed vulnerable and disabled people and made a home for them. He encouraged young people to make a difference in the world. Music-wise, a number of great worship songs were played during the day, with young people waving their phone

torches around, creating a joyful atmosphere. RISE Theatre gave two imaginative performances on the theme of Significance. Robert Madu told us that comparison is the thief of joy: it will destroy your destiny and will consistently cloud the clarity of your life. He also asked us to say to ourselves ‘I am a masterpiece’ and truly mean it, remembering that this message is rooted in the word of God. Another speaker shared the phrase, ‘See it, pray it, sort it!’, an alternative to the announcement often heard on trains. This is certainly a good way of thinking about reconnecting with your faith. Archbishop Eamon Martin and Cardinal Vincent Nichols also made appearances, with the Cardinal leading the silent time of Adoration towards the end. Several Bible quotes cited throughout the day (John 12:3537; John 12:42-46; John 10:10; and 2 Corinthians) reminded us that life is worth living and that the light will always overcome the darkness. The Flame theme #SIGNIFICANCE reinforced these passages, and emphasised that we are all important and have a story to tell.

Westminster Record | May 2019

Veda (front row middle) with the nursing team in Lourdes

Giving thanks for Veda Ryan On the anniversary of the 13th apparition in Lourdes, 2nd March 2019, Veda Ryan slipped away from this world peacefully surrounded by her family. Veda was the Chief Nurse for the Westminster Lourdes pilgrimage, a voluntary role which she had held since 2012. She led the team of volunteer nurses who provide care and support to the sick and disabled pilgrims. A few weeks before the 2018 pilgrimage Veda found out that she had a serious illness herself and needed to start cancer treatment so she was not able join us. Veda had volunteered as a nurse with the pilgrimage for a week each July since 2007. As Chief Nurse, however, the commitment became year-round as she participated in the planning and organisation of the pilgrimage, the recruitment and training of volunteers, and assessment of the medical/nursing needs of the assisted pilgrims. She did this whilst also working full time in the NHS and being a volunteer counsellor, a wife, mother, sister, aunty, good friend, church florist, gardener and cake baker. She seemed to have super powers, fitting in a lot more into 24 hours than most people. One of nine children, Veda was born and raised in Trinidad. After graduating, she taught in a school for children with intellectual and physical disabilities run by Carmelite nuns. Veda became a Catholic at 21, and felt a strong calling to join the religious order. The nuns however decided that she should come to England to train as a nurse. She came to Harperbury Hospital, near Radlett, Hertfordshire, to train as

a learning disability/mental health nurse; she then trained as an adult nurse and midwife. Whilst working at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage she met John. They married in 1984 and had two children, Kathryn and Andrew. Veda worked as a midwife and senior midwife at the Lister Hospital until 2016, supporting many women and delivering hundreds of babies over the years. She then worked as a fertility nurse, followed by work at the local hospice. For a number of years Veda also volunteered as a counsellor having gained her degree in professional counselling. People were important to Veda. She spent her whole career caring for and supporting mums, families, patients and clients. She was a generous and charitable woman who went out of her way to help others. As a nurse with the pilgrimage she made the assisted pilgrims feel special, taking time to make sure their individual needs were being met and attending to their comfort and medical/nursing requirements. Veda loved going to Lourdes. She found it a spiritual and uplifting place, and enjoyed working as part of the diocesan Lourdes team. She was very pleased to be asked to be Chief Nurse and took great pride in taking on this role. She recruited many of our nurses and inspired in them the same love for Lourdes that she had. She would take them to the Grotto and the baths, and to participate in the Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament processions. A special place she liked to visit in the Sanctuary was the reliquary of Pope St John Paul II with whom she felt a strong connection,

having met him in St Peter’s Square early in his papacy. Veda was only 62 when she died. We in the pilgrimage team were not ready for it, let alone her husband, children, family or friends. Veda was an important part of our lives and a much loved and respected person. She gave a lot of her time, compassion and professional skills to support the diocesan pilgrimage to enable the sick, frail and disabled to travel to Lourdes each year. We remember her with gratitude for all that she did, and for her love and kindness. We send our sincere condolences to her family and all those who mourn her. May she rest in eternal peace. Bernadette Herbert Chief Nurse Westminster Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage

Calling Lourdes Volunteers If you are over 18, your help would be very much appreciated in Lourdes as a St Frai helper. Some of our sick pilgrims in most need of support and medical care stay in a hospital-like building called the Accueil St Frai in the centre of Lourdes. It is well-equipped for their care and they are looked after by a team of doctors, nurses and volunteer St Frai helpers. The role of a St Frai helper is to support the nurses and provide the sort of care which does not require a medical qualification. This includes helping the assisted pilgrims get up and ready in the morning, making large amounts of tea, taking the pilgrims to various pilgrimage events, shopping and socialising with them and other helpers, and putting them to bed at night. The timetable is shared across two shifts so there is enough time to rest, make your own pilgrimage, spend time with your groups and make new friends. Helping in the St Frai is an extremely moving and rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to give our care and company to our assisted pilgrims and make a huge difference in their lives. If you’re interested in helping in the St Frai in Lourdes, please email chief helper Nick Leonard and team at westminsterstfrai @gmail.com

Honouring the Immaculate Heart of Mary On Saturday 29th June, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an afternoon of prayer and devotion will take place in Kensington, beginning with the Angelus at Our Lady of Mount Carmel at noon, followed by Mass, recitation of the Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and a talk on the importance of personal consecration to Our Lady, along with enrolment in the Brown Scapular. A procession will then take place at 4:30 pm to Our Lady of Victories Church, where the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be recited, followed by veneration of the relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco, and the day will end at 6:00 pm with the Fatima Prayers, the Angelus and the Salve Regina. This procession is in thanksgiving for the renewal of the consecration of England made by Cardinal Vincent in Westminster Cathedral in February 2017, during the centenary year of Our Lady’s apparitions at Fatima in 1917.

The day aims to promote devotion to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart, which is strongly emphasised in the Fatima message. During the June 1917 apparition to the children, after promising to take Jacinta and Francisco to heaven, the Blessed Virgin said to Lucia, ‘Jesus wants to use you to make me known and loved. He wishes to establish the devotion to my Immaculate Heart throughout the world. I promise salvation to whoever embraces it; these souls will be dear to God, like flowers put by me to adorn his throne.’

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Westminster Record | May 2019

Fr Gerard Thomas Burke RIP Gerard Thomas Burke was born on 18th April 1935 in Willesden, the first of four sons born to Thomas and Ethel. Gerry was educated at Sacred Heart Primary School. He was an altar server at the parish church, and a member of the scout troop, always keen to learn new skills. He went to Gunnersbury Grammar School. In his mid-teens Gerry’s sense of vocation to the priesthood led to his acceptance as an ecclesiastical student, and in 1951 he was sent to St Edmund’s College, Ware as a boarder to complete his secondary education and prepare him for seminary life. In 1953 Gerry went to the Venerable English College in Rome, where he remained for seven years. While in Rome Gerry became proficient in Italian, and he developed a love of cooking, Italian style. He enjoyed travel to other parts of Italy during breaks from study. On 12th March 1960 Gerry was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Traglia at the Basilica of St John Lateran. Fr Gerry’s first appointment was to the parish of Holy Cross, Parsons Green as Assistant Priest for one year before moving to St James’, Spanish Place where he served as Assistant Priest from 1961 to 1964. He then moved to Archbishop’s House, having been appointed Private Secretary. In 1967 he was appointed Assistant Priest at Barnet, until 1973. Fr Gerry’s next appointment was to Isleworth as Assistant Priest and Chaplain to Gumley House School until 1980, when he was appointed Parish Priest at Poplar, where he remained until 1983. Fr Gerry took part in preparations for the National Pastoral Congress, with 2,000 delegates from England and Wales, held in Liverpool in 1980. He was involved with a ‘theological road show’, travelling around the diocese to address packed meetings in the pastoral areas explaining ecclesial models and theological concepts. It was a time of great hope, and Fr Gerry was an optimist. He helped many ‘ordinary’ Catholics to grasp the Page 22

difference between the BOC and the POG: the Body of Christ and the People of God, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. From 1983 to 1986 Fr Gerry was Pastoral Director at Allen Hall Seminary. As Director of the Ministry to Priests Programme from 1986 to 1995, and running the Centre for Human Development based in Kensington Square, Fr Gerry worked tirelessly to support and promote the growth of priests in every aspect of their lives: spiritual, pastoral, intellectual, and in their humanity and personhood. The need for such support was recognized in other countries, and Fr Gerry was invited by the Bishops’ Conference of South Africa to set up and run the Ministry to Priests programme in Pretoria. With the blessing of Cardinal Hume he went to South Africa in 1995 and remained there for three years. During his years working with the Centre for Human Development he travelled to many other English-speaking counties to share his knowledge of, and passion for, the life and ministry of priests and the need for organised support and means for personal growth for priests. In March 1998 Fr Gerry returned to the diocese and was appointed Parish Priest of St Lawrence’s, Feltham. He enjoyed life and ministry in Feltham. The response of the parishioners to Fr Gerry’s commitment to shared responsibility for the ministry and mission of the Church brought him much satisfaction. From 2001 to 2006 Fr Gerry served as a member of the Chapter of Canons of Westminster Cathedral. Fr Gerry was an intelligent and articulate priest, and a good listener to the ideas, and to the joys and sorrows, of others. He brought humour to many situations, helping people not to take themselves too seriously, while supporting people with kindness and compassion as they faced serious situations. In 2010, at the customary retirement age for priests, Fr Gerry retired in Feltham, remaining among his adopted

parish family of St Lawrence’s. He remained active in ministry, giving assistance in the parish. Fr Gerry died peacefully on 20th March after a short illness, having recently moved from his bungalow to the nearby Derwent Lodge Care Home. He knew he was close to death, and he was without fear. He was ready to be embraced by the Lord whom he knew, loved and served. At the age of 83 years, having served as a priest for 59 years, may this much-loved man and priest rest in peace.

Celebrate Twickenham

Bookings are open for Celebrate Weekend at St Mary’s University, Twickenham on Saturday 15th June and Sunday 16th June with Mass being celebrated by Bishop John Wilson. Children & young people’s streams available. Booking essential. For more information, visit www.celebrateconference.org or call 07778 124270/ 07717473160.

In Memoriam: May

In Memoriam: June

2 Fr John Farrelly (1990) Fr John Coughlan (1997) Fr Francis Finnegan (1999) Fr Edward Bilsborrow (2007) 4 Fr Peter Lowry (1972) Fr Raymond Tomalin (1996) 5 Canon Herbert Welchman (1982) Fr Denys Lucas (1995) 6 Fr John Hathway (1995) Fr Anthony Potter (2003) 7 Fr Alastair Russell (1997) 9 Fr Bernard Lagrue (1995) 10 Fr Patrick Keegan (1992) Mgr Canon Oliver Kelly (1995) Canon Denis Britt-Compton (2002) Fr Charles Mercer (2005) Fr Frederick de L’Orme (2016) 11 Fr Thomas Kean (1981) 13 Mgr Stephen Shaw (1998) 14 Fr Dominic McEwan (1969) Fr Peter Boshell (1993) 15 Fr William O’Brien (2004) Fr Patrick Sammon (2018) 20 Fr Stanislaus Savage (1975) Fr Michael Markey (2014) 22 Fr Ronald Richardson (1999) Fr Charles MacMahon (2003) 23 Fr Bernard Bussy (1992) Fr Hugh McAleese (1994) Fr Matthew Burrows (2010) 24 Fr Denis Ward (1978) Fr Philip Rogers (1995) Fr Michael Garvey (2002) Fr Denis Nottingham (2002) 25 Mgr Canon John Bagshawe (1971) Mgr Denis McGuinness (1993) Fr John Oldland (1995) 26 Canon Patrick J Murphy (1974) Fr John Murray (1995) 30 Fr Albert Purdie (1976) 31 Canon Reginald Crook (1990) Fr John Luke (2003) Fr Kevin Greene (2004)

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) 8 Fr Harold Hamil (2016) 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) 26 Fr John Moran (1988) Mgr Canon Roderick More O’Ferrall (1991) 27 Fr Raleigh Addington (1980) 28 Fr Cuthbert Boddy (1970) Canon Denis Crowley (1980) 29 Fr Richard Fitzgibbon (2006) 30 Fr Edmund R J Henry (1971) Fr William Anderson (1972) Fr Christopher Bedford (2008)

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | May 2019

REGuLAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar – May & June

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

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

TuESDAYS Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesdays 6-9pm concluding with Benediction at Newman House, 111 Gower Street WC1E 6AR. Details 020 7387 6370. Prayers for London at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden Tuesdays 7.30pm. Organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Willesden, Nicoll Road NW10 9AX. Our Lady of Walsingham Prayer Group First Tuesday of the month 2.30pm to 4.15pm in the Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs in Westminster Cathedral. Details: antonia@walsingham.org.uk Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place W1V 3QY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along. NFG Prayer Group weekly at 8pm for praise & worship followed by a social. Held in St Mark’s Room, Christ the King Church, Cockfosters N14 4HE. Contact Fr Christophe: christophe.brunet@cheminneuf.org.

WEDNESDAYS Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Contact ccpguk@gmail.com Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession every third Wednesday at St Anselm & St Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3JA. Mass at 6pm followed by Prayer Group. Rosary, Adoration, silent prayer and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Email Antonia antonia4161@gmail.com. Gregorian Chant Explore the riches of the Gregorian chant tradition

every Wednesday 6.30pm to 8pm, Bulbeck room, Ealing Abbey parish centre. New members welcome. For details, email gregorianchantealing@gmail.com

ThuRSDAYS Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for young professionals at St Thomas More, Swiss Cottage. Begins at 7.30pm, with Confession from 7pm to 8.30pm. The next date is 24th January. Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament first Thursday of the month, Mass 6:30pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB followed by Adoration and Benediction. www.sodality.co.uk Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life (JCFL) provides a space for Christians of different traditions to join together in prayer and friendship. For further details please visit www.jcfl.org.uk. Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details www.soulfoodgroup.org. 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

FRIDAYS 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 Friday 7.30pm Prayer, praise and teaching. First Friday is a healing call 020 8748 2632. Queen of Peace Prayer Group at Our Lady of Lourdes, Acton W3 8AA. After 7pm Mass, Exposition, a homily, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Friday prayer meeting 1:30pm to 3pm with Adoration in St Matthew's Hall, Northwood, Middx HA6 1DW except 1st Friday. Summer break- August. Contact Patricia 07918128248

SATuRDAYS Taizé at Notre Dame de France 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX at 7.15pm. Call 020 7437 9363. Carmelite Spirituality Group meet first Saturday at St Joseph’s Church, Bunhill Row EC1Y 8LE. 11.30-15.30 for prayer and reflection. Enquiries: Sylvia Lucas 07889436165. holy Cross, Parsons Green first Saturday of every month. Mass at 9.30am followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour concluding with Benediction.

1 Wed 2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Sun 6 Mon 7 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun

Easter feria or St Joseph the Worker St Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor Ss PHILIP and JAMES, Apostles THE ENGLISH MARTYRS +3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER Easter feria, Third Week of Easter Easter feria Easter feria Easter feria Easter feria Easter feria +4th SUNDAY OF EASTER, World Day of Prayer for Vocations

13 Mon 14 Tue 15 Wed 16 Thu

Easter feria, Fourth Week of Easter or Our Lady of Fatima ST MATTHIAS, Apostle Easter feria Easter feria Easter feria Friday abstinence Easter feria or St John I, Pope & Martyr +5th SUNDAY OF EASTER Easter feria, Fifth Week of Easter or St Bernadine of Siena, Priest

17 Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 Mon

Friday abstinence

Every Sunday at 7pm. Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street Friday abstinence

Easter feria or St Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs

22 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Sun 27 Mon 28 Tue 29 Wed 30 Thu 31 Fri

Easter feria or St Rita of Cascia, Religious Easter feria Easter feria Friday abstinence St Bede the Venerable, Priest & Doctor +6th SUNDAY OF EASTER ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, Bishop Easter feria, Sixth Week of Easter Easter feria or St Paul VI THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Friday abstinence

1 Sat 2 Sun 3 Mon 4 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thu 7 Fri 8 Sat 9 Sun 10 Mon 11 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thu 14 Fri 15 Sat 16 Sun

St Justin, Martyr World Communications Day Ss Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs Easter feria, Seventh Week of Easter St Boniface, Bishop and Martyr Easter feria or St Norbert, Bishop Easter feria Friday abstinence Easter feria PENTECOST SUNDAY The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church St Barnabas, Apostle feria, Tenth Week of Year 1 OUR LORD OF JESUS CHRIST, THE ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST feria Friday abstinence feria or Blessed Virgin Mary THE MOST HOLY TRINITY Day for Life feria, Eleventh Week of Year I feria feria or St Romuald, Abbot St Alban, Protomartyr St Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious Friday abstinence Ss JOHN FISHER, Bishop and THOMAS MORE, Martyrs THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI) THE NATIVITY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST feria feria ST JOHN SOUTHWORTH, Priest & Martyr THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS No Friday abstinence The Immaculate Heart of Mary Ss PETER and PAUL, Apostles

24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thu 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun

Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue Young Adults Mass with an Ignatian twist

21 Tue

17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thu 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun

Other regular Masses

Contact: yam@mountstreet.info or visit www.pathwaystogood.org Mass at Canary Wharf Held Tuesdays at 12.30pm at 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details at www.cwcc.org.uk. St Alban’s Abbey Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY. Members of the Westminster LGBT Catholic Community are specially welcomed on 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month for Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Farm Street at 5.30pm, and invited to the parish hall afterwards for tea/coffee, where there is anopportunity to learn of pastoral help available. 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 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only. Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Friday only. Low Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Friday only. Saturdays: Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 4pm, Lady Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW. Second Saturday only. Page 23

Westminster Record | May 2019

Walsingham: Queen of Shrines of Our Lady by Fr Alan Robinson

Page 24

And yet, all that having been said, I’m never surprised when many of the visitors to Corpus Christi here in the heart of Covent Garden, whether from this country or abroad, tell me they have never visited Walsingham or particularly thought of asking Our Blessed Lady’s intercession in that place. When so many Catholics, at much greater expense, travel to Lourdes or Fatima or Guadalupe in Mexico, why is Walsingham so ignored or less well known? I think it’s partly due to where Walsingham is, i.e. right in the depths of the Norfolk countryside. That sounds like a real townie talking! It certainly isn’t the easiest place to get to, especially on public transport! Of course, we can make that part of the attraction of the pilgrimage, as we make the journey, thinking of those who have walked that route, suffering for their faith. Or perhaps the Shrines of Our Lady abroad, with huge numbers of pilgrims, hold more of an attraction for us. A visit to Walsingham is very different; in comparison, it is more reflective, a more meditative experience. It’s more like Our Lady of the Gospel, hidden away, quiet, almost forgotten. But a great advantage is that it is only a few hours away, and without an expensive flight. My experience is that so many English Catholics know very little about the wonderful history of what is in effect, the Queen of the Shrines of Our Lady in Europe. The Walsingham story began in 1061 when a pious English noblewoman, Richeldis de Faverches, the lady of the manor, wanted to do some special work in honour of Our Blessed Lady. In answer to her prayer, the Virgin Mary led her in spirit to Nazareth, showed her the house where the Annunciation occurred, and asked her to build a replica in Walsingham, to serve as a perpetual memorial of the Feast of the Annunciation. This great feast reminds us of the humility of God, in ‘becoming man for our salvation’, so that through our life of prayer we might become more like God. This Holy House was built and a religious community took charge of the foundation. Although we have very little information from

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this period, we know that with papal approval the Augustinian Canons built a priory around 1150, and Walsingham became one of the greatest shrines in Medieval Christendom. Sadly, in 1538, the Reformation brought about the closure of the priory, the property to be handed over to the King's commissioners, and the famous statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was burnt. Nothing remains today of the original shrine, but its site is marked on the lawn in the Abbey grounds. Leaping forward, the shrine todays attracts some 150,000 pilgrims during the pilgrimage season; I hope that you are one of them. If not, why don’t you make a firm resolution to make a pilgrimage to this holy place; you’ll be walking in the footsteps of all those countless Catholic pilgrims who have responded to the call of Our Lady for almost 900 years. What can you do if you visit? You can plan to arrive at the Basilica and attend the midday Pilgrim Mass, with all those others who have made the same journey as you, i.e. a pilgrimage of faith. You’ll receive a great welcome, and this will begin well your Walsingham stay. You can stay for a few days with other pilgrims in Elmham House, which is relatively inexpensive. Like the original pilgrims, you can take off your shoes at the Slipper Chapel, and walk the last mile into the village barefoot and, if you can gain entry, end your walk at the site of the original Holy House in the Abbey grounds. This walk of the Holy Mile is a wonderful opportunity to pray the Rosary, and to call to mind all those people and situations you’re bringing to Our Lady and her Beloved Son. Walsingham is a place where you can forget your normal daily routine. You’ll have plenty of time and space for prayer, saying the Rosary, spiritual reading, beautiful country walks, and a chance to meet up with and make friends with other Catholics over a cup of tea or something a little stronger. And another aspect which I particularly love, is that you’ll be able to catch up with some sleep too.

And it doesn’t have to end when you come home. You can join the Walsingham Association, be remembered in Masses offered at the Shrine, receive a quarterly newsletter, and be united with fellow pilgrims all over the country. Our Blessed Lady of Walsingham has been such a wonderful influence, strength and companion in my life; and she is waiting for all of us to visit her in her Shrine, so that she might listen to our prayers and intentions, and lead us to her Son.

For around the last forty years I’ve been going to Walsingham pretty much every year, and often more than once. Our Blessed Lady and I have been through a great deal together, covering shades of every emotion, and she has always brought me home safe and sound. I’ve always been able to turn to her, and know that as Jesus asked of her, ‘she has been a Mother to me, and I her son.’ For Our Blessed Lady was given to be the Mother of each and every one of us, and as at the Crucifixion of her Son, stands faithfully next to us, leading and encouraging us through life and towards the Kingdom of Heaven. As an Anglican, I always made a pilgrimage on the Spring Bank Holiday, for what was affectionately called by many, the Grand National: an event which was a mixture of pilgrimage, catching up with friends and party! I would also take the parish for a few days at a time, and often drive up to Walsingham just by myself, when I wanted to ask the prayers of Our Blessed Lady for a particular intention. On 29th September 1994, just a day before I left my Church of England parish, I celebrated the Holy Communion service at midday in the Holy House: I then removed the vestments and walked away, knowing that I’d laid my future life in the Catholic Church, and whatever it might hold, at the feet of Our Blessed Lady. On 30th June 1997, two days after I’d been ordained to the sacred priesthood in the Catholic Church by Cardinal Hume, I went to Walsingham and offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Slipper Chapel, giving thanks, asking for the prayers of Our Blessed Lady of Walsingham, to keep me close to her Son and faithful to the priestly life to which I had been called. And every year I make a visit to what is now the Basilica of our Lady of Walsingham, in thanksgiving for the life God has called me to live, offering the Mass in the Slipper Chapel for those who wish to have their intentions placed at the feet of Our Lady, all the other important people in my life, and asking the prayers of Our Lady for my ministry.

O blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England thy Dowry and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and he has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home. Amen.

Fr Alan Robinson is the Rector of the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Corpus Christi, in Covent Garden.