Westminster record august 2014 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record August 2014 | 20p

Daily life captured in pictures

Westminster Cathedral School marks 50 years

The Power and the Grace DVD reviews

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A Lesson from Lourdes

Lourdes teaches a great lesson for life. Importantly we see and learn here that suffering should never have the last word in our lives and how we understand ourselves. Some argue that it does, and they believe the avoidance of suffering is the most important thing. But here we learn differently. Suffering is not the last word; it shouldn’t be given the last word. The first Word and the last Word is the name of Jesus and, as we anoint the sick with the sign of the Cross, we know that by his Cross suffering is given a totally different perspective.

Sometimes you can see a dead tree and it is just that: dead. See it against a hard, bright winter sky, touched with frost, and it suddenly becomes something of transcendent beauty. So here we learn that suffering is not God’s last word and shouldn’t be our last word; we place our trust in the gift of life given by God and eventually taken back to himself by God. Here we know that our journey, one we make together, is one in which we help each other to carry the burden of suffering until the Lord calls.

Editorial Westminster Record – Contact us

Westminster Record | August 2014

The Vocation to Service

Editor Bishop John Arnold Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue, SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Alex Balzanella 020 7798 9178, Chris O’Callaghan 020 7798 9030 & John Scott 020 7798 9035 Design Julian Game Proofing Michael Holmes, John Scott To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 214 1216 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com

Service is the hallmark and measure of the Christian Life. A Faith that is merely a Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd. theological concept or a philosophical argument is an empty Faith, held in a sort of intellectual isolation. If Faith is to have meaning then it Editorial Deadline: 13 August must express itself in actions – Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk most notably in the service News and stories call 020 7798 9178 which is rendered to our neighbour. Jesus places before Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk us the two most important Advertising Deadline: 15 August commandments of the law, the To advertise call 0161 214 1200 love of God and the love of neighbour. Called to love our Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of neighbour we are called to Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record serve the people that God do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, places in our lives each day.

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This service is manifested in every level and form of our lives as Christians. There are times when the service is more predictable and the more deliberately entered into. For example, we have much for which to give thanks in the recent ordination to service of new deacons and priests for our Diocese. Their service, to which they have felt called, will be rendered in meeting the pastoral and sacramental needs of those in their care and that service will make up the pattern of their lives. We have also completed another Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in which so many generous helpers have accompanied the sick and given service in their care and assistance to them. They had volunteered, and been prepared, for that time of particular service. But the ideal of service goes

much wider, to embrace all of us. Its claims and demands are often not predictable or defined or limited. We may find ourselves confronted with an unseen opportunity to serve someone in need whom God has unexpectedly placed in our lives today. We may find ourselves called to that privileged and demanding service of nursing a loved friend or family member through a lengthy illness. Service is the practical expression of the love that Jesus so emphatically states as the life and expression of our Faith. There will be invitations to each one of us today to serve. Will we recognise the invitation? How will we respond?

A View from Hospital No-one likes being admitted into hospital. To some it can come as a surprise, to others it is planned and they have been waiting for their admission. The summer is a particularly difficult time. If the weather forecasters have got it right, this August could be a hot barmy month, which means some can enjoy outdoor living, while others might be in hospital being subjected to tests or procedures. If it is a hot humid day, and you’re enjoying the good weather, no-one will bring you a cool refreshing ice cream; you have to ask for it. The same goes for a hospital chaplain. Under Data Protection l, a chaplain is only allowed to visit a patient if he or she asks a member of the ward team to contact one. When a patient first arrives on the ward, they should be asked by the admissions nurse about their denomination and if they would like a chaplain to visit.

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©Matt Brown/Flickr.com

By Fr Peter Michael Scott, Cardinal’s Advisor on Healthcare Chaplaincy

Sometimes, due to ward pressures, nurses forget to ask these two important questions, so we recommend that when patients are admitted into hospital they remember to ask for a Catholic chaplain to visit them. It’s far too easy for Catholics to think, why would I ask for a chaplain? I’m not dying, I’ve only come into hospital for a hip replacement or a hernia. No-one is required to ask for a chaplain. However, once the hospital stay is under way, patients may naturally become worried or concerned, and a

chaplain is an expert listener who, with the help of the Sacraments, will allow Jesus to calm them and enable them to accept what is happening. Hospitals do deal with traumas, but they are also places where people get better and chaplains will work with patients, their families and the medical team to help that happen. Westminster Diocese is blessed with a Roman Catholic Chaplain in every hospital. They are waiting to visit any Catholics who are admitted, to support them and to pray for them. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

News

Westminster Record | August 2014

Cardinal speaks on BBC ahead of Assisted Dying Bill

Papal Award for charity work

By Alex Balzanella

n Thursday 17 July, ahead of the debate on the Assisted Dying Bill tabled by Lord Falconer in the House of Lords on 18 July, Cardinal Vincent delivered the Pause for Thought on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Radio 2. During his talk he spoke about the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes and the respect and kindness the sick are shown there: ‘In Lourdes the sick are given pride of place. Traffic gives way to wheelchairs and space is always made for them in the cafés and bars. Young volunteers are ready to help.

In Lourdes they learn to see beyond the terrible effects of illness, age and physical deformity to the character and spirit of the person they are caring for. Each day they learn to express the compassionate love of God who never abandons us, even when we feel lost and abandoned ourselves.’ Comparing the care that is given and relationships that are built on this journey and the proposals being put forward in the Assisted Dying Bill, Cardinal Vincent said: ‘In Lourdes no-one points to the dark door of suicide, whether assisted or not.

Lourdes has far more to teach us about dying well than the killing clinics of Holland or Switzerland. Many of those who come to Lourdes, especially the nurses, the palliative care specialists and the vulnerable, will listen to some voices in this week’s debate with horror and a cold fear invading their bones.’ The Assisted Dying Bill has progressed to the committee stage. Members of the public are encouraged to write to Peers and MPs to make sure their voice is heard. For more information visit cbcew.org.uk

On Saturday 12 July Bishop John Sherrington presented Andrew Rogers with the award of the papal Knighthood of St Gregory the Great at a Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians, Rickmansworth.The Knighthood of St Gregory is granted to men and women for their service to the Catholic Church and to their communities. Andrew has been involved with a range of charity work, including the Faith Outreach project organised for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

JRS photography invites us to ‘Come and See’ What does it mean to be able to share something of your daily life experience from your own perspective? That was the opportunity presented to a group from the Jesuit Refugee Service UK, who took part in a 12-week photography course resulting in an exhibition of images at the Lumen Gallery this summer. For visitors, seeing them offered a privileged chance to see the cityscape directly through the eyes of people we ourselves often lose sight of: asylum seekers, who face destitution in our city. ‘When I started to go to JRS workshops with Fotosynthesis, my confidence was very low, I was hopeless. But in the people on that workshop I saw how I could say something… through photography,’ said Muler, a volunteer, ‘the project was about daily life for asylum seekers in the UK and it connected with my own struggles.’ ‘I saw how I could say something about myself or about others through photography’, said another participant. Visitors at the exhibition said how refreshing it was to see through the eyes of asylum seekers themselves and to understand the full impact of the asylum process here in the UK.

Duchess of Cambridge visits Diocesan School On 1 July the Duchess of Cambridge visited the Blessed Sacrament Primary School in Islington, north London. During her visit Her Royal Highness spoke with people involved in M-PACT Plus, a project which helps address the difficult issue of addiction in families. During her visit the Duchess spoke to students of the school before being presented with a Picasso-style portrait of herself and Prince George, painted by pupil Rosie Nee.

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email communications@ rcdow.org.uk Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

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News Saints on ‘The Hill’

Westminster RecordRecord September Westminster | August2011 2014

©Alan Denney/Flickr.com

lerkenwell, where the Italian Procession and Sagra (street festival) take place, was the area in which many of the Italian immigrants who came to England between 1850 and 1930 settled. In 1863 St. Peter's Italian Church, built in the heart of this area, was consecrated. This was the first church to have been built outside Italy with funds raised by Italians both at home and abroad. The immigrants living around the newlybuilt church created their own quarter, which became known to the English locals as ‘Little Italy’ but to the Italian inhabitants simply as ‘The Hill’. From their native villages the Italians of the ‘The Hill’ brought with them their traditions, including the Procession in honour of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This Procession, which was first held over 125 years ago, is believed to have been the first English outdoor manifestation of Roman Catholic faith since the Reformation and was, for many years, one of the few events of its kind in London. Special permission was granted to the local chief of police in Holborn by Queen Victoria for it to take place. Walking tableaux first appeared after World War II and decorated floats were introduced in the 1950s. Today many groups from Italian communities outside London also participate in the day’s celebrations. From its early years the Procession became a special and heartfelt event in the calendar of ‘The Hill’ and its church. It was accompanied in the narrow streets surrounding St Peter's by various activities including singing, dancing, eating and drinking, with friends and relatives meeting and sharing with each other. This is the traditional pattern that still continues today. This year the Procession, which lasts for about an hour, took place on Sunday 20 July, travelling along Clerkenwell Road, turning right into Rosebery Avenue and then right again into Farringdon Road and back to the church. Both before and after the Procession, the Sagra with its food, drink and activities took over Warner Street E.C.1. for the community to continue its celebrations on and of ‘The Hill’.

St Gregory’s Catholic Science College Donnington Road, Kenton, Harrow HA3 0NB

Congratulations to Alberta Nika and Adam Ismail who have been appointed as Head Boy and Head Girl and Andrea Lungay and Doneill Magmanlac who have appointed as Deputy Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy for the academic year 2014/15. They will lead a team of senior prefects who have been given a range of responsibilities and will take an active role in the school. They will participate in Peer Mentoring, Paired Reading, Community Service and helping out and organising school events.

We look forward to welcoming our new Year 12 Sixth Form students on Tuesday 2nd September 2014. Our results places us in the top 10% of schools and colleges in the country for value added. Last year we achieved 62% A*, A and B grades and 93% A* - C grades

Sixth Form Information Evening for 2015 –

Thursday 6th November 2015 at 7.00pm External students are welcome Page 4

Parish Profile

Westminster Record | August 2014

St Agnes, Cricklewood: ‘The craic is good in Cricklewood’ By Chris O’Callaghan

few stations north of St Pancras lies the suburb of Cricklewood and the church of St Agnes. A 1930s brick building set back from the road, it stands on what Parish Priest Fr Paul McDermott calls ‘Holy Hill’, as the church is next to a Hindu Temple and opposite a Shi’a mosque, the three places of worship making it a busy religious hub in the area. Its interior is much larger than it appears on the outside with brick walls and pillars and a plain wooden roof. The apse of the church contains the white stone ambo and matching altar, both with engraved crucifixes painted gold, whilst the bright red carpet of the sanctuary stands out against the harsher brick colours of the building. Yet despite this, high windows fill the space with light. Founded in 1883 as a mission from the nearby parish of St Mary in Hampstead, the parish truly began to flourish in the 1960s when Irish migrants arrived in the area to work as labourers. There continues to be a strong Irish presence in the community of first and second generation economic migrants, so much so that it has been referred to as ‘County Cricklewood’. Although some of

the second generation of migrants have moved further out to places such as St Albans, Irish heritage still is a crucial part of parish life and identity. The immigrant identity of the community remains evident, with a recent influx of Filipinos, West Africans, Goans and Poles coming to the area for the same reasons the Irish did in the 1960s. Despite this international mix, Fr Paul is keen to stress integration within the community and so there are no separate ethnic Masses. However there is an annual International Mass when the diversity of the parish is celebrated. A down-to-earth pastor, Fr Paul is relaxed and friendly with a dry wit and forthrightness. Training in Rome and Allen Hall followed by pastoral placements as a hospital chaplain and in Chelsea led to him becoming Parish Priest in 2007. Fr Paul describes his time as hospital chaplain as the most formative of his ministry: ‘It taught me what the priesthood was about, by being with people at some of the worst times of their life. It gave me a real focus on the ministry of presence and reminded me that priests should be present for the sorrow as well as the joy.’ He is keen to stress the importance of Catholic

chaplaincy in hospitals and reminded me that priests do not just anoint the dying. They should also be present for the hospital staff to support them spiritually as well, from Chief Executives to cleaners. Fr Paul also leads the diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land, taking the fourth, and largest, group in November. He describes the pilgrimage to Israel as ‘a journey of faith renewal and a place to show solidarity with Palestinian Christians’ and hopes it will become an even larger part of the life of the diocese. He is assisted at Cricklewood by Fr Oscar Ardila, a Colombian priest who discerned his vocation to the priesthood while studying in London. He was only ordained last year but Fr Paul says he is passionate and lively, sharing many of his visions. St Agnes was one of the first parishes to pilot the diocese’s

Growing in Faith initiative. Fr Paul has nothing but praise for his parishioners for embracing the scheme: ‘the most impressive thing that came out of it was a real sense of love that the people had for the Church and especially for the priests and priesthood’. He plans to use the funds in three ways: ongoing adult faith formation in the parish, social outreach projects and care for the elderly and isolated in co-ordination with Age UK. This concern for those in need stems from a tradition in the parish dating back to 1983 when parishioners founded ‘Cricklewood Homeless Concern’ to work feeding the homeless in the area. This legacy of concern is a proud one for the parish and one that Fr Paul plans to build on in future. A group for elderly people is just one of many in the parish. Young adults meet together and this year’s ‘excellent’

Confirmation group asked Fr Paul for a space to come together so that the bonds formed in the run-up to the sacrament are not broken. Time and energy is offered by many both in prayer groups and in catechesis for adults and young people, using the resources of the multi-purpose Parish Centre. There is a real buzz in the parish and something seems to be happening constantly. The Irish community of Cricklewood has a saying: ‘the craic is good in Cricklewood’. I left thinking the parish isn’t bad either. Founded: 1883 Church built: 1930 Mass Times: (Sat 6.30pm), 9, 10.30, 12noon, 6.30pm. Address: 35 Cricklewood Lane, NW2 1HR Telephone: 020 8452 2475 Website: http://parish.rcdow. org.uk/cricklewood Page 5

News

Westminster Record | August 2014

Westminster Cathedral School marks 50 years

Ealing student wins major national sociology award

Westminster Cathedral School is marking 50 years at its current site in Bessborough Place, Pimlico. As part of the anniversary festivities Bishop Nicholas Hudson celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on 4 July, after which he blessed and re-dedicated the school. The Mass and celebration were attended by both current and past pupils, parents, teachers and school governors. According to available records, the school was founded as early as 1849, and originally occupied two houses in Horseferry Road before moving to Great Peter Street, where it remained until 1964.

Watford Primary & Secondary Schools Mind the Gap

Cardinal appointed Chancellor of St Mary’s Cardinal Vincent has been appointed the first Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Twickenham. His appointment will take effect from 1 September and he will be formally installed as Chancellor at a ceremony later this year. Bishop Richard Moth, the Chair of Governors, said: ‘We are honoured that Cardinal Nichols has agreed to become the firstever Chancellor of our University. It underlines our long Catholic tradition, which is at the heart of all that we do.’ Commenting on the announcement Cardinal Vincent said: ‘I am very pleased to accept the invitation of the University. St Mary’s enjoys a long and Page 6

distinguished history and many generations of Catholic teachers have received the foundations of their service there. Among them I count my own father, Henry Nichols.’ ‘I ask for God’s blessing on St Mary’s, its staff and students, in all of its future endeavours.’ Established in 1850, St Mary’s was awarded a full university title by the Privy Council on 23 January this year, becaming St Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an original intake of just six students, St Mary’s has now grown to having around 6,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across four academic schools.

On Monday 30 June 700 Year 6 and 7 pupils from 10 Primary and Secondary schools in the Watford area came together in the Watford Colosseum for a Deanery Schools Transition Day, the aim being to bridge the gap between primary and secondary school and help the young people feel comfortable about making the transfer. Activities during the morning were facilitated by Sixth Formers from St Michael’s and St Joan of Arc schools, including writing letters of thanks to those teachers and peers who had helped the students through their school years so far. Team games were orgainsed and co-ordinated by a team from Westminster Youth Ministry with a flashmob event which took place at the end of the day.

All the young people gathered in the main arena for Mass celebrated by Schools and Youth chaplain Fr David Reilly. Liam Lynch, chaplain at St Joan of Arc Secondary School, Rickmansworth, who had organised much of the day said: ‘Organising an event for 700 11 and 12 year olds was challenging and caused a few sleepless nights in the build-up. However, with the dedicated support of the sixth form leaders and the tireless commitment of the staff and Westminster Youth Team meant all who were present had a meaningful and fun day.’ The next Transition Day will be held in 2016, when the current Years 4 and 5 pupils will be in their final year of primary and first year of secondary education.

A letter written by Amy MacKenzie, a student at St Benedict’s, Ealing, to her cousin has won the British Sociological Association Sixth Form Competition, the theme of which was ‘Changing society – what is the role of the sociologist?’ Amy was presented with her prize, an iPad 2 for herself and £250 for St Benedict’s School, at the school assembly on Wednesday 2 July. ’I was very surprised but excited to have won,’ Amy said, ‘Sociology is my favourite subject so I am overjoyed to have done so well.’ Amy’s work consisted of putting herself 11 years into the future, writing a letter to her 18-year-old cousin and explaining what she thinks she, as a sociologist, has done to improve the life chances of his generation.

Schools News

Westminster Record | August 2014

Good Samaritan Fund opened with Secondary Schools Cardinal Vincent celebrated the inaugural Good Samaritan Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Thursday 3 July to mark the opening of the new Crisis Fund of the Catholic Children’s Society, Westminster. He was joined by secondary schools in the diocese, who took an active part in the liturgy. Students from Bishop Challoner, St Thomas More, Cardinal Pole and Douay Martyrs assisted in proclaiming the liturgy of the Word, while students from St Michael’s, St Joan of Arc and Maria Fidelis led the music, with the Maria Fidelis choir singing ‘O Mary, O Martha’ before Mass. In his homily Cardinal Vincent told students that they should be servants of Christ and

servants of the poor, following the example that Pope Francis has offered to us. Referring to St Thomas the Apostle, whose feast day it was, he repeated the words that Jesus said to the doubting Apostle after appearing in the Upper Room: ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29). We too are called to believe without having seen the Master’. The Crisis Fund will provide one-off grants to support families for whom a relatively small amount of funding can make a big difference. For more information on the Fund, please contact Dr Rosemary Keenan, CEO of the Catholic Children’s Society, on 020 8969 5305.

St Dominic’s Race for Life on Hampstead Heath

St Gregory’s Head Boy and Girl Announced

Congratulations to Alberta Nika and Adam Ismail who have been appointed as Head Girl and Head Boy, with Andrea Lungay and Doneill Magmanlac as their Deputies, for the academic year 2014/15 at St Gregory’s, Harrow. They will lead a team of senior prefects who will participate in Peer Mentoring, Paired Reading, Community Service and helping out and organising school events

On Saturday 5 July 40 students and 11 staff from St Dominic's Sixth Form college, Harrow took part in the Race for Life on Hampstead Heath, raising over £2,000. Speaking about the school's involvement Nicola Walsh, Vice-Principal of St Dominic's, said: ‘On this day thousands of people took part in memory of those who have died or are fighting cancer. Currently two members of our community are fighting the disease and we remembered fondly colleagues who have lost their battle against cancer, something which, through generous donations, is becoming more treatable.’

Confirmation Breakfast at Sion-Manning

Grenada Governor-General visits Willesden pupils On 10 July St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Willesden was delighted to receive a surprise visit from Dame Cécile La Grenade, the Governor-General of Grenada. Her Excellency was accompanied by High Commissioner Joslyn Whiteman. The Governor-General and High-Commissioner were given a tour of the school, led by Quincy (Year 6), Matheus (Year 6), Louise (Year 5) and Leesha (Year 4), after which they answered questions and explained their roles in government to the students before watching performances by the children. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Sion-Manning school showed its support for the Sacrament of Confirmation and each student's faith journey by hosting a breakfast for students who had recently been confirmed on 2 July. As well as the students, others invited included the families of those recently confirmed as well as Chaplain, Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, and Headteacher Mrs Christina Leach. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

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Westminster Record | August 2014

New Campaign on Climate Change

Antony Mbandi

On Thursday 10 July Antony Mbandi, Director of CAFOD partner organisation Caritas Kitui, visited London as

CAFOD prepares to launch a new campaign on climate change this September. Antony talked at Amigo Hall about the daily impact climate change is having on his community in Kitui, Southern Kenya, where unpredictable rains and drought are becoming more commonplace, making it hard for people to grow food and access clean water. ‘Climate change knows no borders,’ said Antony, ‘You cannot put up a picket fence and ignore it. It will not make an appointment. It will show up at your door unannounced.’ CAFOD’s manager for the Westminster diocese, Tony Sheen, said: ‘Climate change is not just a problem for countries overseas, or something that happens to

someone else far away. Climate change will affect all of us and we’ve all got the power to tackle it, which is why we have to work together around the world to lessen the impact. We’re privileged to have Antony with us to give us a clear idea of what is happening now because of a changing climate, of how climate change is affecting efforts to reduce poverty and to start a discussion about what people can do to prevent climate change increasingly impacting the UK and pushing people overseas deeper into poverty.’ If you would like to find out how you can help tackle climate change then use the following link and take part in CAFOD’s ‘For the love of’ Campaign: cafod.org.uk/campaign

Supporting Communities in For the Diary Latin America – Harvest • Saturday, 6 September – Harvest Volunteers morning Volunteer Morning –

Fairtrade wine tasting at Farm Street Church On Saturday 7 June the Candlelight Supper Club organised a blind tasting of six Fairtrade wines at the parish of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street. More than 50 guests gathered to take part in the game, enjoy a sumptuous selection of homemade canapés, and to hear what the Fairtrade mark means and why it matters to communities and producers around the world. The evening followed the format of TV quiz show ‘Call My Bluff’, with each wine being introduced by three ‘bluffers’. During the evening Barbara Crowther of the Fairtrade Foundation spoke about its work since it was set up by CAFOD and other organisations Page 8

over 20 years ago. In that time Fairtrade has become a household name, with the biggest market here in the UK, where £1.3 billion was spent on Fairtrade products alone last year. As well as raising awareness of the importance of buying Fairtrade products, proceeds from ticket sales and donations collected on the night raised over £620 for CAFOD, through the Supper Club’s Candlelight Fund. Setting up a Candlelight Fund is a special way to remember loved ones who have died and, in memory of them, to help make a positive difference to the lives of people in need. To find out more, visit cafod.org.uk/candlelight

Be sure to book a place at our Harvest Volunteer morning at the Church of Christ the King, Cockfosters N14 4HE on 6 September, when we will be taking a thorough look at the background of the forthcoming Harvest Fast Day. This harvest CAFOD will be looking back at some of our past projects tackling hunger in communities around the world. Thanks to our supporters we have been able to reach countless families and support them as they adapt their way of life to grow enough food to eat

and sell. We will also look to challenges yet to come as we continue to work for a fairer global food system. There will also be a presentation from guest speaker Tania Dalton, of CAFOD’s Latin America team, who will share her perspective on how our work is helping to support people in communities across Latin America. The talk will take place from 10am-12.30pm. For further information or to book a place, contact CAFOD Westminster on 020 8449 6970.

Join us for a look at the work behind this year’s Harvest Fast Day Appeal. Held at the Church of Christ the King, Cockfosters N14 4HE.

• Friday, 3 October – Harvest Fast Day – We would like CAFOD envelopes to be distributed and speakers to be available at Masses on the weekend of 27/28 September, with a retiring collection for CAFOD on the weekend of 4/5 October. For more information or to book for these events, call 0208 449 6970 or email: westminster@cafod.org.uk

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email communications@ rcdow.org.uk Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Social Action

Westminster Record | August 2014

Exploring the different faiths of Haringey By Elizabeth O'Donohoe On 14 June 200 pilgrims gathered at the Our Lady of Muswell, Muswell Hill, to begin a Pilgrimage of Peace to places of worship in Haringey. Initiated in 1985 by Br Daniel Faivre, this pilgrimage, which takes place in different locations in the Diocese, is organised by Westminster Interfaith and draws together the faithful of many traditions year by year. The first stop on the pilgrimage was at Muswell Hill Synagogue, where Rabbi David Mason led the pilgrims into a Shabbat service, for the reading of the Torah and his sermon. Afterwards the group heard from local Quakers about their origins, their values and the application of their faith in the world today. Lunch was provided by Sachkhandnanak Dham Sikhs who also offered a few words about what it is that inspires their generosity and hospitality to all.

Afterwards the group visited the Moravian Church, a Protestant community of European origins which now has many Caribbean members, including those in the Haringey area, before meeting a young member of the Baha’i faith, which also uses the Moravian Church for its worship. The afternoon concluded with visits to two communities in the Islamic tradition: first the Mosque in Turnpike Lane, where we were taken on tours of the Prayer Hall, before moving on to visit the premises of the Sufi Muslims in Crouch End. All the pilgrims went home happy; we had a wonderful, spiritually uplifting day and were blessed with good weather and wonderful hospitality – not least food – from all the communities who had generously hosted us. We look forward to next year’s pilgrimage, which is likely to be in Hounslow.

Young people working together to make an international contribution By Janki Gadhvi This month, to mark International Youth Day (12 August), Catholic charity Progressio is celebrating the incredible contribution that young people are making to communities at home and overseas. Progressio’s International Citizen Service (ICS) programme offers young people aged 18-25 the opportunity to volunteer overseas for 10 weeks. The scheme is funded by the UK government and has just celebrated its third anniversary. Hilary Osei Abisey, now aged 27, of Crossharbour, London volunteered on an HIV awareness project in Zimbabwe in 2012. Looking back she reflects on how much she valued the experience: ‘The most important skill I acquired during my stay in Zimbabwe was team-work, sometimes in

very trying circumstances. Going from the UK to work in a foreign country was a change that required me to work with people from varied backgrounds and walks of life.’ Progressio ICS continues to motivate enthusiastic volunteers to gain invaluable experiences working on international development projects. Apart from the volunteers visiting from the UK, national volunteers from the countries visited (Zimbabwe, Malawi, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua) also play a vital role. Volunteers are encouraged to work together and often become great friends and learn from one another. Kenia Meza, a Honduran volunteer, explains: ‘Through volunteering, I have learnt about the importance of devoting more time to what

we want to do, of loving whatever we are doing, and working collaboratively and striving to learn.’ Due to the wide variety of experiences offered, Progressio ICS volunteers are able to gain a deeper understanding of community development

challenges and are making incredible contributions, both overseas and upon their return to the UK. If you, or someone you know, are interested in taking part in Progressio ICS, please visit http://www.progressio .org.uk/ics

Christian Peace vigil outside Church House On 9 July members of Pax Christi, Christian CND, Fellowship of Reconciliation England, CAAT Christian Network held a vigil outside the Church House Conference Centre as delegates from the Military, defence companies and Government arrived for the Chief of Air Staffs Air Power Conference. Pat Gaffney, General Secretary of Pax Christi said: ‘Passers-by were very supportive of our presence. A number of Anglican clergy stopped, took leaflets and expressed their own dismay that the Church of England was allowing such a conference, sponsored by some of the largest arms exporters, to be held on its property.’ Page 9

In Pictures

Westminster Record | August 2014

In Pictures

Westminster Record | August 2014

Day 3: Today began with the International Mass, with 4,000 pilgrims present. During the day our diocesan pilgrims bathed in the water of the Shrine and made the Stations of the Cross, before coming together at 7pm for Mass at the Grotto, an opportunity Cardinal Vincent describes as "a very precious moment.”

2014 Lourdes Pilgrimage The Journey to Lourdes: On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July over 1,200 pilgrims from across the Diocese began their pilgrimages to Lourdes. Travelling by coach and plane, the journey offered a chance for pilgrims to come together and get to know each other in preparation for these special days of grace. Day 1: On 21 July the Pilgrimage began in the place where St Bernadette started on her own journey of faith, Sacré Coeur, the parish church of Lourdes. Afterwards pilgrims took part in the first session of catechesis, led by Cardinal Vincent, on the joy of conversion and turning our lives anew each day to God. The day concluded with a Reconciliation service, held at the Basilica of St Pius X, to give all present the chance to begin the pilgrimage in the refreshed way of which the Cardinal had spoken.

Day 4: Mass at the Cathedral of the Trees, celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, was the first event of the day. Afterwards Cardinal Vincent, Bishop John Sherrington and priests of the Diocese visited the Accueil, where the Malades stay during the visit. The day concluded with the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Cardinal Vincent.

Day 2: The second day began by gathering on the steps in front of the Rosary Basilica for the official Pilgrimage photograph, after which pilgrims went to the chapel of St Bernadette Cote Grotte for the morning Mass, which included the Anointing of the Sick. It is a very special moment when each ‘Malade’ is signed with the Oil and the priest prays over him or her. As night fell Cardinals Vincent and Cormac led the Marian torchlight procession, one of the shrine’s most popular celebrations.

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Day 5: The final day of the pilgrimage was completed with the closing Mass in the Basilica of St Pius X at which the final procession of the banners by the Redcaps took place. The first of the pilgrims also began their journeys back to the Diocese today, strengthened in hope and conviction of God’s grace.

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In Pictures

Westminster Record | August 2014

In Pictures

Westminster Record | August 2014

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Page 11

Westminster Record | August 2014

Director’s Spotlight

Holy Land Pilgrimage In preparation for the first young adults’ pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who will be leading it, speaks about his first experience of the Holy Land, the value it can add to our faith and how best to prepare for a life-changing experience.

I was starting to think about a book to read for the summer holidays a couple of weeks ago and opted to revisit John Pridmore's Gangland to Promised Land. The book first came to my attention in 2012 when I had a very typical nine-to-five office job. That summer my son passed me Gangland to Promised Land as I was haring out to work, and I was oblivious to its content; my only concern was that I needed something for the tube. The title of John Pridmore's book suggested an interesting read but gave no real clue to the journey of faith that I was just about to encounter. John's journey of faith is a joy to witness and it unfolds in a real life situation; and by real life I suppose I mean an unreal life, for his early days were challenging and his environment placed him in some very difficult situations. What becomes clear is that John has faith but that it was hidden from sight for many years, eventually emerging in his heart and enabling him to find peace within himself. I will say no more as I'm already giving too much away. What is clear to me, though, is that my own journey, albeit less complex that John's, has a similar feel in that I also did some searching over many years, eventually finding my faith and then losing no time in using it for good. John works tirelessly now across a number of projects and I aspire to match his energy, mindful of St Catherine of Siena saying: ' If you do what God intended you to do, you will set the world ablaze'. God reveals himself to us often when we least expect it. Enjoy the Summer. Page 12

When was your first trip to the Holy Land? I first went to the Holy Land in 1968 when the situation was very different to now. There was real military tension and I was often travelling on my own as a student. It was a fascinating visit which included some dangerous moments and I am glad that many pilgrims can now travel to the Holy Land in safety. What do you look forward to most? In Jerusalem I find the Mount of Olives and the Church of Our Lord’s Temptations particularly moving, peace mingling with sadness as we realize afresh that Jesus underwent this agony for us. Being on the Mount of the Beatitudes the silence can be really deep. We can learn the beauty of the Beatitudes, our ‘handbook’ for living as Christians. Why do you think it’s important that young people should visit the Holy Land? It is a unique experience to walk where Our Lord did, in his humanity, and to see where he was born, raised as a child, applied his trade, carried out his ministry and died on the cross for us; and at the same time to acknowledge his divinity, visiting the sites of his miracles, the Sea of Galilee, Bethany and Jerusalem, and the place of his

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

Resurrection. There is no place of pilgrimage more important for understanding the foundations of our Christian faith. What kind of preparation do you recommend in advance? To prepare spiritually for the experience take some time to read the biblical passages relating to the sites that we will be visiting, such as the account of the Last Supper or of Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane. That can help us to enter into the prayerfulness of the sites we visit and to imagine the events taking place there two thousand years ago.

our fellow Christians, especially those in Palestine, and about ways in which we can help them directly through, for example, the ‘Friends of the Holy Land.’ We also need to learn more about the anxieties and fears of the people of Israel. Pope Francis

invited the Palestinian and Israeli Presidents to pray with him for peace. This is the hope and vision we must grasp. By speaking to those in the Christian communities our young people can see the challenges that come from being a witness to Christ.

What do you hope those who journey on pilgrimage gain from the experience? I hope we will return more deeply aware of the situation in the Holy Land, having learnt about the difficulties faced by

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Youth

Westminster Record | August 2014

Chaplain’s Journal

Ponders End holds Silent Disco

AUGUST 2014

©Vida Dimovska/Flickr.com

Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain

For many years pilgrimages have featured in the life of youth ministry. Every year many hundreds of young people from the diocese take part in pilgrimages to holy places with their parishes, schools and youth groups. Perhaps the most notable destinations for young pilgrims continue to be Lourdes, World Youth Day and Santiago de Compostela. However, many also find their way to less famous but no less remarkable shrines in central and eastern Europe and the Middle East. But apart from the destination, what else sets a pilgrimage apart from other holidays? There is, of course, the spirit in which the journey is made. Pilgrimages are marked by a sense of community and care, by liturgical celebration and prayer, but also by profound and genuine openness to what and whom we may encounter – an attitude not always found in the average holidaymaker. In Lourdes, the contribution made by young people to caring for the sick and elderly continues to be remarkable.

We know that it can have a profound impact on both the young people and the ones they care for. Every pilgrimage is a ‘snap shot’ or an ‘icon’ of the journey of life, and we are all, young or not so young, pilgrims in a real sense. Pilgrims in ancient times would travel many hundreds of miles on foot. They discovered that the real joy and most inspiring encounters often take place along the journey itself. Like the Emmaus disciples, we pilgrims can encounter the Risen One on the road too, or at the inn. Even if we don’t instantly recognise him, we try to live with the eyes of faith, keeping our sight set on the new Jerusalem, the vision of peace itself.

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email communications@ rcdow.org.uk To find out more about the Youth Ministry and experiences of our young people at: wym.rcdow.org.uk.

On Friday 18 July the youth community of Ponders End Parish brought the curtain down on another fun-filled year with a Silent Disco evening attended by 100 young people. The evening began with a meal, followed by the disco at 7.30pm. Fr John Shewring, the Parish Priest, commented during the Masses over the previous Sunday that a 'silent' disco is a dream come true for him: kids having great fun but with no noise! Two DJ's provided two music channels for the young people to choose from, with progress of the evening posted on a large-screen twitter stream.

School Reflection Days - WYM stretched to the limit

he end of the school year brings with it a chance for students to reflect upon how they have grown over the past year and how to spiritually make the most of the summer break; this year Westminster Youth Ministry was called upon to lead reflection days for 1200 young people, a daunting task. The retreat days at St Anne's Catholic Girls School, Enfield, Cardinal Wiseman School, Greenford and for Watford Deanery were incredible sights, with so many young people making the most of the opportunity and enjoying themselves too. At the Watford Deanery transition day, held in Watford Colosseum, the Youth Chaplain, Fr David Reilly,

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celebrated Mass with over 800 young people in attendance. Speaking after the event Fr David commented: ‘It was an amazing experience and a beautiful celebration with the participation of so many children’. Dominic Willis, Chaplain at Cardinal Wiseman School, summarised his day and captured the essence of the days organised at St Anne’s and the Watford Colosseum when he said: ‘The original vision for this retreat was for those taking part to start to become more aware of themselves and the gifts that God has bestowed upon them and how they have the potential to be flames of inspiration. The particular age group, Year 9, are at a point in

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life when they are beginning to discover and become the person God wants them to be, whilst also being conscious of their peers. The latter can often be more attractive than the former, so we wanted to give the students the chance to have fun whilst also having the space and time to think about themselves within a framework of prayer guided by the Holy Spirit. The leadership of the Westminster Youth Ministry and all involved was inspiring and their calm yet exciting demeanour allowed the students to bring forward their thoughts and questions about faith and our relationships with God in a manner which is often difficult to achieve in a school environment.’

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Vocations, Marriage & Family Life Three men ordained to the Permanent Diaconate

Westminster Record | August 2014

The Church traces the ministry of Deacons back to the very earliest years of her existence, seeing them aid the apostles and then bishops and priests in pastoral service of the Christian community. Deacons also have a distinctive tradition of assistance in the Church’s liturgy. Over the centuries in the Western Church the Diaconate shrank to little more than a transitional period before priesthood. Since Vatican II, however, there has been a rediscovery of vocation to what is called Permanent Diaconate, a ministry open both to single and married men. Those called to serve in this way normally continue within their home parish communities, trained to preach and teach and no less to serve the practical needs of the faithful in ways which would not be unfamiliar to St Stephen and the first Deacons of the Church’s history.

Stephen Khokhar: I was born into a catholic family, as the second of six children, in Karachi, Pakistan in 1968. Among my relatives are priests, nuns and catechists and I myself was educated in Catholic missionary schools. In 1994 I married my wife and we came to the UK in 1995, where we have been blessed with two sons. I currently attend St. Anselm’s Church in Southall and also serve the Pakistani community at a monthly Mass in Urdu. Since childhood I have had a great desire to serve the Lord and Ignatian spirituality has strengthened me in discerning a vocation, with my parish priest suggesting the Permanent Diaconate. In 2011 I joined St. John’s Seminary, and after four years have completed my degree in Pastoral ministry. I am currently working at Heathrow and have been appointed by Cardinal Vincent to the airport chaplaincy team. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have accompanied me in my vocation, especially my family, friends and companions in formation. Page 14

Justin Cross: The prospect of ordination and ministry has a different feel and focus for permanent deacons. After the joyful and prayerful celebration of the Ordination Mass, things seem largely to carry on as before. As a man in work, life with my wife and children continues, and Monday mornings find me, as before, providing companysecretary services to commercial and charitable companies. I also continue in my own parish. Yet things are different, as much preparation for diaconate has occurred within the parish and is largely homegrown. The parish now has to get used to one of its own stepping onto the sanctuary and serving them. Answering God's call is not only a commitment by myself and my family, but also by the parish. For my ordination, then, I thank not only the Diocese and Wonersh seminary but also my own parish priest, Fr Tim Edgar, and the people of the parish of St Bartholomew's, whom it will be a great privilege to serve.

Ian Edwards: I believe that we understand vocation through the help and guidance of others. My journey started in 2010 when, as a parishioner at Ealing Abbey, Deacon Gordon Nunn asked me whether I had considered a calling to the Diaconate. After praying and discussing with my family and others I offered myself and was selected to start three years of formation in September 2011 at St John’s Seminary. I really enjoyed the studies but, needless to say, it was a demanding period which involved a lot of time management. Following my ordination I will be putting into practice all that I have learnt and look forward to serving the parishioners at Ealing Abbey. I have to thank my wife, daughter and all my family and friends for their support and prayers over these last few years. Now my journey in the Church begins anew.

The Beginning Experience By John A Brotherton If you are happily married, you are blessed. You have been touched by God who brought you together. The Church recognised that earlier this year when Cardinal Vincent offered a special annual Mass for those celebrating certain wedding anniversaries. But what if your happy marriage has ended? What if you are now separated, divorced or widowed and you are single once again? Your grief may well be as great as your happiness once was. You may be experiencing feelings of anger, guilt or sadness. And, while the Church celebrates those happy wedding anniversaries, you may feel abandoned, unrecognised and even unwelcome within the faith community. If you are in this position, there is a ministry within the Church for you. It's called the Beginning Experience and it does what it says in the name. For, as your old life as a marriage partner may have ended, it offers the experience of a new beginning. This is where you can appreciate being single and move to the future with more confidence in yourself and with hope and trust in God. Beginning Experience started in America in 1974, when it was recognised that a special ministry was needed for people whose marriages had ended. In Westminster, Beginning Experience has the full support of Cardinal Vincent and consists of a local team of men and women who

are themselves all separated, divorced or widowed. Twice a year they run a residential weekend at the Emmaus Centre in West Wickham, Kent. This offers a carefullystructured programme which encourages the participants to acknowledge their grief and to recognise that their feelings are normal and shared by others. They may then choose to close the door gently on the past and so begin to face the future more positively. After the weekend, regular followup meetings are held and open to all participants to attend. You may be interested in comments received after the most recent weekend earlier this year. They included 'Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to take stock of how my life can move forward’, 'This has been a fantastic weekend; it has moved a great block within me' and 'The weekend was absolutely what I needed'. So if you are separated, divorced or widowed and have read this right to the end, then maybe you are being invited to consider attending a Beginning Experience weekend at Emmaus. The next one will be from 3-5 October 2014. If you would like more information please contact Freda 01322 401243 or Sandra 01293 783965, who will be happy to speak with you. Then you can decide whether the weekend is right for you at this time.

For more information on vocations please contact Fr Richard Nesbitt richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7349 5624 If you have a story or an event you would like to have featured on this page, please contact communications@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7798 9030 Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Lourdes Pilgrimage

Westminster Record | August 2014

‘I was sick and you visited me.’

Jesus sets this priority among the Corporal Works of Mercy in chapter 25 of St Matthew's Gospel. As with Jesus, so with his mother Mary in Lourdes. The sick are welcomed to the two Accueils (Welcoming Places) of Lourdes, to be served by medical staff,

helpers and chaplains. As they minister to Christ in the sick, so Christ in the sick ministers to those who come to serve. It is, as the Prologue of St John's Gospel puts it, 'grace in return for grace', issuing in praise and thanksgiving.

Fr Michael Dunne started going to Lourdes 25 years ago. At first it was a personal pilgrimage. Soon he realised the need and opportunity to be of service to others. As he says: 'You soon see how great the need is. The more you serve, the greater the abundance of benefits you receive. Lourdes is a manifestation of the Kingdom, where grace abounds. Those who serve receive graces from those whom they serve.' Tina is a physiotherapist who first visited Lourdes a few years ago. She comments that: 'I didn't know what to expect. When I arrived I was really touched. It was a truly humbling experience’. She then discovered the opportunity to volunteer her knowledge and skill as part of the medical team, visiting patients and looking after them. Being of service in her own way means that Tina can make a difference, whilst she is also able to contribute to the liturgies, singing in the

Pilgrimage Choir. Florence is a freelance ITU nurse. She found out about volunteering for the pilgrimage from Tina, as they had both worked together in the NHS. She says, 'I am really thankful for this opportunity. I've done some volunteering in the past, helping those who suffer with myasthenia gravis after my aunt died of it. Then my only

daughter died a couple of years ago. As I think about the hurt and burden of other people, so I think less of what I feel myself, as my husband and I are still grieving. I feel as if there's a spiritual drought in my life, so perhaps I'm driven by curiosity. Coming here has reawakened my faith and desire to praise God. I'm looking forward to how I can help other people.'

‘I was in prison and you came to see me.’ Fr Roger Reader, the Catholic Bishops' Conference prison adviser, brought with him on the pilgrimage prayer petitions from some of the young offenders at Feltham YOI, where he has been chaplain for the past 12 years. He explains: 'Last Sunday I said to the boys, I'm going to Lourdes and I would love to take you all with me but unfortunately I can't. So, I asked them to write down their petitions for me to bring to Our Lady. It's very moving that these young men turn to prayer, not only asking to get out of prison, but praying that God will look after their families. Their prayers are particularly about asking to become better people. They pray for the victims, the people they've hurt by their crimes, and they ask that they can learn to cope with their own anger. It's a great privilege for me to bring their prayers to Lourdes.'

Fr Roger also joined Cardinal Vincent in the Q&A session held for the young people who volunteer as Red Caps on the pilgrimage. He told them, 'One of the things I've learned after 12 years of looking after young people in prison is never, ever, to stereoptype. Each young person, whatever they look like and whatever they have done, has their unique story. That comes out very much in the prayer petitions which they've sent. Some of them are feeling angry. They talk about their bereavements, the death of their friends. They talk about the stupid things which they've done. And each one is unique. I asked the young people in Feltham to pray for all the people coming on the pilgrimage and I asked the young people on the pilgrimage to pray for people who find themselves in prison.'

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Arts

Westminster Record | August 2014

DVD Review: The Power and the Grace By Fr Richard Nesbitt Recently released aretwo superb new films, produced by CaFE, (Catholic Faith Exploration), that provide a wonderful insight into the sacraments of Holy Orders and Marriage.

ordinariness of people’s lives. They speak beautifully of the privilege of being able to bring others to Christ, to lead others into a living relationship with him.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders – The Call to Serve’ offers portraits of different men living the ‘three degrees’ of Holy Orders: the Bishop (which features our very own Bishop John Sherrington), the Priest and the Deacon. The film is both inspiring and informative, with Fr Stephen Wang (Westminster’s Senior University Chaplain) offering reflections on the nature of each calling and then individual men who are living them out sharing something of the lived reality. These interviews offer us a very moving exploration of men who have said ‘Yes’ to God’s radical call to give their lives for others in imitation of Christ himself. Each shares their joy and gratitude at being called to serve at the heart of the Church as an icon and living presence of Christ in the extraordinary

‘The Sacrament of Marriage – The Beauty and the Power’ features three documentaries of couples at different stages of married life, ranging from the excitement of the wedding, through the hectic years of family life to the joy and gratitude of marriage in older age. Once again there is an excellent balance of exploration of the Church’s teaching on marriage, and the real and very grounded experience of those who are striving to live out this vision. The film sets out to answer those questions so often asked, ‘Why bother getting married?’, ‘Does marriage really change anything?’ Each couple, drawing on their own particular experience, gives witness to the power and grace received through the sacrament, which is so much

greater than the love which they could generate by themselves. It is powerful to hear couples celebrating the strength given to them through having God at the centre of their relationship.

Book Review: The Catholic Church - What Everyone Needs to Know By Alex Balzanella

John L Allen Jr pp336 Oxford University Press £10.99 Page 16

With the election of Pope Francis, and greater interest by secular media in the life of the Church, there is a growing desire by nonCatholics to gain an understanding of the character and complexities of the Catholic Church. At the same time Catholics of all ages are being challenged to be informed, living examples of their faith by the call to Missionary Discipleship. John L Allen’s work seeks to address this desire by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Written in a Question and Answer format, Allen’s book offers an excellent introduction for non-Catholic readers, particularly in ‘Catholic Church 101’, whilst also grappling with far more challenging issues including why some canonisations are considered controversial and how the Catholic Church understands sin. These topics are tackled in a mature, objective manner and in surprising depth, given that Allen’s answers are usually concisely restricted to two pages, providing a solid foundation for those wanting to find out more. This is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to understand the Catholic faith more fully that will leave even the best-informed Catholic more solidly grounded in their faith.

I really can’t recommend these films strongly enough. They are superbly produced of high technical quality, with a running time of 25 minutes, and are both engaging and inspiring. They could be used to promote marriage and the priesthood/diaconate but also to help everyone appreciate how we are all enriched by the gift of these two sacraments. There really is nothing more beautiful than to see men and

women living out their calling from God to fullness of life, a life which then bears such fruit for others. Each DVD is £14.95, available at www.faithcafe.org

Competition time! For a chance to win a copy of each film, simply answer the question ‘What are the Seven Sacraments’ and send your answer to Fr Richard at richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk by 15 August 2014.

Arts

Westminster Record September 2011

Westminster Record | August 2014

Exhibition: The Treasures of the Cathedral By Anne Marie Micallef

Visitors to Westminster Cathedral took advantage of a July offer of free access to the Treasures of the Cathedral exhibition. Accessed via the stairs next to the Gift Shop, the exhibition tells the story of the building. Unlike other English cathedrals Westminster is Byzantine in style, designed by John Bentley and inspired by Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. A central focus is the architectural model. Made to 1/48th scale and measuring 8ft by 4ft, its tower is 6ft high. The model, primarily in Kauri pine, was constructed by Farmer and Brindley and completed in 1899 at a cost of £750 (£50,000 today). It was renovated and restored in 2010. The exhibition features works by pioneers of British design including Augustus Pugin, Omar Ramsden and Harold Stabler, as well as items from across Europe. They also reflect a range of styles including Byzantine, Neo-

Gothic, Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau as well as showing a variety of materials including metalwork, textiles and woodwork. One poigant exhibit is a very rare example of a Tridentine Breviary (see right), printed in Paris in 1571, the first to be printed in this small, easyto-carry format. Bound in vellum, it belonged to St John Southworth whose relics are venerated in the Holy Souls Chapel. The ‘Monstrance for a New Cathedral’ (see left) immediately attracts attention on entry. It bears the coat of arms of the fourth Archbishop, Cardinal Bourne. On its stem are four saints, St Peter, St Francis, St Clare and St Colette, with the names of the makers, Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr, famous for their unique combination of Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau silversmithing. The inscription records that the monstrance was presented in 1907 by Margaret Nickols, in thanksgiving for her

calling to the religious life. Many other items of interest and relics are on display, so please watch parish bulletins for other forthcoming free days. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30 pm and 9.30am to 6.00pm at weekends. Normal admission prices are Adults £5.00 Concessions (Students & Seniors) £2.50, Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £11.00. Group discounts are available and entry tokens are available at the Cathedral bookshop.

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Saints

Westminster Record | August 2014

Saint of the Month - St Alphonsus Liguori (1 August)

ardinal Vincent’s titular church in Rome is named ‘The Most Holy Redeemer and St Alphonsus Liguori’; and the saint’s name may be known to us through his meditations which are frequently used when following the Stations of the Cross. His life, indeed, involved bearing several heavy crosses, both of sickness and of personal opposition. Born in 1696 as the eldest of seven children in a devout family atmosphere, Alphonsus studied at the University of Naples, gaining his doctorate by the age of sixteen. It was, however, the law which attracted him and we find him practicing in the courts a few years later. The attraction did not last and the sources tell of his dissatisfaction with worldly pleasure and fame. Then, at the age of 27, he experienced a vision which led to a decision completely to dedicate his life to God. Curiously, this was opposed by his family, but Alphonsus persevered and was ordained priest three years later. This was the start of six years’ intense mission work in his home city. Inspired to found a religious order (the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) trouble struck for Alphonsus almost immediately when all but one of its members left to set up their own group. Starting

In Memoriam: August 1 Fr Richard Johnson (1992) Fr Ignatius Tonna (1993) 2 Fr Thomas Stack (1984) 3 Mgr Canon John Mostyn (1981) 5 Fr William Lynagh (1977) Fr Alan Fudge (2011) 9 Fr John Greene (1980) 11 Fr Laurence Allan (1981) Fr Guy Martin Heal (2009) 12 Fr Roderick Cuming (1981) Fr Wilfrid Soggee (1990) Fr Joseph Finnegan (2002) Fr John Milne (2001) Fr John D’Arcy Dutton (2013) 14 Fr Philip Dwerryhouse (1986) 15 Fr John Adam (1979) Fr Bernard Mortimore (1980) 16 Canon Denis O’Sullivan (1983) Fr Peter Latham (2005) 19 Canon George Davey (1986) Fr Leslie Cole (1997) 20 Cardinal Bernard Griffin (1956) Fr Joseph McVeigh (1977) Fr Desmond Mullin (1988) 21 Fr Percival Fielden (1990) Fr Edward Houghton (2009) 24 Fr Patrick Cassidy (2007) 25 Fr James Gunston (1972) Mgr Canon Herbert Haines (2004) 26 Fr Thomas Kilcoyne (1972) Fr Peter Keenan (1984) 27 Mgr John Coonan (1979) 29 Fr Edward Fowler (1973) Fr Michael Lynam (1984) 31 Fr William Rees (1984) Canon Maurice O’Leary (1997)

again from scratch he rebuilt his community, receiving papal approval in due course for both male and female members. Papal command forced him in 1762 to become bishop of St Agatha of the Goths, near Naples, a diocese with thirty thousand ‘uninstructed’ faithful and four hundred ‘indifferent’ priests. This was the scene for arduous pastoral labours in which he persevered for thirteen years, despite increasing bodily deformity through rheumatism, including a period of paralysis. Finally permitted to resign in 1775, Alphonsus had to face further anguish when political manoeuvring succeeded in removing him from authority within the Redemptorist congregation and excluding him from its life. This final trial lasted for several years, although the sources emphasise how he overcame depression and attained to a peace which brought him to his death in 1787. St Alphonsus is a Doctor of the Church and his writings, especially on Moral Theology, have had great influence. Countless numbers of catholics will have found reconciliation and peace through confession without realising their debt of gratitude to the wise and merciful teaching and example of the saint.

Fr Horace Hosford RIP Fr Horace Hosford died on 17 July 2014 at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. He was 85 years of age. Born in County Limerick, he was ordained to the priesthood for the diocese in 1959 and served as Assistant Priest in Somers Town, Clapton and Willesden Green before becoming parish priest in Teddington in 1977. He stayed there until 1983 when he moved to Uxbridge and later to Shepherds Bush. In 2009, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee and had reached 55 years of service by the time of his death. May he rest in peace.

We want your News You can send us your latest news online, please email communications@ rcdow.org.uk Page 18

Events, Calendar

Westminster Record | August 2014

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - August

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

1 Fri 2 Sat

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 2pm-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 Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB

WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall 83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A

short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion. Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@ yahoogroups.co.uk Evangelisation prayer group for young adults meets from 7pm on Wednesdays at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX. For further details please contact Armel at apostles.jesus@yahoo.co.uk

THURSDAYS Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life - Every first Thursday of the month. Young adults from all Christian denominations pray and share a meal. Details www.jcfl.org.uk Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults meets Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details at www.soulfoodgroup.org 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 Association of Divorced and Separated Catholics Every third Friday of the month. All divorced and separated Catholics are welcome. Call Frank or Christine 020 8422 1591 Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD. Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group Every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. Details: 020 8748 2632

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

3 Sun 4 Mon 5 Tue 6 Wed 7 Thu 8 Fri 9 Sat 10 Sun 11 Mon 12 Tue 13 Wed 14 Thu 15 Fri 16 Sat 17 Sun 18 Mon 19 Tue 20 Wed 21 Thu 22 Fri 23 Sat 24 Sun 25 Mon 26 Tue 27 Wed 28 Thu 29 Fri 30 Sat

Other regular Masses

St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor; Friday abstinence feria or St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop or St Peter Julian Eymard, Priest or Blessed Virgin Mary + 18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME St John Vianney, Priest feria, 18th Week of Year 2 or The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD feria or St Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs or St Cajetan, Priest St Dominic, Priest; Friday abstinence ST TERESA BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS, Virgin & Martyr, Patron of Europe + 19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME St Clare, Virgin feria, 19th Week of Year 2 or St Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious feria or Sts Pontian, Pope, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyrs St Maximilan Mary Kolbe, Priest & Martyr + THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY feria or St Stephen of Hungary or Blessed Virgin Mary + 20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME feria, 20th Week of Year 2 feria or St John Eudes, Priest St Bernard, Abbot & Doctor St Pius X, Pope The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Friday abstinence

Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm, Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW

feria or St Rose of Lima, Virgin or Blessed Virgin Mary + 21st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 21st Week of Year 2 or St Louis or St Joseph Calasanz feria or Blessed Dominic of the Mother of God, Priest St Monica St Augustine, Bishop & Doctor The Passion of St John the Baptist; Friday abstinence feria or Sts Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line and Margaret Ward, Martyrs or Blessed Virgin Mary

Mondays: Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NB.

31 Sun +22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Praying with Pope Francis in August Universal Intention: That refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights. For Evangelisation: That Christians in Oceania may joyfully announce their faith to all the people of that region. St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets on every Sunday of the year for walks around London and the Home Counties. Contact: antoinette_adkins2000@yahoo.co.uk 020 8769 3643 www.stfrancisramblers.ukwalkers.com Free Catholic Tours. ‘Saints and Scholars’ walk first Sunday of the month, including Mass. Contact Peter on 07913904997 or circlingthesquaretours@hotmail.co.uk

Young Adults Mass First & Third Sunday of the month, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Quiet prayer 7.15pm, Mass 7.30pm. Social gathering afterwards. Contact: organise@fsplus.info or visit www.fsplus.info Mass at Canary Wharf Tuesdays 12.30pm 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details www.cwcc.org.uk St Albans Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY 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.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Fridays: Low Mass 7.45am St Mary Moorfields, 4/5 Eldon Street EC2N 7LS. Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY First Fridays only. Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF First Fridays only. Low Mass 6.30pm, Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB Second Fridays only. Saturdays Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Low Mass 4.30pm, Side Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW Second Saturday only.

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Spotlight

Westminster Record | August 2014

A Thanksgiving at a Farewell By Chris O’Callaghan

ith the arrival of summer we have seen schools break up for the holidays, many of which have held services to congratulate their school leavers and wish them well in their journey ahead. This year I was invited to join the farewell for a special group of leavers and to give thanks for the service of a dedicated Religious at a very special school in Uxbridge. Pield Heath is one of only two schools in the diocese which cater for special needs students. Founded by order of Cardinal Vaughan and opened in 1902, it is one of the oldest schools for those with learning disabilities. It was entrusted to the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, an order founded in 1866 by Fr Victor Braun, who taught the sisters that: ‘There are two things in life; Jesus Christ and the poor’. Today the school caters for young people between 7 and 19

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providing both day and residential schooling according to the students’ needs. The school’s end of year Mass was held in the chapel next to the convent. The whitewashed walls had been colourfully decorated by the students and the room was full of sound and energy, with students on guitars, a keyboard, a trumpet and a drum kit. Fr Jim Kennedy, from the Diocese of Brentwood and a former chair of governors, celebrated the Mass and students led many parts of the liturgy including signing and singing the hymns. The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Catherine Dann, also attended. An emotional farewell was bid to nine of the students who have come to the end of their time there and Fr Jim encouraged them to remember the experiences they had at the school and to see how these experiences will help and guide them in life. Although many of the

sisters have retired from the school, one remains working full-time as the school’s head. Sr Julie Rose has been at the helm since 1990, having come from a teaching background and working at the sisters’ other specialist school in Chigwell. The Mass was a double celebration, as this year Sister Julie marks 25 years since her first vows and tributes were paid to her leadership. She was visibly moved to receive a papal blessing from the Holy Father, even if she wouldn’t admit to it after! The school has achieved some impressive results, shown in the three most recent Ofsted reports when the school was judged as 'Outstanding' each time. Then I asked her what was the greatest change she had seen at the school, she was keen to look beyond simple changes: ‘Things have changed, obviously, but the best thing I have seen is the flourishing of

the school more generally. I am now the only Religious on the staff but lay participation has increased hugely and interdenominational participation also’. What does she consider her greatest achievement? She looks to her staff and says: ‘The way the staff here have taken more and more responsibility for the young people so that they can live life to its fullest’. She tells me about the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to the school in November 1993. At a time when the royal marriage was in the spotlight, Princess Diana called after to apologise for the intrusion caused by her visit. She returned to the school in December with Princes William and Harry for Christmas dinner with the sisters in their convent. Although the sisters now play a smaller part in running the schools in Uxbridge and Chigwell, younger nuns are following the example of the older sisters from the Order by establishing schools for special needs children in El Salvador, Zambia, Uganda, the Philippines and Ireland.

The Order is passionately committed to work with disabled children both at home and abroad, fulfilling the vision and expectations of its founder. Westminster diocese is blessed in the field of education, with over 160 primary and secondary schools providing education for our young people. Each school has its own history and its own character to make it unique. Pield Heath’s history and character is no different, a place where we are reminded that every person, regardless of their ability or disability, is a gift to be cherished.