Westminster Record May 2016

Westminster Record

May 2016 | 20p

A Prayer for the Queen’s 90th Birthday

Schools: Winning Science Blog

CAFOD: Putting the Year of Mercy into action

Page 4

Page 10

Page 17

The Joy of Love in the Family On 15 April, following the plenary meeting of the Bishops of England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent presented the bishops’ statement on the Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, (The Joy of Love) which was released following the two Synods of Bishops in 2014 and 2015.

The bishops welcomed the Apostolic Exhortation saying, ‘We are inspired by the Pope’s portrayal of God’s love present in the daily and often messy realities of family life.’ The Cardinal drew attention to the Pope’s reflection on love as ‘craftsmanship’, and he goes on to apply this to the work of ‘sustaining, maturing, and deepening love in the course of a lifetime’. He reflects on ‘how we understand our family setting as a place where we are drawn individually closer to God in the spiritual life’. The Cardinal emphasised that the document must be read in the context of ‘the mercy of God flowing through the Church’.

The document is about the ‘challenge of promoting, upholding, and explaining the vision of marriage as given to us in our Christian faith’. Pope Francis says, ‘In order to avoid all misunderstanding, I would point out that in no way must the Church desist from proposing the full ideal of marriage, God’s plan in all its grandeur’ (307).

The Pope pays particular attention to the education of conscience for all, but particularly with respect to marriage preparation: ‘What is most important is the pastoral care and the effort to strengthen marriages and prevent their breakdown.’

Cardinal Vincent went on, ‘Nevertheless the Pope is very forthright in identifying the difficulties that people face and the way in which the Church needs to help everybody through the difficulties of life, first by recognising the presence of God in the messiness of our lives and his invitation to journey step by step.’

Pope Francis states that every priest is not only responsible for promoting Christian marriage, but also ‘for the pastoral discernment of a situation before God of a great many who no longer live this reality’. ‘We are always seeking to understand the subjective situation of a person before God and help them to take steps so that they can become closer, in their fullness, to the Lord and to find

their place in the love of the Church’. Pope Francis encourages people to speak to their parish priest and the increase of people using the Sacrament of Reconciliation in this Year of Mercy ‘encourages us that this invitation of the Holy Father will be taken up’.

The Bishops’ statement closes by saying, ‘The challenges presented in this Exhortation, whilst not changing Church teaching, are far reaching and radical. Embracing them will take time, effort and patience.’

To read the full statement of the bishops of England and Wales visit: http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/ Home/News/Amoris-Laetitia.

The full text of Amoris Laetitia is available at www.vatican.va.

©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk

Editorial Westminster Record – Contact us

Westminster Record | May 2016

Hail, Holy Queen

Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Hannah Woolley and John Scott 020 7798 9178, and Martha Behan 020 7798 9030 Design Julian Game To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 214 1216 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

June publication dates Editorial deadline: 13 May 2016 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 20 May 2016 To advertise contact Carol Malpass 0161 214 1244 or email carol.malpass@thecatholicuniverse.com Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Appearance of advertisements does not imply editorial endorsement.

As we approach the middle of the year (already!), spring and warmer May weather lighten the spirits, and encourage us to turn in gratitude to our Lady for her blessings, and fortunately, in Westminster, we do not have far to turn to her!

Our diocese, as befits its location and importance, boasts a good number of shrines to Our Lady, both recent and ancient. Bestriding them all is Our Lady of Willesden, whose importance is betokened by the arrows to it marked in the pavement on the way from the tube station. Founded probably in the thirteenth century, visited

by St Thomas More, as at Walsingham the shrine was targeted for desecration and destruction in 1538 (also like Walsingham, the modern revival has both Anglican and

Catholic forms). Another revival is at Westminster Cathedral, where a fine medieval alabaster statue to ‘Our Lady of Westminster’ recalls the image to ‘Our Lady of Pewe’ that once stood in Westminster Abbey.

At Our Lady and St Gregory, in Warwick Street, you can visit a shrine to Our Lady where once crutches were hung, as at Lourdes. A similar exotic touch is to be found at Camden Town, where Belgian refugees from World War I brought with them devotion to the thirteenth century shrine of Our Lady of Hal. A recent addition is at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, where a beautiful new image of Our Lady of Walsingham was last year enthroned in a splendid chapel.

Of course, every church in our diocese has its shrine or statue to our Blessed Mother, and we need never go far to pay our respect to her. These places of prayer to Mary energise our diocese, and remind us that Our Lady is one of the principal patrons of Westminster. Make sure you visit her this month!

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

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

Book Review: Into Extra Time Living through the final stages of cancer and jottings along the way.

Michael Paul Gallagher The popular priest and theologian, Fr Michael Paul Gallagher SJ, has given us a different, and deeper, form of travel writing: into his own illness and suffering. In January 2015, Fr Michael was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Knowing that his time was limited, he documented not only his physical decline, but his spiritual and mental journey, completing the book only two weeks before his death in November 2015.

‘Never has faith seemed so real,’ observed Fr Michael Paul Travelogues are popular forms of his experience of dying, ‘not of literature, accompanying an out of fear (as some atheists author on his or her journey might suspect), but out of a into new territories, discovery of the quiet reality of documenting not only the God with me in all this.’ changing landscape and Yet this book is not only a customs but also the inner diary, kept as a psychological pilgrimage of discovery. and spiritual outlet; Fr Michael Page 2

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

also realised that his experience might give hope and light to others. Comprising meditations on faith and fear, a diary of his illness, and concluding with poems, this is a powerful and moving testament to a great priest and communicator, and offers an accompaniment and strengthening to those who need guidance in time of struggle.

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

Bishops’ Statement on the EU Referendum In anticipation of the EU referendum on 23 June, the Bishops of England and Wales have issued the following advice: Reflecting on the forthcoming vote, we recognise the historic nature of this referendum and its implications for future generations. The outcome will have consequences for the future not only of the United Kingdom, but for Europe and for the world.

In our view, three things are essential: • that we pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit; • that we all inform ourselves of the arguments on both sides of the debate; • that we each exercise our vote with a view to the common good of all.

The coming together of European countries in the aftermath of a catastrophic war was designed to bind together former combatants and the contribution of the European project to peace in Western Europe should be recognised.

Pope Francis reminds us, in his address to the European

Parliament in Strasbourg on 25 November 2014, that the ideals which shaped this European project from the beginning were peace, subsidiarity and solidarity. In the Treaty of Rome, trade was harnessed to peace. The peace achieved in Western Europe shows indeed how "our problems can become powerful forces for unity" (par 5). Our decision in the referendum should thus be taken in the context of how best we can promote justice and peace.

Our focus needs to be above all on the human person. We need to build a Europe "which revolves not around the economy but around the sacredness of the human person, around inalienable values" (par 37). We all have a responsibility to keep the dignity of the human person at the forefront of the debate. We must ask ourselves, in the face of every issue, what will best serve the dignity of all people both within Europe and beyond.

This referendum therefore is about much more than economics.

We must not forget the profoundly religious roots of European nations; that Europe has a two thousand year-old Christian culture that has shaped the continent and is a dynamic spiritual, moral and intellectual resource as we address the future. As Pope Francis reminds us, we need continually to ask ourselves: who is my neighbour? In response to grave challenges, we are called to be generous and welcoming to all others, especially the most vulnerable.

Each person will have their own views about the best political framework in which to realise these ideals. We acknowledge the justifiable concerns that many people have in relation to the European Union, its institutions and the implications of increasing integration.

This referendum is an opportunity to reflect on those values we cherish as a nation and as Catholics. High among these values are mutual respect and civility, vital in this national conversation about the very future of our nation within the world.

‘A Mark of Deep Shame on Our Human Family’ On 7 April 2016, Cardinal Vincent addressed delegates at a special event at the United Nations about the fight to eradicate human trafficking through effective international cooperation at all levels.

New Sustainable Development Goals express 'the official commitment of every UN member state to work for the eradication of human trafficking and modern slavery' by 2030.

The Cardinal explained that 'this goal cannot be achieved without effective, international cooperation at many levels, one of which is indeed the Santa Marta Group, open to all who see the importance of its insight and wish to take part in its processes'.

The Cardinal was speaking at a special Side Event at the UN's New York headquarters, jointly organised by The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN and the Santa Marta Group.

He spoke about the Church's 'radical commitment to the dignity of every human person, a dignity which has to be protected and promoted in every circumstance and time; a dignity which does not depend on the abilities or status of a person but which is rooted entirely in the inner depth of the person's existence, in the gift of human life which always comes from the Divine Creator'.

He emphasised that 'human trafficking and slavery radically strip a person of this fundamental dignity, reducing them to the status of a commodity. It is an evil crying out to heaven.'

Noting that there are 'over 20 million people callously held in modern slavery in our world today', he said that this 'is a mark of deep shame on the face of our human family that no words alone can remove'.

Expressing the need for international cooperation, he explained that such

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

'international partnerships require not only a shared motivation but also some clear key aims. For us they are univocal: the well-being of every victim of human trafficking, for it is the victim who must always be central to our efforts; the enhancement of the work of law enforcement: the breaking up of criminal networks, the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators; and thirdly the strengthening of the legal frameworks within which this work is carried out.'

The Santa Marta Group is an organisation founded by Pope Francis in 2014 to strengthen and coordinate the global response to combatting human trafficking and all forms of modern slavery.

The full text of the Cardinal's address is available at http://rcdow.org.uk/cardinal/a ddresses/. For further information about the Santa Marta Group, please visit their website santamartagroup.com.

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Page 3

Westminster Record September 20112016 Westminster Record | May

The Queen’s 90th Birthday On 21 April, Her Majesty the Queen turned 90.

The Queen’s official birthday is celebrated on 11 June, and to mark the occasion, we will be asked to pray for her at the Sunday Masses on 11/12 June, by including an intention in the bidding prayers and by reciting at the end of Mass, the Prayer for the Queen.

Prayer for the Queen V.

O Lord, save Elizabeth, our Queen.

R.

And hear us on the day we call upon you.

V.

O Lord, hear my prayer.

R.

And let my cry come before you.

V.

The Lord be with you.

R.

And with your spirit.

Almighty God, we pray, that your servant Elizabeth, our Queen, who, by your providence has received the governance of this realm, may continue to grow in every virtue, that, imbued with your heavenly grace, she may be preserved from all that is harmful and evil and, being blessed with your favour may, with her consort and the royal family, come at last into your presence, through Christ who is the way, the truth and the life and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen Page 4

Cardinal Vincent’s Statement on Commons Genocide Vote

Following the unanimous vote by MPs on 20 April to declare that the actions of ISIS against Christians and Yazidis amounts to genocide, Cardinal Vincent made the following statement: ‘I welcome the vote in Parliament that recognises the tragedy being suffered by the people of Syria and across the Middle East. Their plight demands our attention and action.

‘Firstly, the violence must stop and that will require international assistance.

Secondly, the areas affected

need to be made safe, with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other bombs defused. Homes and infrastructure will need to be rebuilt. Finally a long-term commitment to rebuilding trust between communities needs to be embarked upon.

‘All of these steps will require time, resource and the commitment of both the people of the Middle East and the international community as a whole. We pray for an end to the violence and for all who are caught up in this tragedy.’

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

National Eucharistic Congress Planned Receiving the report from the International Eucharistic Congress held in Cebu, Philippines in January 2016, and responding positively to the exhortation for Bishops’ Conferences to hold National Eucharistic Congresses to enhance and promote the Adoration of the Lord in the Eucharist, and to give witness to our faith, the Bishops have resolved to hold a National Eucharistic Congress for England and Wales in 2018.

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

Extraordinary Scenes at Calais

by Barbara Kentish ‘Did you see anything extraordinary on your visit to the Refugee Camp?’, a policeman asked the Diocese of Westminster Caritas and Justice and Peace expedition at the Calais UK Border control on 29 March.

Nine people from Caritas Westminster, St John Vianney parish and Westminster Justice and Peace had just delivered a minibus full of food and clothing to the new Catholic Worker house dedicated to St Maria Skobstova, in Calais. The donations were to be distributed to refugees under the supervision of Br Johannes Maertens, formerly of the Catholic Worker House in Harringay, North London.

Yes, there were many extraordinary things about the trip: St John Vianney's had, in just over two weeks, collected £1300 in cash for the refugees.

Likewise, at short notice, two minibuses were provided and crossing paid for by Caritas Westminster: one loaded to the roof with dried food, toiletries, clothing and bedding, packed over the Easter weekend by enthusiastic parishioners, and the other for the group to travel in. To collect these donations and arrange the trip at such short notice was an extraordinary act of generosity and good organisation on the part of so many.

Likewise, it was extraordinary, when Johannes took us to the Jungle camp that afternoon. The whole of the south area had been flattened, and we photographed bulldozers ploughing up traces of human life: a shoe, a jumper, a half-used tube of toothpaste, small signs of interrupted life disappearing under heavy machinery, sand and gravel already being rolled over the vast open ground. Yes, it was extraordinary that the communal places were left standing, forlorn and isolated in this building site. You would have to cross large bulldozed furrows to reach a youth centre, a mosque, a school, an

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

information centre. Johannes took us to the now famous Ethiopian church where we met Solomon, its creator and guardian, sitting with friends round a wood fire, protecting the compound of this sacred space. French authorities have left some communal buildings, but destroyed the individual shacks and shelters.

It was extraordinary to see the bulldozing of settlements here, only a Channel tunnel away from our shores. Where the displaced have gone varies.

Volunteers are trying to count the current inhabitants and estimate around 4000 still remain. Container shelters have been built for up to 1500 people,

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

which hold 12 beds per container and are fiercely fenced off with security gates.

Residents must go out for sanitation and for eating. The rest have either squashed up in the remaining space or tried to move on. A small number have accepted the offer of being transported to other centres. But attempts to jump trains and vehicles to get to the UK still continue, as people continue to seek an end to the long migration trail.

An Afghan imam invited us into a small but solid café and offered sweet tea. A generator operated cooking and storage facilities, as well as a TV. Our hosts were Afghan and Pakistani, and many visitors have commented on the harmony which makes the camp work together. Johannes explained the rise of strong community leaders who keep the peace and arbitrate disputes.

He supports and initiates interfaith gatherings which bind the various nationalities. Given the desperate circumstances, criminality is very low, which is again extraordinary!

Back at Maria Skobstova House, which is owned by Secours Catholique/Caritas France, Johannes explained the help they offer: respite for refugees, accommodation for volunteers who go into the camp, and a place of prayer for and with refugees. Some, he said with surprise, wanted to convert to Christianity. ‘I see myself as offering pastoral support, not conversion. I am not sure yet how to handle that!’

John Coleby, Director of Caritas Westminster, also gives his impression of life in the Jungle: My first impression of the camp was of horrifying desolation. The part of the Jungle that was recently bulldozed is a bleak wasteland of churned-up mud, strewn with the remnants of makeshift homes. The only structures that remain standing are the places of worship, the spotlessly clean interiors of which amplify their sordid surroundings. The people who were evicted from this part of the camp are now housed in rows of numbered containers surrounded by high fencing.

Despite the shocking conditions in which the camp’s residents live, my experience of the Jungle was one of kindness and dignity. The people we met were welcoming and friendly, and it soon became clear that, beneath the appearance of chaos, the camp is run on the basis of order and mutual respect. The paradox of the Calais Jungle is that it is a place of hope and aspiration. In the face of hostility, the desperate living conditions, and the uncertainty of the camp’s future, the people here have found a way to live together whilst they wait for what they hope will be a better future.

Some people have been waiting for that future for a long time. Although there are those who arrive in the camp with money and resources, the longer they wait, the more desperate their situation becomes.

The demolition of part of the camp has not ended the problem of survival for the people who live there. It falls to those of us who are able to extend the hand of friendship.

Page 5

Westminster Record | May 2016

Reuniting the Relics St Thomas Becket

© Westminster Cathedral

by Péter Szabadhegy In a joint initiative with the Church of England and the Catholic Church of England and Wales, the Embassy of Hungary will bring a relic of St Thomas Becket, which has been kept in Esztergom, Hungary for centuries, to the United Kingdom for a week in May. To launch this Becket Week, a Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate of Hungary, Archbishop of EsztergomPage 6

Budapest, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, at Westminster Cathedral on 23 May. Also present at the Mass will be János Áder, President of the Republic of Hungary, and Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

During the week, the relic from Esztergom will be displayed and celebrated together with other relics of St Thomas at Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Lambeth Palace and Mercer’s Chapel. At the end of the week, the relics will be transferred to Rochester Cathedral and then on to Canterbury Cathedral.

This will be the first time that this particular relic of St Thomas Becket, after having been kept with great reverence in Esztergom, Hungary for 800 years, will visit Britain. The relic represents the deep and manifold historical and cultural links between Hungary and the United Kingdom. The series of

events will provide an opportunity for many people to venerate the relics and contemplate the relevance of Thomas Becket in today’s society.

The devotion to St Thomas was revitalised by the Catholic Church in Hungary under the communist regime when the Church suffered serious limitations to her liberty. Since 1977 a candle lighting ceremony and a symposium have been held annually in Esztergom to honour St Thomas Becket on his feast day.

Among the many historical and cultural links uniting England and Hungary, the ideal friendship of the primate seats of Canterbury and Esztergom have particular significance. The story can be traced back as far as the 12th century, when two holy and uncompromising archbishops, Thomas Becket in Canterbury and Lukács Bánfi in Esztergom, fought for the Church’s liberty.

It is very likely that Archbishop Lukács adopted the cult of the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury immediately after his canonization. Written evidence from 1191 suggests that a church and provostship dedicated to St Thomas Becket were already functioning in Esztergom, on the hill named after the holy martyr. The church, founded by either Archbishop Lukács or his successor, Archbishop Jób, was the centre of St Thomas’s cult with a chapter of six canons and proper liturgical texts.

Margaret of France, Queen of England and later spouse of Béla III of Hungary, was also instrumental in bringing the saint’s devotion in Hungary.

Queen Margaret had personally known Thomas Becket at the court of her father-in-law Henry II, and she kept the martyr’s memory with great reverence in the court of her second husband, Béla III. We have no reliable information on how the relics of St Thomas arrived to Hungary. We know, however, that one or two prelates from Hungary were present in Canterbury at the 1220 reburial (translatio) of St Thomas Becket’s body. On that occasion his tomb was opened and relics

were extracted. We know that Archbishop János of Esztergom (1205–1223) had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Stephen Langton personally (e.g., at the IV Lateran Council in 1215), and it is reasonable to suppose that he might have asked for a relic for the church dedicated to the saint in Esztergom. It is interesting to note that in Hungary only the Esztergom liturgical calendars celebrated the feast of the translation of St Thomas Becket on 7 July.

The first inventory of the Esztergom Cathedral Treasury, from 1528, reports the presence of St Thomas Becket’s relic (a part of his arm) kept in a gold plated silver reliquary. It testifies to the relic’s presence in Esztergom, before the destruction of Becket’s bones in Canterbury by order of Henry VIII. Another inventory from 1687 proves the relic survived the Ottoman occupation of Esztergom (1543-1683).

The church of St Thomas was indeed completely destroyed during Ottoman rule and the provostship survived only as a titular see held by one of the canons of the Esztergom Metropolitan Chapter. On the site of the former church in St Thomas Hill a small chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows was built in 1823.

It is also significant that the devotion to the martyred bishop, who strenuously defended the Church’s rights against the State, was revitalized in a period when the Church in Hungary suffered serious limitations to her liberty. It was, in fact, Cardinal László Lékai, Archbishop of Esztergom, who in the 1970s introduced a candle lighting commemoration on the 29 December feast day of the saint and had a fragment of the relic transferred to the chapel, where in 1977 a HungarianEnglish plaque was unveiled in St Thomas’ memory. Since then every year on the feast of St Thomas, the relics are displayed at the chapel and a commemorative symposium is addressed by high-ranking civil and Church authorities as well as by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Hungary.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Pilgrimage Events 23 May 4pm Relics from Esztergom (Hungary), St Magnus the Martyr (London), St Thomas of Canterbury (Fulham), St Thomas Church (Canterbury), and Stonyhurst arrive at Westminster Cathedral.

5pm Vespers, sung by Westminster Cathedral Choir.

5.30pm Solemn Mass in Westminster Cathedral, celebrated by Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols.

24 May 4pm Relics from Esztergom (Hungary), St Magnus the Martyr (London), St Thomas of Canterbury (Fulham), St Thomas Church (Canterbury), Stonyhurst and Westminster Cathedral arrive at Westminster Abbey.

5pm A service of Solemn Evensong sung jointly by the Cathedral and Abbey Choirs in the presence of János Áder, President of the Republic of Hungary.

25 May The relic held in Esztergom will be displayed throughout the morning in St Margaret’s Church (Westminster Abbey).

2.30pm The relic will be transferred to St Magnus the Martyr Church.

4pm Service for the public in St Magnus the Martyr Church (Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DN).

26 May The relic held in Esztergom (Hungary) will be on display in St Margaret’s Church (Westminster Abbey) throughout the day.

6.30pm Eric Symes Abbot Lecture on St Thomas Becket in Westminster Abbey (Roger Scruton).

27 May The relic from Esztergom (Hungary) will be on display in St Margaret’s Church (Westminster Abbey) until 2pm.

4pm The relic from Esztergom will be transferred to Rochester.

5.30pm A service of solemn Evensong in Rochester Cathedral.

28 May 10.30am The relic from Esztergom will be displayed in Rochester Cathedral.

2pm The relic will be transferred to Canterbury.

2.45pm Pilgrims assemble at St Michael’s Church, Harbledown (Summer Hill, Harbledown CT2 8NW) 3pm Pilgrims set off on foot from St Michael’s to Canterbury Cathedral via Westgate Towers. The pilgrimage takes about 1 hour (1.5 miles).

4pm Pilgrims arrive at Canterbury Cathedral (the Precincts). The relic and pilgrims pass through the main entrance. The Dean and the leadership of the Cathedral receive pilgrims at the nave. Welcome service, speeches by religious and civic leaders.

29 May 1.30pm Mass at Canterbury Cathedral (in the crypt)

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

‘Weep, weep, O Walsingham’

by Gerald Daly Sometime around the year 1600, a person, anonymous by name and occupation, picked their way quietly and unobtrusively along the lanes of north Norfolk towards the hamlet of Little Walsingham.

What it was that brought them to this remote corner of the country we do not know but we can speculate that an opportunity was taken to see something by making a detour on the way to legitimate business, perhaps in King’s Lynn or Norwich.

We don’t know who they were but we can be certain that they were a recusant Catholic and the thing, the place, they wanted to spy on was the ruins of the great medieval shrine at Walsingham and we know this because they left a witness in the form of a remarkable poem A Lament for Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham.

The poem is minimal in form, composed of eleven quatrains, in a simple pattern of alternating four and three meter lines with occasional dropped stresses in the three meter lines (‘the sacred vine’), and the use of repetition as an

intensifier (‘Bitter, bitter’; ‘Weep, weep’). The form may be simple but the language and thought point to a sophisticated mind and someone with considerable skill in the craft of poetry. This has prompted some to suggest St Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, as author.

Whoever it may have been, the writer is clearly an eyewitness of what is described and conveys an overwhelming sense of sorrow and grief at the destruction some 60 years before of the shrine under Henry VIII (the ‘Prince of Walsingham’ to the memory of whose name ‘bitter woes’ are called down).

It is a powerful testimony to the endurance of the faith and its collective memory of a time before the Reformation. It does this by contrasting what was with what is: tall, glittering towers now laid low, toads and serpents lurk where once were pilgrims (palmers), owls shriek were once sweet hymns were sung, night reigns instead of day, holy deeds are turned to outrages (despites), blessings are turned to blasphemies.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Our anonymous author looks on the wreckage (’wracks’) and mourns for the faithful (‘the seely sheep’), slaughtered by the ravenous wolves brought down upon the fold by the Reformation. In the evocative word ‘wracks’ we can hear an allusion to the violence and pain inflicted by the racks that destroyed lives as the walls and towers of the shrine were destroyed.

In the final verse we hear the poignancy and sadness of the moment when the author turns away and bids goodbye to Walsingham resigned, it seems, to it never rising again (‘Walsingham, O farewell’).

As we prepare for our diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham in this Year of Mercy, it would be good to think that we could reach across the centuries to our unknown brother or sister and tell them that we have indeed come back, that the sheep have returned to graze in the fields once rooted up by the swine and that Walsingham has risen again and that Mary, Mother of Mercy, Our Lady of Walsingham sits once more under her canopy in England’s Nazareth.

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

A Lament for Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham In the wracks of Walsingham Whom should I choose But the Queen of Walsingham To be my guide and muse Then, thou Prince of Walsingham Grant me to frame Bitter plaints to rue thy wrong, Bitter woe for thy name Bitter was it to see The seely sheep Murdered by the ravenous wolves While the shepherds did sleep.

Bitter was it, O to view The sacred vine, Whilst the gardeners played all close, Rooted up by the swine.

Bitter, bitter O to behold The grass to grow Where the walls of Walsingham So stately did show.

Such were the worth of Walsingham while she did stand, Such are the wracks as now do show Of that Holy Land.

Level, level, with the ground The towers do lie, Which, with their golden glittering tops, Pierced once the sky.

Where were gates are no gates now, The ways unknown Where the press of peers did pass While her fame was blown.

Owls do scrike where the sweetest hymns Lately were sung, Toads and serpents hold their dens Where the palmers did throng.

Weep, weep, O Walsingham, Whose days are turned to nights, Blessings turned to blasphemies, Holy deeds to despites.

Sin is where Our Lady sat, Heaven is turned to hell, Satan sits where Our Lord did sway Walsingham, O farewell!

Page 7

Westminster Record | May 2016

Jubilee of Consolation Catechesis With Cardinal Vincent

Inside the Hospice: Our Lady of the Balcony

by Fr Peter-Michael Scott When you walk towards the hospice you will notice a statue of Our Lady standing on an outside balcony. Her posture is one of prayer, almost as if she has been praying that you will visit.

The name of the hospice is that of Our Lady’s husband, St Joseph. When Mary revealed her pregnancy Joseph displayed his ordinary human weakness by almost rejecting her. He rallied round in the end, but he needed the visit of an angel to convince him. Maybe Mary instantly forgave Joseph or

In this Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has spoken of a Jubilee of Consolation, and will hold a Prayer Vigil in Rome on 5 May to 'dry the tears’. Inspired by this, Cardinal Vincent will deliver catechesis across the diocese on this theme.

The statue of Our Lady overlooks the visit of the Earl of Wessex to St Joseph’s Hospice.

perhaps she accepted his reasons, but none the less ‘mercy’ was present in this unique family from the beginning.

Often patients will reflect on their own family and talk to me about schisms or long lasting disagreements. Sickness and dying can waken in patients a deep need of God and in that discovery they gain courage to forgive or to say they are sorry.

Sometimes for this to be made possible, long lost members of families have to be found, and when the search is on I pray to

‘Our Lady of the balcony’ that those being sought are located.

Pope Francis has given families three words of advice to prevent schisms. He says it is important to always say ‘please, thank you and sorry’. He says of ‘sorry’…‘we all make mistakes and on occasion someone gets offended…plates are smashed, harsh words are spoken, but please listen to my advice: don’t let the sun set without reconciling. Peace is made each day in a family when you say “please forgive me”, and then you start over.’

It is beautiful when a patient comes out from the shadow of hurt or bitterness either to say sorry or to ask forgiveness, and to see it granted or received.

God’s gifts of mercy and forgiveness inhabit the hospice, just as the image of the Mother of Mercy stands on the balcony outside.

Please pray for the patients, staff and volunteers of St Joseph’s Hospice.

Fr Peter-Michael Scott is the Cardinal’s Adviser on Healthcare and Chaplain to St Joseph’s Hospice.

Apostleship of the Sea: Living the Works of Mercy

Schools in the Diocese of Westminster now have access to a new set of schools resources for the Jubilee Year of Mercy produced by Catholic seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) and Catholic writer Greg Watts.

The presentation gives pupils a unique and interesting view of how AoS port chaplains live out the seven Corporal Works of Mercy in their daily ministry, with reallife examples of spiritual and Page 8

AoS chaplains and ship visitors welcome seafarers to our shores, regardless of their colour, race or creed, and provide them with pastoral and practical assistance. They recognise them as brothers with an intrinsic human dignity which can be overlooked in the modern globalised maritime industry.

In one example under the Giving Alms to the Poor section in the resource, AoS National Director Martin Foley says that sometimes AoS is called upon to provide financial help to seafarers. ‘Typically this ©Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk happens when members of a practical support to seafarers in crew haven’t been paid by the need. ship’s owner. This also Seafarers are responsible for seriously affects their families, bringing us around 95% of the who rely on the money goods we buy and consume, seafarers send home to buy the from iPads to bananas and cars basics for daily life.’ to fridges, and more than Many parishes in 100,000 ships visit British ports Westminister support AoS’ each year. However the life of a work through its annual Sea modern seafarer can be Sunday appeal held every July, dangerous and lonely. They when churches across the may spend up to a year at a country pray for seafarers. time away from home, Collections from the appeals are separated from their family and used to help provide financial loved ones, often working in as well as pastoral and material harsh conditions. support to seafarers.

John Green, AoS Director of Development, said, ‘The subject of the sea and the lives of seafarers touches many aspects of the national curriculum and is a fundamental part of this country’s heritage.’

Cardinal Vincent, who visited the port of Tilbury in Essex in 2015 to see the work of AoS, said, ‘When families sit around a table together it’s important to think about where the food that they are eating comes from, where the chairs they are sitting on come from, where the building materials from their houses come from. Nearly all of it arrives by ship.’

The easy to use and engaging Year of Mercy resource gives students the opportunity to learn about the world of shipping and seafarers and the work of AoS. The resources can be download and used for free by going to this link http://www.apostleshipofthe sea.org.uk/resources-schools

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Saturday 21 May, Sts Michael and Martin, Houslow 3pm Catechesis with Q&A 4:30pm Exposition with Confessions 6:15pm Mass followed by social event Sunday 22 May, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St George, Enfield 3pm Catechesis with Q&A 4:30pm Exposition with Confessions 6pm Mass followed by social event Sunday 29 May, Our Lady and St Joseph’s, Kingsland 4pm Catechesis with Q&A 5:30pm Exposition with Confessions 6:30pm Mass followed by social event Wednesday 9 June, Sts Anselm and Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields 6pm Mass 6:30pm Catechesis with Q&A 8pm Social Sunday 3 July, Our Lady, Queen of Apostles, Welwyn Garden City 4pm Catechesis with Q&A 5:30pm Exposition with Confessions 6:30pm Mass followed by social event Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

Receiving the Word of God in Every Language

Fr Paul Fletcher SJ signs to the Deaf community at the Chrism Mass

by Michelle Rocca At Pentecost we learn of the coming of the Holy Spirit, of people speaking in each other's languages. People from all around the world were able to hear other ‘preaching in our own language about the marvels of God’ (Acts 2:12).

Catholic Deaf Awareness Week takes place from 15 to 21 May. For Deaf people, who see the marvels of God being preached in their language, sign language, opportunities to access the sacraments are few and far between. It is likely that there are Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in your parish, and they might be struggling to access services and other aspects of parish life. Here are

some tips to make your parish a welcoming and inclusive place for members of the Deaf Community.

Find out who in your parish is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and get to know them. They will have a wealth of experience and can be a great asset to your parish community.

Encourage Deaf and Hard of Hearing parishioners to sit at the front at Mass so they can easily see what is happening.

You can reserve some seats for them in the front pew. Make sure that there is good lighting in the church so that those who lip-read can see clearly.

Check that your hearing loop works and is switched on!

Make sure you always use a microphone so that the voice of whoever is reading, preaching or presiding is picked up by the hearing loop.

Lead the responses so hearing-aid wearers using the loop will hear and know to join in.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Provide a written copy of the whole Mass, including the homily. If the priest does not write his homily before Mass, a member of the congregation can take notes so that Deaf and Hard

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

of Hearing people can find out what he said.

Offer confession face-to-face in a well-lit environment so those who lip-read can clearly see your face.

Learn to fingerspell and some basic signs. Even a small gesture, such as fingerspelling names or offering a person a cup of tea and a biscuit using sign language can go a long way to making a Deaf person feel welcome.

Consider finding a sign language interpreter to work at your parish, or make use of technology. With the right setup, an interpreter could provide access to services through video conferencing.

Above all, make sure that your Deaf and Hard of Hearing parishioners feel welcome and included. Ask people what they need to access their faith, they are the experts after all!

Without Deaf people in our parishes, our communities are incomplete. We all want access to the Word of God in our own language. The Deaf Community, who see God's word in sign language, are no exception.

We are setting up a pastoral visiting team for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who are housebound or in hospital. If you are interested in volunteering to become part of this team please contact Michelle Roca at michelleroca@rcdow.org.uk for further information. We are looking for people with some knowledge of British Sign Language or Irish Sign Language. Don't worry if you are rusty, we can help polish up your skills!

Page 9

Westminster Record | May 2016

Mini Vinnies at Work at St Paul’s, Wood Green St Paul’s Catholic Primary School has an elected council of ‘Mini Vinnies’, which is embraced by the whole school as an essential part of young people’s contribution to society. The Mini Vinnies program is a primary schools initiative developed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul to encourage young people to work in society to tackle poverty and support those in need.

Headteacher Mr Curry said that they ‘have made such a positive impact on our school in such a range of contexts’. Mini Vinnies has encouraged pupils to become more active in their

faith and conscientious members of society.

So far the Mini Vinnies have raised £500 for Save the Children to help with the refugee crisis. They chose this charity to assist children who do not have the same opportunities as they do. All of these funds were generated on one special fundraising day.

The school explained that it was part of the school’s ‘drive to support our global Catholic family’. The children also help at the local homeless shelter to set up beds and prepare the parish hall for the arrival of guests. This gives the pupils an insight into what it really

means to put faith into action in line with the Mini Vinnie motto of ‘turning concern into action’.

Another of the projects undertaken by the Mini Vinnie group at St Paul’s has been their Spirituality Week, which

was held in February. This helped to nurture the spirituality of the whole school and helped to bring people closer in faith and learning. A series of prayer stations were set up in the hall and were run by the Mini Vinnies which allowed teachers to take part.

The theme for the week was ‘individually we are one drop, but together we are an ocean’.

As part of the Year of Mercy the Mini Vinnies suggested that the school have a Holy Door.

The door is by the front entrance and was designed by pupils and blessed by Fr Perry Sykes on the feast of the conversion of St Paul.

Winning Science Blog

St Thomas More Hosts Launch of Social Mobility Index Matthew Hancock in his announcement.

This was followed by a speed networking event, organised by ‘Inspiring the Future’, with students from Years 7 to 13. Civil Servants from the Ministry of Defence to the Foreign Office, who are involved in Space Technology to Diplomacy, spoke to students. The Minister commented that it was the most attentive school he had spoken at and the questions were both thoughtful and unusually challenging.

‘Having spoken to you, I am sure the top jobs in the civil service will be taken in 50 years by those sat in this room!’ The students meanwhile left with pages of notes and a clearer idea of what it means to work in government.

On 24 March, Matthew Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, gave a special announcement about social mobility at St Thomas More Catholic School. He spoke passionately about the power of education to improve social mobility, pointing out St Thomas More's exceptional results to that end.

The Civil Service is keen to have a more diverse workforce (at present it is less diverse

Page 10

than Oxford University) and has developed a social mobility index in conjunction with dozens of major businesses. It will be using this to not only monitor gender, race and other protected characteristics but also to ensure that opportunities are available to all, regardless of background.

It is important to reward ‘effort over upbringing, potential over polish, ability over what accent you have’, as stated by

St Gregory’s Shortlisted for School of the Year St Gregory’s Catholic Science College has been shortlisted by the Times Educational Supplement for the 2016 Secondary School of the Year award.

The awards, which are now in their eighth year, celebrate the vision, commitment and outstanding contribution to education made by teachers and teams in the classroom and the wider community.

Headteacher Andy Prindiville said ‘This is a wonderful accolade for St Gregory’s as we were only one of eight secondary schools in the country and only one of two in London to have been shortlisted. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of the staff and pupils of the school.’

TES editor Ann Mroz said that this year’s entries were the strongest yet and that they reflected the dedication and inspiring teaching and leadership in UK schools.

The winner will be revealed at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane London on Friday 24 June.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Anastasia Petrovic, a Sixth Form Science student at St Augustine’s Priory, has received national recognition for her incisive article debunking science in the popular film Gravity, which has been published following a rigorous blog competition run by the Girls’ Schools Association: https://gsa.uk.com/2016/03/grav ity-science-debunked/.

Anastasia is studying Physics, Mathematics and Religious Education at A Level and intends to read astrophysics at university. As Anastasia prepares for this next stage of her academic career, the ability to distil scientific concepts and articulate them in a simple, engaging way will prove invaluable.

Sarah Raffray, Headteacher at St Augustine’s Priory said: ‘St Augustine’s Priory is delighted to see one of our pupils receive national recognition for her contribution to British Science Week. A high proportion of our girls go on to study STEM subjects at university and as more young women are encouraged to consider a career in STEM, Anastasia’s achievement reflects our ethos of empowering girls to explore their intellectual curiosity in a stimulating environment.’

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

St Benedict’s Bands Steal the Show at RockFest At the end of Lent term students from St Benedict’s School in Ealing competed in RockFest in Hastings, part of the Hastings Musical Festival.

The school entered two bands: ‘The Others’, a Year 10 five piece band which has been together for the last two years and the ‘Jazz Monkeys’ a four-piece jazz band specialising in covers of jazz classics.

The run-away winners on the night were ‘The Others’ who performed three original compositions, ‘Skinhead’, ‘Cheerio’ and ‘Riff Machine’.

The judges presented Tom Mythen with the award for best Rhythm Guitarist and Ollie Walsh with the best Front Man. The band was further rewarded with the prize for the best original composition for ‘Cheerio’ and declared overall winners.

The Others

The Jazz Monkeys

The judges praised the ‘Jazz Monkeys’ for their Mod jackets, smooth style and tight ensemble playing. Sam Lubkowski was praised for his vocal technique in the Bowie classic ‘Life on

Mars’ and Finn Hobson won the best bassist award for his fluent and lyrical improvisations.

‘Hastings Musical Festival offers senior school students an

excellent opportunity to perform in a much larger venue, the White Rock Theatre, and gain feedback from professional judges. The performance of the St Benedict’s musicians was

outstanding and I would like to congratulate all the boys for their hard work,’ said Monica Esslin-Peard from the Music Department. ‘We’ll be back in 2017 with more bands.’

EQualities Award for St Gregory’s Science College

Feeding Thousands With Fish

St Gregory’s Catholic Science College has been successful in securing the EQualities Award for the second time.

This prestigious national award enables schools and children’s centres to showcase their efforts and achievements in promoting all strands of equality as well as demonstrating their compliance with the specific

duties under the Equality Act. The award’s director, Dr Chris Derrington said, ‘Thank you so very much for your sustained and encouraging commitment to equality. It has been a pleasure to work with you and St Gregory's sounds like a wonderfully inclusive school.’

Headteacher Andrew Prindiville commented, ‘The

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

staff and governors at St Gregory’s have worked incredibly hard to attain this award. The fact that St Gregory’s has achieved this award for the second time demonstrates the school’s continued commitment to promoting diversity and to identifying and challenging inequality in all its forms.’

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Girls at St Augustine’s Priory collected over 1400 tins of fish this week in support of the volunteer-led charity, Calais Kitchens, which feeds thousands of refugees every day.

Sixth Form student Rebecca Shoesmith coordinated the collection across the school, in response to an emotional presentation in a school assembly, delivered by charity founder Leon Aarts.

Rebecca, aged sixteen, commented: ‘I had to act. No matter how small an individual’s resources, collectively we can make a big difference. I’m delighted that girls have shown such

generosity; we’re a small school with huge community spirit.’

The idea of collecting tinned fish in particular was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus feeding 5,000 with loaves and fish.

Pupils gathered at lunch time to place their tins in front of the school’s rose garden, creating a symbolic fish shape. The acrostic ichthys has been a symbol of Christianity for almost as long as the Christian faith has existed.

The charitable collection was supported by a significant donation by contract catering firm, Holroyd Howe, which manages the school’s catering operation.

Page 11

Westminster Record | May 2016

Mini Vinnies at Work at St Paul’s, Wood Green St Paul’s Catholic Primary School has an elected council of ‘Mini Vinnies’, which is embraced by the whole school as an essential part of young people’s contribution to society. The Mini Vinnies program is a primary schools initiative developed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul to encourage young people to work in society to tackle poverty and support those in need.

Headteacher Mr Curry said that they ‘have made such a positive impact on our school in such a range of contexts’. Mini Vinnies has encouraged pupils to become more active in their

faith and conscientious members of society.

So far the Mini Vinnies have raised £500 for Save the Children to help with the refugee crisis. They chose this charity to assist children who do not have the same opportunities as they do. All of these funds were generated on one special fundraising day.

The school explained that it was part of the school’s ‘drive to support our global Catholic family’. The children also help at the local homeless shelter to set up beds and prepare the parish hall for the arrival of guests. This gives the pupils an insight into what it really

means to put faith into action in line with the Mini Vinnie motto of ‘turning concern into action’.

Another of the projects undertaken by the Mini Vinnie group at St Paul’s has been their Spirituality Week, which

was held in February. This helped to nurture the spirituality of the whole school and helped to bring people closer in faith and learning. A series of prayer stations were set up in the hall and were run by the Mini Vinnies which allowed teachers to take part.

The theme for the week was ‘individually we are one drop, but together we are an ocean’.

As part of the Year of Mercy the Mini Vinnies suggested that the school have a Holy Door.

The door is by the front entrance and was designed by pupils and blessed by Fr Perry Sykes on the feast of the conversion of St Paul.

Winning Science Blog

St Thomas More Hosts Launch of Social Mobility Index Matthew Hancock in his announcement.

This was followed by a speed networking event, organised by ‘Inspiring the Future’, with students from Years 7 to 13. Civil Servants from the Ministry of Defence to the Foreign Office, who are involved in Space Technology to Diplomacy, spoke to students. The Minister commented that it was the most attentive school he had spoken at and the questions were both thoughtful and unusually challenging.

‘Having spoken to you, I am sure the top jobs in the civil service will be taken in 50 years by those sat in this room!’ The students meanwhile left with pages of notes and a clearer idea of what it means to work in government.

On 24 March, Matthew Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, gave a special announcement about social mobility at St Thomas More Catholic School. He spoke passionately about the power of education to improve social mobility, pointing out St Thomas More's exceptional results to that end.

The Civil Service is keen to have a more diverse workforce (at present it is less diverse

Page 10

than Oxford University) and has developed a social mobility index in conjunction with dozens of major businesses. It will be using this to not only monitor gender, race and other protected characteristics but also to ensure that opportunities are available to all, regardless of background.

It is important to reward ‘effort over upbringing, potential over polish, ability over what accent you have’, as stated by

St Gregory’s Shortlisted for School of the Year St Gregory’s Catholic Science College has been shortlisted by the Times Educational Supplement for the 2016 Secondary School of the Year award.

The awards, which are now in their eighth year, celebrate the vision, commitment and outstanding contribution to education made by teachers and teams in the classroom and the wider community.

Headteacher Andy Prindiville said ‘This is a wonderful accolade for St Gregory’s as we were only one of eight secondary schools in the country and only one of two in London to have been shortlisted. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of the staff and pupils of the school.’

TES editor Ann Mroz said that this year’s entries were the strongest yet and that they reflected the dedication and inspiring teaching and leadership in UK schools.

The winner will be revealed at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane London on Friday 24 June.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Anastasia Petrovic, a Sixth Form Science student at St Augustine’s Priory, has received national recognition for her incisive article debunking science in the popular film Gravity, which has been published following a rigorous blog competition run by the Girls’ Schools Association: https://gsa.uk.com/2016/03/grav ity-science-debunked/.

Anastasia is studying Physics, Mathematics and Religious Education at A Level and intends to read astrophysics at university. As Anastasia prepares for this next stage of her academic career, the ability to distil scientific concepts and articulate them in a simple, engaging way will prove invaluable.

Sarah Raffray, Headteacher at St Augustine’s Priory said: ‘St Augustine’s Priory is delighted to see one of our pupils receive national recognition for her contribution to British Science Week. A high proportion of our girls go on to study STEM subjects at university and as more young women are encouraged to consider a career in STEM, Anastasia’s achievement reflects our ethos of empowering girls to explore their intellectual curiosity in a stimulating environment.’

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

St Benedict’s Bands Steal the Show at RockFest At the end of Lent term students from St Benedict’s School in Ealing competed in RockFest in Hastings, part of the Hastings Musical Festival.

The school entered two bands: ‘The Others’, a Year 10 five piece band which has been together for the last two years and the ‘Jazz Monkeys’ a four-piece jazz band specialising in covers of jazz classics.

The run-away winners on the night were ‘The Others’ who performed three original compositions, ‘Skinhead’, ‘Cheerio’ and ‘Riff Machine’.

The judges presented Tom Mythen with the award for best Rhythm Guitarist and Ollie Walsh with the best Front Man. The band was further rewarded with the prize for the best original composition for ‘Cheerio’ and declared overall winners.

The Others

The Jazz Monkeys

The judges praised the ‘Jazz Monkeys’ for their Mod jackets, smooth style and tight ensemble playing. Sam Lubkowski was praised for his vocal technique in the Bowie classic ‘Life on

Mars’ and Finn Hobson won the best bassist award for his fluent and lyrical improvisations.

‘Hastings Musical Festival offers senior school students an

excellent opportunity to perform in a much larger venue, the White Rock Theatre, and gain feedback from professional judges. The performance of the St Benedict’s musicians was

outstanding and I would like to congratulate all the boys for their hard work,’ said Monica Esslin-Peard from the Music Department. ‘We’ll be back in 2017 with more bands.’

EQualities Award for St Gregory’s Science College

Feeding Thousands With Fish

St Gregory’s Catholic Science College has been successful in securing the EQualities Award for the second time.

This prestigious national award enables schools and children’s centres to showcase their efforts and achievements in promoting all strands of equality as well as demonstrating their compliance with the specific

duties under the Equality Act. The award’s director, Dr Chris Derrington said, ‘Thank you so very much for your sustained and encouraging commitment to equality. It has been a pleasure to work with you and St Gregory's sounds like a wonderfully inclusive school.’

Headteacher Andrew Prindiville commented, ‘The

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

staff and governors at St Gregory’s have worked incredibly hard to attain this award. The fact that St Gregory’s has achieved this award for the second time demonstrates the school’s continued commitment to promoting diversity and to identifying and challenging inequality in all its forms.’

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Girls at St Augustine’s Priory collected over 1400 tins of fish this week in support of the volunteer-led charity, Calais Kitchens, which feeds thousands of refugees every day.

Sixth Form student Rebecca Shoesmith coordinated the collection across the school, in response to an emotional presentation in a school assembly, delivered by charity founder Leon Aarts.

Rebecca, aged sixteen, commented: ‘I had to act. No matter how small an individual’s resources, collectively we can make a big difference. I’m delighted that girls have shown such

generosity; we’re a small school with huge community spirit.’

The idea of collecting tinned fish in particular was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus feeding 5,000 with loaves and fish.

Pupils gathered at lunch time to place their tins in front of the school’s rose garden, creating a symbolic fish shape. The acrostic ichthys has been a symbol of Christianity for almost as long as the Christian faith has existed.

The charitable collection was supported by a significant donation by contract catering firm, Holroyd Howe, which manages the school’s catering operation.

Page 11

Westminster Record | May 2016

Dance Show Mesmerises at St Benedict’s

Close to 200 performers made this year’s Dance Show at St Benedict’s School, Ealing, the best ever! The theme was ‘Out of this World’ and pupils from across the school took part.

Ruth Kestenbaum, who choreographed the performance, produced a wonderful show which mesmerised the audience.

Year 2 started the programme with ‘Hocus Pocus’, a modern dance routine with witches and wizards, broomsticks and glow-in-thedark wands. Next up were Year 7 with ‘Funny Bones’, a hiphop skeleton dance, followed by ‘Fang-tastic’, a commercial

dance routine about vampires performed by Year 9 pupils.

Year 10 presented ‘Fairy Dust’, a commercial and jazz piece about fairies combined with ballet and Years 3 and 4 combined for ‘Marvel-icious’, a modern dance routine about superheroes and super villains.

Just before the interval Years 5 and 6 performed ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, a dance routine encompassing modern jazz and hip-hop involving astronauts and aliens.

The senior students started proceedings after the interval with ‘The Haunted’ a contemporary dance about ghosts and, continuing that

St Paul’s Award Winning Results

theme, the youngest performers from Year 1 presented ‘Ghostbustin', a modern dance piece involving ghostbusters. Year 8 performed ‘Celestial Combat’, a commercial pop routine combined with modern jazz and they were followed by Years 10 and 11 with ‘Arcade Antics’, modern jazz, martial arts and hip-hop combined in this dance about video games.

A fantastic programme was closed by Years 3 and 4 with a performance of ‘InterGalactica’, a hip hop dance featuring Stormtroopers, Darth Vade, Luke Skywalker and Yoda.

St Paul’s Catholic College has been nationally recognised for its exceptional 2015 performance by the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT). Educational Outcomes data analysis from SSAT has shown that the school is in the top 10% of non-selective schools nationally for high average grades achieved by students and the top 10% nationally for progress made by pupils between their Key Stage 2 results at primary school and their Key Stage 4 results.

The school’s SSAT Educational Outcomes awards will be presented at a regional celebration event.

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: ‘I have the privilege of visiting a lot of schools and I am always impressed by the creativity of teachers in engaging and inspiring their students. `I hope that SSAT’s Educational Outcomes awards will highlight the professionalism, commitment and hard work of the leaders, teachers and students at St Paul’s Catholic College. Recognising and sharing successes like this is at the heart of SSAT’s mission, so I am delighted to congratulate St Paul’s Catholic College on their achievement.’

The Hidden Heroes of WWI On the 22 March, St Thomas More Catholic School in Wood Green was delighted to welcome Professor Kurt Barling from Middlesex University to lead a special Year 8 assembly on ‘The Hidden Heroes of WW1’.

The assembly tied in with the arrival of an inspirational exhibition which encouraged students to investigate some of the more hidden stories of colonial soldiers during WWI, focusing particularly on the impact of men who fought for Britain from parts of the British Empire such as India, Trinidad and Sri Lanka.

Professor Barling delivered a talk on his research work and the importance of history to young people and was also happy to discuss his career in Page 12

journalism to an excited audience. Students particularly enjoyed finding out about how and why he became involved in researching the Great War and were captivated by the stories he told. At the end of the session, Professor Barling said, ‘I was very impressed with the youngsters this morning. They were attentive, respectful and asked great questions.’

Students will follow up the work on the exhibition by attending a session at the National Archive in Kew with the aim of developing their historical understanding and research skills through using evidence and artefacts based on the actions of the Middlesex Regiment, the local regiment that is the focus of the ‘Hidden Heroes’ Exhibition.

Hidden Heroes is the result of a collaboration between Middlesex University media students and Eastside Community Heritage and has been on display at Bruce Castle Museum in Tottenham since November 2015. The exhibition will continue to tour around schools in Middlesex and allow more students to engage with the inspirational hidden history of WWI. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

From Schools to Academies

by Bishop John Sherrington Recently the government has made very clear policy statements on academies which will change the educational landscape. If the government’s proposals go ahead, then all schools will be required to convert to academy status by 2022.

Throughout this process of change, the first duty of the diocese is to protect and promote Catholic education through every variety of governance structures. As governments propose educational reform, the Church’s task is to find the best way to continue her mission in Catholic schools in response to the legislation and changing patterns of government funding.

The Church is committed to providing outstanding education for the good of every pupil and desires the improvement of schools (c.f. Canon 806§2).

In considering these current changes, it is helpful to remember that the academy structure is essentially the provision of education through a company, working to required company laws and structures.

This, of itself, is not contrary to the mission of Catholic education, but it certainly requires great clarity of purpose in order to ensure that the company structure through which the education is provided is truly Catholic in all that it does.

In more detail, a multiacademy trust receives its funding directly from the government and no longer has a relationship with the local authority, which, however, retains statutory safeguarding responsibilities.

History of academies in the diocese In 2011, the trustees of the diocese agreed that Catholic schools could convert to academies within multiacademy trusts. This choice was made in order to build cooperation and solidarity between schools. Within these MATS, while each school has its own governing body, the board of directors of the MAT is ultimately responsible for the activities of the company. They

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

delegate responsibilities to the local governing body (LGB).

As a further stage, in 2012 the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DOWAT) was founded. This trust now comprises 11 schools. In this model, maximum responsibility is delegated from the board of directors to the LGBs so that the ‘old structure’ is replicated as far as possible. The schools within DOWAT now recognise the need for greater cooperation and joint central services which will improve efficiency, produce economies of scale and ensure that the maximal amount of money is spent on the education of each pupil.

Since then, the trustees have also approved other multiacademy trusts.

Promoting Catholic education As we work to shape this future, the central task is to protect and promote Catholic education and its mission. As Pope Francis said in The Joy of the Gospel, ‘Catholic schools, which always strive to join their work of education with the explicit proclamation of the Gospel, are a most valuable resource for the evangelization of culture…’

(EN 134).

Catholic schools evangelise culture because they address the deepest questions about what it

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

is to be human and live in society. They open students to the transcendent dimension of life and the mystery of God revealed in Jesus Christ. They teach a holistic understanding of the human person and society in which all are included so that humanity can flourish.

The Catholic school enables each student to develop their God-given gifts, explore a world view of the human person and society which is shaped by faith and reason, opens them to transcendence and fosters religious education and friendship with Jesus Christ. It seeks to help students to engage in building a better society which is characterized by justice and a right relationship between humanity and the environment.

As the Pope said recently, ‘There needs to be a distinctive way of looking at things, a way of thinking, policies, an educational programme, a lifestyle and a spirituality which together generate resistance to the assault of the technocratic paradigm.’

(LS 111).

The mission of the school requires coherence between this vision and its life. The relationships with the school, between the Head and the staff, within the staff body and between staff and students are built on justice, truth, mercy and charity. The common good of the school has as its foundation respect for each and every person. Catholic schools are called to be like ‘beacons set on hill tops’ as they witness to the Catholic understanding of God’s creation.

The MATs, as educational companies, must serve this end.

In deciding the structure and the nature of the organisation, the insight of outstanding business leaders and the part played by Catholic social teaching in refining the sense of purpose in business can assist us.

Subsidiarity and solidarity Among those insights are those of subsidiarity and solidarity. Subsidiarity requires that authority and responsibility are held at the most appropriate level for the promotion of the common good of Catholic education. It does not necessarily mean maximising decentralisation, nor does it

mean maximising centralisation.

Rather it requires a proper discernment about the decisionmaking structure to be adopted.

It also requires a genuinely corporate effort to be fostered between schools so that together they support one another and further the common good of Catholic education.

As members of the one body of the Catholic family of schools, the strongest must look out for the weaker and be ready to come to the help of those schools, which are most vulnerable.

The disadvantaged and poor have always been at the heart of the desire of the Church to provide Catholic education so that they further and develop their gifts and grow in the Catholic faith. Pope Francis reminds us that, ‘Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society. This demands that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor and to come to their aid.’ (EG, 187) The Education Service, supported by external consultants, will conduct an Academy Policy Review and continue to develop policies in line with the steer of the trustees and in the light of Catholic social teaching. Proposals will be brought to the Education Commission and the trustees for scrutiny and decision. We hope to develop a number of geographical multi-academy trusts across the diocese and seek to foster solidarity which builds relationships between schools, determine due delegation of responsibilities between directors, local governing bodies and heads, and seek the best administrative methods to ensure that the limited resources provide the greatest value of education for children and young people. This process will take time. By building together, we will develop the means by which Catholic education is protected into the future.

Next month, Director of Education JP Morrison will explain some of the practical implications of moving to academy status.

Page 13

Westminster Record | May 2016

Chaplain’s Corner

Fr David Reilly, Diocesan Youth Chaplain Sometimes it can be difficult to understand how to hear the Lord. This is entirely understandable. We know that we cannot hear his voice in the same way we hear others speaking. Sometimes, however, we overlook the most obvious way to hear the words of Jesus, by reading and listening to his actual words in the Gospel.

Far from being letters printed on a page, the Word of God is ‘something alive and

Page 14

active’ (Heb 4.12). In the Gospels we hear the actual teaching Jesus gave; we hear how he called others and about the wisdom with which he formed them; we hear the words of the Risen One as he established the Church and gave his followers their apostolic mandate.

If we are serious about discernment, hearing the authentic call of the Lord for us, we must also be serious about reading the scriptures and praying with the words we find there. The parable of the sower (Mk 4.1-20) is a story Jesus told about what happens when God’s word is spoken: like a seed cast far and wide, it lands everywhere. We want our hearts to be the rich soil where it finds a home, takes root and produces a rich harvest.

St Paul says, ‘Faith comes through what is heard, and what is heard comes from the word of Christ’ (Rom 10.17).

Can we open our hearts and mind today, just as we open the Gospels, so that we can give ourselves a chance of hearing that life-changing call?

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

Director’s Spotlight Phil Ross World Youth Day is all I can think about now; it completely dominates my life. Having said that, it is wonderful to have something so spiritually powerful and life-giving ahead; time with the Holy Father is very special.

Days and hours tick by and with so much still to finalise I’m thinking that the clock has tripped into warp drive!

The deadline for applications for the Westminster pilgrimage is Friday 27 May, which seems like just a few days away now.

We're committed to making the pilgrimage available for as many young people as we can and, given that applications continue to arrive, I’m really pleased that we let the doors open as late as we have.

We are to be accompanied

by Bishop Nicholas and joined

by Cardinal Vincent on our pilgrimage, and with Fr David Reilly orchestrating things, I know we’ll all be in safe hands.

During our time in the Diocese of Łódź we have our own Mass and reconciliation service in their beautiful Cathedral. Our time with Chemin Neuf will help prepare us for the events to follow in Kraków. One highlight of Chemin Neuf's Paradise in the City festival will undoubtedly be the session of catechesis being led

by Cardinal Tagle; the journey and spiritual preparation ahead of Kraków is the main hope.

The events in Pope St John Paul's city will be huge and, based on my experience of Rio, I suspect we’ll be swept away with the depth of the love circulating those attending. This is something my wife Ann recently said to a prospective pilgrim attending our Swing Dance evening: ‘The love was palpable during my time in Rio. I might not have been be able speak the language of the pilgrim I was trying to talk to but a shared love overcame this problem every time. It was an Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

experience like no other.’

So, if you are still undecided, rest assured that there is still time to join us. Contact me or my team and we’ll talk you through everything. Don’t miss this opportunity!

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

See photos of youth events at: http://flickr.com/ photos/catholicwestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

The Joy of Swing On 5 April the Centre for Youth Ministry held a special swing dance evening for our young people organised by the great folks at Swing Patrol. Led by Swing Patrol’s Scott Cupit and his talented brat pack, we were treated to a fun and lively evening of dancing.

Scott began the evening by introducing the origins of the Lindy Hop name. To break the ice, everyone greeted each other, introducing themselves and getting to know the people they’d be dancing with later.

Initially there was no music; the focus was on learning the basic first steps. As people rotated dance partners, the moves became progressively more complex, combining what had been learnt before with each new addition. Some people picked up the moves with ease. Others… Well, the less said the better!

What was evident throughout the learning process was that everyone was having a great time. The centre was filled with laughter and smiles.

Music was then introduced to the routine that everyone had been learning, combining fun, catchy swing rhythms with the newly taught move set.

Scott then divided everyone into two teams: Team Rebekah and Team Nicole. Each team had to dance whilst the other team watched and cheered them on. The teams then selected four dancers to represent them, two of the Swing Patrol pros, and two newbies.

Alas, the team of WYM’s Rebekah didn’t win, but in such a friendly atmosphere, it was all about enjoying yourself and having a good time!

Afterwards, everyone started dancing and improvising as the evening’s activities were drawing to a close. It was very impressive to see the moves that the Swing Patrol regulars can pull off, as the women fly over the backs of their dance partners!

WYM’s Phil had a few words: ‘The swing dance event was a real success and much of the credit is down to Scott Cupit and his team from Swing

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

Patrol: they were encouraging, joyful and exceptionally patient.

The young adults from across our diocese had a wonderful time and the curry supper and a few glasses of wine certainly

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

helped the post-dance socialising. There was a universal demand to repeat the event, so we have to make this happen!’

Everyone then headed to the kitchen for some delicious

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

Indian food and a chance to socialise and catch their breath.

It was a lovely evening, and reminder of how dance can bring simple joy and fun into life.

See photos of youth events at: http://flickr.com/ photos/catholicwestminster

Page 15

Westminster Record | May 2016

St Simon Stock: A Special Sign

by Anne Marie Micallef When visiting the Lady Chapel in Westminster Cathedral one sees something different each time. On a recent visit a lady asked me about the mosaic of St Simon Stock. It was not a mosaic I was familiar with nor was St Simon someone I knew much about, so I decided to do some research.

Like many of the preReformation Saints, little is known about St Simon Stock’s early life. It is thought that he was born in Aylesford, Kent around 1165 and was known as Simon Anglus. Sources say that he was known for his holiness when he was alive and for the miracles that occurred after his death. Some stories explain that the name ‘Stock’ means ‘tree trunk’, because from the age of 12 Simon lived as a hermit in the hollow trunk of an oak tree.

Other stories say that as a

young man he went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he joined a group of Carmelites with whom he later returned to Europe. St Simon Stock founded many Carmelite communities, such as those in Cambridge, Oxford, Paris and Bologna. In 1247 he was elected the sixth Prior General of his Order.

In Cambridge on 16 July 1251, St Simon had an apparition of Our Lady who appeared to him holding the brown scapular. The word ‘scapular’ comes from the Latin word scapula which means shoulder blade. A scapular consists of two pieces of cloth worn under clothing, hanging down breast and back and is joined across the shoulders by straps or strings.

Our Lady told St Simon that the scapular was a special sign for the Carmelite Order and that ‘whoever dies wearing the

scapular shall not suffer eternal fire’. St Simon Stock died in Bordeaux, France on 16 May 1265 and his skull was transferred to the Carmelite Friary in Aylesford in 1952.

The Church has since approved 18 different kinds of scapulars of which the brown scapular is believed to be the most popular, and can be seen in the Mosaic in the Lady Chapel. When Pope St John Paul addressed the Carmelite family in 2001 on the 750th anniversary of the scapular, he said that, ‘over time this rich Marian heritage of Carmel has become, through the spread of the Holy Scapular devotion, a treasure for the whole Church’.

The members of the Guild of St John Southworth (the red cloaks) will happily show you where to find the mosaic of St Simon in the Lady Chapel.

‘A Transforming Presence for the Poorest’ On 11 March, 15 religious sisters from Austria and Germany, Zambia, France, Scotland, Poland, England and Ireland spent the day at Clare Priory in Suffolk. They were celebrating the founding of their original Congregation in Paris 150 years ago and exploring ways of working more closely together following decades of separation.

The sisters were representing three different Congregations whose central houses are now in Versailles, Vienna, and Chigwell in Essex.

As followers of the Rule of St Augustine, they are all united with the Augustinian friars who first came to Clare from Tuscany in 1248.

Sr Mary Mangan, the English Congregation Leader, said, ‘We visited Clare Priory to absorb the spirituality of the oldest Augustinian foundation in the country and to hold a Federal Council meeting to explore possibilities for future collaboration in our work.

Page 16

'Our communities all stem from the movement which Fr Victor Braun set up during the Industrial Revolution in a poor, notorious part of Paris,' Sr Mary explained.

'He organised a few members of his parish to help women who were being trafficked on the streets when they flocked to Paris from Germany looking for work.

To ensure this help would continue he formed a new religious order, the Servants of the Sacred Heart, who extended their care to orphans, single mothers, and the sick.'

At the outbreak of the Franco Prussian war the German and Austrian sisters were expelled from France and formed their own Congregation. Soon after this the English sisters also separated from the French, forming a new Congregation in 1903, the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

'The English sisters began to renew their earlier friendships

with the other Congregations on the Continent in the 1950s,' explained Sr Mary. 'We wanted to learn more about our roots and deepen the living out of our common charism of working together with Jesus Christ and the poor.'

Fr Ian Wilson OSA, Prior of Clare, said after the visit: 'It was a great joy to have the sisters at the Priory, and to hear about their search for closer collaboration between their congregations.

'The sisters follow St Augustine’s Rule of Life, which begins: "Before all else, live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God."’

'Part of their mission,' Fr Ian added, 'is to be a transforming presence in those areas of the world where the poorest of God's people are so often forgotten and excluded.

Being in areas where there is pain, hunger, intolerance and hatred that tears people's lives apart is a very noble mission and in keeping with the call of Christ in the Gospels.

'It takes courage to begin new paths and undertake new initiatives. It is by having such a hopeful and positive vision for the future that the sisters will discover further the gifts, talents and resources within their communities.'

Vocations Discernment Group for Adults (18-30s) There will be two special meetings for the Year of Mercy: On Friday 22 April, the Medical Missionary Sisters will speak about the Spiritual Works of Mercy and on Friday 27 May the Missionaries of Charity will speak about the Corporal Works of Mercy. Meetings take place from 7pm to 9pm in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace next to Westminster Cathedral.

For more info contact Fr Richard at richardnesbitt@rcdow.org.uk

For more information on vocations, please visit rcdow.org.uk/vocations 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

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Westminster Record | May 2016

A Week of Friendship, Prayer and Laughter

by Anna Dixon

When I was at school, I often found it tricky to describe to friends how I spent the summer holidays. Every year my parents would take the family on a slightly unusual holiday, a Catholic People’s Week (or CPW for short).

These holidays quickly became a treasured highlight of my year, and they still are.

Catholic People’s Weeks take over different venues throughout the year, from boarding schools and retreat centres to youth hostels and country hotels. But what characterises a CPW is not the location, it is the community that is built over the week spent together. The first CPW was held in Oxford in 1945 as an opportunity for lay Catholics to deepen their understanding of the faith.

This tradition of lay formation and open discussion continues in CPW today. As an organisation, CPW is run entirely by lay volunteers, for lay people.

Each CPW has a programme of morning and evening sessions exploring the unique theme of the week. The themes vary from week to week: from making sense of the most recent papal encyclical to exploring a particular story in the Bible, to the challenges we face in family life. These sessions include thought-provoking talks from

CAFOD: Putting the Year of Mercy into Action Parishioners in the diocese have been hearing about how CAFOD partners are putting the Year of Mercy into action in Zimbabwe. Kensal Rise parishioner Susan Kambalu has recently visited CAFOD projects in Zimbabwe, and has been speaking in parishes about her experience of becoming a CAFOD volunteer.

Susan accompanied gap year volunteers to Zimbabwe where they saw how CAFOD’s partners support people living with HIV and AIDS, help to build and repair water facilities, and provide vulnerable families with farming skills and tools.

Susan met three partners working together on ‘Putting Children First’ which involves children’s rights volunteers acting as the eyes and ears in their communities to help children who have been identified as vulnerable and might be missing out on school.

Communicating the link and the importance of volunteers in Zimbabwe with volunteers back here in Westminster is crucial to CAFOD’s aims of working together in solidarity.

Susan explains: ‘CAFOD Westminster volunteers have helped raise vital awareness for CAFOD projects, meaning that this year alone Catholics in the Diocese of Westminster have raised over £42,000 for CAFOD’s Lent appeal.

‘As a parishioner in the diocese I have been privileged to see both sides of the work of Church members in action. The

volunteers I met in Zimbabwe, who give up their time to make a difference in their communities, wanted to pass on their thanks to the volunteers and supporters in Westminster, whose prayers and generous gifts of time and money support our partners.’

If you would like to invite a CAFOD speaker to your parish, please contact the Westminster volunteer centre for further information at westminster @cafod.org.uk. For information about the Year of Mercy and volunteering, please visit at cafod.org.uk/yearofmercy and cafod.org.uk/volunteering.

guest speakers as well as input from individuals on the week.

Daily Mass also plays a central role during a CPW. Every person is encouraged to contribute to the liturgy in some way, be that through music, artwork, reading or dancing. The afternoons are left free for guests to explore the surrounding area, relax, go for a swim or play an informal game of rounders. Some of the weeks are for people of all-ages, including families, while others are adult-only events. At the family weeks, the young people are offered a parallel programme of sessions organised by an enthusiastic team of helpers. In addition to these two classic models for CPW, the organisation is always thinking up new and exciting ways for how a CPW might work. Last summer saw the very first cycling CPW, a weeklong pilgrimage through the Kent countryside. Every CPW you go on is unique, the theme changes, new friendships are made, you travel to a part of the country you’ve never seen before. And yet, a CPW event is somehow unmistakable. It is the place where a community grows in faith together.

Details of upcoming CPW events can be found on their website: http://catholicpeoplesweeks. org.uk/eventdetails.php

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Page 17

Westminster Record | May 2016

In Memoriam: May

St Dymphna: 15 May

by Martha Behan Many reflections of the lives of saints have a similar narrative: an innocent faithful young woman martyred by a marriageminded man. St Dymphna sounds familiar to us, but this is only the start. She is the patron saint of mental health, whose appeal is not diminished by the little we know about her life.

Dymphna was an Irish Princess born in the seventh century. Aged 14 she chose to lead a consecrated life and took a vow of chastity. Shortly after this, her Christian mother died, leaving her in the care of her pagan father, King Damon. They were both saddened by her death and, while Dymphna found solace in her faith and grew more devoted to Christ, the mental health of King Damon declined. He became obsessed with marrying someone with the likeness of his wife, so he searched all over Europe for a new wife.

When he could not find someone who sufficiently reminded him of his dead wife, he returned home, his sanity dwindling. His advisors then suggested that he marry his daughter. Dymphna begged to be free and eventually escaped with her priest, Fr Gerebran, and some loyal servants. After a long time travelling they arrived in Geel in Belgium, although there is some confusion over what occurred next. There are stories that she built a hospital for the

poor and sick in Geel and this is how her father found her. Other stories say that it was just sheer determination on his part that led Damon to his daughter.

However, what transpired after this is very clear. Both Fr Gerebran and Dymphna were beheaded, Dymphna by her own father, and were buried where they died. This was the end of their story until they were discovered accidentally in the 13th century, and miraculous healings began to take place when people visited her grave.

We do not often think about mental health in society or in our churches, but on St Dymphna’s feast day, and indeed on all days, it is important to recognise that there are people who suffer with conditions today that are no less severe than in her time.

Although in the life of St Dymphna we may find an unusual illustration of mental illness, it encourages us to reach out to those who are struggling in this way. It may seem like some grand distant narrative but in it we can see a small part of what the mentally ill and their families go through every day.

We can honour her feast day by reaching out to those who suffer, with prayer and community. Many of us know people who are troubled with mental health problems. Let us recall the struggles of Dymphna and her father as we reach out our hand to them.

Dymphna’s life was not the only one scourged with mental

illness. St Catherine of Siena is thought to have struggled with anorexia, and it is commonly acknowledged that St Ignatius of Loyola experienced depression.

We also know that St Louis Martin, St Thérèse of Lisieux’s father, suffered from dementia.

These great saints teach us that suffering from mental health problems in no way diminishes a person’s worth. We do not take their virtues less seriously; instead, we see God’s grace fully present in their lives.

We cannot ignore the issue of mental health; indeed the Church never has. In the lives of the great saints who have suffered from mental illness, we see the Church accompanying people in every situation. On 15 May let us pray that all who suffer with mental illnesses should find comfort in the warmth of Christ and peace in their troubled minds through the intercession of St Dymphna.

Let us remember too the difference we can make in our hearts and through our actions.

2 Fr John Coughlan (1997) Fr John Farrelly (1990) 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) Canon Denis Britt-Compton (2002) Fr Charles Mercer (2005) Mgr Canon Oliver Kelly (1995) 11 Fr Thomas Kean (1981) 13 Mgr Stephen Shaw (1998) 14 Fr Peter Boshell (1993) 15 Fr William O’Brien (2004) 20 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 Michael Garvey (2002) Fr Denis Nottingham (2002) Fr Philip Rogers (1995) 25 Mgr Canon John Bagshawe (1971) Mgr Denis McGuinness (1993) Fr John Oldland (1995) 26 Fr John Murray (1995) 30 Fr Albert Purdie (1976) 31 Canon Reginald Crook (1990) Fr John Luke (2003) Fr Kevin Greene (2004)

The Leaven Carmelite Secular Institute

CALLING ALL Single and widowed women Seeking to dedicate their life to God Through vows in secular society.

Contact: The Secretary, The Leaven, c/o The Friars, Aylesford ME20 7BX. Tel: 01883 742488.

Email: kinman@ouvip.com

www.theleaven.org.uk Page 18

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Events & Calendar

Westminster Record | May 2016

REGULAR EVENTS

Liturgical Calendar - May

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

1 Sun

+6th SUNDAY OF EASTER

2 Mon

St Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor

3 Tue

STS PHILIP and JAMES, Apostles

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.

Our Lady, Untier of Knots, Prayer Group of Intercession meets every third Wednesday at St Anselm & St Cecilia, Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

Parish Mass at 6pm followed by Prayer Group until 8.45pm. Rosary, Adoration, silent prayer and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Email: Antonia antonia4161@gmail.com.

4 Wed

THE ENGLISH MARTYRS

5 Thu

Easter feria, Sixth Week of Easter

6 Fri

Easter feria; Friday abstinence

7 Sat

Easter feria

8 Sun

+ THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

9 Mon

Easter feria, Seventh Week of Easter

THURSDAYS

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. Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place, W1U 3UY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS Wednesdays on the Wall (WOTW) Every first Wednesday of the month. 6pm at All Hallows on the Wall, 83 London Wall EC2M 5ND. A short service of prayer and reflection at 6pm, coffee at 6.45pm followed by discussion.

Corpus Christi Contemplative Prayer Group for Young Adults Wednesdays from 7pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. For further details please contact corpuschristipg@yahoogroups. co.uk.

Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life provides a space for Christians of different traditions to share time together in prayer and friendship.

Details at 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 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 meet every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching.

First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, please call 020 8748 2632.

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

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers’ Club meets every Sunday for walks around London and the Home Counties.

Contact by email: antoinette_adkins2000@yahoo .co.uk, call 020 8769 3643 or check out the website: www.stfrancisramblers. ukwalkers.com

10 Tue

Easter feria

11 Wed

Easter feria

12 Thu

Easter feria or Sts Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs or St Pancras Martyr

13 Fri

Easter feria or Our Lady of Fatima; Friday abstinence

14 Sat 15 Sun

ST MATTHIAS, Apostle

16 Mon

feria, Seventh Week of Year 2

17 Tue

feria

18 Wed

feria or St John I, Pope & Martyr

+ PENTECOST SUNDAY

19 Thu

feria

20 Fri

feria or St Bernadine of Siena, Priest; Friday abstinence

21 Sat

feria or St Christopher Magallanes, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

22 Sun

+ THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

23 Mon

feria, Eighth Week of Year 2

24 Tue

feria

25 Wed

St Bede the Venerable, Priest & Doctor

26 Thu

St Philip Neri, Priest

27 Fri

ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, Bishop; Friday abstinence

28 Sat

feria or Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

29 Sun

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

30 Mon

feria, Ninth Week of Year 2

31 Tue

THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

At Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Acton, the Queen of Peace prayer group meets every Friday evening after 7pm Mass.

The evening consists of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily, recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. All welcome.

Praying with Pope Francis - May 2016 Universal Intention: Respect for Women - That in every country of the world women may be honoured and respected and that their essential contrbiution to society may be highly esteemed.

For Evangelisation: Holy Rosary – That families, communities and groups may pray the Holy Rosary for evangelisation and peace.

Other regular Masses Deaf Community Mass First Sunday of the month 4.30pm at Westminster Cathedral Hall, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QW. Young Adults Mass Held every Sunday at Church of the Immaculate Conception, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. Quiet prayer 7.15pm, Mass 7.30pm.

Social gathering afterwards.

Contact: team@fsplus.info or visit www.fsplus.info.

Mass at Canary Wharf Held on Tuesdays at 12.30pm at 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details www.cwcc.org.uk.

St Albans Abbey Fridays at 12 noon. Mass in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Abbey AL1 1BY. Members of the Westminster LGBT Catholic Community are specially welcomed at the following Sunday Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street, and invited to our parish hall afterwards for tea/coffee, when there is also the opportunity to learn of pastoral help available: 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, 5.30pm EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASSES Sundays: Low Mass 9.30am, St James Spanish Place W1U 3QY. Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 5pm, St Bartholomew, St Albans AL1 2PE. Low Mass 5.30pm, Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, NW10 9AX. Mondays: Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Low Mass, 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Fridays: Low Mass 7.45am St Mary Moorfields, 4/5 Eldon Street EC2N 7LS. Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only.

Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Friday only.

Low Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Friday only.

Saturdays: Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 4.30pm, Side Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW. Second Saturday only.

Multi-Faith Pilgrimage of Peace The 31st Annual Multi-Faith Pilgrimage of Peace will take place on Saturday 21 May from 9am to 6pm beginning at the Holocaust Memorial Garden in Hyde Park. The pilgrimage will also visit Westminster Synagogue, the National Baha’I Centre, the Ismaili Centre, St Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church, Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church.

Lunch will be provided by Sachkhand Nanak Dham International followed by Russian Orthodox liturgy at Kensington United Reform Church and visits to the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, and the Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha).

Booking is essential. To book or for more information, please contact Jon Dal Din on 07527758729 or email jondaldin@rcdow.org.uk or Sr Elizabeth on 020 7272 8048 or email eodonohoe@btinternet.com.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

Page 19

Westminster Record | May 2016

Thomas Merton: A Man For Our Time

by Andrew Nicoll

Merton prefigures the universal call to holiness of the Second Vatican Council.

Contemplation was central to Merton, and he deserves careful re-reading during this Jubilee of Mercy.

Contemplation is the ‘experiential grasp of reality as subjective.’ Furthermore, ‘Hell can be described as a perpetual alienation from our true being, our true self, which is in God.’ Surely, this is partly what the sacrament of Reconciliation is about: being true to ourselves through living the kind of life God wants for us. And ‘because our sins concern the whole Body of Christ they must be confessed to another and forgiven by another in order for our reconciliation to Christ in his Church to be complete’ says Merton. Perhaps as a guard against the trends of his own time (and ours), Merton made clear what contemplation is not: it is not a trance, nor a gift of prophecy, and often does not lead to definite knowledge of God, at least not initially. There is no ‘psychology’ of contemplation.

Extensive Correspondence Merton died near Bangkok in 1968 whilst attending an interfaith conference on spirituality, and his body was Page 20

flown back to United States by an aircraft on its way back from Vietnam. In addition to biographical and autobiographical works, Merton wrote poetry and spiritual books. His diaries extend to several volumes and his letters number in the thousands. Merton corresponded with Popes, writers and thinkers, and spiritual figures from other denominations and different religions, being one of the first in the Church to do so seriously. He was a noted peace and civil rights activist during the troubled times of the 1960s in the USA. Deep Spirituality It is regrettable that many of the impressions people have of Merton seem to be based on his activism and later writings, some of whose themes are vulnerable to politicization.

This is exacerbated by the general shift to the political right seen in both the UK and the USA in the decades since the 1980s, especially with respect to defence. Perhaps, too, the deep spirituality which underpinned Merton’s views does not always accompany similar opinion today. Finally, the ecumenical movement which blossomed in the 1980s was sometimes misunderstood as ‘let’s make everyone the same’ rather than developing a genuine understanding of the traditions of different faith groups.

In my view, Merton has much to commend him as long as one considers the whole man. For many years, Merton lived under the authority of Abbot James Fox who once described Merton as his most obedient monk. Fr Louis (his name in religion) said Mass and read the breviary in Latin even post-Vatican II, cherishing a deep respect for the Church as the mystical body of Christ.

‘It is in the Mass that we are

united to Christ from whom all the graces of prayer and contemplation flow,’ he wrote.

In a diary entry from 1967, Merton describes a Sunday Mass in the monastery following the liturgical changes: ‘At the end we all recessed singing “The Church’s One Foundation” which reminded me of dreary evening chapel at Oakham 35 years ago.

Renewal? For me that’s a return to a really dead past.

Victorian England.’ Above all, he was a mystic, a ‘monk of mercy.’ Mercy can heal the body and spirit, and all of society and history, being ‘the only force which truly heals and saves,’ he says. Mercy can be found in the Church, a ‘community of pardon, [and] therefore a community of penitents … not a community of judgment.’ How appropriate for the Year of Mercy!

Celebrating Merton’s Centenary Among the organisations around the world dedicated to Merton and his works is the American-based International Thomas Merton Society which held its meeting commemorating the centenary of Merton’s birth at Bellarmine University (Kentucky) in 2015; the former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams was a keynote speaker. The Thomas Merton Society of Great Britain and Ireland held its centenary meeting in April at Merton’s old school, Oakham School, under the title Life is on our side. There are approximately 195 books written in English on Merton with more on the way, and renewed interest in Merton has led to, it is thought, six or so students taking up PhDs in the UK on aspects of his work, the most ever. The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University usually receives six to 12 doctoral or masters theses each year.

Published by The Diocese of Westminster, Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue, London SW1P 1QJ. Printed by Trinity Mirror, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EP. All rights reserved.

© Sibylle Akers

Both during his lifetime and since, Thomas Merton (191568) has always evoked a mixed response. Merton was educated at Oakham School, Clare College, Cambridge, and Columbia University whence, after a brief period as a university teacher, he entered the Trappist monastery of Our Lady of Gethsemani, Kentucky, in 1941, having been received into the Church three years previously. It was here he first became famous as a spiritual writer with the publication of his autobiographical work, The Seven Storey Mountain.

‘Above all a man of prayer’ In his speech to the US Congress in 2015, Pope Francis praised Thomas Merton as ‘above all a man of prayer, a thinker who challenged the certitudes of his time and opened new horizons for souls and for the Church.’ The year 2015 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council and, half a century on, there are still those lamenting Merton and ‘the spirit of the Vatican Council.’ I believe this, in part, stems from separating the political Merton

from the spiritual Merton, the Merton of contemplation and mercy, universal qualities which Merton proudly holds up as a mirror in which we can all gaze upon ourselves. Consequently, he also has much to offer ecumenically: ecumenical in the sense of whole Church. Merton once said ‘Mercy within mercy within mercy’. We need more mercy in the world, more authentic contemplation in our lives, and a greater sense of the presence of Christ in the sacrifice of the Mass. Now is the time to appreciate Thomas Merton.

Dr Andrew Nicoll FRSB FRSA is a schoolmaster of Oakham School.

Photograph of Thomas Merton by Sibylle Akers. Used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University.

Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster