Westminster Record- April 2018 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record

April 2018 | 20p

St Benedictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pupils Join National Youth Choir of Great Britain

Cardinal Vincent Speaks at Headteachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Conference

Triptych: An Icon of Prayer

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Pages 10 & 11

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Cardinal invites young people to be 'digital apostles'

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Cardinal Vincent invited young people to become 'digital apostles' at a meeting on Tuesday, 27th February to listen to their hopes and desires for their own lives and for the Church, ahead of the Synod on Youth in October. The young adults assembled spoke about their personal aspirations and their sense of calling into a relationship with Jesus. They spoke about looking to the Church for guidance and accompaniment in discerning this calling and how they might respond. They asked for more formation and for more opportunities to come together as a community and to celebrate all that is good in the life of the Church.

They were also frank in their discussion of the challenges they face, such as false expectations and fake news created and disseminated by social media. In their spirit of generosity, they also mentioned the gifts that they can offer in service of the Church, such as their abilities to organise and to use social media effectively to share the good news of the Gospel. In response, the Cardinal thanked them for their openness, their accompaniment of one another and their willingness to share their gifts. He encouraged them to continue to accompany one another and to come together

more often as a Church to share moments of celebration. He then asked them to become 'digital apostles', using their social media skills to start conversations with other young people and to invite them in to share the love of Christ in the Church. He also asked them to continue to share in the conversation and invite others to join in the conversation which will take place in Rome from 19th to 24th March in a presynodal meeting of young people with Pope Francis. After the meeting, some of the young people present shared their feedback about the evening and what they were taking away from it.

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The Cardinal and Bishops are holding a series of meetings around the diocese to listen to young people ahead of the Synod on Youth in October.

Further details about forthcoming meetings and how to get involved can be found here http://dowym.com/events/

Editorial

Westminster Record | April 2018

Westminster Record – Contact us

A Time of Hope

Editor Mgr Mark Langham Archbishop’s House, Ambrosden Avenue SW1P 1QJ Managing Editor Marie Saba 020 7798 9031 Inhouse writers Martha Behan 020 7798 9030, Sharon Pinto 020 7798 9178 Photos Mazur/Catholicnews.org.uk Design Julian Game To order copies contact Andrea Black 0161 908 5327 or email andrea.black@thecatholicuniverse.com Print management and distribution by The Universe Media Group Ltd.

May publication dates Editorial deadline: 13th April 2018 Listings email: communications@rcdow.org.uk News and stories call 020 7798 9030 Email: communications@rcdow.org.uk Advertising deadline: 20th April 2018 To advertise contact Carol Malpass 0161 908 5301 or email carol.malpass@thecatholicuniverse.com Produced by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Westminster. News and articles published in the Westminster Record do not necessarily represent the views of the Diocese of Westminster, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Easter: Resurrection, new life, a new relationship with God and with each other. Yet even as we celebrate with joy the triumph of Christ, the world seems to be stuck in its old ways, and violence, terror and oppression seem rampant. But it is just in this situation that the Church can offer a precious commodity: hope.

If Christ is risen, then the wickedness of the world is not pervasive; it cannot last. The hope given to us by the message of Easter sustains us to this day. Several items this month show how the Church in general, and our diocese in particular, proclaims the message of the risen Lord to our frail and tormented world. In Oxford, Cardinal Vincent spoke of how we can build a new understanding with our Muslim neighbours, which overcomes the narrative of hatred or indifference. We report on how the community in Mill Hill came together in a moving ceremony in Church to show solidarity following the murder of a local Muslim. We read about the work of CAFOD among the traumatised and imperilled Rohingya’s. We carry the statement issued by Cardinal Vincent together with Archbishop Justin Welby

emphasising the perilous security that threatens Christian witness in the Holy Land. These are not just stories about other people; they inspire and challenge us to go forth and create our own dialogue of friendship. As Cardinal Vincent said in Oxford, it is through small, personal gestures that a greater understanding is reached, a deeper appreciation is gained. This is epitomised in our Saint of the Month, St Peter Chanel, who was impelled by love of his flock to labour against the odds, and who gave his life to spread the word of life among the people of Oceania.

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Cardinal to be Pope’s Special Envoy Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Vincent to act as a Papal Legate for the first time. The Cardinal will represent the Pope at the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the Ecclesiastical Primacy of Poland on 29th April. The celebrations will be held in the Archdiocese of Gniezno, whose Archbishops were first recognised as Primates in 1418, and have held the title of

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Primate of Poland ever since. The first Primate was Cardinal Mikołaj Trąba. Gniezno was the first Metropolitan Diocese in Poland and can be compared to Canterbury in this country since they are both considered

as ecclesiastical capitals. The celebrations will centre around the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Adalbert, which was built in 11th century.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Joint Statement from Archbishops Call to protect status of Jerusalem holy sites The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols have called on the Israeli Government to protect the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem. In a joint letter to the Israeli Ambassador to London, Mark Regev, the two faith leaders expressed their deep concern at the events unfolding in Jerusalem of unprecedented, punitive and discriminatory taxation of Christian Institutions and their fears that this dispute could inflict long term damage on relations between the two communities. The letter stated that the proposals ‘threaten to cause serious damage to the Christian presence in Jerusalem, to Christian families, and to the Christian institutions, including hospitals and schools, which

serve many of the poorest people, regardless of their background. ‘It is our view that the measures being pressed in Jerusalem and in the Knesset are a clear and evident threat to the status quo. These violations of historic agreements risk undermining prospects for peaceful

coexistence between communities, at a time of already heightened tensions.’ The two Archbishops are praying for the peace of Jerusalem and have urged the Israeli government to address this crisis as a matter of urgency and immediately enter dialogue with the local Churches to find a resolution.

Dialogue of Experience

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Oscar Romero’s Legacy in Britain

On Wednesday March 14th Blessed Oscar Romero was celebrated once by MPs and Peers at Westminster. In 1978, when Archbishop Romero was under attack in El Salvador for his denunciation of human rights violations, British Parliamentarians nominated him for the Nobel

Cardinal Vincent at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies

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Peace Prize. That endorsement brought him a small measure of protection and also great consolation. To mark this 40th anniversary, a Reception was organised at Westminster by the Archbishop Romero Trust in conjunction with Canon Pat Browne , the Roman Catholic Duty Priest to the Houses of Parliament and was sponsored by Conservative MP, Sir Peter Bottomley, and by Labour MP Mike Kane. The guest speaker was Dr Ruben Zamora, a former Congressman and diplomat who represented El Salvador at the United Nations and was exiled in England in the 1970s. He described present economic and social crisis in El Salvador including gang violence.The need is to unify the country around the living legacy of Archbishop Romero’s teaching and action 40 years ago. The following day Ruben addressed members of the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff with Archbishop George Stack and on Saturday 17th March he preached at the Ecumenical

Service at St Martin-in-theFields marking the 38th anniversary of Romero’s martyrdom. ‘we do not wish him to be reduced to a plaster saint. Nor do we want his teaching and his legacy to be diluted into insipid comfort food’. He went on ‘We desperately need his prophetic witness today, in crisis-ridden El Salvador, and perhaps too here in Britain and across the world.’

A thirteenth century spiritual master, and a twentieth century monk, exemplify the prayerful encounter between Christianity and Islam, said Cardinal Vincent in an address at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies on 27th February. St Francis of Assisi’s visit to the Sultan of Egypt in 1219 gave rise to a mutual esteem for the faith of each other. In the 1980s an Italian priest, Fr Paolo Dall’Oglio, restored an ancient Syrian monastery as a place of prayer and encounter for Christians and Muslims. All too often, said the Cardinal, relations between Christians and Muslims have been characterised by armed struggle and war, which demonise opposing parties. The ‘dialogue of experience’ can counter this aggressive narrative: it is when we come to know each other, study together, pray side by side, that we can sustain a hope that overcomes division. This is not to ‘water down’ the truths of

our faith; sure faith in Christ enables us to reach out in love and understanding. Cardinal Vincent gave moving testimony to this relationship from his own career. In Birmingham in the aftermath of the 9/11 atrocity, faith leaders in the city came together in a sign of solidarity, and from this grew a new respect for each other. At Westminster, he has consulted with Muslim leaders, sharing experience of being a minority community and working together on issues such as education. Together the communities can speak to the political and social debates of our time, entering into a dialogue wherein faith both enriches and is enriched by the discourse of reason. In the end, said the Cardinal, the dialogue between us will only be successful if it is a dialogue ‘underpinned by a quiet, contemplative approach to the beauty of each other’s belief, and a desire to live peaceably before God and together’.

Cardinal Vincent paid a tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking who died on 14th March. Professor Hawking was considered one of the greatest scientists of his age for his contribution to theroretical physics and cosmology. He suffered from motor neurone disease, which gradually paralysed him, but this did not prevent him from continuing his groundbreaking work. He will be remembered as an inspiration who did not let his struggles stand in his way.

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Westminster Record | April 2018

‘Full of Love and Many Tears’

Mass for Members of the Travelling Community

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A special Mass was celebrated on Saturday, 10th March at Westminster Cathedral for bereaved parents. The Mass was inspired by the experiences of hospital chaplains, support workers and volunteers, who accompany parents during their children’s illness and in times of loss and bereavement. This marks the second year of the Mass being celebrated. Bishop Paul McAleenan was the main celebrant with Fr Peter Harries OP concelebrating. Fr Peter Harries in his homily addressed parents who may have lost a child at a different stage of life; before or at birth or much later in life, ‘You are full of love and many tears’. The tears of these parents are not hidden from Christ and Christ’s love will help heal their grief. He reflected, ‘Mary, after the crucifixion held her dead son… in her arms… many have done likewise, with many tears.’ An affirmation of Our Lady consoling the bereaved at every step of their lives as a mother who will see her children through the grief she once experienced herself.

At the end of the homily, Fr Peter asked all the bereaved parents to write the name of their deceased child on the leaf shaped name cards provided. Hospital and hospice chaplains collected these cards and hung them on three trees purposefully erected in pots, symbolic of the tree of life, in front of the sanctuary. At the end of the Mass, these name cards were taken off the tress and placed in two lanterns which were then processed to the Holy Souls Chapel. Some attended the Mass on behalf of a friend or family who recently lost a child, while another couple had travelled miles from Southampton to pray for the child they lost last year. Memorial prayer cards were distributed after with the famous carol, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree by Elizabeth Poston, printed on the reverse. Parents and relatives of the bereaved expressed their gratitude to those who made this Mass possible with the hope that it would be celebrated again next year.

On Saturday 24th February Bishop Paul McAleenan celebrated Mass for Members of the Travelling Community at Westminster Cathedral. As well as being one of our Auxiliary Bishops, he is also the Catholic Bishop with oversight for Ethnic Chaplaincies. Bishop Paul said of the event: ‘Those who are familiar with the Traveller community will know of their deep piety and indeed knowledge of the essentials of the Catholic Faith. Often Travellers are

spoke about his visit to Walsingham. Both of them shared how these visits had influenced their faith. Fr Dan Mason, the National Catholic Chaplain for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers said: ‘Our hope is that this Mass will become an annual event for members of the Travelling Community to celebrate their Catholic Faith and for nonTravellers to appreciate the significant contribution that Travellers make within the Catholic Community in England and Wales.’

Mill Hill Memorial Service

Fr Michael McCullough CM, Lawrence Bard, Ahmed Mohamed, Ravi Lal, Fr Ray Armstrong CM, Bishop John Sherrington and Rev Stephen Young. In a service described as ‘unique’ by Parish Priest Fr Michael McCullagh CM, the people of Mill Hill in North London came to pay their respects to local shopkeeper Vijay Patel, who was murdered in January. Mr Patel was well known in the neighbourhood, and an informal shrine of flowers had grown outside the shop in

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misunderstood or viewed with suspicion. The Church, however, is committed to the welfare of all ethnic groups and is concerned for all its people.’ He went on to stay that ‘Recognising that different groups have different needs’ is important for the Church, and hosting the National Mass is a part of that. During the Mass, a man and a woman shared testimonies with the congregation. Eileen Gavin talked about her pilgrimage to Medjugorje and Luke Delaney

which he worked. As his shop was next door to the local Catholic church, parishioners at the Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate Church decided it would be fitting to host a memorial service for him there, open to the entire community regardless of religion or background. Over two hundred members of the local community gathered

in the church for the memorial service, which was held in February. Attending as a representative from the Diocese of Westminster was Bishop John Sherrington who has pastoral responsibility for the area. Bishop John stood alongside other faith leaders and local dignitaries to pay tribute to Mr Patel and to guide the congregation in reflection.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Benemerenti Medals Awarded in Stanmore

Thanksgiving in Somers Town

On 28th January Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated Mass in the church of St William of York, Stanmore. Two longterm parishioners received Benemerenti medals at the end of the Mass, followed by a parish celebration in the hall. Carol-Anne Chandler and Claudette Wadood have faithfully served the parish and the wider community for many years, in a great number of catechetical, apostolic and social ministries.

On Sunday 11th March Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated Mass at St Aloysius, Somers Town in thanksgiving for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the current Church. The church was packed with parishioners, some of whom remembered the day the Church opened. The children of St Aloysius Primary School sang at communion, as they had done fifty years earlier at the opening Mass. A reception was held in the parish centre afterwards and the Cardinal cut a cake in celebration, not only of the 50th anniversary of the Church but also the 450th birthday of St Aloysius Gonzaga. It was on 9th March 1968, the four-hundredth anniversary of the birth of St Aloysius Gonzaga, that Bishop Casey dedicated the Altar and celebrated the first Mass in the newly built Church of St Aloysius in Somers Town. It was not the first church dedicated to St Aloysius in Somers Town, the first Church had been opened in 1808 and had served the needs of the Parish faithfully. However, the Church had been damaged during the war and it was felt that the needs of the Catholics in Somers Town would be better served by a new Church rather than repairing the old one.

Cardinal Vincent cutting the celebratory cake with Benemerenti medal recipients Carol Anne Chandler and Claudette Wadood (L to R)

Passionist is the Way at St Gabriel’s A special Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nicholas Hudson on Tuesday 27th February at St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Archway on the patron saint’s feast day, to mark the end of the parish’s Golden Jubilee year and to install a relic of the saint in the church. The parish gets its name not from an archangel but from a young Passionist saint from Italy. The church was founded by the Passionist Fathers of St Joseph’s at Highgate Hill, a religious congregation founded by St Paul of the Cross with a special emphasis on the Passion of Jesus Christ. They first came to England in 1843. St Gabriel was born Francesco Possenti on 1st March 1838 and was baptised on the day of his birth in the same font in which St Francis of Assisi had been baptised. The

eleventh of thirteen children, he grew up in the town of Assisi until his father’s work took him to Montalto and later to Spoleto in central Italy. After witnessing a procession where an icon of the Virgin Mary was carried through the streets to Spoleto Cathedral, Francesco felt a call towards a religious vocation and moved to the east coast of Italy to join the Passionist congregation in Morrovalle as a novice in September 1856 when he was 17 years old. Soon after joining he received the habit of the Passionists and took the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. In his homily Bishop Nicholas spoke of the statue of St Gabriel which depicts him grasping the crucifix close to himself. He drew a beautiful comparison with St John Paul II’s favourite way of praying by

Bishop Nicholas Hudson installing the reliquary of St Gabriel at Archway Parish Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/diocese.westminster

clutching the crucifix of which one of his secretaries said, ‘while praying like this the Pope seemed to be speaking with Jesus directly. It clearly gave him strength.’ Bishop Nicholas reflected on St Gabriel’s devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, and how it ‘must have prepared him for the suffering he would experience, just as Mary found strength in her own hour of need through pondering on all that she saw happening to her Son’. Gabriel contracted tuberculosis twice in his young life, the second time after joining the Passionist order. While living as an invalid, ‘he was deepening all the time in his prayer-life, and he received many spiritual favours from God and Our Lady.’ He added: ‘Pondering especially on these Sorrows which Mary experienced must be the key to what gave Gabriel strength, a strength which enabled him to die a death of deep serenity. Because, if we know anything about Gabriel, it is that he pondered these mysteries in the depths of his heart. If we can learn anything from him today it is that we too should ponder more deeply the Sorrows of Mary. And Lent is a great time to begin.’ After Mass, Bishop Nicholas led the priests and congregation in procession with the reliquary to the enclosure bearing the statue of St Gabriel clutching the crucifix, where the reliquary was installed with a short prayer and blessing.

by Fr Jeremy Trood Parish Priest, St Aloysius Somers Town

Fr Arthur Welland, parish priest 1945-1977 saw it as his mission to revitalise the parish and to build a new church. After several false starts permission was finally granted and on 15th January 1967 Cardinal Heenan laid the foundation stone. The Church took another year to build until all was ready for the 400th birthday of St Aloysius. The architect was John Newton of Burles, Newton and Partners who had been appointed to design a modern church with a concern for liturgy. Including the hall and presbytery, the building’s cost was £150,000. An innovation of the design was to place the tabernacle on one side of the sanctuary in a specially decorated shrine. Cardinal Heenan said of the design ‘The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a triumph of design and art. I hope that architects of future churches will come to St Aloysius to learn how the altar can be central without diminishing the prestige of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel’.

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Westminster Record | April 2018

New Stations of the Cross at Bishop Challoner

New, specially commissioned Stations of the Cross at Bishop Challoner Catholic Federation of Schools were unveiled and blessed by priests from all across the deanery of Tower Hamlets on 20th February led by Fr Keith Stoakes, Dean, and joined by the school’s Executive Headteacher Richard Fitzgerald and Lay Chaplain Scott Hanlon. Each of the 14 Stations in the playground is dedicated to a parish, chaplaincy or religious community in the deanery, celebrating those communities and the school’s place among them. Throughout the Lenten seasons students will process past the Stations,

praying for all those in these communities; for peace, reconciliation and forgiveness both locally and around the world. They intend this to be the beginning of an annual tradition. Richard Fitzgerald said: ‘It is part of our mission to ensure that the presence of our faith is experienced in all that we do. Obviously the physical environment of the school plays a very large part in that. These Stations help us make that faith evident, not only because they are physically present but because they have allowed us to take part in an important way in what goes on in the Church during the Lenten season.

‘Every student in the school will experience praying and reflecting through the stations, before the Easter break helping to teach them this important stage in the Passion of Jesus Christ and its vital significance in the formation of Christian faith. ‘I particularly welcome the opportunity that dedicating each Station to a local parish gave us to further emphasise to each student the strong links that exist between home, school and church as part of a wider faith community.’ Scott Hanlon said: ‘Our new Stations of the Cross are not only beautiful pieces of artwork; they are a humbling journey. They provide our students and staff the opportunity to reflect on Christ’s journey to Golgotha, but also act as a guide for deep reflection into the thoughts and worries within our own lives. As our students pray the Stations throughout Lent, they will be praying for our communities too. May Jesus’ example be a guide to us all through this Lent.’

Science Week at St Benedict’s Young scientists at St Benedict’s, Ealing, recently held their annual Science Fair, which was attended by 340 children from local primary schools. All students in Year 8 presented their projects, which included hands-on experiments and activities. St Benedict’s pupils had been

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working on their projects in biology, chemistry and physics lessons over several weeks, devising and conducting experiments, and carefully recording their results and conclusions. Visiting children quizzed the St Benedict’s scientists about their projects and discovered lots of scientific facts, finding out

about what joins muscle to bones, what oobleck is and what happens to teeth in sugary drinks. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic day of science - fittingly, in British Science Week, on Einstein’s birthday, and the day on which we lost one of our greatest scientists, Professor Stephen Hawking.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Three St Benedict’s Inspiration for singers join the St Anthony’s Girls National Youth Choir of Great Britain St Anthony’s School for Girls in Hampstead celebrated International Women’s Day, by welcoming a variety of speakers to offer inspiration to the young pupils. Pupils heard from women who work in finance, the Army and the creative industries who all shared their experience of work. In anticipation of Mother’s Day, the school celebrated with

a charitable breakfast for pupils and their mothers, raising £200 for Magic Breakfast, a charity that provides healthy breakfasts to vulnerable children in UK schools. Headteacher, Laura Flannery commented: ‘We would like to thank the broad range of inspirational speakers that joined us to raise awareness amongst our girls that there is a wide variety of

career options open to them and that through hard work and determination, they can go on to achieve whatever they wish. ‘The Mother’s Day breakfast at the end of the week was a huge success and all the worthwhile knowing that the money raised will go towards the provision of a nutritious breakfast for children as fuel for learning’

St Augustine’s CAFOD Connection

Three St Benedict’s pupils have been accepted into the National Youth Boys’ Choir, following recent auditions attended by hundreds of young singers from all over the UK. Toby Moore, aged 13, Mark Maalouf, aged 12, and Artie Hair, aged 10,are all choristers in the Ealing Abbey Choir, and sing in several other choirs at St Benedict's. The NYCGB performs at venues around the UK, including the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and Sage Gateshead. Toby, Mark and Artie will be singing with the Boys' choir. The Director of Music at St

St Augustine’s Priory, Ealing, took part in the Lent Fast Day to raise money for the work that CAFOD does overseas and in remembrance of one of their past pupils who was one of the founding members of CAFOD. Benedict's, Chris Eastwood, Jacqueline Stuyt-Simpson said: ‘I am delighted that Mark, was born in 1919 and attended Artie and Toby have been St Augustine’s Priory before offered places in the National going on to lay the foundations Youth Choir of Great Britain. This is a great testament to their of CAFOD with the first Family Fast Day. talent and hard work over a In 1960 she, together with number of years. I am sure they Mrs Elspeth Orchard and others will have a wonderful time as from the National Board of part of a world-renowned Catholic Women, the Catholic institution.’ Women’s League and the Union Mark said: ‘It was really great to hear that I’d got in! I’m of Catholic Mothers organised the first Family Fast Day to be looking forward to the promoted throughout Catholic residential courses.’ Arthur parishes in England and Wales. said: ‘I didn’t expect to get in Having raised over £6,000 because people from all over for a mother and baby clinic in the country auditioned! I’m the Caribbean island of very pleased to have been Dominica through this occasion accepted.’

it was only two years later that the Bishops’ Conference registered CAFOD as an official charity. Jacqueline was awarded an MBE in 1980, the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 1968 and made a Dame of St Gregory in 1995.

She died in 2008 after a life of service. CAFOD’s lifechanging work is a tribute to her and all at St Augustine’s Priory remember her with pride, with her legacy proving you don’t need to be a world leader to change the world.

Some of the founding members of CAFOD, including Jacqueline Stuyt-Simpson. Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

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Westminster Record | April 2018

Good Shepherd Sunday One of my favourite psalms is Ps 148. In it we read “ I praise you for the wonder of my being”. In introducing you to this year’s ‘Good Shepherd Seminarians’ I can honestly tell you that the good Lord has created three great men who are so different. Read their stories and see. However, I want to tell you another thing. Their different personalities does not stop them from being totally committed to a common life in the seminary. Our first year, along with Damien from Brentwood Diocese and Mark from East Anglia Diocese, have given the seminary so much both individually and also as a group. Let’s pray that their testimonies will produce new Seminarians for the years to come. Canon Stuart Wilson

Several priests helped me out when I was broken and lost. Later on, I started teaching and thought perhaps that is what life was all about. I eventually left my country to do postgraduate studies and become a consultant in education in America. I truly thought that life was good; I had money, I travelled extensively; however, in the back of my mind there was a strange feeling of ‘Hmmm, there must be something else, but what is it?’ After a few years I decided to move to London and perhaps start again. I was teaching in a state school and once again life seemed good, but not fulfilling. I wasn't quite sure what I was missing. I met a Carmelite priest nearly three years ago and that changed my life forever. Once visiting him in Aylesford Priory I had a religious experience. I felt that God was calling me once again. I was truly frightened, but I decided this time I am going to do something about it. I started vocational discernment and here I am now in seminary. I am grateful every day for the chance to resume my vocational path that started nearly 25 years ago. Perhaps I will never fully understand why God is calling me although I will do my very best to give my all for his Kingdom and the people of God.

Francis Thomas I grew up in Willesden Green and went to the London Oratory School, followed by a theology and religious studies degree at the University of Leeds. Then I ended up at Westminster Cathedral, living and working as the intern for two years. Living with priests and seeing their ministry cemented my vocational journey, which started aged 16. As part of the Post Confirmation Youth Group in our parish we would visit sick and housebound parishioners. One week I was asked: ‘What do you want to be when you’re older?’ With no answer, I was told: ‘Go on, become a priest!’ The thought stuck and grew from then on, with both intellectual questions to

answer and a personal relationship with Christ to grow through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession and going to Mass regularly. I applied to the diocese to study for the priesthood in my second year at the Cathedral and was accepted just over a year ago. I was very apprehensive before starting seminary, rather unwilling to return to academic studies so soon, and not sure how I would cope with such a structured and community-based life. I have however, thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. We are very blessed and privileged to be given the time and space to study the word of God, the philosophical grounding of our reasonable faith, the Church history that has brought us to today and the theology that will inform, God-willing, our teaching and preaching. All of this alongside times of prayer, Mass, spiritual guidance, human formation and community, living as brothers with a common purpose. All of these have been opportunities to ultimately grow in being a more wellrounded person, who is closer to Christ, better informed and hopefully living the virtues and Christian life more fully and authentically.

Michael Oxenford The whole story started nearly 40 years ago. I grew up in a Catholic family and went to a Catholic school. I remember attending the youth group at my school and enjoying very much helping poor children in Lima. I was told by a priest that I would be a good priest. I was amazed and thought that God wouldn't call a guy like me. After a couple years of vocational discernment, I decided to enter the seminary. Five years later I decided to leave and that was a very difficult time in my life. I was hurt and thought that I had failed in my vocation. God in his mercy put people around me who were like my angels. Page 8

Julian Davies Bl John Henry Newman reminds us that everyone has a unique vocation. All of us also have a unique journey which has brought us to this point in time. For 23 years I served as an Anglican priest in a variety of inner-city and postindustrial parishes. When I was received into the Catholic Church I didn’t convert as I was already a Christian. I simply took the important step to return to the Mother Church. It was like moving from the entrance hall into the audience chamber. The house was the same, for there can only ever be one Church. I didn’t need to be re-baptised; I just needed to be received into Full Communion. Looking back I can see many sign-posts on the way (the Oxford chaplaincy, community life in Venice, Gregorian chant, Catholic renewal and social action, the witness of the saints, to name a few). In a sense surrendering all wasn’t difficult for decreasing is God’s opportunity. Seminary is also about that, creating space where God recreates. It’s a bit like the potter’s house where our sense of vocation is given form. Out of the Spirit’s re-moulding and cleansing something beautiful is being fashioned. In community and silence, through listening and engagement, through study and reflection, and above all in worship and adoration we discern God’s voice. I am excited by the transformation I see taking place, and I know that at the end I will be better equipped for future service and my vocation more finely tuned.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Institution of Ministry of Readers at Allen Hall ‘One more step along the road’ has been a popular hymn for many. On Saturday 10th March at Allen Hall Seminary, the words of that hymn would have described the day well. It was a great joy to have the previous Rector of the seminary, Bishop Mark O’Toole celebrate the Mass and induct six men into the Ministry of Reader. Bishop Mark is now the Bishop of Plymouth and one of the men inducted to this ministry was a seminarian

from his diocese, Andrew Marlborough. Three men were from our diocese: Daniel Daley, Mike Guthrie and Axcel Soriano. Then there was John Ashu, a seminarian from the Vincentian Community, and James Lewis, a seminarian from the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. The Ministry of Reader has a simple liturgy. Each seminarian is presented with a Bible and the Bishop charges them with the responsibility of being ‘careful’ in proclaiming the word of God. When these

men are finally ordained deacon the Bishop will say to them: ‘Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.’ For these men receiving this Ministry of Reader was the start of a ministry that will grow in importance over the next few years. This year, Bishop Mark told those instituted that he would like to present them with their own Bibles, the Bibles they had used each and every day. It was moving to see them receiving back their already

well-used Bibles. It was a clear indication that this was not a new beginning for any of our men, but an acknowledgement that the Church was

recognising the prayer and learning that had already gone on in seminary. The recognition was of one more step along the way: the way to priesthood.

Speaking out in Westminster The Westminster Circle of the Catenian Association recently welcomed the Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev John Arnold as principal guest at its monthly dinner. Bishop John Arnold called on the Catenians to drive forward Pope Francis’ challenge to us all to become missionary disciples. St Mark’s Gospel record of Jesus that his preaching made a deep impression because unlike the Scribes he spoke with authority. Bishop John commented ‘In our own day I think we have a real gift of someone ‘speaking with authority in the figure of Pope Francis. He certainly

acknowledges that rules and regulations are important. They give us direction and identity and purpose. But we must never allow ourselves to be distracted from those first principles of loving God and loving our neighbour, and sometimes that might actually mean breaking the rules. ‘ Let us recognise the power and the influence that each and every one of us can have. Our individual efforts may seem to be insignificant, but in fact when we combine our good works, they have a real impact on the society in which we live.’ He recognised the work that Catenians do, including

charitable fundraising, training catechists, engaging with young people and work in parishes, but challenged us to think about what we can do as a body, what should we be saying to the world we live ‘So’, he concluded, ‘we have got to make sure everyone is hearing about what the Catenians do, so that they can feel drawn to the good works that are being accomplished.’

From L to R, Axcel Soriano, Daniel Daley & Mike Guthrie of the diocese, instituted to the Ministry of Readers. © Jakub Joszko

For more information about this or the Catenian Association visit www.thecatenians.co.uk or contact Dennis S Cooper, Mobile: 07973 313605, Email: denniscooper238@btinternet.com

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Giving Powerful Witness in Society spirit of interdependence. I could include here many quotations from St Paul about the unity of the body and the diversity of its parts. Our sense of family, then, is vital, not in some pious, romantic sense, that we are capable of having a good time together, laced with moments of prayer and celebration. Rather it is a hard-headed, realistic commitment which challenges us and asks us always to examine our consciences to ensure that the spirit of individual defensiveness, the spirit of obstinate local autonomy, the spirit of radical rivalry, has no part in our make-up. In a world and a society in which we can see increasing fragmentation, this witness to a fundamental unity in God’s creation and purpose is a vital witness that we must give, at every level and not least in our schools. As St Paul says, if one is weak then all are weak; if one achieves success, then all rejoice sense of mission. And there are in it. (1 Cor.12: ‘Each part of the body may be equally concerned clear bonds of unity that make for all the others. If one part is daily demands: the charism of hurt, all parts are hurt with it. If the Papacy as the sign of that one part is given special unity; the presiding of the honour, all parts enjoy it.’) This bishop and his curia over the is what is meant when, at the particular church that is entrusted to him so that he may Second Vatican Council, the be its sign and servant of unity, Church itself was described as a sacrament, a Sacrament of making demands and providing services to the best of Christ in the world, his judgement, fashioned, as far proclaiming the fundamental unity of God’s purpose and as possible, in a shared striving always to give it discernment. practical expression. This When a school is truly applies to your leadership in Catholic those same dynamics your school. Each and all of us, shape its life, and therefore its together, have a vocation to be leadership. expressing that fundamental Negatively, a Catholic unity and cohesiveness which is leader, be that a bishop, parish priest or headteacher, can never the great summons of faith in Christ. He is the Word through ‘go it alone’. The spirit of the whom all things are held in Catholic leader is always to being and he is the full gift of strive to see the whole, to see our shared destiny in eternity. and serve its strengths and to expand that sense of belonging, He cannot be fully proclaimed of family, as far as possible. This through the clamour of does not mean the suppression division. This, then leads me to my of personal strengths or second point. inventiveness. No. But it sees A Catholic leader is a realist. those qualities always to be put to the service of the whole, in a The Christian faith is not an

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Ashford International Hotel – 21 February 2018 I am glad to have the opportunity of addressing you this evening as above all it gives me an occasion to thank you for your hard work. In our Diocesan Annual Report to the Charities Commission, we were able to state that of the schools in this Diocese 96.9% are rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, and that the pupil mix contains at least eight different ethnic groupings with the white British group being 33%. These and other figures totally refute those who ignorantly propose that Catholic schools are mono-cultural, elitist or socially divisive. But there is a more important point that I wish to explore with you this evening and it centres round a familiar refrain. You are leaders of Catholic communities. You are leaders of communities that take their character and their way of life from the gift of the Catholic faith, whatever the proportion of Catholics who may be present, (which is not at

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all the same as our insisting, over the 50% cap, that Catholics can never be excluded from Catholic schools simply because they are Catholics). There are three themes on which I want to touch. The first is hidden within the word ‘Catholic’. It is impossible to be truly Catholic and closed-minded or isolated from the whole body. Being Catholic means being open to the whole and being dedicated to the unity of the whole. Being Catholic means finding ways of expressing and deepening that ‘universality’, that Catholic character, and being ready always to embrace the other. These characteristics of Catholicism are imprinted into the life of the Church. And they should be imprinted into the life of a Catholic school. In the Church we understand and live the dynamics of this unity and diversity. There are in the Church expressions of both: the diversity of liturgies, of national customs, of individual parishes with their inventiveness and

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ideology. An ideology proceeds by destroying what is in its way. This we see in dramatic forms today, as it can be seen in most phases of human history. An ideology seeks to remove all that is opposed to it and to impose its ‘ideals’, no matter the objective cost. The Christian faith, on the other hand, knows that it is to proceed only by call and conversion. It looks with clear eyes at the reality before it, the reality of which it is a part: a neighbourhood, a culture, an economic system, an ecology. The Christian faith, more than any other, takes the reality of sin seriously, not pretending that we live in a utopia, or on a pathway of endless progress, but rather in a world marked by limitations and distortions. Today, in education, we are facing some of those limitations head on. A time of real prosperity, the era of ‘you have never had it so good’, for those of you old enough to remember that slogan of Harold Macmillan, has gone. Now we are living through times of considerable hardship for many, indeed of extreme poverty for the majority of our brothers and sisters. We have to see, be clear, and readjust. This means taking difficult decisions, marked by realism, about resources. In such circumstances it is right to look for economies that can be achieved by structures of cooperation, between schools within the same locality and within the wider family of schools. This is not an enforced ‘master-plan’, as you well know. It is a measured and appropriate response to the reality we face. The alternative, individual schools in isolation, will lead not only to conflict but also to the decline that eventually accompanies isolationist policies. You can see how these two points dovetail. Realism demands our closer cooperation. Our Catholicism inspires us along the same road. Indeed, we should already and always be on that track. And Follow us on Instagram at: @dowym

the bishop and his officers, his curia, have a vital part to play, serving that synergy, bringing to it an overview and a direction. This is a difficult challenge and at times problematic. Nevertheless, this service needs your support, not only in practice but also in enabling contributions. Such contributions express both the spirit of realism and the spirit of Catholic unity. The third point, and the last, I would like to illustrate with a story. Recently I was at one of the regular meetings of religious leaders with the Metropolitan Police. The topic under examination was knife crime in London. You know the levels of knife crime are appalling, with their horrific consequences of death and injury especially among young people. Indeed, it has recently hit our Catholic community, with tragic consequences, in Wood Green and Tottenham. The officer in charge of the Met’s operations against knife crime spoke of the important role of schools in education and prevention. Then, without pause, he spoke of one of our Catholic schools as providing outstanding leadership in this campaign. I was quietly very pleased. But then he continued to say that he was not at all surprised that it was a Catholic school showing this leadership. He said he fully understood why the vision of Catholic education would produce such leadership. He added that he hoped to look to Catholic schools all over London to show the way and to cooperate together with their neighbouring schools in this campaign. This is a great realistic witness that one of our schools is giving and it is clearly understood to rise precisely from our faith and vision. So, my third point is to reflect, briefly, on how we understand that vision of the education which is to be given within our Catholic Follow Westminster Youth Ministry on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/doywm

institutions, led by you, our Catholic leaders. A vision is so important, not least in times of change. A vision should be clear and shared, more than a ‘mission statement’ which can often be rather self-congratulatory. A vision has to be more comprehensive and it has to run through the school like a strong rhythm running through a melody or song, or like the word ‘Blackpool’ running through a stick of rock. It is there wherever you break into the stick! Here is one summary attempt to identify the key elements of our vision. These are the four things we are striving to achieve in our schools. First: education will contribute to the personal development and competence of every pupil. Gifts are from God. Gifts are not to be wasted. Rather they are to be identified and then helped to flourish. While the emerging and developing of these gifts can come at many different stages of life, the aim of every teacher is to know, as precisely as possible, what each pupil’s gifts are and to encourage them, using them as a spur, as a motivation for making progress in other areas of challenge, too. Recognised success in art can encourage a better effort in maths, which may otherwise be an absolute blind spot. The manner and style of such recognition is also important. Our Catholic ethos is not one of super heroes, not one of lauding the few in such a way that everyone else becomes indifferent to their own achievements or even sullenly withdrawn. Again, gifts are for service much more than for hero status. The second strand of our vision is that education always helps pupils and students to explore and embrace what it means to be human, what every human being has in common. This is one of the

strands by which individualism is overcome and a sense of common humanity enkindled. This is the foundation for much of Catholic moral teaching in areas of friendship, relationship, family life, human sexuality. At a time of great confusion about the rules of sexual behaviour, about exploitation and abuse in every part of society, some firm points of reference, that are already built into our humanity at its best, are of vital importance. In an age of fluidity, even in gender identity, and at a time when the response to ‘difference’ is to become closed in a selfselecting world of the likeminded and reject that which is different, such foundations are so important. They affirm that there are ‘givens’ which come with birth and with solid identities and which project across generations. They help up keep hold of the reality that we are not single, selfdetermining individuals but members of a great family, with all its trials, diversities and struggles, and within that family, not alone, will we find our greatest joy. The third strand is a development of the second: that education helps every pupil and student to develop personal commitment to building a better society, to serving a common good, no matter the pathway in life they may choose. For many young people this instinct is strong, often rightly expressed in terms of the demands of justice. It is surely a vital part of our Catholic vision that this instinct is not just respected, but is seen, by them, to fashion the patterns of school life. Sanctions without explanation, sanctions without justice, corrode this natural instinct and demonstrate that in ‘real life’ justice is a commodity that cannot be afforded. Rather the efforts made by so many of our schools to encourage and support among

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its pupils service of the community, service of the common good, are there to provide experience and vision that, we hope, will be a continuing part of their future lives. The fourth strand is this: that education always seeks to express and explore that openness to the transcendent, the spiritual, which is a constitutive and formative part of every human being. This dimension, which runs through the daily life of our schools, is that which underpins the other three strands and is, of course, centred on the person of Jesus. ‘Christ at the centre’ is an excellent summary phrase of this endeavour, as long as we do not forget that Christ is the centre of humanity. Christ is the centre and fullest expression of our human nature. He is to be proclaimed not as an imposition from without but as the fulfilment of who we really are and proclaimed as the gift by which alone we are enabled to overcome the fractures and division we experience within ourselves and between us all. The gift of redemption, then, is not a gift brought by a benign uncle on a rare visit, but the healing of the ancient wound of our humanity so that our true self may surge from within, under the power of the Holy Spirit. It is our privilege to strive to provide such an education. It is your duty and mission as Catholic headteachers to know what you are about, to constantly remind all of this vision and to keep the effort on track, as best you can. Please note, that these strands of which I speak are actually fundamental to a sound and healthy life, for the person and for society. They are the deeper foundations of what is spoken of today as ‘British Values’. A formation which strives to enable a person to achieve their best and to use it in the service of

society is the heart of citizenship. Awakening an innate understanding of human nature and its dignity moves us to act accordingly towards our neighbour, no matter our differences. This goes beyond the barren expectations of ‘tolerance’. To develop a sense of justice and fair play as part of our character and to believe that laws are best fashioned in true and searching dialogue and not by government diktat or favour is to unfold the deepest meaning of democracy and the rule of law. And an education that teaches that the most profound core of the person and the source of their dignity is to be found in the transcendent nature of their being is the best foundation for the recognition of the true equality of every person. It is, ultimately, an equality in the eyes of God, for we are beings who live not simply within the contingent horizons of earthly sovereignty, science or space, but within those of eternity. To be passionate about such values is to serve all that will be best for Great Britain and to demonstrate that religious belief, properly understood, is not a problem to be solved but the greatest friend of humanity and a resource to be rediscovered. In these ways your task is to give a powerful witness in our society today, through your daily work in schools, through the leadership you give, to the coherence of our Catholic family and its unswerving commitment to work as one, and to the service we constantly bring to our pupils, their families, their parishes for their safety, growth and wellbeing. Of course, there are difficulties, but your calling is a great one and I thank you for the spirit in your hearts that leads you on. + Cardinal Vincent Nichols Archbishop of Westminster

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Westminster Record | April 2018

Bishop John Arnold visits the Rohingyas

Temporary shelters built at Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh Bishop John Arnold visited Bangladesh with CAFOD to view a number of projects with local partners throughout the country. Here he recounts the events of the day. He visited the Rohingya camp with Archbishop Moses of Chittagong and CAFOD representatives. I must say that I find it difficult even to start to recount these events. It has been at once a marvellous, depressing, hopefilled, and despairing experience. I will only be able to take you through the sequence of what happened. The journey from Cox’s Bazaar to the camp was about an hour. We arrived at the refugee camp and had managed not to be stopped by the military. It is difficult to describe the scene. This is a city, stretching 14 kms and housing 900,000 people. It is beyond description. There were only a few motor vehicles, all belonging to the aid agencies and the roads in the camp were teeming with pedestrians. The camp is divided into 20 zones, all named by double letters: AA, BB, etc. Caritas has been entrusted with three zones and this is likely to rise. There was nothing at all here last year on these hills and then the Rohingyas began to arrive in late August. The first essential was to provide them with food and simple shelter. There were such Page 12

numbers that the various aid agencies were so overwhelmed that the essentials were all that could be provided. Archbishop Moses of Chittagong came to the camp in December and things were in a dreadful state. Some 800,000 refugees had arrived in a matter of a few weeks. With materials provided by the government and the agencies the people began to construct temporary shelters in a rather haphazard manner. In December an engineer working with Caritas offered advice on improving the housing. He was with us today, explaining his project. They chose a section of BB Zone to pilot the ideas. The people there were unwilling to re-locate as they were understandably exhausted and afraid, and felt that they might lose even the simple shelters that they had made. So the engineer devised ways of installing drains and sanitary systems, wells and street lighting which could be undertaken by the Rohingyas themselves. He found them to be willing volunteers and willing to accept guidance and building instructions. In just two months they transformed the housing and made the alleyways clean and drained. The shelters are rebuilt and are now sturdy constructions. There is no doubting that conditions here are still utterly basic but they are clean. This transformation

has proven to be a model and is offered to the other zones. Many are taking the opportunity to improve the better conditions and the UN is funding the materials. While being horrified that people should be crowding into this place as refugees, there is much to be grateful for in the improvements that are being made. We also went to areas outside BB where these improvements have not yet taken place. There was much squalor and the shelters were very fragile and cramped. It was a very different place. The alleyways were filling up with garbage and there were no drains. The fears at present are about the monsoon rains which are imminent. The camp is built on dozens of hills and there is little rock for any firm foundations. Heavy rains could cause another disaster through landslides and flooding. We saw a team of men digging out a canal through one of the valleys, clearing the mud and debris in expectation of the rains. Everywhere there were small children. The Government have not allowed the provision of schools, but many of the agencies provide child-friendly areas where the children can safely gather. It is tragic to think that so much valuable time in their young lives is being wasted.

We visited a relocation centre. This is for refugees already in temporary accommodation in Bangladesh who are moving into the camp. We met a very impressive and young Caritas team who assist them in various ways. So when a family arrives they are asked to choose a plot on which to settle. They are given the rudiments of a shelter. They receive vouchers for food and are registered. It takes maybe three days for them to construct the shelter and in the meantime they sleep in one of the childfriendly areas when the children have gone. Families with very vulnerable members with disabilities are assisted by Caritas staff and housed within a day. They are also trained by specialists in various aspects of hygiene, as there is always the danger in such places of outbreaks of various diseases. We walked quite a distance through the camp and, as we reached the top of a hill, there was another landscape of shelters stretching ahead. There were also some hills in the distance which will all be included in the expanding camp very soon. It is said that about 1,100 refugees arrive daily. If that is correct then the camp is likely to exceed one million people by the summer. While a number of the refugees have been able to start shops and small trades, most are necessarily idle, as are the women and children. Contact with individuals was difficult. We obviously stood out as visitors and must have been objects of curiosity. The children were all around us wherever we went and they were testing their few words of English, with constant ‘How are you?’ They had smiles and curiosity, but also the shyness of all children. The women in general were silent and very few made eye contact at all. They were often looking out from the doorways of their huts not wanting to engage even with a smile. Little wonder. They are foreigners with a different language to their hosts, let alone to us visitors, and there were also all the religious attitudes and customs of a conservative Islam. The men were generally

the ones in the streets and alleyways yet there was almost no individual contact with them either. One woman invited us into her home because it was arranged that she would show us her improved accommodation and answer questions but she did not speak Bangla and what she said needed to be translated. The understandable lack of personal contact with outsiders must be a major factor in the sense of isolation they feel. There were marked differences in appearance. Many were clean and smartly dressed, which was a wonder to me given the conditions. But there were others who were disheveled and in rags. I suppose the overwhelming impression was in the sheer numbers of people with the knowledge that the crowds that we saw were repeated everywhere through this vast camp, all trapped and frustrated and fearful for an unknown future. When we left the camp by the same road we found that the military, who were improving it, had in fact closed it by dumping loads of earth across the road so we had to turn back and leave by another route. It will certainly take me some time to be more objective about all that I have seen. The challenges are far from over for the Rohingyas. How long will they be held in the camps? Will there be adequate protection against the monsoons? What is the future for them? Will they be allowed back into Myanmar and feel that they can go there with a sense of security? Many voices I have heard suggest not. News that the border between Bangladesh and Burma is becoming more militarized was spoken about widely while we were in Cox’s Bazaar. There was no indication that the Rohingyas feel able to return to Burma as they are afraid that they will not be able to re-settle in their own villages, that they will be vulnerable to further violence and will still have no rights as citizens. This problem seems no closer to a political solution.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Giving it up for CAFOD

St Thomas More School, Mini Vinnies, Berkhamsted, helping at the Sacred Heart Parish soup lunch. Young people across the diocese are ‘giving up’ their time and money to help others. This Lent, CAFOD is working to combat malnutrition in Zimbabwe by providing seeds and farming training for families and communities so that everyone in the community has enough to eat. Children and young people in parishes and schools across the diocese have come up with lots of ways to help raise money. An eight-year-old parishioner from Sacred Heart School in Islington has been giving up his hot chocolate and Friday treat to help teach children to read. Tiago said, ‘I like reading so it would be good if other children can read too’. The Mini Vinnies Group at St Thomas More, Primary School, Berkhamsted gave up their time to help at the Sacred Heart Parish Soup Lunch which raised over £260. In St Albans, St Columba’s College held its annual Fairtrade Bake Off and enjoyed a final feast before the start of Lent. It was another amazing response from the students, with over 50 cakes in the competition. Creations included a fast food hamburger meal and Zambian Banana cake. Each cake had a

Fairtrade ingredient and was sold in a lunchtime cake sale. £320 was raised for CAFOD. Also in Hertfordshire, John F Kennedy Catholic School, Hemel Hempstead held their third annual sleepover raising over £550 for CAFOD. Year 7 students started the evening with a prayer service then spent time at different prayer stations focusing their minds on their Lenten preparations. A big thank you to everyone across the diocese who has supported CAFOD’s Lent Fast Day through prayer, donations and volunteering. You can find out more information at www.cafodwestminster.wordp ress.com/

An eight-year-old parishioner from Sacred Heart of Jesus in Islington at his local bookshop

Putting Faith in Action at Our Lady’s, Hackney by Mary Karayel, on behalf of the Caritas Ambassadors

When they began working with us Caritas stressed the importance of volunteering as grounded in the Catholic social teaching of St John where he called people of faith to ‘not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth’ (1 John 3:18). This is something all Catholics will understand from the command to love our neighbours in the way that God loves us. However, volunteering to a lot of people can seem like an immense task, especially when we feel busy all of the time. As a Year 13 student, I am trying to balance my preparation for exams with time for extracurricular activities and seeing my friends before we go to university. So how can I start to put my faith into action the way God intended? Our Core RE Programme’s Servite Community Service provides students with the possibility of making real those Gospel values through opportunities to serve the needs of others in our local community. Caritas is one of the Servite Community Service opportunities made available as part of this course. St Therese’s philosophy is one which states that faith in action can come through the smallest acts of kindness: ‘miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love’. This is such a poignant idea that I think everybody could adopt; individuals can make a difference. When we first met our Caritas Development Worker, they really wanted to ensure that our work with them took our individual interests and hobbies into account. One area we were all particularly interested in was baking, so we baked cupcakes for the Hackney Winter Night Shelter.

We had so much fun doing this not only because it allowed us to indulge a hobby but more importantly because we were able to provide treats for those attending the shelter later on that night. It meant a great deal to us particularly as homelessness is such a massive issue right now. It felt amazing to know how well they were received and that the attendees were really touched by the realisation that people were thinking of them in their community. Our Sixth Form Core RE Community Service has provided us with opportunities across generations, both children and the elderly. On one occasion, we visited the Friends of Woodberry Down, a group who provide a space for the elderly in Hackney to exercise, play games and socialise with each other, to tackle social isolation of elderly people. Our school aids their work by having students visit the centre to chat with residents and visitors. When we visited the Friends, I was touched at how happy they were to see us. Immediately we were engrossed in the chat, games, and laughter, so much so that I did not want to leave (especially as we were midway through a game!). Spending just one hour with the group at Woodberry Down conveyed to me how important friendship and communication is, perhaps something I take for granted in the digital age we are living in. It was lovely to chat with each of the Friends I sat with, just talking about my week at school, playing a Follow us on Instagram at: @rcwestminster

board game with them or talking about their life story. Putting my faith into action through my school’s promotion of Marian values and with Caritas (in Core RE sessions) has been both rewarding and enlightening for me. I have learned that serving others does not always need to be time consuming or tiresome, as I would have initially thought. The children and elderly people I have spoken to and worked with over the last two years have all been lovely, lively and entertaining people with their own stories to tell. No two experiences have been the same and now particularly through working with Caritas I feel as though I have put my faith into action.

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Inside the Hospice: Touch Fr Peter Michael Scott If you had ever met my mother she would have hugged you, and in such a way that you would possibly have needed an appointment with an osteopath afterwards. Whenever my brother and I said goodbye to her, she would grab hold of us and prevent us from leaving. My father, in contrast, rarely touched us. We had no doubt that he loved us, but he was less tactile. I remember as a child, feeling remarkably special as he held my hand and took me to school. In the gospels we see two different reactions to Jesus when he appears after his Resurrection. Mary Magdalene reacts as my mother would; she gets hold of Jesus so tightly, that he asks her to let him go (John 20: 11-18). When the disciples

see the resurrected Jesus, they all hold back, possibly in shock. It is Jesus who invites Thomas to touch him (John 20: 24-29). Touch is an individual option and preference. When my mother and father were dying we respected their personalities and choices. As we kept vigil at my mother’s bedside, we repeatedly hugged her. When my father was dying both my brother and I asked Dad if he wanted us to hold his hand. We were reminded of being walked to school and of feeling special when he agreed we could. In hospice, I often talk to relatives about the choice of touch. Above all, I do not want the less tactile patient or relative to feel guilty if holding a hand or being caressed and hugged is not natural. I prefer

Bright Young Lights by Deacon Adrian Cullen, Evangelisation Coordinator What to do when young students return home for a few weeks holiday? It is great to have them home again, but a certain amount of readjusting might be needed for the parents and the rest of the family, as well as the returning student. There are those additions to the household arrangements to get used to: more noise, more laundry, more clutter, and extra items on the weekly shopping list. There is the return to favourite topics of debate: about using the bathroom, about borrowing the car. And then there is that raised level of ‘communication’ with siblings, even if communication with parents is no more forthcoming than previously. Of course, even with those slightly unfamiliar pressures, there is that joy of having a daughter or son home once again, close to the family, even if only for a few weeks. As well as changes to the household routines, there will be, probably less noticeably at first, changes to the young person who has been away exploring the world. It is all part of growing up, which brings added richness and new horizons. Page 14

When they were younger, mum or dad might ask them, ‘What did you learn at school today?’ The young child would answer, as often as not, ‘Oh, nothing much’. But now the youngster, grown into an adult, is back with their own questions; questions about who they are, where they are going; and may be, questions of faith. Questions such as: ‘Where does faith fit into my life as a scientist or engineer? ‘What do I say when my housemates say that God doesn’t exist? ‘Why should my lifestyle as a Catholic be any better than others?’ ‘When others who are close to me are feeling lost, what can I offer them?’ For the unsuspecting parents, these questions cannot be easily answered. It may be that for those bigger questions ‘life, the universe, God and everything……’ that the answers need to be found elsewhere, from people who are more expert in explaining such issues. For the young person themselves may be, when they ask themselves these questions or are asked by their colleagues, they would welcome somewhere to turn to when it comes to those matters of belief and faith.

that everyone feels safe, and that they are allowed to continue to be as they are. Yet, having written all that, I give exception to God; for he holds us before we are born (Jeremiah 1:5), and hugs us when we return to him (Luke 15: 11-32). How does the Father touch us during our lives if he is such an expert at the beginning and end of our earthly existence? At Baptism he gently caresses our heads with water, at Communion we hold him as he touches us, and at Confirmation and the Anointing of the Sick it is through the action of anointing and laying on of hands that his touch reminds us we are special and unique in his eyes. Please pray for the patients, staff, volunteers and Sisters of St Joseph’s Hospice. One organisation that aims to provide straightforward answers to those big questions is the Thomistic Institute, set up by the Dominican Order. The Institute exists to strengthen students and others in their knowledge of some of the more fundamental aspects of the Catholic faith, and how they relate to contemporary issues. Expanding its work across the UK, the Institute gives talks which are well attended, with young people keen to explore how the deeper aspects of their faith fit with their daily lives. And, usefully, the talks are all downloadable from the website at https://thomisticinstitute.org covering a range of topics under general themes such as politics, the meaning of life, faith & science; no question appears too big that can’t be answered. As the message of Easter reveals the ‘Light of Christ’, the resources available through the Thomistic Institute can help young people to reach into the heart of their faith, so that returning to their student communities they can talk about their faith with greater confidence. And as they take on the challenges of the world, they are able to shine out with that Easter light, and truly become bright, young lights bringing the hope of the Gospel to all who encounter them.

Rosary on the Coast

On 29th April, many Catholics will be gathering around the country to pray the rosary together for 'Faith, Life and Peace in the British Isles'. Inspired by the ‘Rosary on the Border’ in Poland last year, a group of British Catholics were driven to organise a similar event here. Parishes and faith groups across the country are being invited to take a day trip to the seaside and join in this special event. So far there are 84 groups and growing, spread out across England, Wales and Scotland, stretching from Orkney to Jersey. In a letter, Cardinal Vincent wished participants well with their ‘act of witness’ and assured them of his prayers.

Although most of the groups are on the coast, in major landlocked cities like London, Nottingham and Sheffield churches will be hosting groups to pray the rosary at the same time in support of those on the coast. In this diocese, our own Rosary Shrine in Haverstock Hill will be supporting it, as well as St Patrick’s in Soho. All are invited to attend and being inland is no barrier to taking part.

To find out more about Rosary on the Coast and see where there will be groups on the day, visit their website. www.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk

Westminster Record | April 2018

Thinking about Lourdes

Adoremus: Our Eucharistic Journey

by Elizabeth Uwalaka, Lourdes Pilgrimage Administrator

The role of Pilgrimage Administrator involves coordinating the many parts that go into making a diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes, as well as other destinations like the Holy Land or Walsingham, work. The role covers pilgrimage publicity, negotiations with the Lourdes Sanctuary for scheduling, processing the Westminster pilgrims’ payment of the Sanctuary levy and setting up the pilgrimage booklet. I liaise with other dioceses to share knowledge and make agreements with travel companies for flight times, insurance, dates, availability, and emergencies, e.g., if a pilgrim has to return home through illness. The work involves reservations of the baths, considering new Lourdes Sanctuary initiatives, checking the layout and conditions of the St Frai for assisted pilgrims, as well as restocking the Lourdes Westminster Permanence with merchandise (designing and

ordering badges, wristbands, bags, distribution of Lourdes raffle prizes), plus ensuring bills are settled such as St Frai Laundry costs, medication, sundries,…and more. Being a qualified French and Spanish teacher and fluent speaker has helped me in the negotiations for Westminster pilgrims’ needs with the Sanctuary on the planning days in February. At the heart of the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes is the carriage of sick and sometimes dying pilgrims to the Grotto. I feel privileged to have met and helped so many pilgrims, and especially those of St Frai. Those who have taken a heavenward route ahead of us are deeply missed and lovingly remembered there. Everyone, frail as they are, comes to the waters in search of healing for visible as well as invisible ailments. The provision of a spiritually meaningful pilgrimage experience for such a large number of pilgrims across the diocese means it has to be delivered correctly and at cost. It’s difficult to imagine a diocesan pilgrimage happening without volunteers and fundraising which it really needs. Events such as the Lourdes Carol Concert in Our Lady of Victories Church,Kensington for Christmas or the New Year Panto in support of volunteer Red Caps in Shepperton Parish

go towards helping with the costs. A suggested payment of £30 per person goes towards provision for assisted pilgrims, the pilgrimage booklet and the Sanctuary levy. Pilgrims who make their own way can contact the Pilgrimage Office and register to be counted among the Westminster pilgrimage group getting their ID passes, pilgrimage booklets and other essential Westminster-specific items sent to them. This summer, the pilgrimage is in its 30th year, and it’s an open invitation for everyone to come along, or support someone who would like to be there. If you are aged 18 or over and you see yourself as a St Frai helper, contact Nick Leonard. If you are aged 16 or over, and you can imagine donning a ‘Westminster red’ Red Caps tabard, just get in touch with Katrina Lavery, the lady who pointed me in the direction of my life-pilgrimage. I made a promise, and here I am today. If you cannot be there, perhaps you may be able to fundraise or donate a little? I love to sing and to bake and will be helping raise money for the Pilgrimage this year. Will you walk with me on this important journey too? I look forward to seeing you in Lourdes! Please keep all those involved in the pilgrimage in your prayers.

by Elaine Arundell, Westminster Education Service At the Education Service, we are really excited about the Adoremus Eucharistic Congress, and want to create a real and lasting legacy in our schools. We are launching a year of activities to support all those involved in education in the Diocese of Westminster. Entitled 'Our Eucharistic Journey,' the year will run from Corpus Christi 2018 to Corpus Christi 2019. It aims to help our schools participate in the build up to the National Eucharistic Congress in September, and to perpetuate its legacy. The Cardinal is producing podcasts to launch Our Eucharistic Journey in our primary and secondary schools across the diocese. An Adoremus launch pack, similar to that for the Year of Mercy, has been created to inspire and engage teachers in their faith formation and that of their pupils. It provides links to useful websites and educational resources to enhance their own understanding of and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament to pass this on to our children. We share the Cardinal’s hope for a 'rejuvenation' of love for the Eucharist in our communities and schools. Emphasising Christ is at the heart of our schools and learning, there is a plethora of cross curricular

links to the Eucharist including music, art and poetry. For example, we are giving students and staff the opportunity to explore the Eucharistic art of the Old Masters, Salvador Dali, Fr Sieger Koder and Elizabeth Wang. This has already inspired a retreat on Eucharistic art in Fulham this spring which it is hoped will be the first of many. Whilst pupils and staff are familiar with the Mass, we plan to introduce them more to the experience of Jesus’s love in Eucharistic Adoration and to prayers such as the Divine Praises. To this end, we have created 'My Blessed Sacrament Booklet,' including St Teresa of Calcutta’s addition to the Divine Praises: 'Blessed be Jesus in the poorest of the poor.' This links to the recurring theme of mission throughout the launch pack, going hand in hand with the Eucharist and the Word. The Cardinal has also asked all children to learn the Eucharistic hymn ‘Sweet Sacrament Divine,’ written by a former Westminster priest. Please do ask children over the year about the activities they are engaging in, and support them in deepening their love of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Icon Designed to Invite Prayer by Charlotte McNerlin

The icon of the Holy Family was specially commissioned by World Meeting of Families 2018 and written by iconographer Mihai Cucu assisted by the Redemptoristine Sisters of the Monastery of St Alphonsus, Dublin, as part of their ongoing prayer for families. In considering what would be fitting for this Icon, thoughts immediately focused on the Holy Family and on passages in the Gospels in which we see Jesus’ deep compassion and concern for marriage and family life. We were drawn to an image of the Holy Family at table, sharing food and faith as

suggested by Luke’s Gospel (Chapter 2). An obvious Gospel text reflecting God’s concern for marriage is the Wedding at Cana.Then, the other story that came to mind was recorded in Mark’s Gospel. We see Jesus’ response to a family with a sick child. With these three narratives, the design of this icon forms a triptych which looks, from the outside, like a house with front doors. On the base is the inscription ‘Amoris Laetitia’ translated as ‘The Joy of Love’, the source of our reflections during the WMOF.

An icon is not like a photograph, or a portrait. It is an image which invites us to prayer. It is our hope that it will prepare our hearts for World Meeting of Families. The Diocese of Westminster are looking to take groups to WMOF. To find out more information contact the Marriage and Family Life Office. To register please go to www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/ Please advise us once you have completed your online registration with WMOF2018 so your names can be added to our diocesan list.

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Westminster Record | April 2018

Youth Director’s Spotlight

Andrezj Wdowiak Director of Youth Ministry On a sunny Saturday morning while preparing my breakfast I heard on BBC Radio 4 an interview with Philippa Goslett, screenwriter and Chiwetel Ejifor, actor of the film Mary Magdalene. While very much looking forward to my first sip of coffee I started to realise what was being said and how relevant this message is to contemporary society and to us, who, during Lent are with Jesus on the way to Jerusalem. The figure of Mary Magdalene seems to be one of those characters miscast in history, all thanks to Pope Gregory’s sermon in 591. From that point onwards, Mary Magdalene is referred to as a fallen woman and although the Catholic Church in 1969 clarified this, the common perception of her remains that of the previous centuries. Many agree, though, that she should be referred to as a disciple and apostle who followed Christ to the very end at Calvary and to the new beginning, the first witness to the Resurrection. The actor who plays the character of Peter does not consider the film to be ‘religious’, but points out that we pretend to live in a secular society whilst counting how many days it has been from the birth of Christ. Religion is part of the fabric of the state and a founding principle of many Western philosophies. In his words the idea of separating these stories from the contemporary world and from the march to Jerusalem seems to be misguided.

The story of Mary Magdalene is very contemporary, part of the way we live as disciples and followers of Christ, however misunderstood we may be. She is an inspiring companion on a journey through Lent, Easter and beyond. The idea of discipleship and accompaniment very much features in the meetings with young people that Westminster Youth Ministry had led in preparation for the 2018 Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in October this year. While young people retreat and reflect in a group on their personal relationship with God and the role of their faith in engaging with contemporary society, they also express their desire to be saints, disciples and followers of Christ. They also long for accompaniment, friendship and support in their eagerness to absorb the grace of faith. In the context of interactions with their peers young Catholics can easily be misunderstood as was Mary Magdalene. Talking about faith and Jesus, let alone living it, are a significant challenge as interacting with others of different faiths. Perhaps one help, among others, could be Westminster Youth Ministry’s primary event for young adults, Resonate. It is a space for community and formation for young adults within the Diocese. Particularly, but not exclusively, it is for those who have been in contact via a retreat like ECHO or an event like Flame or World Youth Day, it’s a space for young people to continue to journey and grow in their faith. We have just celebrated the most important event in the Christian calendar, the Resurrection of Christ. As we enter Eastertide we continue refreshed and strengthened on our way to the heavenly Jerusalem, perhaps with our good companion Mary Magdalene, and perhaps with others at Resonate. Please check Westminster Youth Ministry website for the next Resonate meeting.

Healing weekend There is a healing weekend for men and women who find themselves single again following separation, divorce or the death of a partner from 20 th to 22 nd April 2018 at the Domus Mariae Centre, Chigwell, Essex. For more details please telephone Freda 01322 838415 or Sandra 01293 783965 or email johnabrotherton@hotmail.co.uk Page 16

Youth Chaplain’s Corner

Fr Mark Walker Youth Chaplain The last six weeks of Lent have been a busy time for Westminster Youth Ministry. In addition to our usual work of supporting young people in parishes and running retreats etc., we organised ten meetings across the diocese between young adults, Cardinal Nichols and our Auxiliary Bishops. These meetings provided an opportunity to hear the thoughts of young adults in relation to the forthcoming Synod of Bishops in October, which is discussing the theme of ‘Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment’. The meetings provided a wonderful opportunity to have some in-depth discussion of where young people are at, their struggles and hopes, how they see where their lives are going, how faith impacts their lives and how the Church can best support them as they try to work out where life is headed. Their responses highlighted the struggles young people face, be it financial pressure, mental health difficulties or demands from secular society to conform. Nevertheless, I was struck by how much the young people who attended the meetings valued their faith, with great love for the Church and the desire to contribute more fully to its life. Many also expressed a sense of wanting greater support and accompaniment from the Church, to be helped to understand their faith better and to have opportunities to come together with other young Catholics. The tricky part will now be to see how we can best respond to the hopes and desires of our young people! It’s certainly a bigger task than can be accomplished by Westminster Youth Ministry alone, but the positive response of young adults to these meetings is a cause for great hope and an inspiration for going forward. May the joy of the Resurrection also inspire us in this Easter season.

Westminster Record | April 2018

Pope’s Prayer Intention by Fr David Stewart SJ

Easter Sunday begins the month of April this year. The Pope has invited us to witness to the Resurrection in several ways, including his Intention for this month: ‘that economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusions and know how to open new paths’. We, his personal Prayer Network, are given a mission directly from the Holy Father to make his intention widely known, offering our day each morning to become more apostolically available, uniting our prayer with his. We’re invited to respond by considering how these concerns are present in our own lives and social settings. Our three challenges offer us concrete ways of making that response. This Easter Day and Eastertide, therefore, is a great opportunity to focus our prayer on how Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection were for all of humanity, not just some of us. Thus our response ought to be similarly inclusive. We are people of the Resurrection, an Easter people and we are inserted into a world that needs to know this, that needs to see the Resurrection in each of us and in how we live our lives. Economists try to observe and measure the financial patterns of our world, ranging from local communities to whole countries and even continents, the entire world. They have real power. Governments look to economists to help shape policies that affect everyone: taxation, distribution of wealth, growth and international trade negotiations. Economists may not make government policy, but certainly influence it and that means that they are obliged to consider the moral implications of that advice. Precisely because those governmental choices, based on the advice received from economists, affects the living standards of all, that expert advice must not ignore the poorest. It cannot involve only technical economic decisions, but moral ones. April’s intention, and our challenges for the month, place an obligation on economists to ensure that the advice they offer is inclusive.

That this concern is on the Pope’s heart at this time demonstrates his disquiet about how our economic structures are designed to exclude. It is not enough to say that this is just the way the world works, or that the impersonal forces of the market cannot be corrected by human action. Pope Francis has often spoken of this problem facing humanity as a ‘culture of exclusion’ and a ‘throwaway culture’. Speaking to a gathering of United Nations agency heads in 2014, he condemned forcefully the ‘economy of exclusion’, and in 2016 he told a conference in Rome that ‘an economy of exclusion and inequality’ leads some of us to become ‘the disenfranchised and those discarded as unproductive and useless’. In the same speech, he called for new economic thinking that is ‘more clearly directed to the universal common good, inclusion and integral development, the creation of labour and investment in human resources’ (source: L’Osservatore Romano, May 2016). On many other occasions, Pope Francis has gone even further, demanding that this ‘culture of exclusion’ be replaced by a new ‘culture of encounter’. British Jesuit Fr Frank Turner SJ, writing in our Living Prayer 2018 booklet (a few copies still available – please

enquire), notes that we could ‘imagine economics simply as the study of money or finance as such … measured by growth and profit, no matter who benefits and who is excluded’. He cites the American theologian Joe Holland’s ironic joke that ‘the economy’s fine; it’s just the people having a hard time’. The call of this month’s Intention is that economists may come to see their work as a vocation, seeking those new paths that will serve the shared human good. Three Challenges: This month, we continue our revival of the old Apostleship of Prayer tradition of offering monthly challenges, based on the Pope’s Intention. For April, we are invited to: Learn more about countries where there is greater imbalance between rich and poor and find what leads to these situations. Promote, in the local community or at home, opportunities to welcome people who are excluded from society for economic reasons (unemployment, situations of vulnerability, poverty, etc.). Ask why they are excluded. Personally and communally, take time for prayer, keeping in mind those who make the big decisions around the world, asking God to let his Spirit touch them, so that they may find new ways to build up an economy that is inclusive.

Prayer Moment: Ask the Spirit of God to lead you to a place of interior stillness. Try to find a few moments and an exterior place where you can be peaceful and prayerful, even if only for a few minutes. Become conscious of God looking at you, now. Rest in God’s gaze for a few moments. Then think about the economic arrangements in our world and the decisions that governments make; which of these lead to exclusion and the ‘throwaway culture’? How does the Trinity view this situation? Then bring to mind examples of people who have been discarded or excluded. Perhaps you are in that group or perhaps you have influence over policy or decisions that could lead to exclusion. Again, how does God see those who have been excluded? Begin to consider, in this prayerful space, different possible courses of action open to you. Notice what attracts and enlivens you about possible strategies. Notice also when a possible outcome makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Take careful note of what feelings arise in your heart as you do so. Do not judge or analyse them, but ask the Good Spirit to show you the deeper meaning they present. Daily Offering Prayer: Good Father, you created this world and gave it to your

children that they might live off its fruit through the work of their hands and ingenuity. Our common home is the place where we begin to live already the happiness of Heaven, as your children, brothers and sisters of one another. But in this world there is so much discrimination, so much exclusion, and few have what should be the possession of many. United to the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, we offer our days, words and deeds, so that those in charge of the economy know how to think and choose plans that do not leave anyone in the margins of the common good. Our Father … Hail Mary … Glory Be … A few copies remain of our ‘Living Prayer 2018’ booklets containing each monthly Intention, some tips and hints on daily prayer and making the Morning Offering, and a handy tear-off page each month for your missal, prayer-book or diary. We’ve also new stocks of our popular ‘Making Good Decisions’ leaflets, available free although a postage-stamp would help cover our expenses! Order these and our other resources on prayernetwork@jesuit.org.uk or leave a message on 020 8442 5232. See also www.popesglobalprayer.net, www.thepopevideo.org and www.clicktopray.org. Page 17

Westminster Record | April 2018

Saint of the Month: St Peter Chanel

Oceania is a region made up of thousands of islands throughout the Central and South Pacific Ocean, including Australia and New Zealand. St Peter Chanel is the Protomartyr (first martyr) of Oceania. The story of his martyrdom converted the whole of the island of Futuna, christening it as ‘Gateway to the Gospel’. St Peter was born on 12th July 1803 in France, in the Diocese of Belley-Ars. From the age of seven to 11 he was a shepherd boy. He was attracted to missionary life in his school days when he read letters written by French missionaries living in America, strengthening his thirst to make Christ known to the ends of the earth. Noticed by the local parish priest for being an obedient and smart child, his parents were encouraged to send him to the school that the priest had just

started. On finishing, he went on to join the minor seminary at Meximieux, in 1819 and progressed to the major seminary in Brou in 1824. On 15th July 1827 at the age of 24, he was ordained a priest. He asked the bishop to allow him to become a missionary but his request was denied. He was posted as an assistant priest for a year, then as a parish priest, where he revitalised the parish assigned to him. In the midst of it all, his heart only wished for his true calling, that of being a missionary. During this time, St Peter came in contact with a group of diocesan priests who hoped to start a new missionary order dedicated to Mary. In 1831, with his bishop’s agreement, he joined this group. Its most prominent members were JeanClaude Colin, founder of the Marists (Society of Mary). After numerous deliberations, the Papal approval of the priests’ branch of the Society of Mary was finally given in April 1836, called the ‘Marists’. This was the start of St Peter’s lifelong dream to carry out missionary work. He was sent to the islands of the Pacific with other Marists, where he faced many obstacles. He had no formal training and did not know the local language. Evangelisation seemed hopeless with very few wanting to be baptised, and Peter facing opposition from the local chief who was wary of his intentions. Peter took solace from the Eucharist, in the face of disappointment of having minimal baptismal numbers compared to his previous parish ministry where he had

experienced greater success in evangelisation. Over three and a half years, St Peter along with other priests laboured zealously to learn the local customs and language. He now saw his work bear fruit as a few more natives were baptised and more were being instructed. Then, the son of the island chief, drew conviction from St Peter’s preaching and asked to be baptised. On hearing this, the furious chief ordered the death of St Peter, perceiving him a threat to his power and status. St Peter was clubbed to death on 28th April 1841 by the island chief’s leading warrior, Musumusu and his team, cutting up his body with hatchets. Two years after witnessing the violent death, the whole island of Futuna converted to Catholicism, and today it remains a Catholic land. The very warrior who killed St Peter, Musumusu, became a convert himself. In penance for the heinous crime committed, he requested that his body be buried outside the church that held St Peter’s relics, so that the people who come to honour St Peter’s grave would have to walk over his. Such is the power of the blood of a martyr, which bore fruit even in death. St Peter’s feast day is celebrated on 28th April. He is the patron saint of Oceania, a true inspiration for the many whose faith is tested in trying times, knowing how Christ only brings beauty and life even from death. Notre Dame De France Catholic Church, located in Leicester Place, is where the Marist Order is based in our diocese.

Canon Digby Samuels RIP Canon Digby Samuels was born in 1948 in Dorset, England. He attended Ampleforth College before moving onto to Aberdeen University. He attended seminary at Allen Hall and the English College in Rome, and was ordained by Bishop Gerald Mahon at the Holy Redeemer, Chelsea in 1976, aged 26. His first ministry was as an Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Muswell, Muswell Hill. He served as an Assistant priest Page 18

then in Hertford and Notting Hill before becoming the Chaplain to students at More House in 1989. Canon Digby took a sabbatical 1990. He returned in 1993 and began ministry to pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, before moving to Potters Bars and doing retreat work. Fr Digby explored the possibility of a monastic vocation, spending some time at Ampleforth Abbey in the mid-

1990s. After his time at Ampleforth, Canon Digby served briefly as Assistant Priest at St Charles Square before becoming parish priest of St Patrick’s, Wapping in 2000. Canon Digby was appointed Canon of the Cathedral in 2006. He remained as parish priest at Wapping until 2012, taking a brief sabbatical before taking up the role of chaplain at St Anne’s Home in Stoke Newington. He died on 17th March 2018, aged 70.

Summer Liturgy Programme at Ealing Abbey The following are offered as part of the summer Liturgy Programme at Ealing Abbey,

In Memoriam: April 3 4

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validated by KU Leuven: 2nd-13th July:

Liturgical Research Seminar: Rev Dr Daniel McCarthy OSB Liturgy: History & Context: Rev Dr Ephrem Carr OSB &

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Gregory Carey OSB Theology of the Liturgy: Prof Joris Geldhof

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16th-27th July: Pastoral Liturgy: Rev Dr James Leachman OSB Western Liturgical Books:

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Rev Dr Daniel McCarthy OSB Liturgies of the Early Church: Rev Dr Ephrem Carr OSB 6th-17th August:

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Research Seminar: Christian Initiation Proficient Latin for Liturgists

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(and Canonists) To register, contact

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020 8862 2156, email il@liturgyinstitute.org

Fr Tim McCarthy RIP

All are welcome

Fr Nicholas Kavanagh RIP Fr Nicholas Kavanagh was born in England in 1949 and ordained was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Heenan in 1998. After being an Assistant Priest as St Johns Wood for a short time, he went to Rome to study Canon Law at the Angelicum. After graduating in 2000 he returned to the diocese to work in the metropolitan tribunal. During this time he occasionally lectured in Canon Law. He died on 20th March aged 96.

Fr Francis Kenney (1987) Fr Peter Dunn (1974) Fr Robert Holmes-Walker (2010) Fr Albert Parisotti (1970) Fr David Evans (1989) Fr John Keep (2002) Fr Ronald Cox (1994) Fr Thomas Hookham (1998) Fr James Wooloughan (2003) Fr Gerard Meaney (2010) Mgr Canon John MT Barton (1977) Fr Brian Laycock (2004) Fr John Bebb (1975) Bishop James O’Brien (2007) Fr John Mills (1975) Fr Anton Cowan (2016) Fr Albert Davey (1987) Fr Michael Hendry (1994) Fr Clement Tigar (1976) Mgr Canon Lancelot Long (1978) Fr Bernard McGuinness (1978) Canon Lionel Dove (1971) Fr Joseph McEntee (1978) Canon Harold Winstone (1987) Fr Patrick Smyth (1978) Canon Reginald Fuller (2011) Fr Herbert Crees (1974) Fr Robert Tollemach (1998) Fr John Robson (2000) Canon Frank Martin (2002) Canon Clement Rochford (1978) Fr Derek McClughen (1991) Canon Francis Hegarty (2004) Fr Stanley Harrison (1973) Mgr John F McDonald (1992) Canon John Longstaff (1986) Fr Michael Moriarty (1996)

Fr Timothy McCarthy was born in Cork in 1935, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1969 by Cardinal Heenan. He served in three parishes in the diocese before moving to Canada in 1977 to take up ministry there. In 1993 Fr Timothy became pastor to a congregation without a church. Alongside the parishioners, he made plans for a church to serve the growing congregation and became the founder of the church of Christ the Redeemer. He served as parish priest there for 14 years until his retirement in 2006. He died on Tuesday 6th March and his funeral will be held at Christ the Redeemer in Vancouver, Canada.

Events & Calendar

REGULAR EVENTS Westminster Record | April 2018

Liturgical Calendar - April

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

Prayer Groups SUNDAYS

Taizé at St James, Piccadilly W1J 9LL every third Sunday 5pm. Call 020 7503 5128 for details. Tyburn Benedictines Monastic afternoon Every first Sunday 2-5pm Martyrs’ Crypt, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place W2 2LJ. Westminster Cathedral Young Adults meet socially after the 7pm Mass on Sundays and then at the nearby Windsor Castle pub. For further details please contact: westminsteryoungadults@gmail.com

MONDAYS

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

TUESDAYS

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Tuesdays 6-9pm concluding with Benediction at Newman House, 111 Gower Street WC1E 6AR. Details 020 7387 6370. Prayers for London at the Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden Tuesdays 7.30pm. Organised by the Guild of Our Lady of Willesden, Nicoll Road NW10 9AX. Our Lady of Walsingham Prayer Group First Tuesday of the month 2.30pm to 4.15pm in the Chapel of St George and the English Martyrs in Westminster Cathedral. Details: antonia@walsingham.org.uk Vocations Prayer Group Second Tuesday of the month 8pm at 47C Gaisford Street NW5 2EB. Taizé at St James’, Spanish Place W1V 3QY every first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. Email: penny28hb@aol.com or just come along.

WEDNESDAYS

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

THURSDAYS

Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament first Thursday of the month, Mass 6:30pm at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB followed by Adoration and Benediction. www.sodality.co.uk

Jesus Christ the Fullness of Life (JCFL) provides a space for Christians of different traditions to join together in prayer and friendship. For further details please visit www.jcfl.org.uk.

NFG Prayer Group weekly at 8pm for praise & worship followed by a social. Held in St Mark’s Room, Christ the King Church, Cockfosters N14 4HE. Contact Fr Christophe: christophe.brunet@cheminneuf.org. Soul Food A Catholic charismatic prayer group for young adults Thursdays 7-9pm at St Charles Borromeo, Ogle Street W1W 6HS. Details www.soulfoodgroup.org. St John Paul II Prayer Group Every second Thursday of the month 7-8pm, Mass, Adoration and prayer at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB

FRIDAYS

Divine Mercy Prayers and Mass Every first Friday 2.30-4.30pm at Our Lady, Mother of the Church, 2 Windsor Road W5 5PD Westminster Cathedral Charismatic Prayer Group every Friday 7.30pm Prayer, Praise and Teaching. First Friday is a healing Mass. For details, call 020 8748 2632. Queen of Peace Prayer Group at Our Lady of Lourdes, Acton W3 8AA. After 7pm Mass, Exposition, a homily, Holy Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Friday prayer meeting 1:30pm to 3pm with Adoration in St Matthew's Hall, Northwood, Middx HA6 1DW except 1st Friday. Summer break- August. Contact Patricia 07918128248

SATURDAYS

Taizé at Notre Dame de France 5 Leicester Place WC2H 7BX at 7.15pm. Call 020 7437 9363. Love heals Body, Mind & Spirit One-day retreat on last Saturday of every month (except December) at Church of Our Lady of Assumption & St Gregory, Warwick Street W1B SLZ. Contact Eileen 0208 542 2476. Carmelite Spirituality Group meet first Saturday at St Joseph’s Church, Bunhill Row EC1Y 8LE. 11.30-15.30 for prayer and reflection. Enquiries: Sylvia Lucas 07889436165

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+ EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION

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MONDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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TUESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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WEDNESDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

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+ SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY)

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THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

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Easter feria, Second Week of Easter

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St Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr

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Easter feria

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St Martin I, Pope & Martyr or Easter Feria

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Easter feria

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+ THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

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Easter feria

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Easter feria

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Easter feria

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St Alphege, Bishop & Martyr

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Easter feria; Friday abstinence

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Easter feria or St Anselm, Bishop & Doctor

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+ FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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ST GEORGE, Martyr, Patron of England

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Ss Erkenwald and Mellitus, Bishops

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ST MARK, Evangelist

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Easter feria, Fourth Week of Easter

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Easter Feria; Friday abstinence

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Easter feria, or St Peter Chanel, Priest & Martyr, or St Louis M Grignion de Montfort, Priest

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+ FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

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Easter feria or St Pius V, Pope

Pope’s Prayer Intention for April: For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters. That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

Young Adults Mass with an Ignatian twist

Every Sunday at 7pm. Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm Street Contact: yam@mountstreet.info or visit www.pathwaystogood.org Mass at Canary Wharf Held Tuesdays at 12.30pm at 2 Churchill Place E14 5RB. Organised by Mgr Vladimir Felzmann, Chaplain to Canary Wharf Communities. Details at www.cwcc.org.uk.

St 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 on 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month for Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church, Farm Street at 5.30pm, and invited to the parish hall afterwards for tea/coffee, where there is anopportunity to learn of pastoral help available. EXTRAORDINARY FORM MASSES

Sundays: Low Mass 9.30am, St James Spanish Place W1U 3QY. Low Mass 9am, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 5pm, St Bartholomew, St Albans AL1 2PE. Low Mass 5.30pm, Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, NW10 9AX.

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

Fridays:

Low Mass 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 6pm St Etheldreda, Ely Place EC1N 6RY. First Friday only.

Men wanting to know more about the permanent diaconate are invited to come to a twohour meeting from 10am to 12pm at St Edward the Confessor, Golders Green on 10th March, at Ealing Abbey on 14th April, or Our Lady and St Vincent, Potters Bar on 12th May. No booking needed. Wives welcome. For details contact Deacon Adrian Cullen 07961 594725 or Deacon Anthony Clark 07545 373548. Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/RCWestminster

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

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Low Mass, 8am The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP.

Permanent Deacon: Come and See

Other regular Masses

Low Mass 6pm St John the Baptist Church, King Edward's Road E9 7SF. First Friday only. Low Mass 6.30pm Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NB. Second Friday only. Saturdays: Low Mass 12.15pm, St Wilfrid’s Chapel, The Oratory, Brompton Road SW7 2RP. Low Mass 4pm, Lady Chapel, Westminster Cathedral SW1P 1QW. Second Saturday only.

Page 19

Westminster Record | April 2018

In Search of Mrs Manning

Church of St Peter, Lavington, today used as the chapel of Seaford College in East Lavington, where Caroline Manning is buried by Fr Nicholas Schofield

It is always fascinating looking at old census records. It is as if the past is frozen in time. The details of every man, woman and child living in the UK on a particular day were carefully recorded each decade. If they were away from home they were registered at the address where they were found by the census officials. The other day I was looking at the 1891 census records for Cardinal Manning. His entry appears among the list of residents of Carlisle Mansions, just round the corner from the present-day Archbishop’s House, although the census taker made a point of calling number 282 ‘Cardinal Manning’s Palace’. It provides a snapshot of his household on 5th April 1891, Easter Saturday. Visiting the cardinal that day were his eventual successor, Bishop Herbert Vaughan, and his brother Kenelm, also a Catholic priest. It is interesting to see the names of Manning’s household: his secretary William Johnson, who later became an Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster, and his ‘butler’ and ‘domestic servant’, William Newman. His presence in Manning’s home led to a malicious rumour that ‘he had been chosen for this name of his because Manning liked to order about a person called Newman – but,’ added Manning’s friend, J. E. C. Bodley, ‘this was pure legend.’ Then there were the rest of the domestic staff, now long forgotten but essential to this eminent Victorian’s well-being: James Coombs, the butler’s assistant; Catherine Harnett, Page 20

‘cook and housekeeper’, and (presumably) her daughter, also called Catherine, who was the ‘kitchen maid’; and finally Margaret Crankan, ‘house maid’. There is one detail that stands out, however. The occupation of 82 year-old Henry Edward Manning is given, as one might expect, as ‘Cardinal Archbishop’ but his ‘condition as to marriage’ is that of a ‘widower’. In actual fact, Manning was one of two 19th century English cardinals who had formerly been married. The first was Cardinal Thomas Weld, from a wellknown English Catholic family who in 1796 married Lucy Clifford, by whom he had a daughter, Mary Lucy. His wife died in 1815 and three years later his daughter married, allowing him to prepare for ordination. When he was eventually made a cardinal his daughter watched the consistory from behind a curtain and he attracted much attention in Rome by riding in his carriage with his assembled grandchildren. He was known as the ‘Cardinal of the Seven Sacraments’. Henry Edward Manning, on the other hand, was born in Totteridge, Hertfordshire in 1808 and studied at Harrow and Oxford. His father was a wealthy West Indian sugar merchant but when the family business collapsed the young Manning experienced something of a conversion and prepared himself for Holy Orders in the Church of England. He was ordained in 1832 and took up a seemingly obscure curacy at Lavington and Graffham, near Chichester in Sussex.

Shortly afterwards the Rector, Rev John Sargent, died and Manning succeeded him. The late Rector had seven children, including five daughters. According to George Dudley Ryder, who married the youngest of them, ‘the beauty of those sisters was of no ordinary kind’. Thomas Mozley met them at a breakfast party in 1829. He noted that they had a ‘peach bloom’ on their cheeks, which added to their beauty. It also acted as a harbinger of tragedy, for the Sargents had a weak constitution, with a tubercular strain, and only one of the seven siblings outlived their mother. The young Manning married Caroline Sargent on 7th November 1833 after a threemonth courtship. The ceremony was performed by the bride’s brother-in-law, Samuel Wilberforce, later bishop first of Oxford and then Winchester. Caroline’s family would later prove influential in her husband’s conversion to Rome: two sisters-in-law would eventually be received into the Church with their husbands and children, and a nephew, Fr Ignatius Ryder, succeeded Newman as Provost of the Birmingham Oratory. The couple seems to have been generally happy. Some claim that Manning proposed marriage by telling the young lady, ‘Caroline, I have spoken to your mother’; and it is difficult to imagine even young Mr Manning on his knees before Caroline.’ There are hints that Caroline had some initial reservations about the marriage. On honeymoon, Manning wrote to Mrs Sargent that his bride was now ‘more like herself’ and ‘it really seems as if a weight of uncertainty and depression had been removed’. The newly-married Manning threw himself into prayer, study and parish work. Unusually for the times, he took his pastoral responsibilities seriously, introducing the daily round of morning and evening prayer and tolling the bell himself to call his flock to church. He tried to visit his parishioners regularly, many of whom were Downland shepherds, and became a familiar and stately figure trudging the country lanes.

In 1837, the same year that the widower Cardinal Weld died, Caroline fell ill. She died of consumption on 24th July, aged only 25, leaving her husband a childless widower. On her deathbed, she told her mother, ‘look after Henry’, and this she did for a number of years, keeping house for him and acting as a companion. In his book Eminent Victorians, Lytton Strachey claimed that ‘in after years, the memory of his wife seemed to be blotted from his mind’ and that he saw her death as opening up his career possibilities, numbering it among ‘God’s special mercies’. In reality, nothing could have been further from the truth. Manning was clearly heart-broken and spent many hours beside his wife’s grave, where he would often compose his sermons. He wrote to Newman, ‘I try to leave all in God’s hands – but it is very, very difficult … No man knows what it is to watch the desire of his eyes fading away.’ He confessed to Samuel Wilberforce that he felt ‘the absolute need of full employment, and to the best of my powers I maintain a habit of fixed attention, and suffer as few intervals of disengaged time as I can.’ If he seldom spoke of Caroline in subsequent years, it may be that he found it too painful. He later erected a stained glass window in Chichester Cathedral in her memory and treasured all her letters. These were stolen while travelling to Rome in 1851. One of his companions remembered that ‘at the first moment after the discovery of his loss the expression of grief in his face and voice was such as I have seldom witnessed. He spoke little; and when I was beginning to speak, he laid his hand upon

my arm, and said, ’Say nothing! I can just endure it when I keep perfectly silent.’ He gradually learnt to accept the loss, reflecting that ‘the loss was probably necessary – necessary to sever all bonds to earth’ as he began a new chapter in his life as a Catholic priest. Caroline would not be forgotten. Years later, a flower from her grave would each year be taken to the aged Cardinal in Westminster, who regarded it with great emotion. As he lay dying in 1892, he entrusted a volume of his wife’s prayers and reflections to Herbert Vaughan, saying: ‘not a day has passed since her death on which I have not prayed and meditated from that book. All the good I may have done, all the good I may have been, I owe to her.’ The precious volume was kept under his pillow and presumably buried with him. It is an astonishing thought. Caroline’s grave at Lavington is now in a rather poor state, covered in lichen and difficult to read, but her personal book of prayers lies with her beloved in the magnificence of the crypt of Westminster Cathedral. This article originally appeared in the Catholic Times on 9th March. It is reprinted by kind permission of the Catholic Times.