HOLY YEAR OF MERCY Fling Open the Doors...Jubilee Year of Mercy to turn to God more fervently than ever before to fully experience His mercy and love that we in turn can share with

The Official Newspaper tothe Diocese of LancasterIssue 276 + February 2016

www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.ukFREE

INSIDE: p08 Find out all aboutthe Jubilee of Mercy

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Opening theDoor of Mercyin WestminsterCathedral.

Fling Openthe Doors

HOLY YEAR OF MERCY

Let Jesus Return!

2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2016 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

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EDITORIAL

It is the end of January and how many New Year resolutionshave lasted the month? And what were the resolutions that

were made? To lose weight; to take up a new hobby; to learn anew language or how to play a musical instrument; to curbone’s drinking; to exercise more or to get a better life and workbalance.....- All laudable intentions, for our physical andemotional well-being.

Meanwhile, we witness the atrocities being committed across theworld in the name of religion, the persecution of peoples becauseof their beliefs (especially Christians), the plight of refugees, thosesuffering natural disasters including the extensive floods beingexperienced throughout the UK and in particular those affectedwithin our Diocese of Lancaster not to mention the starving, thosesuffering in difficult relationships or from abuses, those sufferingas a result of addictions and those denied life through abortion.The list could go on and on and on. It is described by many as abroken-world, and many get frustrated and downhearted as theylook to the world for solutions.

God created us and all that is good in the world, he even sent hisonly Son into the world to show us how we should live but he alsogave us ‘free will’ to accept the way of Christ or seek other paths.Jesus never promised an easy ride. Rather we remember He said“whosoever follows me needs to take up his Cross”. But he didpromise that those who sought the mercy of God with a trulyrepentant heart would be received like the prodigal son.

Our world cannot - on her own - cure her ills. But a worldturning to the Creator will ultimately deliver positive changesin true justice and peace.

How many New Year Resolutions included to develop my spirituallife by spending more time in the presence of God in prayer, tothank Him for His abundant blessings and to seek His forgiveness.And yet such resolutions would have a much more profound effecton our lives and those around us than any amount of dieting andexercise. The good news is that God is ready there and waitingwhatever the month.

In his first Angelus address on 17 March 2013, Pope Francis spokeof “Feeling mercy...this word changes everything.”

Mercy, he said then, “is the best thing we can feel: it changes theworld. A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just. Weneed to understand properly this mercy of God, this merciful Fatherwho is so patient.”

The point that the Holy Father is making is that if we want a morejust world where nations live in peace we must experience themercy of God and learn to forgive as our Father forgives us. PopeFrancis explains “Dear brothers and sisters, I have thought about howthe Church can make clear its mission of being a witness of mercy. “It'sa journey that starts with a spiritual conversion.” For this reason PopeFrancis has inaugurated an Extraordinary Jubilee that has the mercy ofGod at its center, - a Holy Year of Mercy.”

The Catholic Voice encourages readers to take advantage of thisJubilee Year of Mercy to turn to God more fervently than everbefore to fully experience His mercy and love that we in turncan share with others and they in turn can share as well. Thisedition carries a special two page feature on the Year of Mercyon pages 8 and 9.

February 2016 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

Over 70 parishioners from churches around theBlackpool Deanery gathered together to compete for

the Deanery Quiz Trophy. This annual event began in 2004and ensures an evening of fun for all. This year the trophywas won by St John Vianney. Congratulations to Fr PeterSharrock and the team.

Charity at St Benedict’s Catholic HighSchool in Whitehaven is always at

the forefront of its minds. However, theschool has always had a particular focuson a charity for the month of harvest inOctober.

This year, their focus was the “North LakesFoodbank”, which covers all of WestCumbria. Nina and Olivia, who are the‘Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural Officers’on the Sixth Form Council remembered theFoodbank collection efforts from 2014 andwanted to make it even better.

Both girls said, “We knew a lot of people in

Monsignor Francis Slattery led a multifaith celebrationfor NIF Week at his Presbytery in November. He is widely

respected by people of all faiths and none as an exemplaryPriest who never criticises anyone, and is never snide aboutanyone.

Monsignor Slattery has long been involved in interfaith workin Cumbria. His contribution to local interfaith and multifaithwork was recognized by the presentation of a framed map ofJerusalem to him, by Rev John Hetherington Secretary of SLIFSouth Lakeland Interfaith Forum.

Monsignor Slattery said “In the modern world religion is comingto realise (as if it didn’t already know) that the world is good; it isGod’s world. While it may have all the trappings of superficiality,we are not to run away from it but to embrace it and bring it to arealisation of its own inherent goodness.”

National InterfaithWeek 2015

Charity in Actionschool didn’t know much about the Foodbankso we planned an assembly to be delivered toeach year group. We told the stories of peoplewho had used the Foodbank, we looked at thenumbers of people using them and why thiswas happening. We then focused on our ownarea in West Cumbria and the need for theFoodbank here. Then we set up a competitionbetween all of the tutor groups to see whocould bring in the most food. We gave everystudent a Foodbank shopping list to takehome and food began coming in. We collectedfood from tutors and stored it. Within the firstweek we already had more food than we didlast year. By the end of the month we hardlyhad any room to store any more food.

Linda, assistant manager of the Foodbankcame into school to collect the food and itwent to the warehouse to be sorted. We’renow planning a visit to the warehouse tovolunteer for a day with some others fromthe 6th form at the end of the month.

“We found people were really generouswith their donations and the Foodbank issuch a worthwhile cause.”

The school collected nearly 500 itemsof food and are very proud of everyone’sefforts, especially Nina and Olivia whoorganised the whole collection.

Sam French, Marketing & Publicity Officer


Meaning and Purpose for this Generation

YOUNGBeing a

Catholic TodayNovember 2011: the feast of Christ the King. I had

made the decision that I wanted to be a Christianjust a few months ago, inspired by people in a non-denominational church. A Catholic friend thought I wasmissing out and insisted I join him for Mass, just this onetime, just once.

Nervously I walked into the chapel. I asked the Holy Spirit tomake sure that I wouldn’t be bored, to make sure I am ableto pay attention. Everyone sat down. So did I. Then I noticedthat they are not actually sitting down, but kneeling.Awkwardly I join in, trying to make it look as though sittingdown first is just my way of kneeling. “This is my Body” - twomonths of lectures in Catholic theology prove to be helpful.The priests lifts up the Host and I know that this moment isspecial. I believe that it is special. I did not expect that Iwould believe it – it just happened.

April 2012. I know I no longer want to stand back and watch.I feel like I am missing out. My Catholic friends speak aboutConfession sometimes and they seem to appreciate it somuch. They speak about the Eucharist, the rosary, thebreviary, the saints. They even speak about chastity. I amimpressed by their honesty and devotion. I want that. Ijoined the Student Cross pilgrimage, walking from Londonto Walsingham during Holy Week. We carry a large cross andthere is something comforting about the wood pressinggently onto my shoulder. It is a constant reminder of God’sgrace, of God’s intervention to reconcile us to Himself.Reconciliation… “How long has it been since your lastconfession?” I giggle. I have got some explaining to do.Baptised, first Holy Communion, confirmed – never been toconfession. I suppose people who were once forced to gowanted to give us more freedom. But I want real freedom –the freedom that Christ offers. I want that joy of theSacrament, knowing that God forgives me even if I amhardly aware of my sins. “I absolve you…”

December 2015. I have been enjoying life at Castlerigg forthe past few months. Every day I get to experience that joyagain. The joy of just being Catholic. It is such a blessing tobe able to share that with others. It is a great blessing, also,to have endless silly and crazy moments with the team. Andeven more so, to be able to thank God every day for beingpart of a community in which people are not afraid tosupport one another, whether it be on the worst or the bestday, reflecting the love that motivates them – God’s love.

Anke, 23, CastleriggManor - Keswick

On the weekend of Youth Sunday and theFeast of Christ the King the second Embrace

Conference took place at Liverpool MetropolitanCathedral. Having missed last year’s conference, Ihad no idea what to expect but was excited for whatthe day entailed. I was definitely not disappointed!

It was a fantastic day packed with laughter, singing andsilent reflection. The day began with praise & worship,prayer and a speech from David Wells. I then attendeda workshop with Rise Theatre Company, as I haveenjoyed performances from them in the past. They rana drama workshop on the theme of ‘storytelling’ and ingroups we reflected on the parable of the mustardseed, producing freeze frames that represented theseed growing into something much bigger.

Throughout the day, there were several keynotespeeches which focused on the theme for theconference: “Build my Kingdom”. I particularly enjoyedthe talk from Fr Frankie Mulgrew, who used anAmerican football and a pair of oven gloves todemonstrate the touchdown of God’s Kingdom toearth through Jesus!

Later in the day, we had time for praise & worship,then Adoration and Reconciliation – an opportunity toreflect on the wonderful day we were having. Therewas also a youth testimony that featured incrediblymoving spoken word poetry, which is something I

would love to try writing myself. Embrace concludedwith Vigil Mass and everyone gathered together topraise God for such a great day. Following Communion,dancers from Corpus Christi Catholic High Schoolperformed a beautiful dance piece based uponembracing those affected by the migrant crisis. Myfavourite part of the day was after Mass, when themusicians played “We are the Free”, which seems to bea favourite worship song among many of us youngCatholics! The joy in the Cathedral as we sang wasindescribable; the atmosphere was electric, witheveryone praising God at the tops of our voices. Withmuch singing, dancing and clapping, the conferenceended.

Embrace 2015 was a day filled with the mostunbelievable amount of happiness and I had such anincredible time! It was also a great opportunity to catchup with many other young people who I have metthrough Lourdes and various other events, along withmeeting many lovely new people. I am already lookingforward to next year, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Anna, 18, Preston

Embrace 2015“Build my Kingdom”

To advertise please contact

Caroline on 01223 969506or email [email protected]


Last April, young people from across the diocese gathered atCastlerigg to celebrate this great feast day.

Jenny writes, ‘Easter means a journey of sadness through to the joyouscelebration of Jesus’ Resurrection. I experienced this personally. Onthis retreat I re-discovered my happiness as for the first time in a longtime, due to the excellent advice from the priest I am feeling cleansedfrom sin, blessed and the happiest I have been for a while. I lovedmaking the three crosses to symbolise Jesus and the two thieves butI also loved the feeling of recollection between all of us on retreatthroughout Holy Week. I met with some old friends and with some newfriends and celebrated the rising of Jesus once again with my Catholicfamily whom I love more than any. I loved how the weather reflectedthe mood of each day and how we gathered together with members ofKeswick parish for the Good Friday Service and Holy Saturday Vigil.Thank you to all the team and everyone on retreat for making me anoverall happier person!’

The 2016 Easter retreat will run from 24-27 March – all youngpeople aged year 9+ would be very welcome. The cost for theweekend is £70 – this includes all food, accommodation andactivities. Bookings can be made via the website atwww.castleriggmanor.co.uk/yatm-events//easter-weekendFor any further information please call: 01768772711

Jenny, 15, Lancaster

Easter Joy


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Dear Editor,You devoted the front page of the CatholicVoice (November 2015 edition) to theservicemen from St Gregory's Parish, wholost their lives during the two World Wars.There was an appeal for photographs andinformation of any of those whose namesare inscribed on the base of the MemorialChalice.

The purpose of writing is to thank sincerelyMartin Gee, who then collated all theinformation received and producedindividual folders for each person named.He organised a beautiful display of theChalice and the folders, which manypeople were able to view throughout theRemembrance weekend. During theMasses, celebrated by Fr Dakin, the LastPost was sounded, followed by a Roll Call ofthe Dead, which was all very moving.

In conclusion it was a very memorableevent for which Martin Gee and all involveddeserve sincere thanks. Thanks also to theCatholic Voice for highlighting the appeal.

On a personal note we, as a family, found ita very fitting tribute to our uncle GeraldTipping, who served with BomberCommand and was killed during the raidon Stuttgart on the 25th July 1944, aged27. He is buried in a small CommonwealthWar Graves Cemetery at St Desir, close toLisieux, the birthplace of St Theresa.

Yours sincerely,Theresa Wilson, Penwortham, Preston


St Mary’s Church at Kells hosted anAdvent Service on Sunday 29th

November for all its neighbouringChurches. On a foul evening, a gatheringof some 140 people came together, forwhat has become a regular feature of theannual programme of the ‘Kells JointChurches Project’.

The clear message of the service was thatthere is a great deal more to preparing forChristmas than indulging in the madnessof Black Friday and, indeed there is a greatdeal more to the Christmas event than justcelebrating the birth of a child.

Churches gather to signal the beginning of Advent The keen participation of pupils from Year 9students from St Benedict’s Catholic HighSchool, the parish’s own St Mary’s CatholicPrimary School and ‘St Mary’s Little Lambs’Sunday morning group, brought theservice alive in dance, in song and indecorating the Jesse Tree a traditionaldepiction of the genealogy of Jesus.

Clergy and parishioners from all the Churchesinvolved led the readings and prayers.

The service was rounded off by an extendedreflection based around an Advent Prayerwritten by the late Fr Henri Nouwen.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SCHOOLS ON THIS PAGE FOR SUPPORTING THE PAPERIf your school would like to purchase a support advert in the paper please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email [email protected]

An advert in this section is only £39 or £25 for a monthly advert


On 8th December 2015 Pope Francisopened the Extraordinary Jubilee of

Mercy, which lasts until November 20th(the Feast of Christ the King) this year.

It’s a Holy Year, also known as a JubileeYear, when the Church emphasises somecharacteristic of the Christian faith, andinvites people to grow closer to God andeach other.

An Ordinary Jubilee occurs every 25 years;the last one was the Great Jubilee of 2000.But Popes can break the cycle, and declarean ‘extraordinary’ Jubilee whenever theywish. Pope Francis has declared thisextraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, becausehe reckons mercy needs re-emphasisingor recovering. “Perhaps we have long sinceforgotten how to show and live the way ofmercy”, he writes in Misericordiae Vultus.

Miseri what? Misericordiae Vultus is the name of the Bull— like an edict — which Pope Francis usedto announce the Jubilee back in April. Thetitle means ‘The Face of Mercy’, which is, ofcourse God’s face. The Pope says there that“the Church’s very credibility is seen in howshe shows merciful and compassionate love”.He’s saying unless people recognise in theChurch God’s merciful love, then they won’trecognise the Church as God’s body onearth. Hence the motto for the Jubilee:“Merciful like the Father”.

How long have these Jubilee yearsbeen going on?The first was declared — ‘indicted’, to usethe correct word — in 1300, so that’s 715years. Boniface VIII was keen for a wave ofspirituality and forgiveness to rise up andmeet the violence and hatred of the era. Sohe declared that pilgrims coming to Romeduring that year would receive “fullremission of sins”. Since then, the formathad become standard: announcing it witha Bull, and opening it with a Holy Door.

So this is an invention of themedieval Church?Yes, but recovering a very old Biblical idea.

What youneed to know

about theJubilee

of MercyThe concept of the Jubilee is very strong inthe Old Testament. The word comes fromthe Hebrew Yovel, meaning ‘ram’s horn’,which was blown to mark a year every 50years dedicated wholly to God. “You will de-clare this fiftieth year sacred and proclaimthe liberation of all the inhabitants of theland,” says Yahweh in the Book of Leviticus,adding: “This will be a jubilee for you.” Theidea was to interrupt the cycle of day-to-day living in order to reconnect humanitywith its Creator.

There’s a strong link between the conceptof Sabbath every seven years, and jubileeevery 50th: whatever the land producedwas shared among the neediest, and debtswere forgiven. There was also an ecologicalelement: “For the land belongs to me”(Leviticus 25:23). Human beings were not tocontinue exploiting the land for their ownbenefit; there was a divine order thatmust be respected. At the same time, theHebrew Jubilees looked forward to thecoming of the Messiah, emphasising theinnate equality of all people and their hopeof liberation.

Then there’s the prophecy in Isaiah, fulfilledin Jesus, when God announces that he willsend a Messiah full of mercy, a Messiahwho would say: “The spirit of the Lord Godis upon me… he has sent me to bring goodnews to the poor, to bind up the wounds ofbroken hearts, to proclaim liberty to captives,freedom to prisoners, and to announce ayear of mercy of the Lord” (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Wait, did you say ‘ecology’? A link therewith Laudato Si’? Well spotted. Pope Francis’s greatencyclical on care of the earth is preciselyall about that — recovering a sense of theplanet as God’s gift to be nurtured, ratherthan an object to be plundered.

What’s the Holy Door about? Why a door?The Holy Door of the Basilica is thepilgrim’s destination. The Church is a signof the House of God, and Jesus Christ is thegreat Door that opens humanity to the loveof the Father.

St Peter’s Cathedral LancasterHoly Door prior to opening.


The Holy Door of St Peter’s used to getbricked up at the end of each Jubilee Year.Since 1974, when cement fell too close toPope Paul VI, the door is simply opened.

Holy Doors have been opened in Cathedralsthroughout the world, including inLancaster.

You can see the power of the symbol. On18th November Francis dedicated hisweekly audience to the symbolism of whathe called “the door of God’s mercy, a doorever open to all who knock and desire to meetJesus.” He said doors must protect, but notrepudiate, and that it was necessary toknock, “as hospitality shines in the freedomof welcome, and darkens in the arrogance ofinvasion”. Then he spoke of how importantit was to open the door frequently “to seeif there is anyone waiting outside, whoperhaps does not have the courage or eventhe strength to knock.”

So what’s actually going to happen? Many pilgrims will be visiting Rome,where there will be additional facilities towelcome the anticipated influx of visitors.On a Friday of every month throughoutthe year Pope Francis will be making somegesture or visit, focussing on what theChurch traditionally calls “works of mercy”drawn from Matthew 25: 34-36. (There areseven in all). “God, in his wisdom, sent us,in rich Europe, the hungry to be fed, thethirsty to slake their thirst, the stranger tobe welcomed, and the naked to be clothed”.

What about next year?Some 800 priests on Ash Wednesday nextyear will receive from Pope Francis specialfaculties to be preachers and confessors ofmercy, including receiving the faculty toforgive abortions (technically reserved to theVatican or bishops, who can grant priests astanding permission). This underlinesanother key point about mercy, which isthat it is unlocked by repentance. So expectplenty of new emphasis on the Sacramentof Confession, “the crucial meeting-placefor experiencing what Pope Francis calls thecaress of God’s mercy,” as Cardinal Nichols

recently put it. World Youth Day in Krakow,Poland, in July, will be dedicated to thetheme. Pope Francis’s message to youngpeople about how to prepare, spiritually, forWYD16 is worth a read. “I would suggestthat for the first seven months of 2016 youchoose a corporal and a spiritual work ofmercy to practice each month”, he urges. InMisericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis recallsJohn XXIII’s words opening the 2nd VaticanCouncil in 1962: “Now the Bride of Christwishes to use the medicine of mercy ratherthan taking up arms of severity … TheCatholic Church, as she holds high the torchof Catholic truth at this Ecumenical Council,wants to show herself a loving mother to all;patient, kind, moved by compassion andgoodness toward her separated children.”That’s the Church Pope Francis wantsto see.

Austen Ivereigh, a Director of CatholicVoices, and author of The Great Reformer:

Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope(Henry Holt and Co., 2014).

Editor’s note: Lancaster Cathedral has itsown holy door, opened by Bishop Campbellon Sunday 13 December 2015. A plenaryindulgence is granted to those who walkthrough the Holy Door, and pray for thePope’s intentions, make a Confession andreceive Holy Communion, under theusual conditions.

The Statue of the Sacred Heartof Jesus which will greet peopleas they enter through the Holy

Door in Lancaster.


The Joy ofMission!

After much organisation andpreparation throughout the year the

Diocese of Lancaster Annual Pilgrimageto Lourdes was upon us. Led by BishopCampbell we experienced a holy andspiritually uplifting pilgrimage. Gratefulthanks goes to all who contributed tomaking this years pilgrimage such awonderful success.

• Saturday: The official start of ourpilgrimage commenced with a splendidWelcome Mass in the Rosary Basilica,the church built specifically at therequest of our merciful Queen.

• Sunday: The International Mass, acelebration for all nations onpilgrimage, was a wonderful experienceand was followed in the afternoon byour Service of Reconciliation in theUnderground Basilica.

• Monday: We celebrated the Mass ofAnointing followed by Passage throughthe Grotto for our sick pilgrims.Lancaster had the honour of leadingthe Blessed Sacrament Procession tothe Underground Basilica.

• Tuesday: After our daily Mass there wasa planned trip to the Lac de Lourdes.This was thoroughly enjoyed by youngand elderly alike. In the evening wewitnessed a beautiful Holy Hour withconfessions in the Upper Basilica for the able bodied and in the HotelMediterranee for the sick.

• Wednesday: We celebrated Mass at theGrotto, led by Lancaster; this was ajoyful and spiritually upliftingcelebration. Following this theregistered sick had the opportunityto attend the ‘Baths’. In the evening ourdiocese was privileged in leading theMarian Torchlight Procession.

• Thursday: Was soon upon us and so toowas our Farewell Mass, followed by aReception in the Hotel Mediterranee inthe evening.

The week always flies by so very quickly,last year was no exception. We said farewellto friends both old and new….. until 2016.

Let’s hear from some of those who madethe pilgrimage last year:

The Grotto is often described as a placewhere heaven and earth connect insome way, it most certainly felt thatway for me as we celebrated Mass theretogether. Sarah Benson (Carer)

When our pilgrimage visited the Bathsa group of musicians were playingdeeply spiritual music. It was quietand tranquil in the warm sun. Somepilgrims waiting for the Baths on thebenches were moved to tears.

Fr. Philip. Smith (Pilgrimage Director)

The Lancaster Diocesan Pilgrimageto Lourdes in July 2015 was a greatsuccess and I feel privileged to havebeen able to attend. It was lovely tosee everyone united in prayer andsocialising. Margaret Wright (Pilgrim)

Going on pilgrimage to Lourdes hashelped me with the challenges I haveand face in everyday life. A profoundmoment for me in Lourdes was theHoly Hour in the Upper Basilica.

Grace (Youth)

I am overwhelmed with the MedicalTeam, Brancardier and youth who haveshown outstanding care, devotion,goodness and humanity. At the Grotto,all the painful times in our lives;sickness, grief, separation, sadness canenter into our consciousness, but theycan become a source of joy, peace andhope. Sr. Norbett (Pilgrim)

What about Lourdes 2016?The year before us is a special year becausePope Francis has proclaimed a ‘Jubilee Yearof Mercy’ to which he invites everyone to

LANCASTERDIOCESAN

PILGRIMAGETO LOURDES

2015


partake. He invites everyone to make apilgrimage this year, to physically passthrough a Door of Mercy and gain a JubileeIndulgence. By decree of the Bishop ofTarbes and Lourdes, Lourdes will be aJubilee Centre in 2016. And our theme ofpilgrimage will be ‘Merciful like the Father’.

Under the Spiritual Direction of BishopCampbell our Pilgrimage will take place22nd – 29th July 2016 and planning isalready well under way.

Around 300 pilgrims travel by air andacross land to come together as a DiocesanFamily – consisting of the Bishop, priests,deacons, our sick brothers and sisters andpilgrims. They come from every part of thediocese, north, south, east and west. Noother Diocesan event brings so manypeople together than this Devotion to OurBlessed Lady.

This year’s pilgrimage will be a wonderfulopportunity to cross the threshold of theDoor of Mercy which will be built within theDomaine. We are invited, with Mary andBernadette, to make the Sign of the Crossand to follow the Jubilee Itinerary. PopeFrancis has said “this is the opportunemoment to change our lives!”

Do you know of anyone who you thinkwould benefit from coming to Lourdes?Please think about all those you know thatmay not see this message themselves,those in rest homes, the housebound,the frail, those in distress – please spreadthe word!

There will be a flight from Manchester forall pilgrims including the registered sick.This year, along with the coach that travelsfrom Preston there will be a luxury coachtaking able bodied pilgrims from the northof the Diocese, starting its journey inCarlisle with pick up at points en-route,with an overnight stay in northern France.

We need YOU to come along in anycapacity, whether it is as a priest, a sickpilgrim, a nurse, a carer, a young person or

if you simply want to come and join theDiocese on this annual pilgrimage, contactus today.

Why not help raise funds in you parish tosupport a sick pilgrim. This may be theironly opportunity of getting a week awayknowing that they will feel safe and belooked after by an excellent team of nursesand carers. Why not organise a car bootsale, a raffle, tombola, or a barbecue eventin your parish – you will be surprised howmuch support you get. Ask your priest tosupport you in bringing to others the love,peace and healing experienced by manywho come to Lourdes.

Linda WisdomDiocese of Lancaster Lourdes Pilgrimage

A date for your diary: Mass for the feast ofOur Lady of Lourdes will be held at SacredHeart Parish, Blackpool on 11th February2016 at 7pm with anointing of the sickand procession with Our Lady’s statue. Refreshments will be served in the presbyteryafter Mass. All are most welcome.

More information can be found on theDiocesen website:www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/about-us/pilgrimagesshrines/our-diocesan-pilgrimage-to-lourdes/

After coming outof the Baths inLourdes a pilgrimstopped for a drinkof Holy Water andwhen she lookedup she saw thisimage in the treeswhich, uncannily,depicts Our Lordand Saviour onthe Cross.

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Caroline on 01223 969506

or email [email protected]


The vocation to consecrated virginity and widowhood isthe oldest recorded vocation in the Church (1 Cor. 7). It

predates the desert fathers and mothers, monasticism, and themendicant and apostolic orders. With the development of theselater forms of life, this individual vocation all but died out.

This form of ‘mystical espousal to Christ’ came to rebirth at VaticanII, receiving a recognised Rite of Consecration on 30 May 1970.There are now 200 consecrated virgins (“CVs”) and 20 consecratedwidows in the UK, and it is a vocation that keeps growing inpopularity.

Consecrated VirginityChris Doyle, a CV from Ulverston explains how she discovered it:‘When I left university I felt a deep call to live totally and irrevocablyfor Christ. I thought the only way to do that was through religious lifein a congregation. The complicating factor was that when I did mypreliminary visit to Alfred Barrow School, I had an inward voice say“This is where I want you to work”. There was a tension between thetwo calls to give my life irrevocably to Christ, and knowing thatHe wanted me to work in that school. It took years of prayer anddiscernment. Years later, when I was at Castlerigg, I heard a song byJoel, based on Hosea. The refrain – “Be my bride” – resonated with me.But I still didn’t know how it was going to be done.

‘Several years later I was at Lourdes on Retreat. For 3 days on the trotbefore the Blessed Sacrament the same refrain came to me “Come. Bemy bride”. This was a bit more direct, more insistent. “Come...”. So Italked to my Spiritual Director. She said “I think you should be lookingat consecrated virginity”.

‘I was consecrated by Bishop Brewer on 1 March 1997. The wonderfulthing was that he and his successor Bishop O’Donoghue both wantedme continue to work in the school where I knew God was calling me towork – the same Community State School, which I was at for 34 yearsin all. It all came together. When things converge it is really the HolySpirit’.

Diversity Consecrated virgins and widows live in their own homes, carryingout works that match their particular talents and callings. Somelive as hermit contemplatives, whereas others are involved in

Consecrated Virginityand Widowhood

education, healthcare, prison and hospital chaplaincy and parishwork. They are obedient to the local Bishop, who may ask them toserve the Diocese in various ways. Since retiring, Chris has beeninvolved in parish ministry, serves on the Board of Trustees for theDiocese and also on the Board of Education. Ursula Walker is acounsellor in Blackpool, and Joan Smeddles from Barrow isinvolved in parish ministry. Each woman has an individual Rule ofLife agreed with her Bishop.

An individual vocationThe difference between this form of life and that of a SecularInstitute is that ‘it is an individual vocation of the Church, in theChurch and for the Church’. There is a national gathering annually,and a ‘DIY retreat’ at Hyning, as well as telephone networking, andlocal meetings (all optional). ‘Deep friendships are built that are veryenriching. But the woman has to be able to live the vocation on herown, and be very balanced, discerning, resilient and spiritually mature.You’ve not to take yourself too seriously.’

VirginityChris believes that this form of life is particularly relevant in thesetimes. Virginity in particular is a counter-cultural sign:‘Consecrated virginity is not about negation. Its essence is not saying“No” to marriage. It is consent to a specific and beautiful grace – anexperience and expression of love: God’s love for us and our love forGod. I feel that at consecration there is a special outpouring of God’slove into the soul and then it is returned to him by the virgin – it’s anexchange of love. As you try to live it, discipline and self-control areneeded. Consecrated virginity is sustained only by a deep and strongpersonal love for Christ. It’s a beautiful, positive thing. You have to bevirginal in the mind and the heart as well as the body. St Gertrude says“By the observance of virginity she commits herself to remain unitedwith her Spouse, with a pure heart, a chaste body and a love thatdraws ever closer”.

Financially independent‘I see the life as a call to live in and from Christ and to be the sign andinstrument of His love in the world – especially in the gap that existsbetween the world and Gospel values. We live 24/7 in the world withall the same pressures and responsibilities of any lay woman. We’vegot to have somewhere to live. Our poverty must be balanced betweenproviding for one’s needs and living a simple, detached life, as Christ lived.

Living inthe Gap


Two dimensions‘If we can only root ourselves in Christ, He can do wonderful things. To me it’s not the things I do that bring me the deep joy, its being – ortrying to be – one with the Lord. That’s the personal dimension of thevocation. The secondary dimension is how that flows into everyday life.

‘I try to be a tabernacle for Christ and take Him with me in whateversphere of everyday life I find myself. It could be that many peopledon’t know that we are consecrated and yet if we live for Christ he cantouch other people’s lives and we may never know it. It’s a less visibleapostolate, but it’s not secret. It’s personal but it’s not private.’

Admissionin the Diocese of Lancaster it takes at least 4 years in all to beadmitted for possible final Consecration. Virgins or widowsinterested in this form of life should consult their Spiritual Director,and ultimately the Bishop. The Diocesan Bishop will then decide ona person’s suitability before assigning them a Formation Director(separate from a Spiritual Director) to guide the candidate duringthe formation period. Katherine Daniels

Consecrated Widowhood – A Personal Story

When Mick died I was distraught and thought that I wouldnever be happy again. I went through the grieving

process and shed many, many tears. How could God do this,take away the one person who loved me unconditionally?What sort of God was he?

At this time I had to find a new spiritual director because mine wasmoving away. I started to see Fr. David Elder and he helped me tosee that it was OK to get angry with God and I let my anger out.God was no longer a personal God but I could find him in creationand in the Eucharist but as for a God who loved me personally….No….. that trust had gone.

Over the next few years God lead me to Himself again. Slowly Ibegan to learn again of God’s deep love for me. I started to believein Him again as a personal, loving God but there were many tearsshed along the way for Mick. The tears slowly began to be tears ofjoy as I began to see that there could be a life after Mick. There had

been death but now resurrection was happening and I began tosee that the love Mick had for me was God’s love for me – manifestin Mick. My marriage was over but I still had/have lots of love togive. I began to know God’s love for me again in the depth ofmy heart.

One of the ways this happened was through the Spiritual Exercisesthat Fr. David invited to me to do in daily life (19th Annotation). Atthe end of these I had a great desire to give my life in service toGod. I knew I did not want to join a religious order because Iwas happily settled where I was with my job, friends and parishcommunity. It just did not seem right. Fr. David invited to me lookinto the Order of Consecrated Widows (I had never heard of them).

These are widows who have given their lives to the service of theChurch and take the vow of celibacy in the spirit of poverty andobedience to the local bishop. They live financially independent ofthe church.

This way of life really appealed to me because it allows me to showGod’s love to all those I meet. I am in the world but not “of theworld”. It gives me a freedom to love others – to live the Gospel in atangible way, in the context of the everyday life they also have tolive. I can witness to the great joy I have in following Jesus in a waythat is accessible to all that I meet.

Consecrated Widowhood can only be understood within thecontext of the Sacrament of Marriage. It grows from theexperience of marriage and is seen as a development of it. Theperson we loved is no longer here physically for us to love but he isnot dead – he is alive with Jesus in heaven and interceding for us.We can still talk to them and ask for their help. The love for him isstill real. This is the beauty of this vocation in that you can stillremain faithful to that love. I see the vow of celibacy as a way ofgiving the love that I would have given to Mick to those around me.

The marriage is over and the emptiness becomes a space for Godand allows a new and deeper relationship to develop. It is also oneof the earliest vocations mentioned in Scripture:“The woman who is really widowed and left on her own has set herhope on God and perseveres night and day in petitions and prayers.”(1 Timothy 5:5). Ursula Walker (OCW)

A group of Consecrated Virgins andWidows with Bishop Campbell at the

consecration of Joan Smeddles as a Widow Chris Doyle is pictured second from left;

Joan Smeddles OCW is next to BishopCampbell and Ursula Walker can be seen

on the far right of the back row.


Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, heldits first ever whole-school Mission in

November. The normal school timetablewas suspended for two and a half days toallow the entire Stonyhurst communityto focus on who they are, their uniquetalents, and their vocation in life. Lookingoutwards, this was also a time for pupilsto learn about the challenges anddifficulties people face worldwide.

Visiting speakers talked about some of theworld’s urgent challenges, such as religiouspersecution, the plight of refugees,homelessness and isolation. BaronessCaroline Cox spoke about her charity,Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust, which offersadvocacy and aid to persecuted peoplewho are ‘off the radar’. Professor LordAlton raised awareness about the plight ofpersecuted people in Pakistan and Burma.

Visiting theatre companies andprofessional musicians led pupils in dramaand singing workshops. Award-winningRise Theatre gave a presentation onwell-being and happiness, which isessential as young people currently faceincreasing social and academic pressures.

The Ten Ten theatre group worked withchildren at the prep school, while CJMMusic led singing sessions for eachyear-group.

Stonyhurst pupils were also very activeduring the Mission, raising over £2,000 foran African refugee charity, by taking partin a relay race. Younger children, at tonyhurst St Mary’s Hall, held a lively partyfor local senior citizens. Every sixth-formstudent volunteered their services at localspecial schools, care homes, hospices,charities for the homeless and foodbanks.

Students consider

‘What Really Matters’

They also cleared the local cemetery ofbrambles, leaves and dead-wood.

Two extraordinary days at Stonyhurstculminated in the celebration of Mass theday after the appalling terrorist attacksin Paris, Fr Philip Endean SJ the principalcelebrant said it was worth thinking aboutthe lesson in that accident of timing: “Whenwe talk about letting our lights shine, we’renot talking about something that is easy orcheap. The terrible news shouldn’t takeaway the joy and enthusiasm with which wecelebrate our faith, but it can serve to remindus that the faith we celebrate will always besomething of a challenge, a provocation, anexpression of hope against the backgroundof a world often tempted towards despair.”

Stonyhurst’s lay chaplain, Sarah Young, whoco-ordinated the planning of the Missionover many months, said: “Sometimes it isworth taking a risk and doing somethingdifferent. This Mission has been different and,by the smiles on people’s faces, it has beenworth the risk. It has felt extraordinary andyet it has also been a celebration of ourordinary, everyday endeavour.”

A sixth form student said: “I have had agreat time throughout the Mission. It was attimes challenging but ultimately it was a veryrefreshing experience, for which I am verygrateful.”

Headmaster Andrew Johnson said: “TheMission is a unique event at Stonyhurst andhas been a huge success. This vital time-outfrom routine has allowed our pupils to growin self-esteem and to discern how they canmake a difference in the world by using theirunique gifts and talents. It has given us alltime to reflect on what really matters.”

Dawn Johnson – Press Officer


Clare Plasom-Scott gave an impassioned, interestingand inspired presentation to North Lancashire Circle

of the Catenian Association about her visit to Zambia. Itwas a tribute to the Bursary Fund that should encouragestudents to refresh their faith by applying for a grant.

Whilst she was studying at Lancaster University, shespotted the Association’s poster giving information aboutits Bursary Fund. She had already planned to make a threemonth visit in March 2015 to a community of CatholicSisters in the Monze Diocese of Zambia, and was alreadyraising funds. The Monze Diocese is the partner diocese ofher parish of St Catherine's in Penrith, Cumbria. TwoCatenian Brothers, Bill Arnold, Charity Officer, andPresident Wilfred Gill presented her with £400 from theBursary Fund at Mass.

Clare had planned her workload out there with the Sistersincluding working where she would be of most use, puttingher faith into action and increasing her faith in communitylife. So she found herself working amongst the poor, inthe school and hospital with the Sisters, caring for thoseconfined at home with disease and working in the localhealth clinic.

Returning with stories, having increasing her knowledge,she was able to strengthening the links between the MonzeDiocese and her parish so that they can better support them.

Clare also spoke about her time at Lancaster Universitywhere she came across many difficulties in practising herfaith, because it is such a secular institution.Clare is nowworking for the charity LIFE in Manchester, going intoschools and parish meetings, to talk about the work of LIFE.

Once again St. Bernard’sprimary school, Preston has

responded to the needs of others;this time to the Salvation ArmyChristmas appeal. Lots of donations were made which,hopefully brought some happinessto those less fortunate.

Well done everyone!

One of the annual awards for service to the school and community presented toleavers of St Bede’s High School, is the Catenian Association Circle Shield.

The Shield is awarded to the pupil(s) the school consider to have been outstanding inhelping both the school and community. This year, for the first time, there were threerecipients, Clara and Ryan from The Willows, Kirkham and Natasha from Our Lady Star ofthe Sea, St Annes-on-Sea.

Clare walks the talk!

Shield Presentation


Bishop Michael Campbell was the chiefcelebrant at a Mass to celebrate the

50th anniversary of Christ the KingCatholic High School in Preston.

The school which opened in 1965 andstarted life as St John Fisher RC HighSchool, has served the Catholic communityof central and south Preston ever since.Also present were Canon Tony Walsh andFr Frank Osman from the Parish of St JohnXXIII and Canon Luiz Ruscillo and Fr JimAllen from the Diocesan EducationService; they joined the students, staffand governors in a beautiful celebrationin recognition of the gifts of the past50 years.

Bishop Campbell paid tribute to past andpresent staff, governors and students ofthe school for all their hard work anddedication. He also spoke about Christ theKing as being an example of “love, justice

The Parish of Christ the King and StKentigern's Blackpool, had the

pleasure of Bishop Campbell OSA visitingthe parish for the Confirmation of ourChildren. Two Confirmation Masseswere held at St Kentigern's Church, onThursday November 26th and then atChrist The King on Sunday 29thNovember.

This was the 8th Consecutive year that theParish has had the pleasure of welcomingBishop Michael to be the Celebrant. TheChildren of St Kentigern's and Christ theKing were all very aware of the magnitudeof the occasion. The culmination of monthsof work along this path of spiritualityleading to the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Children were not alone on thisSpiritual Journey. Supported by theirparents and sponsors and the prayers ofthe whole parish and guided by Fr JohnWinstanley, Parish Priest and the teachingstaff at St Kentigern's and of Christ TheKing and the Parish Catechists.

In his Homily Bishop Campbell said that hewished he “could explain the Holy Spirit , but

CHRIST THE KINGCelebrates 50 Years

and peace”. He also commented on theexcellent behaviour of the students and therespect they showed for the Liturgy. Theschool, which received an “outstanding”Diocesan Inspection in June, is recognisedas a place where students make excellentprogress and receive the highest levels ofpastoral care.

Headteacher, Damien Callagher, said,“I am delighted that we were able to cometogether as a community to celebrate allthat is so special about Christ the King. Itwas wonderful to see our students soengaged in the Mass, they really enjoyed it.Having Bishop Campbell with us helped tomake it such a special occasion.”

After Mass Bishop Campbell took timeout to meet with students, he was eveninterviewed by the school’s News Team,a copy of which is on the school websitewww.ctk.lancs.sch.uk

Come Holy Ghost Creator Come, Andthe Bishop came Again and then Again!

he couldn't”. - “Only to say, it is the Love ofGod for his Son and the Love of God the Sonfor his Father.” However, all became clearfrom the candidates themselves, when theywere asked by Bishop Michael to renew thevows that had been made on their behalf attheir Baptism; For in unison and with a loudvoice to each question they all exclaimed “I DO”, that was proof indeed of The Lovethat is the Holy Spirit. The Children hadprovided the explanation! They had spoken,so convincingly, because they understood,and it was equally clear for all of us whowitnessed it. That the Love that is the HolySpirit was within them.

Each of the Candidates received a Bibleand certificate from the parishioners andrespective PTFAs.

In good old fashioned tradition theCandidates and their families, friends andfellow parishioners gathered in the ParishCentre at St Kentigern's and the DiningHall of St Mary's College , where thechildren celebrated with lots of goodthings to eat and a special “CelebratoryConfirmation Cakes” ceremoniously cutby Bishop Michael. Angelita Smith


When asked if I would write a smallpiece on my journey this year on

the way to being given the ministry ofacolyte I wondered what to write it on?The first verse of the song “In ChristAlone” gave me my introduction. Myname is Stephen and I am a third yearseminarian for the Diocese of Lancaster.In our third year we are instituted intothe Ministry of Acolyte, and this tookplace during Holy Mass on the 24thNovember last year.

“An Acolyte is appointed to aid the deaconand to minister to the priest at the altar andas a special minister to give Holy Communionto the faithful at Mass and to the sick.Acolytes may also expose the Eucharist forpublic adoration in the absence of a priest ordeacon. During the institution ceremony,candidates are reminded that they will have aspecial role in the Church’s ministry, since thesummit and source of the Church’s life is theEucharist, which builds up the Christiancommunity and makes it grow. Thecandidates are asked to show a sincere lovefor Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy peopleand especially for the weak and the sick.”

The third year is quite a big academic year

In Christ alone my hope is found,He is my light, my strength, my song;This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

as it’s the final year of the first degree westudy for at the college, hence myself andmy fellow third year students are quitefrazzled in the run up to the first termessay and assignment deadlines. Twoother students and I are also on weeklyplacement at the Queen Elizabeth hospitalin Birmingham, where as part of the multifaith chaplaincy team we visit the wardsand patients offering a chat, prayer andsupport. For the first few weeks we werepaired with a chaplain from another faithand it was my privilege to go to some visitswith the Sikh chaplain. It was humbling tobe able to witness the care and compassionhe offered the sick patients, especiallypraying with a man who had been told hiscancer was terminal. The following week Iwent out with the Anglican chaplain, andagain it was inspirational to witness hisdedication and ease at which he put thepatients we visited.

I have worked for the NHS in the past andhave been in and around hospitals for anumber of years, but never in the role of achaplaincy team ward visitor. For me therole of visitor is very hard, having toapproach people who I don’t know at a verydifficult time in their lives, what should I

say? What can I say? It’s frustrating notbeing able to help in any way that canalleviate their pain. All I can offer issomeone to talk to and pray with if theywould like to. It’s at times like these thatthe line of the hymn become so real andrelevant, “In Christ alone my hope is found”,He is my hope, in Him alone I trust, He is mystrength.

Last year before returning to the college tostart my second year I was at Holy Mass,the doubts about my vocation to thepriesthood filling my mind. When, out ofthe blue, a young nun who was sittingbehind me, tapped me on the shoulder andsaid “Always remember to keep your eyes onJesus”. This is exactly what I needed to hear,I felt strengthened, resolved and at peace.

What heights of love, what depths ofpeace, When fears are stilled, whenstrivings cease! My Comforter, my All inAll, Here in the love of Christ I stand.

Please pray for the Seminarians and allthose who are thinking about priesthood,that they may have the faith, strength andcourage to follow our Loving Lords path.

Stephen Tallbut

Listen to the hymn at:https://youtu.be/8welVgKX8Qo

For more information and guidanceabout a priestly vocation contact oneof the team:

Vocations Director: Fr Darren CardenSt Clare's Presbytery, Sharoe Green LaneNorth, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9HH.Telephone: (01772) 719604Mobile: 07552 795060E-mail: [email protected]

Assistant Vocations Director:Fr John MillarThe Rectory, Warwick Square,Carlisle CA1 1LB.Tel: (01228) 521509Email: [email protected]

www.lancastervocations.org

Ministry of

Acolyte


In late October over 500 deacons fromall over the world and their wives

attended the Golden Jubilee of therestoration of the Permanent Diaconateto the Catholic Church.

The venue was Fraterna Domus inRome. The event was organised by theInternational Diaconate Centre in Germany.Deacons from every continent participatedin the great event. They came from China,India, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A,Canada, most European countries, SouthAmerica and Africa. In fact 37 countrieswere represented in total.

Each daily Mass was concelebrated byseveral bishops all of whom expressed theirsincere support for the Diaconate. A bishopcame from Russia where they are about tostart training for the diaconate.

USA has the largest number of deacons,over 18,000. Places like India 16 and HongKong 20. Both countries have only recentlybegun to ordain permanent deacons.During the 5 days of the Jubilee visits weremade to Assisi as well as various churchesin Rome. St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, a

Just before Christmas the BlackpoolWyre and Fylde Filipino Community

came together to celebrate with FilipinoChaplain Fr Jason Dy SJ before hisreturn to take up a university teachingpost in the Philippines after 2 years herein the UK.

The Community gathered at St Kentigern'sChurch for a final Mass and the occasion

basilica, where St. Paul’s remains are, wasone and St. Lawrence’s church, where thedeacon martyr’s body is kept – (his headbeing kept at the Vatican!) was another.The week coincided with the additionalweek of the synod on family life andmarriage. On the Thursday night a GermanBishop gave the deacons a brief outline onwhat had been discussed at the Synod andhe finished with a very open questions andanswers session.

Pope Francis had intended to meet with thedeacons on the Thursday but this had to bepostponed as on that day the final draughtproposals of the synod had been drawn upfor all the participants to read overnight inorder to vote on the contents on the Friday.He sent a letter expressing his support forthe diaconate and his disappointment athaving to cancel his private audience withthem. Pope Francis then invited thedeacons to return to Rome in May when hecould meet with them.

Deacon Bill Gillan from Our Lady Star of theSea in St. Annes attended the Jubilee and isseen third from the left on the front rowwith some of his fellow deacons

‘Panunuluyan (Posadas)’Filipino Christmas Play

was made extra special with a special FilipinoChristmas Play ‘Panunuluyan (Posadas)’.

Five scenes from the Nativity were actedout processing around the Church led by FrJason Dy (SJ) and Fr John Winstanley, PP,going from ‘house’ to ‘house’ and being metwith refusals to stay. Hymns were sung inprocession along the way. At the fourth'house' they are at last offered a place. The

‘Holy Family’ then processed to the theSanctuary (the stable) where the childrendressed as animals are waiting and in thefinal scene, the offertory procession, ledby the three kings bearing gifts of breadand wine for Mass and gifts for baby Jesusin the Manger. At the end of Mass ‘Whenthe Child is born’ was sung. A FarewellParty was later held in the Parish Centre inhonour of Fr Jason.

The Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Communitythank Fr Jason for his spiritual guidance andinspiration and for sharing his valuabletime with the Filipino Community despitehis hectic schedule. We wish him all thebest . They also thank Fr John for hissupport to the Filipino Community's Churchactivities and his generosity of the use ofSt Kentigern's Church and Parish Hall.

Angelita Smith


For over 40 years HCPT’s HosannaHouse has been welcoming pilgrims

to Lourdes. Between May and October2016 it will be available to be enjoyed byparish, diocese, disability and schoolsgroups. You too could experience thefriendly, homely welcome that thehouse’s staff pride themselves on offering.

Located in the hills above Lourdes, thehouse offers tranquillity and panoramicviews of the Pyrenees for pilgrimages orretreats. Describing her first impressions ofthe house, one recent guest Maggie said,“If heaven was anything like this I would behappy to go there.”

Away from the bustle of the town you willbe able to truly relaxand benefit from yourstay and your surroundings. However, thehouse’s location just a few kilometresaway from the Marian Shrine means you

This was the ‘wake-up’ call from thegospel that Father Kevin Lowry used

when he began the day of prayer andreflection organised by Women Togetherin the Diocese of Lancaster last November.

He first shared with us his conviction that amajor weakness in our faith formation hasbeen that we have not been helped to praythe gospels. We may have been taught toknow the stories and events in them, hearthem Sunday after Sunday, but we need tolearn how to listen with the heart andcontemplate the power of the Divine Word.

“Without listening to the Word, withoutlistening to the will of God, without a spirit ofadoration and without constant prayer therewill be no renewal of the Church.” BishopWalter Kasper

“Read the Gospels, and allow God to whisperin your minds and into your hearts words thatcan have a profound effect on the way wethink and act…But we must stop from timeto time, and make space in the day, andespecially in the mind, and ask Him to makeus aware of His presence. When he does, it isthe language of love that becomes the onlyappropriate one. When that happens, we have

Jubilee Year of Mercydiscovered true religion.” Cardinal Basil Hume

Father Kevin introduced us to a way ofprayer that allows the gospel to nourish us:lectio divina. He suggested that we takeour New Testament and pick out half adozen texts that we love and each time wegive to prayer to focus on just one of them.First, we take a moment to place ourselvesin the presence of God, asking God’s HolySpirit to open our hearts and minds as welisten to the gospel. Then we take thepassage we have chosen and read it veryslowly; we allow the words to speak to usnow, nourish us, prompt us, move and evenchallenge us. We read them over againslowly and then sit quietly with whateverhas struck us – a word, a scene, acharacter, realising that these words arefor me. They move us into knowing Jesusmore intimately, letting him become moreand more the one who is at the centre ofour lives. We were then offered a choiceof two gospel moments, to spend sometime with them and experience this forourselves.

In the afternoon talk Father Kevin moved usdeeper into the mystery that is prayer withthe gospel. This holy listening makes us

vulnerable to God’s grace so it can touch usand move us into a different level ofawareness of God’s presence within us. Hesuggested we might want to use our ownspecial prayer word or mantra when we tryto still ourselves in readiness to listen. Hedescribed how a little prayer focus in ourhomes – a lit candle, an icon or crucifix –can also help us.

Mass together was in honour of OurBlessed Lady. Father Kevin showed us howthe gospel of the Annunciation spoke to usof our calling too, to be handmaids of theLord, especially in the forthcoming JubileeYear of Mercy so as to become, as PopeFrancis invites us, “missionaries of mercy” toour broken world.

In the Church we are blessed with manyways of praying, many forms of prayer anddevotions, many beautiful words, but withFather Kevin’s help we were being shownthat this praying by listening to the gospelis essential because through it we come toan ever deeper love of Christ. All of uswho shared this day knew we were beingenriched by someone for whom this wasat the centre of his life.

Philomena Grimley SHCJ

“Listen! Anyone Who Has Ears to Hear!”

HosannaHouse

can be in the spiritual heart of town injust a few minutes in one of the house’sshuttle buses. At the centre of HosannaHouse, both literally and spiritually, is itschapel with its beautiful stained glasswindows. Here you will be able to enjoyMass, other services or find an inspiringplace for private prayer and contemplation.

All bedrooms in Hosanna House areensuite, and groups of up to 40 people canbe accommodated. Guests will get to enjoydelicious authentic local cuisine on a full orhalf board basis.

If you know of, or are part of, a group thatmight enjoy a stay at Hosanna House foryour Lourdes pilgrimage please let us knowby emailing [email protected] or call 01788564646. For more details of HCPT in theLancaster Diocese, [email protected]


All Present and Correct?MOST OF US would agree that communication and

technology in our modern world has become a ‘must’ –something we would now find very difficult to live without.

Long gone are the days of having to listen to a teacher or lecturerdrone on endlessly with nothing to visually focus our attentionupon...

lnstead, we are regularly treated to PowerPoint and Prezipresentations; DVDs, YouTube excerpts, podcasts and Chromecasts,among many others. However, there is a ‘but’ and it's quite a bigone. Wonderful though technology is, it can and does go wrong …regularly.

SILENT SCREENHow many times have you been to a PowerPoint or Prezipresentation and found that either the projector has packed upor the Internet has failed? How many times have you been psychedup and ready to watch a DVD and found that you could eitherhardly hear the sound or it did not work at all? Instead you had towatch the people on the screen silently opening and shutting theirmouths like goldfishes! And even more likely, how many times hasthat annoying Internet ‘buffering’ completely ruined what you weretrying to watch? ln short, presentations can and do go wrong all

the time, often with disastrous yet amusingresults. Although completely different in nature,Jesus too, was part of a presentation.

He was presented at the temple in Jerusalem inaccordance with the Law of Moses, which saidthat every male must be consecrated to God. Ina similar way to the confusion that we feel whencurrent technology fails, Mary and Joseph wereconfounded by all they heard that day, about Jesus.Yet through their confusion shone a beacon of love and hope, asthey were told by both Simeon and Anna that their child would bethe redeemer of all nations.

LIGHT AND HOPETechnology may fail, our plans may miscarry and inevitably wemay feel confused. Yet through the fog of confusion can shineinspiration, light and hope. Jesus is all of these for each and everyone of us. Better still, we need see no presentation, use no IT andnever have to ‘log on’ to be in touch with him!

Julia Beacroft is a catechist and pastoral volunteer who lives inTorquay. Her first book ‘Sanctifying the Spirit’ will be published andavailable to buy next year.

Copyright © 2015 Julia Beacroft & Martin Bucella, All rights reserved

Documents

HOLY YEAR OF MERCY Fling Open the Doors...Jubilee Year of Mercy to turn to God more fervently than ever before to fully experience His mercy and love that we in turn can share with