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Covid 19 – Love One Another
Some of you will remember the Rwanda genocide, April-July 1994, and others of you will know about it. Twenty-seven years ago, but the horror was there before and since and court trials continue. An estimated 800,000 Tutsi were massacred by their Hutu neighbours and Christian sisters and brothers. Most of the country is Christian, and…
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Let Us Dream – Pope Francis
in his prologue to his latest book, he writes “Think of what we’ve seen during this Covid-19 crisis. All those martyrs, men and women who have laid down their lives in service to those most in need. Think of the health workers, the doctors and nurses and other caregivers, as well as the chaplains and…
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Lent 2021 – Pope Francis
“Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world . . . . . This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage…
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World Day Of The Sick – Pope Francis
“Before the needs of our brothers and sisters, Jesus asks us to respond . . . to stop and listen, to establish a direct and personal relationship with others, to feel empathy and compassion, and to let their suffering become our own as we seek to serve them (cf. Lk 10:30-35). The experience of sickness…
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Women In Catholic Church
You may have been surprised to learn that women can be commissioned as acolytes (altar servers) and readers at mass. The announcement was made in Rome just over a week ago. In this country we are used to seeing women carrying out these duties, and others, but there are many countries, including some in Europe,…
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“Labours Of Love”
When I was in hospital last year I marvelled at the kindness of the nursing and medical care I saw and received. It was a privilege to watch. When I was due to leave the nurse told Alison over the phone that they were sorry to see me go – I had been so easy…
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A Healthier 2021
2020 was a sad and wonderful year. The sadness is evident in the suffering and fears raised by the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide – anyone at any time might become infected – but balanced by the wonderful care shown at home, in caring and nursing homes, in refuges and, especially, in our hospitals, for the weaker…
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2020 Reflections
Our final parish newsletter of the year. With you I pray for the courage and love to face 2021 with our suffering world and church. There has been much to inspire us in the dedicated hospital and care work around the world, to horrify us in the cruelty of warring nations and dictatorships, to break…
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St Joseph
In 1870 St Joseph’s was declared Patron of the Universal Church. Pope Francis has declared this year a “Year of St Joseph”, celebrating the 150th anniversary. “Patris Corde” is the title of the Pope’s letter and he speaks of St Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, and as a “father in…
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Moral Compass (1)
Who has made the news for you this week – Boris, Donald, Diego, Francis, our bishops? Which part of our world has drawn your sympathy and prayer – Ethiopia, California, Yemen, Australia, Nigeria? Which issues have pre-occupied you – Brexit, Covid-19, collapse of big businesses and loss of employment, hunger, refugees? Suppose you were asked…
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IICSA Report – Church Sex Abuse (3)
Thank you for your sympathy for the people who have been abused in the Catholic Church and for the shoddy treatment they have been given over the years – not being believed, being told they should say nothing, being blamed for the scandal that has shocked us, for being ignored by major and minor officials.…
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