The Nativity Scene or the Christmas Crib is first of all a beautiful Christmas decoration. But, of course it is much more. Its origins go far back in history. St Francis of Assisi, on a visit to Rome, had been struck by the mosaics, showing the birth of Jesus, in the Roman Basilica of Saint…
We remember with great affection the people who made a real difference to our lives. We are forever grateful to them for their kindness. As we look to Christmas we reflect on the difference that the coming of Christ makes to the world. I like to reflect, in particular on two gifts Christ brings us.…
This weekend we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent. The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. The celebration of Advent is particularly welcome to those who know themselves to be poor, and who look forward to something greater to come. The season of Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
The first two Sundays in…
This weekend we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. An old priest said after the Vatican Council, ‘My Christ used to be Christ the King, but now he has to be Christ the Carpenter’. Yet in this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus says to Pilate, Yes, I am a king. For this I was born and…
What happens when a person dies? We have many consoling images and beautiful stories that shield us from the reality of death. But what is that reality. Beliefs and views vary. Many modern-day humanists believe and proclaim that we cease to exist at the moment of death. Nothing remains but our memory of our dead…
Next weekend we will celebrate Mission Sunday. Mission Sunday reminds us each year of our missionaries working in the countries of Africa and Asia and across the world caring for the poor and the marginalised. They need our prayers and support. We think especially of those who work with the victims of war, poverty and…
On Saturday next 9th October the Church will celebrate the feast of Cardinal Newman. John Henry Newman was born in London in on the 21st February,1801. He was the eldest of six children, three boys and three girls. His father was a banker and Newman was educated locally before entering Trinity College, Oxford. A brilliant…
In these times of climate change and global warming, many people are becoming interested in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi whose feast day is on the 4th October. Our present Pope Francis dedicated his papacy to Francis of Assisi. The Pope once remarked: “Some people want to know why I wished to be…
Christ came among us to bring salvation and freedom to our world and to our lives. He lived among us for thirty-three years. His public ministry lasted only three of those years. He had a vision and a dream for humanity. He summed up his vision in one short sentence, ‘what I command you is…
