Where restless yearnings cease

Yesterday our organist chose the old hymn, "Sweet Sacrament Divine" for Holy Communion. We don't often sing it these days.

As I was distributing Holy Communion, I suddenly became aware of the congregation singing "Where restless yearnings cease, and sorrows all depart." I know that the Blessed Sacrament is the place where my own restless yearnings cease. But every priest is privileged to be privy to the sickness, anxieties, sorrows of his parishioners and I became aware of the pains and sorrows of the long line of communicants, hands stretched out, mouths open, to receive Jesus. As I continued to distribute Holy Communion I tried to join in prayer with those receiving: "In thine ear all trustfully, we tell our tale of misery...." Jesus hears our tale of misery, and brings healing.

The people started singing the last verse of the hymn. Holy Communion was almost done. I heard the words: "In thy far depths doth shine thy Godhead's majesty." I looked at the One I held in my hands. And I knew as if for the first time - though I have never doubted it - that this is my Lord and my God.

Newsletter for 28/29 September - Sunday 26(C)

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Today's Feast

There are many wonderful Shrines of our Lady around the world. Let us never forget that one of the most historic is in our own land. Today the Church in this country celebrates the feast of Mary under her title of Our Lady of Walsingham. Perhaps you could gather as a family around your own statue of Mary and say this prayer:

O Mary, recall the solemn moment when Jesus, your divine Son, dying on the cross confided us to your maternal care.You are our Mother; we desire ever to remain your devout children. Let us therefore feel the effects of your powerful intercession with Jesus Christ. Make your name again glorious in this place, once renowned throughout our land by your visits, favours and many miracles. Pray, O Holy Mother of God, for the conversion of England, restoration of the sick, consolation for the afflicted, repentance of sinners, peace to the departed. O Blessed Mary, Mother of God, Our Lady of Walsingham, intercede for us. Amen.

Newsletter for 21.22 September - Sunday 25(C)

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Latest Year of Faith Video from Bishop Malcolm

Newsletter for 14/15 September - Sunday 24(C)

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Thank you...

...to all who came and prayed for Syria and the Middle East last evening. It was wonderful how word got around and how people responded at such short notice.

Let us continue to hear and respond to the words of Pope Francis at the Vigil in Rome last evening:

Let the words of Pope Paul VI resound again: “No more one against the other, no more, never! ... war never again, never again war!” (Address to the United Nations, 1965). “Peace expresses itself only in peace, a peace which is not separate from the demands of justice but which is fostered by personal sacrifice, clemency, mercy and love” (World Day of Peace Message, 1975). Forgiveness, dialogue, reconciliation – these are the words of peace, in beloved Syria, in the Middle East, in all the world! Let us pray for reconciliation and peace, let us work for reconciliation and peace, and let us all become, in every place, men and women of reconciliation and peace! Amen.

Newsletter for 7/8 September - Sunday 23(C)

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Could I draw your attention to the 'Stop Press' item on page one?

STOP PRESS

Pope Francis has asked the whole Church to keep this Saturday, September 7th as a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle East. Prayer Vigil at St Wilfrid’s 7pm–8pm this Saturday Please come for as much of this time as you can.

Please make this as widely known as possible.

Our response

In answer to the Holy Father's call for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle East, there will be a prayer vigil at St Wilfrid's on Saturday evening, September 7th from 7pm-8pm.
Please come for as much of this as you are able.

Please make this as widely known as you possibly can - invite people from St Wilfrid's Community and anyone else who longs for peace.

Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: may she help us to find peace; all of us are her children! Help us, Mary, to overcome this most difficult moment and to dedicate ourselves each day to building in every situation an authentic culture of encounter and peace.
Pope Francis, Angelus Address, 01.09.13.

Day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world

Pope Francis has called us all to participate in a day of fasting and prayer for peace this coming Saturday, September 7th. You can read the full text of last Sunday's Angelus address when he made this call by clicking here.