Parish Proclaimer
Arundel and Storrington Parish
Summer 2025
Digital and Print Editions
Contents Editor’s Note 4 Dean’s Introduction 6 A prayer to God for his mercy and for the whole world! 8 Pope Franciscus 10 Arundel Catenians St Patrick’s Day Celebration 14 Margaret Bamford OBE MA DL 18 Carlo Acutis - The First Millennial Saint 20 St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, Arundel 28 ‘O English hearts…..’ 34 My Experiences in East Africa 36 What! No Dinosaurs? 44 Lectio Divina - (divine reading of the Bible) 50 Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Walsingham 56 Behind the Scenes at the Cathedral - Preparations for the feast of Corpus Christi 62 The Promise 71 Celebrating the 34th anniversary of Arundel Catenians Circle 73 Catenians’ Annual Putting Competition 75 20th Anniversary of Ordination to the Diaconite of Deacon Roger Stone BEM 76 A Visit to Chemin Neuf, Storrington 78 Chairman Retires 81 Arundel Choir News 85 First Roman Catholic Mass at Holy Trinity Church Bosham since the Reformation 87 Catenians’ Provincial Croquet Competiion Winners 89 Cathedral Events 90 Photo Credits 95 THANK YOU
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To the Friends of Arundel Cathedral for their generous sponsorship of the Proclaimer. ----- ** ----To become a Friend of Arundel Cathedral (the mother church of our diocese) Please contact: Lindsey Stratford, aruncathfriends@btconnect.com Cathedral House: 01903 884567
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Corpus Christi Floral Display at the Shrine Of St. Philip Howard
Editor: Melinda Heathcote Design & Production: Bryden Isbister
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by Melinda Heatthcote Editor
Editor’s Note Summer 2025
2025 Corpus Christi Mass Hello to all our Readers! We hope you will enjoy this latest edition of the Parish Proclaimer magazine. This has been an eventful year, with the death of Pope Francis and the election of our new Pope Leo. We have an article on Pope Francis as you will see, and we hope next time to have another on Pope Leo.
Special thanks to Bryden Isbister, who has initiated putting the articles as they arrive, straight onto the website and has done this as usual in a very professional and attractive way. Martin Hall, our proofreader, has checked everything with his eagle eye!
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Only after we have accumulated approximately 100 pages of articles and photographs, does Bryden put it all together into magazine format and we have the online edition plus a limited run of printed copies, which will be available at £5 each.
And of course many thanks to all our contributors of articles and photographs. If anyone reading this has anything they feel would be of interest for future editions, please send it to me at melindaheathcote1@outlook.com and if appropriate, we will include it. We hope to put the next Proclaimer together in the New Year.
Finally many thanks to the Friends of Arundel Cathedral for their sponsorship towards the cost of printed copies.
Melinda Heathcote Editor
Corpus Christi Procession to the Castle 2025 Corpus Christi Procession to Arundel Castle
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By Father Stephen Dingley
Dean’s Introduction
Father Stephen Dingley Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of the Proclaimer. Many thanks as always to Melinda Heathcote and Bryden Isbister, and all who have contributed to its contents and production.
The time since Christmas has seen a number of notable events in the life of the Cathedral and the wider Catholic Church. Undoubtedly one of the most notable events was the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV. On Easter Monday morning I was expecting to enjoy a little quiet time after the liturgical marathon of the Holy Week and Easter celebrations, only to hear the sad news that Pope Francis had died. The death of a Pope is something that needs to be marked in a special way in a Cathedral, and within under an hour of hearing the news, we had a picture of the late Pope displayed on the sanctuary steps, along with a lighted lamp, and we celebrated Mass for the repose of his soul. Soon after Mass we had a votive candle stand and a book of condolence for visitors and parishioners alike to express their memories, feelings and prayers.
Every day for the next nine days Bishop Richard or I celebrated Mass for the Pope, according to custom. It was so poignant to do this when the liturgy was full of the joy and wonder of the Lord’s Resurrection from Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page -6-
the dead! Then finally we offered Mass for the Holy Spirit to guide the forthcoming conclave entrusted with the election of Pope Francis’s successor—or, rather, with the next successor to St Peter. And within not much more than a day, we heard the joyful news of the election Pope Leo XIV. We thank God for gift of our new Pope, and ask God to bless his ministry with courage and compassion, showing all people the way to our Lord Jesus Christ. Another significant, but less prominent phenomenon happening in the wider Church is the so-called “Quiet Revival” of Catholicism in the Western World. The number of people attending Mass and, especially, the number asking to become Catholics is gently but definitely on the rise. At the Rite of Election at the beginning of Lent—the service when all those preparing for Baptism or reception into full communion at Easter come to be formally welcomed by the Bishop—there were so many people from across the diocese wanting to attend that sadly (but also wonderfully) some even had to be turned away in advance because there was not enough room in the Cathedral. Next year the Bishop is planning two celebrations to make sure we can get everyone in! We have noticed the Quiet Revival here in our own parish too. It has been an immense joy to welcome into our community several young adults who have been Baptised, received into full communion of the Catholic Church, Confirmed and made their First Holy Communion over recent months. A number of others are preparing to follow them before too long; others still are just beginning their journey. We pray that God will continue to bless us in such a wonderful way. In this Jubilee year of hope, Bishop Richard asked that all the Confirmations from across the diocese should take place in our Cathedral church, which is one of three designated Jubilee Pilgrimage churches in our diocese. We hosted 18 celebrations, and a total of just over 1000 young people were Confirmed—the highest number for very many years. The Bishop was joking that his right thumb was getting worn away by all the anointings he was doing! Many thanks to our magnificent team of servers, sacristan and welcomers, who made all these celebrations possible, reverent and joyful. It is our privilege to offer this service to the young people of our diocese and their families and friends. Finally it has been very special to host the priestly ordinations of Fr Gary Carter and Fr Scott Coleman, and the ordination of Mike Dean to the permanent diaconate in recent weeks.
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by Nicki Strudwick
A prayer to God for his mercy and for the whole world!
Some people wonder where God is in our troubled world..this is for them …
Come, Holy Spirit, Open our eyes more to your Creation, In its pleasantness and glory. Alas, times have changed its manifestation, Pray that streams of living water, Where once flowed, seemingly have relinquished its power.
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Bring us new life to sustain us. Let life abound, where fury has been unleashed To govern and masquerade its darkness, And on the fringes of society, has dealt a nasty blow. Come Lord Jesus, ignite in us your flame and consume all our fears and foes. Let God abound trustworthiness once again. The earth quakes amidst the terror and the arrow flies by day. Let God unhinge the mighty strongholds that bond and unite like ravenous wolves. Come Lord Jesus, come in power. Shine your light among the nations And show us your greatness. Amen.
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By Jo Briscoe
Pope Franciscus
Pope Francis in Prato: Wikimedia Commons Pope Franciscus, our late Pontiff, was determined to appear in St. Peter’s Square after Mass in defiance of the advice of doctors and aides - he may even have known that it was his last opportunity to do so, as Vatican observers have said!
It is with great sadness that we have experienced the death of our Pope Francis, early on the morning following Easter Sunday! Pope Francis died, aged 88, from a stroke which led to heart failure. This arose after touring in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
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Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (one of four Papal Basilicas in Rome). “The place is already prepared”, as Pope Francis himself stated about two years ago! He had asked to be buried “in the ground, without particular decoration” but with the inscription “Franciscus”, the Vatican has said. He had a very deep bond with the Virgin Mary and had promised her that he would be buried there. His dedication to the Mother of Christ was so strong that Francis visited there 125 times during his Papacy, almost immediately after his election in 2013 and then again before and after every foreign trip, bringing flowers each time.
After his long hospitalisation in
Pastoral Visit of Pope Francis to Korea Closing Mass for Asian Youth Day August 17, 2014 Haemi Castle: Wikipedia
February and March, this church was his first stop and he visited a second time before his death.
In his Will, Pope Francis said his only wish in death was to be
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Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: By Jean-Pol Grandmont: Wikipedia entombed at the church dedicated to
from the ends of the earth who worked ti-
the Virgin Mary which sits atop Rome’s
relessly to build bridges of hope, dialogue and
Esquiline Hill.
peace,” he said. “His legacy will continue to endure.”
The British Ambassador, Chris Trott, said he was “saddened and shocked” to hear of the death. “He was the Pope
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Pope Francis: Arundel and Brighton Diocese website image
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by Dr Peter Williams
Arundel Catenians - Circle 320 - St Patrick’s Day Celebration
Following a very successful Burns night two years ago it was decided to hold a fundraiser on St Patrick’s day this year in the Cathedral Centre at Arundel, in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham. A welcome drink was offered of Guinness +/- alcohol, sparkling wine or elderflower, or Irish Whiskey. The catering naturally required an Irish stew and this large feat of cooking for 80 was carried out by our ladies Dr Sandra Williams and Maria Whitehouse. Sandra is a vice President and co-founder of the Hospice, and Maria the wife of Dominic, consultant Physician there. CEO Lois Howell, and chair of the trustees Julian Clayton were also present in support.
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The evening began with a charming display of Irish dancing by Carey School of Irish dancing, East Preston. Girls from the age of 4 to young adult were very professional.
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Serving the Irish stew for 80 was
30 prizes which had been generously donated.
challenging and involved a large number of
Well known Catenian musician Michael Pioli
ladies with steaming hot plates of stew in
provided a spirited Irish folksong cabaret sing
each hand dashing up and down the
along to round off the evening. A total of over
Cathedral Centre! Dessert was prepared by
£3789 was raised. Many, many thanks to
the ladies of the Circle and included
everyone who contributed to or attended the
Guinness cake, Bailey’s trifle, Gaelic Coffee
splendid event.
trifle, Bailey’s Chocolate roulade, Jameson grasshopper pie, Irish apple cake and Barnbrack. A raffle was held for over the
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Irish dancing by Carey School of Irish dancing, East Preston
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Margaret Bamford OBE MA DL
by Liz McCombe
Margaret Bamford has volunteered all her life. Helping
children
in
Belarus,
Patron
of
Dementia Sage Support Tangmere, to name but two. But as she is active everywhere for the sake of others, it would be impossible to list all. She became a member of the Friends of Arundel Cathedral and then was asked to be a Trustee. She soon became Chairman of the Events and Membership Sub Committee. In 2024 she relinquished her role as Chairman as she thought new blood was needed to take the Friends into the future.
Margaret has been a charismatic leader, always coming up with new ideas or an innovative twist to a well-established event.
She is renowned for a seemingly bottomless supply of “fizz” for all events particularly for Summer Vespers and the party afterwards in the Collector Earl’s Garden, Arundel Castle.
Margaret making a presentation to Bishop Richard at a Friends Of Arundel Cathedral meeting
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She will turn her hand to anything from setting up tables, washing up, cooking delicious soup and being a gracious hostess to visiting speakers or members of other cathedrals’ Friends.
Thank you, Margaret, for your enthusiasm and your flair for organisation. However, even more important are her bubbly personality, kindness, generosity and as a loyal and sympathetic friend. The good news is that Margaret remains a Trustee and will be assisting and attending all future Friends’ events.
Margaret’s farewell dinner
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by Barbara Isbister
Carlo Acutis - The First Millennial Saint
Carlo Acutis - credit Crux/Wikimedia Commons Carlo Acutis was born on 3rd May, 1991, making him a ‘millennial.’ The term is generally attributed to those born between 1981 and 1996. What is far more significant is that he is expected to be the first millennial saint, having been the first millennial to be beatified by the Catholic Church on 10th October, 2020 by Pope Francis and was due to be canonised on 27th April 2025.
History will be made in St. Peter’s Square as the Catholic Church canonises a 15-year-old Italian boy who used his short life to serve God and others in extraordinary ways. His elevation to sainthood will mark an important milestone for the Catholic Church and for young people seeking models of
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holiness in today’s world. As the Church prepares to officially recognize Carlo as a saint, his story resonates deeply, not only because of his remarkable spiritual maturity, but also because of how he embraced the internet as a tool for evangelization.
Born in London in 1991 to Italian parents, Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis, Carlo was brought up in Milan. He exhibited an unusual devotion to his faith from early childhood, despite the fact that his parents were not particularly devout. Even as a young boy, he showed a deep love for the Eucharist, requesting to receive Holy Communion earlier than usual. After his first Holy Communion, aged seven, he told his mother: ‘To always be united to Jesus: This is my life plan.’ He called the Eucharist: ‘My highway to heaven.’
His devotion grew with him. He made every effort to attend Mass daily, taking his parents with him and inspiring them to return to practising the Catholic faith, prayed the Rosary faithfully, and spent hours in Eucharistic adoration. His devotion to the Eucharist would lead to inspiring a deep conversion for his mother. In addition, his Hindu au pair, Rajesh Mohur converted and was baptised. Carlo taught him to pray the rosary. Rajesh was most impressed by Carlo’s devotion and love for the poor. Despite being born into a fairly wealthy family, he lived a life of simplicity, regularly giving food and sleeping bags to the homeless, defending bullied classmates, and offering kindness where it was most needed.
What made Carlo especially unique was his intuitive understanding of the internet’s power, and its potential for good. He loved animals, liked video games, Spiderman and Pokémon, but limited his play to less than two hours per week. A self-taught computer programmer, he developed websites and digital projects aimed at spreading the Catholic faith. Most notably, with help from his family, he created a comprehensive online catalogue of Eucharistic miracles from around the world, aiming to revive belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. His project, which he began at the age of 11, was released in 2005 during the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by Pope John Paul II. It has since been translated into multiple languages and exhibited globally, impacting millions. It was this harmony between modern technology and timeless faith that led many to nickname him ‘God’s influencer.’ Carlo believed that the scientific evidence from Eucharistic miracles would help people to understand that Jesus is Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 21 -
Detail from the Catalogue of Eucharistic Miracles website which Carlo created: www.miracolieucaristici.org
really present in the Eucharist and would
He displayed a level of acceptance and peace
result in them returning to Mass.
that astonished those around him. Just days
Carlo’s life, however, was short. In 2006, at
before his death, he told his mother:
the age of 15, he was diagnosed with an
‘I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life
aggressive form of leukaemia. Before he
without wasting even a minute of it on things
died he said to his mother:
that don’t please God.’
‘I offer all my suffering to the Lord for the
He died on October 12, 2006, and was laid to
Pope (Benedict XVI) and for the Church in
rest in Assisi, according to his wish, as he had
order not to go to purgatory but to go
a strong devotion to St. Francis. His body is
straight to heaven.’
displayed in a glass tomb wearing jeans and
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Nike trainers. It was thought that his body was incorrupt. However, the
Bishop
of
Assisi
later
confirmed that it is not incorrupt.
In 2013, the Church officially opened
the
cause
for
his
canonisation. He was declared Venerable in 2018, a recognition of his virtue. But to be declared a saint, the Church requires two confirmed miracles attributed to the
candidate’s
intercession:
signs of divine confirmation that the individual is indeed in heaven and able to intercede for those on earth.
In
Carlo’s
case,
two
Exhibition Of Eucharistic Miracles: Credit Carloacutis.com
miracles have now been formally recognized by the Vatican.
healing stunned doctors and was deemed medically inexplicable by the Vatican’s
The first occurred in Brazil in
rigorous investigation. This miracle marked
2013 and led to his beatification
Carlo’s transition from Venerable to Blessed.
in 2020. A three-year-old boy named Mattheus Vianna, born
The second miracle took place in 2022. It was
with a congenital defect that
officially recognised by Pope Francis and
caused
ultimately
a
serious
and
life-
paved
threatening pancreatic condition, was completely and inexplicably healed after prayers were made for
Carlo’s
intercession.
The
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the
way
for
his
canonisation. Valeria Valverde, a 21-year-old university student from Costa Rica studying in Florence, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a bicycle accident. Her mother, upon hearing the news, flew to Assisi and prayed at Carlo’s tomb. Shortly after, Valeria began to show signs of dramatic improvement. Within days, she regained consciousness, then mobility and speech; an outcome that had seemed medically impossible. This second miracle met all the Church’s criteria, allowing the canonisation to be scheduled for April 2025.
The canonisation ceremony was planned to take place in the heart of Rome during the Jubilee
Beatification Mass of Carlo Acutis in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 10, 2020. Mass was inside the church but the congregation were outside because of Covid restrictions: Credit Catholic Weekly
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Year
celebration,
aligned
with
the
specifically Jubilee
of
Adolescents on 27th April 2025; an event Pope Francis instituted to highlight the vitality and importance of youth in the Church. The canonisation was to be celebrated by Pope Francis and more than eighty thousand young pilgrims from around the world were expected to attend. Following the death of Pope Francis on 21st April, 2025, resulting in sede vacante, the canonisation was postponed. The Church’s Jubilee of Youth in Rome is scheduled for 28th July to
3rd
August,
when
the
Frontage of Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Assisi. By Geobia : Wikimedia Commons
canonisation of another young person, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is due to take place. Both events will not only celebrate their sanctity, but also affirm the Church’s love for and embrace of
canonised, he becomes a symbol for a new generation of saints: people shaped by the digital world but not defined by it. His story proves that it is not only possible to live a holy life in the 21st century, but also to do so while engaging fully with the tools and culture of the age. In a world where social media often serves as a
modern youth culture.
platform for self-promotion, Carlo used it to glorify Carlo
Acutis’s
canonisation
carries a weight that extends
God. In a time when many struggle with purpose, he found his in Christ and shared it widely.
beyond his personal holiness. As the
first
millennial
to
be
His canonisation is a reminder of the importance of
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digital evangelization. Carlo’s online exhibition of Eucharistic miracles has had a far-reaching impact, prompting renewed devotion among Catholics and inviting the curious to explore the faith. His legacy has inspired dioceses, schools, and parishes to take digital catechesis seriously, and his life is often used as a model in youth ministry programmes. He is increasingly viewed as a patron of the internet and computer programmers.
Even in death, Carlo continues to evangelize. His tomb in Assisi has become a popular pilgrimage destination, particularly for young people who see in him not only as a saint, but as
Carlo in his tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Assisi: By Dobroš : Wikipedia
a peer; someone who understood their world and used it to grow closer to God. His body, now displayed in a glass tomb, draws thousands each year. His beatification Mass in 2020 attracted global attention and was watched by millions online, a fitting tribute to a boy who once said, ‘The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.’
In canonising Carlo Acutis, the Church is not just elevating one young man. It is canonising a
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message: that sanctity is not out of reach. That it belongs to every generation, even one raised on smartphones and social media. Carlo’s life reminds us that sainthood is not about perfection, but about direction—and he knew exactly where he was headed.
Update after this article was written: The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will canonise Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati together on 7th September 2025.
Carlo Acutis Beatification: Credit carloacutis.com
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by Lucy Horne, Headteacher
St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, Arundel
The Choir on VE Day VE day activities The children and staff of St. Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, whole-heartedly participated in the eightieth anniversary VE Day celebrations. Children came to school dressed as evacuees along with staff, who came in 1940s attire. The day began with a special assembly explaining the significance of VE Day, examining historical artefacts and listening to stories supplied by great-grandparents. Throughout the day, the children participated in VE Day activities in their classrooms, which included: Enigma style code-breaking, life as an evacuee, songs and dancing from the era, the reality of rationing and paintings inspired by the Sussex artist Eric
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Ravilious. The whole school joined in a two minutes of silence to remember those who lost their lives. The celebrations culminated in a cake competition and sale to raise money for a veterans’ charity. We had cakes in abundance. Lots of families made cakes from wartime ingredients. The cakes were then sold at the end of the day and almost £300 was raised. The choir went to Elevenses at Arundel Lido to sing songs as part of their VE Day celebrations. It was an uplifting time with lots of audience participation.
VE Day
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VE Day
Good Shepherd Mass pledges
something that each school has decided to
Every year, all schools in the diocese join
commit to during the Jubilee Year. It links
together in June to celebrate the Good
with loving our neighbour and our planet. The
Shepherd Mass. This year, the Mass is
children in St Philip’s have agreed to raise
being held in Arundel Cathedral. Our
funds for charities, say prayers every day for
school has been asked to present the post
those who need it and plant seeds to attract
Gospel reflection. Each school is also asked
insects.
to bring their school’s pledge. This is
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500 word short story We are currently running a short story competition in Key Stage 2. Every child is asked to choose a topic and write no more than 500 words. The best eight from each class will then be given to a panel of judges (local authors) to decide on the best ones. The winner will receive a voucher and all the top story winners will be invited to read their story aloud to an audience
of
parents.
The
excitement is high and we are
Arundel Cathedral: Credit - Wikimedia Commons - Dmitry Djouce
looking forward to celebrating the
written
word
and
the
imagination of our children.
Dear Mrs Horne, We were lucky enough to join your school in the wonderful celebration of such a special mass. My
Mass of Risen Lord
sister and I were visiting Arundel for the first
After Easter, the whole school
time. We happened to be in the Cathedral when
gathered in Arundel Cathedral to
your children arrived. What a treat we had in
celebrate the Mass of the Risen
store! The cross of flowers carried and placed on
Lord. The children brought in
the altar with such great care. The children
flowers from home to decorate
showing so much respect for God’s house. The
the cross which was carried to the
readers speaking out with confidence. The music
Cathedral. We sang uplifting
and singing filling the Cathedral to the rafters.
hymns and placed the cross
The joy – I could feel God smiling. Please say a
outside school at the end of the
huge thank you to the children and staff for an
Mass. We received a lovely card
experience that will stay with us forever.
from a visitor:
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Dancehouse Our dancers took part in a special evening event at The Pavilion Theatre in Worthing. They joined lots of other schools on stage to perform their own dance. The dance was a medley of Spice Girls songs. The youngest performer in the group was just six years old. Parents were able to watch the wonderful evening of dances. Thanks to Charlotte Reader, our dance teacher.
Trip to the Planetarium Year 5 visited Chichester Planetarium as part of their topic on ‘Planets’. They travelled by train
Dancehouse Event
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and spent the day looking at the solar system and hearing about Tim Peake and his expeditions. It is a great experience to see firsthand, the things they have been learning about in class.
Planetarium Trip
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by Patrick Burgess
‘O English hearts…..’
Aerial panorama Arundel Castle: Wikimedia Commons: by Chensiyuan
His infectious enthusiasm as well as his profound and wide-ranging knowledge of his subject meant that Dr John Robinson, the Archivist at Arundel Castle and an architectural historian, besides being a member of the College of Arms, captured the hearts and minds of his enthralled audience when at the invitation of the Friends of Arundel Cathedral he spoke in Arundel’s Cathedral Centre on 9th April, taking as his subject ‘ Religious Heritage in an Age of Persecution’.
He treated his audience, which had filled the hall and could have listened spell-bound for hours, to stories of rare treasures and daring-do but also of the remarkable resilience of those who in the turbulence of the Tudor period and beyond put at risk not just their lives but all their worldly goods to preserve what they loved.
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The role of the great recusant families across the kingdom, particularly in Arundel, but of ordinary faithful folk, too, was key. Individuals and whole households ensured that proscribed religious artefacts were safely hidden and, with considerable ingenuity, kept safe until penal times had ended. Chalices, patens, precious vestments, devotional items, books and manuscripts were all preserved for the continuing comfort of the adherents of the Old Faith as well as, as it turns out, for the benefit of ourselves and future generations. The quiet heroism and stubborn fidelity which lay behind the story Dr Robinson recounted has been hauntingly caught by Ronald Knox in his poem, too;
…”.When priests, like sudden angels, came To light in distant shires the flame That Faith’s dull embers cherished, When Mass and shrift were sought for still In silent farm, on lonely hill, Ere ancient memories perished”
The afternoon was a wonderful journey through the archaeology of English faith and English religious temper - in the time available, admirably condensed but immensely illuminating, with some profound insights and presented with great clarity and charm by Dr Robinson to whom we owe great thanks.
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By Alwyn Dow
My Experiences in East Africa
Victoria Falls: by Diego Delso - Wikimedia Rudyard Kipling’s 1899 poem stressed the need to serve those whom Empire took under its wing. So where did it all go wrong? Maybe Rhodesia is a case in point. I was in the region and I supported the view of the British Government that there should be no independence for Rhodesia before majority rule (NIBMAR). This article is a respectful testament to those who lived and served in East and Southern Africa around those times.
The writing has been on the wall since the 1958 Accra Conference had signalled a shift in British attitudes on the part of Colonial Secretaries Alan Lennox-Boyd and Iain MacLeod whose views
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were amplified two years later in Prime Minister Harold Macmillan’s “Wind of Change” speech in Cape Town. Failure to secure UK approval for a white dominated legislature and all that went with it had, therefore, led to Ian Smith’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965. This in turn led to Rhodesian actions to prevent fuel supplies reaching landlocked Zambia, causing massive disruption to mining in the Copper Belt around Ndola and Kitwe. That’s where I came in.
But let’s go back a bit. My African adventure had begun somewhat earlier. If you had told me that the London Hospital’s six-a-side soccer tournament in 1959 would change my life, I would have
Victoria Falls: - Wikimedia
laughed. Yet that turned out to be the case. Not only did I score the winning goal to win the Cup but I met my wife-to-be Judith, a nurse at the hospital. Her parents happened to work in Kenya. Three
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Kariba Dam: Wikipedia
years and three children later, we left
tanning extract from wattle trees. Senior
the UK and made our way to a small
administrative staff positions were held by
town called Eldoret in the White
white Europeans and Afrikaaners. We all
Highland, north of Lakes Nakuru and
lived very comfortably in a securely gated
Naivasha.
enclosure reflecting the relatively recent Mau Mau crisis. The houses were roomy with the
My employer was the International
typical red corrugated roofs of the African
Forestal company, with interests in
interior. Anybody who was anybody had three
estate management and obtaining
domestic employees. Ours were Fatumah
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(children’s Ayah), Ondago (house boy) and Stephen (gardener) and they seemed to get on well despite being from different tribes. To prove the point about racial unity, Jomo Kenyatta visited Eldoret that year and was given a warm welcome.
We did our best to integrate with the white community when racial suspicion and indeed superiority were still rife. When I nominated an Asian doctor and an African policeman to be admitted to the Round Table, the suggestion was
Great North Road of Zambia - ‘The Hell Run’ : Wikipedia
regrettably greeted by two black balls (a rather appropriate gesture, one might say).
Tackling the Hell Run
However the Table did very good
In 1965, with our time in Kenya nearly up, I
work, carrying radio telephones
received a rather surprising offer.
into the deep hinterland. Despite my somewhat radical reputation,
We had heard of the drama unfolding in
I joined the cricket and rifle
Rhodesia but most people just got on with
clubs and, with Judith, the Uasin
their lives, as we did. I was very surprised,
Gishu Dramatic Society. She appeared in lead roles while I played jazz clarinet on occasions.
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therefore, to receive an urgent message to come to Nairobi to meet with agents of DTD, the main Mercedes dealer in East Africa, to consider a matter “to my advantage”.
At the palatial Mercedes HQ I met the directors and financial controller. I was told that DTD were in a consortium with others in Tanzania to deliver oil to the Copper Belt from Dar Es Salaam. To do so, trucks would drive as best they could along a dirt track of around 1,000 miles. The consortium needed a chief accountant / administrator and I had been recommended by the Mercedes Benz dealers in Eldoret with whom I was on friendly terms.
Getting oil to the Zambian copper belt: Mr Dow sets off to administer it.
Would I like the job?
What? Had I heard correctly? Well, apparently I had because terms were laid out there and then, a double salary, school fees, a beach house at nearby Bagomoya and a sparkling Mercedes 220SE as my company car. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The job details were sketchy at that early stage but “in for a penny in for a pound”. I accepted and we were soon on the move to Dar Es Salaam.
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On arrival in Dar, I met DTD’s consortium partner, a charismatic Greek Sisal farmer called Andreas Cretan, and Paul Rodriguez, Director at the Petroleum Finance Board (PFB) with whom we were to do business. Initially, we had twenty-five 618 MB trucks, another twenty-five MB 2620s, Cretan’s own 20 and another 50 or so, sub-contracted from Arab and African traders. Most were
The trucks set off to deliver the oil.
converted farm trucks, resplendent in our red and white livery. We had a spotter plane to cover the route and six Datsun pick-ups to patrol it day and night. such a strong ally of President Nyerere of Tanzania. We were not the only kids on the block as international vested
Sundry other trucks represented an international potpourri of nations.
interests vied with commercial ones to do the business. Agip (Italian Petroleum) were there with a large fleet of Fiats, as were other nations, including Aeroflot from Russia with feet firmly on the ground. The Chinese were there, as was to be expected from
Copper Belt & Kariba I visited Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe as well as Victoria Falls and the Kariba Dam. I saw evidence of Rhodesian Air Force tracer shells that had been used on villages near the border as well as overturned trucks that had been strafed from the air. I was not encouraged to spend much time in Salisbury (Harare), not least
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because of the prospect of unwelcome attention from the Police Reserve and Intelligence Corps.
I took trips in our spotter plane and as co-driver on forays up country through Iringa, Dodoma and other towns on the route. It was never pleasant as the “murram” track seemed to be too dusty or too wet. Accidents were frequent and I witnessed a number of overturned trucks.
Rodriguez had been only too happy to accept our terms in the early stages and didn’t ask too
Kenya National Archives building in Nairobi: Wikimedia many questions about our reliability and trustworthiness. With hindsight, I should perhaps have done so in the light of bogus insurance claims. My naïve belief had been that an accident was an accident, and that lost oil cargo was covered by insurance.
However, an investigation by the PFB revealed wholesale fraud as truck drivers, including some of ours, sold the so-called accident losses on the market. DTD in Nairobi was not at all happy. Fortunately, a pipeline and railway were under construction so the days of the “Hell Run” were numbered. I finished working for the Consortium in 1967 and returned with the family to dear old Blighty.
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Polite to a Fault I met Nyerere, Kaunda (Zambia’s President) and Mugabe but not Nkomo. They all favoured the high collar Chinese style of dress and were polite to a fault in my meetings with them.
This brings me to the crisis for the white settlers after the 13-year Zimbabwe War of Liberation. I have discussed this matter at some length with a Rhodesian veteran. In my view, the war was fought for independence and land distribution but it was not a war of African making. If there were culprits, I would blame the old Colonial “Scramble for Africa” that left white minorities in charge of the welfare of millions of Africans.
UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson put his foot down eventually but offered no substantial compensation to farmers. Nor, apparently, did the Zimbabwe Government. I hope the farmers recognise that individual excesses were not as a result of Mugabe policies but the failure of British ones over a very long period in which Kipling’s concept of a “white man’s burden” of service was laid aside for political expediency and commercial gain.
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What! No Dinosaurs? by Deacon David Clifton
A look at the story of creation in the Book of Genesis
There are many people today, if they consider the Bible at all who dismiss it as a collection of ‘folk-tales’, having about as much
credibility,
and
relevance
to
present-day living, as the tale of Red Riding Hood. In particular, the accounts of creation in the Book of Genesis (Gen 1: 1 - 31: complete
and 2: 4-25) are derided as nonsense.
The
Christian
response to these criticisms is not helped by those fundamentalists, who insist on the literal truth of everything in the Bible. They assert the ‘falsehood’ of evolutionary theory, even going so far as to claim that dinosaurs never existed and that their fossils were put in the earth by God to test our faith, or by the devil to deceive us! Until the modern era the Catholic Church, like everyone else, has accepted the Biblical accounts as factually accurate,
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but it has always been more concerned with their spiritual meaning. Now that we know that these stories do not match the scientific evidence, the Church takes the position that it recognises that the idea of the evolutionary development of species does not necessarily conflict with the Church’s teaching, provided that God is acknowledged as the sole creator of all material things. It does not comment on the truth, or otherwise, of any theory of evolution (that is a scientific judgement, outside the remit of the Church’s teaching).
But where does this leave the stories of creation in Genesis? Do we just dismiss them as ‘folktales’? What is the point of telling stories of the creation of the world that are not factually correct? The answer is that the authors of Genesis were not reflecting on the nature of the world out of scientific curiosity, but seeking some understanding of the human encounter with God. The language of religion is the language of parable and poetry, of images and symbols, not the precise idiom of scientific discourse. The stories are not explanations, but more in the nature of parables attempting to convey deep religious insight, just as Jesus used parables to convey insights into the Kingdom of God. This deepest level of truth, truth concerning our existence and the relationship between God and humanity, is not the realm of science, it is the realm of faith.
So, how can we understand the Genesis creation stories? They put before us fundamental theological insights which are still valid in the present day. For example, they tell us that all things were created by the one God who is distinct from created things; that this creation brought order out of chaos; that the universe operates according to ‘rules’; that the ‘pinnacle’ of God’s creation is the human race, made in the ‘image’ of God; that all creation is ‘very good’ – and much, much more. It lays before us God’s plan, that there was to be a right relationship between the humans and God, a right relationship between members of the human race and between humans and the created order. But we know that these relationships are broken, or non-existent. There is discord, selfishness, greed, cruelty, etc. God is rejected and the path of virtue discarded. Humans seek to go their own way, attempting to assert their independence from God, rejecting his plan for their future.
But all is not lost! It is also part of God’s plan to rescue us from this distorted state. This is the story of the Bible. It depicts the gradual unrolling of God’s plan to save the human race from its Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 45 -
own folly. The first chapters of the Book of
it came to be as it is. Their stories are set in the
Genesis form a kind of prologue in which
remote past (the ‘beginning’). But it may help
this plan is sketched out in a prophetic way
us, who have a different, scientific, creation
(1). The creation accounts, therefore form
narrative, to see them as a vision of hope
an introduction to ‘salvation history’.
pointing to the future; to the ultimate human destiny. In this view Genesis shows us not so
The writers of the stories of creation were
much what God has done but what he intends
not so much trying to account for how the
to do for us. Just as an architect, before ever a
world came to be and how it came to be as
workman begins to build, will prepare
it is, but why the world came to be and why
drawings to show what the finished building
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will be like, so here, in the Book of Genesis, God’s plan is laid before us, showing us from the very beginning the final destiny that awaits us, despite our ‘fall’ from grace, if only we will accept it. In Genesis it is described as a garden of delight where there is no suffering or death, a theme taken up by the prophets.
Isaiah (for example) puts the story in his own way,
“The wolf lives with the lamb, the panther lies down with the kid, calf and lion cub feed together with a little boy to lead them. The cow and the bear make friends,
hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food.
their young lie down together.
On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil
The lion eats straw like the ox.
covering all peoples, and the shroud enwrapping all
The infant plays over the cobra's
nations, he will destroy Death for ever.” [Is 25: 6-9]
hole; into the viper's lair the young child puts his hand. They
In the Book of Revelation, John’s great vision of the ‘end
do no hurt, no harm, on all my
times’, our final destiny is given the image of a great city:
holy mountain.” [Is. 11: 1 - 9]
God walks with his people in a beautiful city – the ‘new
And, in another metaphor,
“On this mountain, the Lord of
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Jerusalem’:
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
"See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his
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peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away." [Rev 21: 3,4]
So, from the beginning, this was God’s intention: that the whole universe should exist in complete harmony with itself and with God (symbolised in Genesis by a beautiful garden), and that the human race will live in a state of perfect
happiness
without
suffering or death. This is God’s great plan, and in order to bring this plan to completion God initiated
the
‘rescue’
or
Christian teaching and especially in the Scriptures.
‘redemption’ of the human race, beginning
with
series
of
covenants established between God
and
his
people,
Genesis is an invitation to us to read on … David Clifton
and
culminating in the redemption of the Cross.
1. A literary device deliberately imitated by John at the beginning of his gospel.
The story of how that grace is restored to us in the Redemption is contained in the whole body of
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by Jo Briscoe
Lectio Divina - (divine reading of the Bible)
Reading the bible has a long and eminent tradition in the Church – it is the basis for our faith. All Christians are encouraged to take up the Bible and find in it a true guide for the intellect and for the actions of every day.
These notes are based on articles of reasoning taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and include the fact the Bible is the interpretation of the Heritage of Faith. The Apostles entrusted the ‘Sacred deposit’ of the faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition to the whole of the Church. By adhering to this heritage, the entire holy people united to its pastor remain always faithful to the
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teaching of the Apostles. The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition has been entrusted in the name of Jesus Christ to the Bishop, in communion with the Pope. This is the Magisterium. It is clear, therefore, that, in the supremely wise arrangements of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together each in its own way, under the action of the Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.
God is the author of Sacred Scriptures because He inspired its human authors. The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerates the Body of the Lord; both nourish and govern the whole Christian life: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’
We need to put into practice the light we receive from the Lectio; only then is the Lectio realised and accomplished. This Word which came down from the highest heaven, spoken in the heart of the Trinity, touches the densest part of our being, our body (through the concrete act of reconciliation). This is the course of the word. It unites heaven and earth. It is always necessary to ensure that the Word received, like a beam of light coming from the mouth of God, is truly incarnated. Otherwise Lectio will remain fruitless. Conversely, if the word is incarnated we will notice remarkable progress and are certain to see changes rapidly occurring in our life: it is more ordered; greater clarity of ideas and the acts accomplished all throughout the day; a stronger faith; a will that frees itself from slavery, and becomes more solid, firmer in the will of God; consolation and strength coming from the daily encounter with the living Christ and hearing him who speaks to us in our attentive silence and guides us in what to do; finally, staunch perseverance and resistance in life’s trials. In addition to this, it is good to note that one of the greatest advantages of Lectio is simply the fact that our intellect is no longer at the mercy of the many thoughts jostling it; it has become disciplined, since it is nurtured by an intense light which illuminates it from the morning on and all throughout the day.
Someone asked St. Anthony the Great: What is the most difficult aspect of monastic life? He replied, saying “Scripture – bearing Scripture, suffering its weight of purifying and transforming light”. Also, someone asked St. John of the Cross how he enters into ecstasy, he answered that this was by Lectio Divina - relinquishing his own will and doing the will of God. Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 51 -
Portrait of John of the Cross: Wikimedia This shows us that Lectio truly is an
way for us to be assured that we are doing
exercise of love, since it supposes that we
God’s will. It is a way of verification, a test, a
abandon ourselves each day in a loving,
true and practical confirmation of our desire
resolute and authentic quest for the truth.
to love God; it tells us where we are in our love
Lectio awaits souls who love truth and are
for God. Loving God is simply doing his will,
not afraid of it. It seeks generous and
and the quest for this will is at the heart of
courageous souls, capable of questioning
Lectio.
themselves every day before God, ready to be converted. Lectio is a daily verification
A few words from Thomas Merton, Trappist
of this self-abandonment. Lectio is a great
Monk and undoubtedly one of the greatest
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spiritual masters of the twentieth century and a great inspiration to me personally. ‘Scripture’.
His subject is
“Every word that
comes from the mouth of God is nourishment that feeds the soul with eternal life. ‘Man does not live by bread alone but in every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’
To hear the
Gospel – everywhere there are doors and windows opened into the same eternity – and the most powerful
communication
of
Scripture is the ‘implanted word’ the secret and inexpressible seed of contemplation planted in the depths of our soul and awakening it
with
an
immediate
and
inexpressible contact with the Living Word, that we may adore
Painting of Saint Anthony, a part of The Visitation with Saint Nicholas and Saint Anthony Abbot by Piero di Cosimo, c. 1480: Wikipedia
Him in Spirit and in Truth. By the reading of Scripture I am so
charged with the glory of God and I feel fire
renewed that all nature seems
and music in the earth under my feet.
renewed round me and with me. The sky seems to be more pure, a
The blessings of my Cistercian vocation are
cooler blue, the trees a deeper
poured out to me in Scripture and I live again
green, light is sharper on the
in the lineage of Bernard, (Cistercian Doctor
outlines of the forest and the
of the church) and I see that, if I had been
hills, and the whole world is
deeper in Scripture, all temptations to run to
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some other Order would have lost their meaning, for contemplation is found in faith, not in geography: you dig for it in Scripture but cannot find it by crossing the sea.”
Growth in understanding the faith through Scripture is assisted by the Holy Spirit through contemplation and study of believers; in particular in research which deepens knowledge of revealed truth. Also, through the intimate sense of spiritual realities, believers experience the Sacred Scriptures’ growth with the one who reads them.
Thomas Merton: Wikipedia
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By I, W. Marsh: Wikipedia
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by Georgina , Duchess of Norfolk
Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Walsingham
In June this year, on Pentecost, Bishop Richard took a small group of us from the diocese on a pilgrimage to Walsingham. We were about 80 in total and came from all parts of the diocese. So many new faces and happily also quite a few familiar ones.
In 1061 in Walsingham The Blessed Virgin Mary led Lady Richeldis, an Anglo -Saxon noblewoman and widow, in spirit to the Holy House in Nazareth and asked her to construct the same Holy House, instructing her on exactly how it should be built and to dedicate it to the sacred mystery of the Annunciation. Over the years it expanded into a huge Priory and community in which to accommodate all the pilgrims that flocked there. It was destroyed during the Reformation, and all that is left now is the tall arch of the Priory which does give you a good idea how huge the site must have been.
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Walsingham is a sleepy little village tucked away in beautiful countryside in north Norfolk, a good four-hour drive from Arundel. It’s hard to believe that once this tiny village was one of the most important and visited pilgrim sites in all of Europe, ranking alongside Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de Compostela.
We were staying in the centre of Walsingham at Elmham House, the Catholic base for pilgrims. As pilgrim houses go it was comfortable and the food delicious. I was sharing a rather cramped twin room. I am not really used to having to sleep so close to someone else and having to walk to the end of the corridor for the bathroom. It was all extremely good for spoilt people like me and definitely made me feel like I was on pilgrimage, but I really liked that fact, that we are all in it together.
We were a group, and I felt a certain closeness with everyone, even though we were too many to get to know. But we all had that same thing in common, we had come to honour, ask her intercession or to just be with Our Blessed Mother.
On Saturday morning Bishop Richard led us along the holy mile praying the Rosary and we took it in turns to carry a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham. Bishop Richard celebrated Mass on both Saturday and Sunday at the National Shrine and spoke of the ‘quiet revival’ of the Church and emphasised the importance of sharing this good
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Bishop Richard celebrating Mass
news.
Walsingham seems to touch everyone in one way or another. I have no doubt that we all received many blessings and graces from Our Lady of Walsingham on that Pentecost weekend. But, for me, Walsingham seems incomplete and rather sad. I felt a sadness for its past glory and of what had been destroyed there. It’s as if Walsingham is waiting for something to happen. The quiet revival that Bishop Richard was speaking of maybe? “When England goes back to Walsingham. Our Lady will come back to England”, is the famous prophecy of Pope Leo XIII from 1897. For it will be the mission of Our Lady of Walsingham to bring England back to Christ. For this we pray…..
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A Lament for Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham, Attributed to St Philip Howard
In the wracks of Walsingham Whom should I choose But the Queen of Walsingham To be my guide and muse Then, thou Prince of Walsingham Grant me to frame Bitter plaints to rue thy wrong, Bitter woe for thy name Bitter was it to see The seely sheep Murdered by the ravenous wolves While the shepherds did sleep. Bitter was it, O to view The sacred vine, Whilst the gardeners played all close, Rooted up by the swine. Bitter, bitter O to behold The grass to grow Where the walls of Walsingham So stately did show. Such were the worth of Walsingham while she did stand, Such are the wracks as now do showOf that Holy Land. Level, level, with the ground The towers do lie, Which, with their golden glittering tops,
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Pierced once the sky. Where were gates are no gates now, The ways unknown Where the press of peers did pass While her fame was blown. Owls do scrike where the sweetest hymns Lately were sung, Toads and serpents hold their dens Where the palmers did throng. Weep, weep, O Walsingham, Whose days are turned to nights, Blessings turned to blasphemies, Holy deeds to despites. Sin is where Our Lady sat, Heaven is turned to hell, Satan sits where Our Lord did sway Walsingham, O farewell.
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xyx
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by Barbara Isbister
Behind the Scenes at the Cathedral Preparations for the feast of Corpus Christi
People come to see the Carpet of Flowers from near and far. They have many questions about the religious significance, the history and the processes involved. This article aims to answer some of them.
Religious Significance The Roman Catholic feast of Corpus Christi (Latin for ‘the body of Christ’) is a celebration of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It dates back to 1264 and takes place, on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, following Pentecost Sunday, which is fifty days after Easter. There is a solemn Mass at 5.30pm in Arundel Cathedral, said by Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton. Also taking part are many Canons and Priests from the Diocese. At the end of the Mass, the Bishop
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carries the Blessed Sacrament, under an ombrellino, (a small canopy) over the Carpet of Flowers created specifically for this purpose, following the ancient tradition of strewing the ground with flowers before important people. Once outside the Bishop carries the Sacred Eucharist under the protection of a baldachin (canopy) supported on four poles by four bearers. Children who have recently received their First Holy Communion strew flowers before the Eucharistic procession. The clergy, several lay orders, including the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, the Knights of Saint Columba, and the congregation then process out of the Cathedral bearing witness to the Eucharist by the procession to Arundel Castle. In the quadrangle, there follows a Benediction service before the procession returns to the Cathedral for the final part of the Benediction.
Short Historical Outline In 1873 the Duke of Norfolk, Duke Henry XV built the church which became Arundel Cathedral. Following his visit to Sutri, near Rome, where he first saw the custom of a carpet of flowers, he was so impressed that he was inspired to introduce the tradition to Arundel Cathedral in 1877. Since then, a carpet of flowers has been laid every year until the present day. The only exceptions were two years: during World War 1 and in 2020 during the Covid pandemic.
The Process and Themes When one of the parishioners involved in working on the Carpet of Flowers was asked: ‘When do you start working on the carpet of flowers?’ her reply was: ‘As soon as we have swept up this one after the procession on Corpus Christi, we start planning next year’s one.’ That seems to sum up the approach. They start thinking about the next one straight away.
Every year in January and February, members of the Corpus Christi Core Team at the Cathedral meet with the parish Priest to discuss ideas for the themes for the current year’s Carpet of Flowers. The theme or themes are related to significant religious events and/or anniversaries in the particular year. 2025 was a Jubilee Year. Every 25 years the Church celebrates a Holy or Jubilee Year. The Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica was opened on this occasion by Pope Francis on 24th December 2024. There is a theme for each Jubilee Year. In 2025 it is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ At each end of the carpet, the words ‘Jubilee Year’ can be seen made out of flowers.
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Themes of the 2025 Carpet of Flowers
Laying out the design of the Carpet
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The death of Pope Francis on 21st April 2025 and the election of Pope Leo on 8th May 2025 are commemorated in the Carpet by their initials. Between the two quadrangles bearing the initials, are the Vatican keys. This symbolises the passing of the keys of Saint Peter from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
The 60th anniversary of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton is also referenced.
The focus of the celebration of the solemn feast of Corpus Christi as described above, is aptly the floral representation of the Holy Eucharist and the Chalice, the Body and Blood of Christ in the central part of the Carpet.
Once the themes are agreed with Father Stephen Dingley, Dean of the Cathedral and Parish Priest, and with Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Diocese, work begins on the design.
The design is drawn up by Oliver Hawkins, a parishioner, and his team. An outline design which is the full length of the main aisle of the Cathedral, 90 foot long, is produced. I had imagined that this was done on a large table in Oliver’s house; a section of approximately 6 to 9 foot being done at a time, so that this could be rolled out later in the Cathedral. However, this was not the case. I was able to witness the arrival, unrolling and installation of a blank sheet of brown underlay paper which covered the length of the aisle. This was then stuck in place to the stone floor. The next stage consisted of a team of three using pre-prepared stencils and architectural rulers to draw out the whole design. This took most of the day.
Several months before the feast day, the Flower Team, a group of five ladies, met to discuss the specific flower types, colours, and quantities required both for the carpet and for the floral designs around the Cathedral which need to be ordered. In addition, they receive greenery for the Carpet from the Arundel Estate, and greenery for the floral displays from Arundel Castle.
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In 2025, 10,000 flower heads - 350 bunches of Chrysanthemums were required for the Carpet of Flowers. Chrysanthemums are used as these flowers are long lasting and the flower heads can lie flat. These are ordered from a supplier in Holland, as there are none in the UK who could supply the quantity and range of colours needed. Clearly, this has to be done a long time in advance. Santini chrysanthemums were used for the lettering. The design is topped off with roses as centrepieces.
Due to various circumstances, such as weather conditions, sometimes the colours ordered may not be available, and different colours may be substituted. The flower team adapts and is extremely
grateful
for
the
beautiful
chrysanthemums, whatever the colour.
Preparing the Carpet
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The greenery from the Castle and the Norfolk Estate arrives at the Cathedral between Friday and Monday. The flowers for the altar arrangements arrive on Saturday or Sunday. There were 1600 flower stems for the 45 arrangements around the Cathedral. First they are sorted
Floral Displays around lectern
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according to which altar or statue they
will
adorn,
placed
in
containers and labelled with their content and destination. They are also topped up with water over the next few days. On Sunday afternoon they are put in place in the cathedral ready for Monday morning.
Throughout this whole process there is an army of volunteers, men
and
women
who
are
constantly helping from early morning
till
dusk.
carrying,
watering,
Lifting, sweeping,
their flower arrangements. This takes most of the day
mopping up, making tea, coffee,
depending on the size of the arrangement. Without a
chatting to visitors and generally
doubt, they were all magnificent. It was also a great
doing whatever is needed and far
privilege to be able to have some of the Cathedral’s
beyond; even trying to coax an
exquisite vestments on display, with the floral
inquisitive pigeon out of the
arrangements expertly complementing the colours of
cathedral. Without them none of
the vestments.
this
could
be
done.
Their Also, on Monday a group of approximately 20
contribution is invaluable.
volunteers from the parish and the diocese cut the
Flower
greenery. The volunteers cut it to size and remove any
Arrangers, 16 this year, start to
visible stems so that it is soft underfoot and lies flat on
arrive. They collect greenery for
the carpet. This takes most of Monday.
On
Monday
the
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The Chrysanthemums for the Carpet arrive on Sunday or Monday. They are not cut until Tuesday morning to prolong their appearance, again by around 20 volunteers. The flower heads have to be cut so that they lie flat. The Carpet is laid on Tuesday. Laying of the greenery and flowers starts around 10.00am and is completed between 3.30 – 5.00pm depending on the complexity and number of volunteers working on the carpet. In 2025 there were between 16 – 20 ladies working on the carpet. Volunteers are welcome for any period of time, knees and back permitting. Anything from one hour to all day, as suits.
Floral Displays around the lectern Many people ask how long the whole process takes, and other questions about the process of the preparations for this great feast day. Some ask what is the purpose, what are we celebrating. I hope this has provided some answers. It is all done for the glory of God.
A visitor commented on the flowers and Carpet, ‘It’s amazing that this is all done in one day.’ ‘Yes, it would be amazing! It would be a miracle!’ There is a lot to do behind the scenes. Please contact the Cathedral if you would like to volunteer.
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Thank you to everyone who helped in any way, however big or small, and to everyone who visited or attended.
Here is a
link to a video showing
Preparation of the Carpet and Floral Arrangements as well as a drone view of the completed Carpet:
https://arundelcathedral.uk/viewcorpus-christi-drone-and-floral-displays2025
Drone views of the Carpet Of Flowers
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The Promise
by Nicki Strudwick
Assembled, waiting, Anticipation, praying In the upper room. Unbroken silence, Suddenly a mighty wind, Come, Holy Spirit. Wild tongues of fire, Rush and descend from on high, JOY unspeakable. Open hearts to you,
Refresh these broken vessels, Let us adore you! In heaven on earth, Comforter and Paraclete, God, now , three in One!
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Celebration Dinner in honour of the 34th anniversary of Arundel Catenians Circle
by Sandra Sedgewick
Sandra Sedgwick, Major Mick, and Lois Howell The dinner was held on Wednesday 25 June 2025. We were delighted to have with us four of the founder members of Arundel Circle Michael Tudor, Charles Perceval, James Walsh and Jim Edwards. We were also joined by Lois Howell, CEO of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
We were well looked after by the Inglenook Restaurant. 36 members and guests attended. After a welcome drink we had a delicious dinner of smoked salmon and crayfish parcels, supreme of chicken and warm lemon and lime meringue pie served with raspberry sorbet.
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After dinner we were entertained by Major Mick Stanley of Tintanic fame, who regaled us with tales of his journeys in his tin boat. He has raised over £90,000 for a variety of Charities including St Wilfrid’s Hospice. He hopes to raise over £100K before auctioning his boat. He was inspired to make his boat after watching children on a holiday in India use corrugated iron to construct a boat. He had met many personalities while fundraising including King Charles and the Duke of Norfolk.
A raffle with 38 prizes was generously supported and with some generous donations from people unable to attend because of holidays. The evening raised over £1000 for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.
Major Mick afloat in Tintanic
Sandra with James Walsh
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Catenians’ Annual Putting Competition
By Michael Heathcote
Melinda (our editor!) with the trophy The Catenians Association, Arundel Circle, held their annual putting competition on Saturday 13th July at the Arundel putting course.
This was followed by a very enjoyable meal at La Campania restaurant.
The winner of the very prestigious “golden ball trophy” was Melinda Heathcote and the presentation was made on Wednesday 23rd July at the Catenian monthly meeting followed by dinner at the White Swan, Arundel.
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by Louise Sharp
20th Anniversary of Ordination to the Diaconate of Deacon Roger Stone BEM
Celebration of Mass for Deacon Roger On 6th June, a rather warm Friday evening, many parishioners from Arundel and Storrington gathered to celebrate with Deacon Roger in Our Lady of England church, the anniversary of his ordination there exactly 20 years earlier.
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Mass was celebrated by Fr Stephen Dingley and Fr Saba Al Andary (Chemin Neuf resident priest). A number of people were present who had also been at the Ordination Mass 20 years ago, and all were delighted to be able to celebrate Deacon Roger’s long and fruitful ministry. Louise sang the psalm at the anniversary and at the ordination. The communion chants were the same ones used at his ordination: “Shoulder My Yoke” and “Taste and See”, both by Anne Ward.
Catherine Moore proclaimed the first reading at Deacon Roger’s ordination, and again at this anniversary Mass.
Deacons Eugene Adams and Mark Woods, who studied with Deacon Roger and were ordained in the same year, joined the celebrations. Deacon Eugene preached an excellent homily.
The sanctuary was filled with altar servers from both Arundel and Storrington, who did a great job working together for the first time in this space.
At the end of Mass, among his thank you’s, Roger paid tribute to his wife Susan for her support and she was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Mass was followed by superb refreshments provided by Frances Smith catering and parishioners in the Priory Hall, kindly made available by the Chemin Neuf Community.
We are lucky indeed to have Deacon Roger and Susan living back in Storrington and serving the communities of Arundel and Storrington. The timing couldn’t have been better as we work towards becoming a ‘big parish’ with our neighbours in the deanery.
You can learn more about the role of Permanent Deacons on our diocesan website: Vocations | Our Faith
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A Visit to Chemin Neuf, Storrington
by Melinda Heathcote
Michael and I visited the Chemin Neuf Community in Storrington, to meet the members and find out something about their work.
The Chemin Neuf Community was born in 1973 in Lyon, France. Seven young people who were involved in a charismatic prayer group felt called to share some kind of common life together. One of them was a Jesuit priest, Laurent Fabre; another was thinking about
xyx
becoming a Carmelite. They began as a celibate community but then grew to include married couples.
Fr Laurent was inspired by the text from
Acts
continued
2:42
“And
steadfastly
in
they the
apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,
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in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” His vision was of a community for lay and ordained, men and women, celibate, single or married who felt called to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to share their possessions. All members of the Community also commit to work for the visible unity of the Church.
The Storrington members were very friendly and welcoming, and ready to answer any questions we might have. The married couple, Fr Saba and Samar Al Andary, live in the building. He is a priest of the Maronite tradition which is in full communion with the Catholic Church. The other couple are Felicity and Charles Hadley who live nearby as full members of Chemin Neuf Community. They are Anglican and Charles is a priest.
Just before our visit, the house (which is held on a 50-year lease from the Norbertines) had been full of families and young people for a weekend of prayer and healing. The rooms we saw were the main dining room / sitting room and the library, plus the cloisters which are looking bright and attractive with comfortable chairs and plants and a lovely view of the garden. The house will accommodate up to 25 people staying overnight, or more if they are young people.
Chemin Neuf’s other house is at Sclerder Abbey near Polperro in Cornwall, given by the Carmelites. And the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster entrusted the parish of Cockfosters in north London to the care of the Community.
The community holds a weekly prayer meeting on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm (excluding July and August) during term times. They also give Quiet Days (December 4th is the next one) and welcome individuals and groups for private retreats. Their principal activity is to give the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius at the Priory and also at their other house in Cornwall near Polperro. Another important mission is their work with couples and their children, a programme of renewal of faith and deeper intimacy called the CANA mission. You can access their programmes at www.chemin-neuf.org.uk
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The grounds of the Chemin Neuf Community in Storrington
The Community, which is present in over 30 countries world-wide, and is recognised by the Vatican, aims to offer bridges of friendship and reconciliation wherever there are differences of faith, colour, gender, class or ideology. By living together and by sharing the call to live and proclaim the Gospel, they hope to be witnesses to our Lord’s prayer in John 17: “that they may all be one.”
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Chairman Retires
by Margaret Bamford OBE
Patrick Burgess
After 14 years as Chairman of The Trustees of the Friends of Arundel Cathedral, Patrick Burgess has retired. At a special farewell dinner at The Parson’s Table in Arundel, fellow trustees spoke warmly about him as a friend, and admiringly for his skill in leadership. He was passionately committed to the Cathedral and worked tirelessly to promote the need to support and cherish ‘the magisterial
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architectural and spiritual jewel of the Town’. Appointed as a Bishop’s nominee to The Friends of Arundel Cathedral Board in April 2008 he became Chairman in 2010. He knew that what he was taking on in succeeding a much respected and erudite Chair, Oliver Hawkins, would be a challenge and time consuming, but even though already very committed with many other important charitable commitments, he agreed to do it. When the Charity was established 40 years ago by Canon Tony Whale with Bishop Cormac’s support it attracted an enthusiastic membership of more than 600, and a significant cumulative capital sum from membership subscriptions and generous donations. This was invested and the interest used to support maintenance costs.
Maintaining membership numbers was a
priority. Without a thriving membership the Charity would lose income and capacity to provide much needed funds to support the fabric of the building. At the same time, the capital needed to be invested wisely to ensure a steady and regular income.
The Charity was incredibly
fortunate that Patrick had a background in investment banking and, notwithstanding significant financial turbulence during his tenure, he ensured that investments were managed by reputable brokers to provide sufficient income to contribute to the support of major capital refurbishments. Two of the most significant projects were the Cathedral’s Fleche which was in danger of collapse, and the lead in which the glass of the magnificent Rose window was set was disintegrating to a dangerous extent. The Friends were able to contribute significant sums to secure the repair of these two iconic features of the building. The Friends have also contributed to the complete refurbishment of the Cathedral Centre creating a true community facility for the Town. As a Cambridge graduate, Patrick was intellectually able and culturally gifted. He was aware of the architectural beauty of the Cathedral and its spiritual significance as the Bishop’s Diocesan seat. He wrote frequently about why it was so important to look after its structure. His prose was eloquent and persuasive whether written or oral. Rarely is a Charity’s Annual Report written in such elegant prose; while speaking at Sunday Masses, trying to encourage parishioners to sign up (and pay) for membership he has been known to be applauded! A rare talent indeed for oratory! Sitting next to him as part of a singing congregation, listening to him using his lovely tenor voice to maintain the harmony of the piece, is a joy. He also loves listening to choral music. Some years ago, appreciating the importance of a really good
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Bishop Richard Moth, Elizabeth Stratford, Peter Allwood (Chairman, Friends Of Cathedral Music) and Patrick Cathedral choir, he led the initiative in
as if the ‘Friends’ were an ‘add on’ and yet he
supporting the sponsorship of three choral
was also very involved with his young boys’
scholars, all of whom have gone on to
charity in London, promoting the welfare of
achieve accolades in their own right.
young boys brought up in poverty and on the
A gentle, unassuming but strong leader
fringes of a career in crime, seeking funding
Patrick
for premises and running
was
invariably
courteous,
costs, making
appreciative of others’ efforts, while always
applications to grant making trusts and
being sharply focussed on the Charity’s
spending time with those who were directly
objectives. His capacity for hard work left
involved with running it. At the same time he
most of his Board breathless! It never felt
was Chancellor of the Most Venerable Order of
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prestigious
Papal
Knighthood
of
The
Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great. In establishing a separate Events and Membership
sub-committee,
Patrick
appreciated the importance of reaching out to communities through activities that engage, inform and are enjoyable. Various members lead on events such as: annual local pilgrimages, organising specialist talks in the Cathedral
Centre,
two
celebrations
of
pontifical vespers led by the Bishop – one at Advent to which High Sheriffs and civic dignitaries from the whole Diocese are invited,
and
one
summer
celebration
followed by drinks and canapes in the Collector Earl’s Garden, Arundel Castle grounds, and formerly, clearing the cemetery twice a year. Patrick retires leaving a formidable legacy of
Patrick and Maggie St John of Jerusalem (an Order of the Crown). He was also Chairman of the Sussex County Priory Group of the same Order for a few years. He was finally invested as a Knight Grand Cross of the
success, and a powerful testament to what one person can achieve. His colleagues, friends, and all those who know him are grateful for what he achieved and wish him a long and happy retirement.
Order, the highest grade, some 6 years ago. Finally, in 2021 he was awarded the
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Arundel Choir News
by Elizabeth Stratford
Ella Blair Congratulations are due to the following choir members on their recent examination successes:
Astrid Bradley – Grade 1 singing - distinction Eva Howie – Grade 2 singing – merit Phaedra Godsmark – Grade 3 singing – pass Amelia Howard – Grade 6 singing – distinction Francesca Morris Warburton – Grade 7 vocals – merit
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We also congratulate
Alexandra Mottram – BA(Hons) Music with Teaching – First Class Honours Sam Gillett – BA(Hons) Psychology – 2:i Tom Kentigern-Fox – BA(Hons) Music with Teaching – 2:i
The choir are currently on their summer break and will return in September to a busy term which will include a broadcast of Choral Vespers on BBC Radio 3 for Advent. Further details will be published once they are confirmed but this is a tremendous accolade for the choir and for the Cathedral. In addition, they have been invited to sing Mass at Westminster Cathedral Saturday 30 May 2026. More details to follow.
Ella Blair (FAC Choral Scholar 2021-2023) has secured a place at Vienna State Opera.
Ella will join the prestigious Chorakademie programme, marking a major step forward in her career. The programme provides intensive professional training for emerging artists, offering performance opportunities alongside the opera house’s chorus and extra chorus, as well as individual and group tuition led by top vocal coaches.
Ella began focusing on opera during her studies at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Over the past two years, she has gained extensive experience through operas and opera scenes, competitions, masterclasses, and international study opportunities, including a placement in Padova, Italy. Ella said: “Vienna State Opera is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and I can’t quite believe that I will be learning from some of the very best in the industry. I grew up spending summers at my family home in Austria, so the country holds a special place in my heart." Congratulations Ella!
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The First Roman Catholic Mass in Holy Trinity Church, Bosham, since the Reformation: 17th May 2025
by Michael Forbes Smith
The mission of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, set up by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1888, is to support the Latin (ie Roman Catholic) Christians in the Holy Land and their Latin Patriarchate. However, the personal spiritual development of the knights and dames is also a central charism of the Order and we In the Southern Section of the England and Wales Lieutenancy organise masses and other events to this end.
Holy Trinity, Bosham, is the oldest Christian site in Sussex: when St Wilfrid visited in the 6th Century he found a Christian foundation already there. The tower and part of the chancel are Saxon
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and the chancel arch may be that depicted on the Bayeux tapestry recording Harold Godwinson’s visit there in 1064 before sailing to France to meet Duke William. As you enter the south door, on the arch is scratched several “crusader crosses” carved there by knights as they celebrated a final mass before departure on crusade.
It is, of course, today an Anglican church, but when its vicar, Canon Martin Lane, agreed that our Southern Section of the Order could celebrate the first Catholic mass there since the Reformation, we were overjoyed. As we assembled in preparation for our entry procession the local bellringers rang a carillon for us. We then processed solemnly around the church and entered through the south door. Bishop Richard Moth, our Prior, celebrated mass with plainsong that had almost certainly not been heard in the church since the 16th century and lusty hymns familiar to both the large Anglican and Catholic congregation. There was a spellbinding sense of prayer and thanksgiving which reverberated through that wonderful place. And afterwards, on a lighter note, we enjoyed a magnificent lunch at the excellent Millstream Hotel. It was a fitting way both to re-confirm our commitment to the Order and to pray for the Catholic “Living Stones” and other Christians who live today in such distressing circumstances in the places where Christ himself lived and ministered.
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Catenian - Provincial Croquet Competition
by Michael Heathcote
Jill and Nigel Corby
Nigel and Jill Corby (members of the Arundel Catenian Circle) won the Rose Bowl trophy for the Catenian Annual Croquet Competition in Shoreham. Another proud and memorable occasion for the Arundel Circle Catenians.
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EVENTS AT ARUNDEL CATHEDRAL Autumn 2025 – Spring 2026 SEPTEMBER Friday 5th
7.30pm
London Concertante Concert see www.londonconcertante.com
Saturday 6th
12 – 3pm
Reader Training
Wednesday 10th
7.30pm
Enquirers Group – Cathedral Centre for anyone who is interested in discovering more about the Catholic faith, or becoming Christian, or returning to the practice of their faith
Thursday 11th
2- 3.00pm
Consolation Group Coffee in the Cathedral Centre
Saturday 13th
12 – 3pm
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Training
Sunday 14th
Arundel & Storrington Communities Social Event
Saturday 20th
1.00pm
Wedding
Saturday 27th
10am – 4pm
Friends of Arundel Cathedral St Philip Howard Pilgrimage Walk see www.arundelcathedralfriends.uk for details or e-mail: aruncathfriends@btconnect.com or call 01903 884567 for details.
Saturday 27th
12 noon
Diocesan Altar Servers Mass
Sunday 28th
4.00pm
Vespers & Benediction at Our Lady of England, Storrington
Thursday 2nd
All day
Diocesan Secondary Schools Pilgrimage
Saturday 4th
2.30pm
Ecumenical Animal Blessing Service
Sunday 5th
2.30pm
Parish Mass of Anointing of the Sick
Thursday 9th
2- 3.00pm
Consolation Group Coffee in the Cathedral Centre
Saturday 11th
tbc
Caterham School Choir Recital
Sunday 12th
2.30pm
Mayor’s Service
Saturday 18th
7.30pm
Arun Choral Society Concert See: www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk
Sunday 19th
3.00pm
Mass for St Philip Howard followed by Friends of Arundel Cathedral AGM.
OCTOBER
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Sat/Sun 25th/26th Sunday 26th
Missionary Priest Visit/Appeal – The White Fathers 4.00pm
Vespers & Benediction at Our Lady of England, Storrington
NOVEMBER Sunday 2nd
ALL SAINTS DAY (transferred)
Monday 3rd
10.00am
Mass in the Fitzalan Chapel
Saturday 8th
All day
Visitation of the National Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the relics of Saints Jacinta & Francisco
Sunday 9th
11.30am
Mass in the Cathedral (later time due to Remembrance events)
Tuesday 11th
10.00am
Deanery Mass for deceased clergy
Saturday 15th
3.00pm
Blessing of Graves at St Edmunds, Houghton
Sunday 16th
11.00am
Mass for deceased Members of the Knights of St Columba
Sunday 16th
3.00pm
Blessing of Graves at Arundel and Tea
Saturday 22nd
2-5pm
Friends of Arundel Cathedral Talk see www.arundelcathedralfriends.uk for details
Sunday 23rd
3.00pm
Blessing of Graves, Vespers & tea at Storrington
Tuesday 25th
10.00am
Mass in the Fitzalan Chapel
Thursday 27th
11.00am
Chapter Mass and meeting
Sunday 30th
6.30pm
Advent Vespers and Friends Reception
Tuesday 2nd
6.00pm
Worthing Deanery Schools Advent Service
Wednesday 3rd
6.45pm
Cathedral Deanery Schools Advent Service
Saturday 6th
7.00pm
The Messiah – Arundel Cathedral Choir (details/booking to come)
Wednesday 10th
10.00am
Mass in the Fitzalan Chapel
Thursday 11th
6.30pm
Canine Partners Carol Service for tickets see www.caninepartners.org.uk
Friday 12th
4.00pm
Great Ballard School Advent Service
DECEMBER
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Saturday 13th
7.30pm
Arun Choral Society Carol Concert for tickets see www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk
Sunday 14th
4.00pm
Sandgate Choir at Our Lady of England, Storrington see www.thesandgatechoir.com
Monday 15th
7.00pm
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Carol Service for tickets see www.aakss.org.uk
Wednesday 17th
2.00pm
St Philip’s School KS2 Advent Service
Wednesday 24th
5.00pm
Vigil Mass of Christmas at Arundel
Wednesday 24th
11.30pm
Midnight Mass at Arundel
Thursday 25th
9.00am
Christmas Day Mass at Storrington
11.00am
Christmas Day Mass at Arundel
2.00pm
Wedding
Wednesday 31st JANUARY FEBRUARY Wednesday 18th
Saturday 21st
ASH WEDNESDAY 10.00am
Mass and distribution of ashes at Cathedral
7.30pm
Mass and distribution of ashes at Storrington
TBC
Diocesan Rite of Election Service
MARCH Sunday 29th
PALM SUNDAY
APRIL Wednesday 1st
6.00pm
Thursday 2nd
HOLY THURSDAY 8.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the Cathedral followed by waiting to midnight at the altar of repose. 11.50pm Compline
Friday 3rd
GOOD FRIDAY 9.00am 10.00am 3.00pm
Diocesan Chrism Mass
Office of Readings and Morning Prayer Stations of the Cross The Passion – Collection for Holy Places
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Saturday 4th
HOLY SATURDAY 9.00am Office of Readings and Morning Prayer 8.30pm The Easter Vigil and First Mass of the Resurrection
Sunday 5th
EASTER SUNDAY Masses at 9.00am in Storrington and 11.00am at the Cathedral
Sunday 26th
2.30pm
Scouting St George’s Day Parade & Service
BAPTISMS 9 children were baptised in the parish so far in 2025. 1 adult was baptised in June 3 adults were received into the church in June FIRST COMMUNION 12 children from our parish received Holy Communion for the first time on 8th June CONFIRMATION 7 young people from our parish were Confirmed by Bishop Richard in July. 1 adult was Confirmed in June MARRIAGES 17th May
Louis BARNES & Kate BURNFORD
23rd May
Charles PARFORD-PLANT & Laura HEALY
11th June
William ROSE & Tania TIGREROS
21st June
John HAGGARD & Anna MCKINNON
19th July
Samuel DURRANT & Jamie-Lee DONOGHUE
DEATHS 25th April
Graham Arthur Rodmell (87 years)
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Corpus Christi Mass in Arundel Cathedral Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 94 -
Photo Credits
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Corpus Christi Floral Display Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 96 -
Corpus Christi Benediction in Arundel Castle Grounds
Procession back from Corpus Christi Benediction in Arundel Castle Grounds Proclaimer Magazine: Home Page - 97 -