Catholic News Nottingham Dec 22

ISSUE 307 DECEMBER 2022 20p WHERE SOLD

Catholic News MORE THAN 23 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER

Published by Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor John Clawson. Tel: E-mail johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk

Saffron robes in Nottingham Cathedral Page 5

Newark parishioner accompanies three presidents on last journey home Page 10

Papal Awards’ Mass Mr Michael Abbott and Mr Edward Poyser both received significant awards in honour of their service to the Diocese of Nottingham. Mr Michael Abbott, being awarded by Pope Francis the medal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for the Church and the Pope), having recently retired as a Diocesan Trustee for the last 12 years. Mr Edward Poyser, being appointed by Pope Francis as a Knight of the Pontifical Order of Saint Gregory the Great, having retired after 16 years as Financial Secretary of the Diocese.

Continued on page 6

English/Cantonese Mass at Holy Spirit Church, West Bridgford, Nottingham

by Celi Li We celebrated a mass in English/Cantonese in my parish, Holy Spirit Church, West Bridgford. The Mass was celebrated by Fr John Martin, Parish Priest of Holy Spirit, and translated by Fr Baudry Gervais (member of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, our former Parish Priest of the St. Peter and Paul Church, Hong Kong).

We were pleased to welcome Fr Baudry on a pastoral visit to meet with us during his personal holiday. He was concerned about his parishioners who have moved from Hong Kong to the UK in recent years and how they are settling into the English way of life. In addition to spending a day in Nottingham, he also visited Reading, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Warrington and Manchester. Apart from the Cantonese Mass, he conducted a sharing session on the topic of “Forgiveness”. continued on page 11

Around 80 Hong Kong parishioners who joined the Mass, came from different areas in Nottingham, including Beeston, Bulwell, Edwalton, West Bridgford and Wollaton.

After Mass gathering: Fr Baudry and children attending the Mass.

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MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

Editor: John Clawson Editorial Office: Bellcourt Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: johnclwson@icloud.com or david@bellcourtltd.co.uk Website: www.bellcourtltd.co.uk Distribution enquiries: Nick Layton e-mail nick@cathcom.org, Bellcourt Limited, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese.

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Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor

Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper. All items to be emailed to johnclwson@icloud.com before 10th of the month

The Catholic News. December 2022

A society that erases women is impoverished During his return flight to Rome from Bahrain, Pope Francis had a wide-ranging conversation with journalists. Carol Glatz, from CNS asked about women's rights. She said that during his trip to Bahrain the Pope had spoken about fundamental rights, including women's rights, their dignity, the right to have their space in the social and public sphere; and you encouraged young people to have courage, to make noise; to move forward toward a more just world. Given the situation close by, in Iran, with the protests sparked by some women and many young people who want more freedom, she asked: "Do you support this effort of women and men demanding to have the basic rights that are also found in the Document on Human Fraternity?"

The Pope answered: " We have to tell each other the truth. The struggle for women's rights is an ongoing struggle. Because in some places women have equality with men, but not in other places. No? I remember in the 1950s in my country, when there was the struggle for women's civil rights: for women to be able to vote. Because until about the '50s only men could do so. And I think of this same struggle in the US. But why, I ask myself, does the woman have to struggle like this to keep her rights? There is a... I don't know if it is a legend, a legend about the origin of women's jewelry - maybe it's a legend - that explains the cruelty of so many situations against women. It is said that women wear so much jewelry because in a country - I don't remember, perhaps it's a historical fact - there was a custom that when the husband got fed up with the woman, he would say to her, 'Get out!' and she couldn't go back in and take anything. She had to leave with what she had on her. And (that would be) why they would amass gold, to be able at least to take something away. They say this is the origin of jewelry. I don't know if it is true or not, but the image helps us.

Rights are fundamental. But how come in the world today we cannot stop the tragedy of young girls' infibulation? This is terrible.

Today. The fact that this practice exists, that humanity cannot stop this crime, a criminal act! Women, according to two comments I heard, are either "disposable" material - that's bad - or they are 'a protected species.' But equality between men and women is still not universally found, and there are these instances, where women are second-class citizens or less. We have to keep fighting for that because women are a gift. God didn't create man and then give him a little dog for fun. He didn't. He created them equal, man and woman. And what Paul wrote in one of his letters about male-female relationships, which seems old-fashioned to us today, at that time was so revolutionary that it was scandalous.

He said the man should take care of the woman as his own flesh. This, at that moment, was a revolutionary thing. All women's rights come from this equality. And a society that is unable to give the woman her place

FRANKLY SPEAKING Advent a difficult time this year for many families One of my former Parish Priests realised that to emphasize the importance of Advent it was

necessary to remind his congregation that “it is not Christmas yet”. For many years most readers will be familiar with the frequent expression that “Christmas starts too early.” Whilst this reflects on the retail trade surely Christmas never starts “too early”, but Advent is such a special time of waiting and longing.

What we wait and long for is quite possibly dependent on our Christian Faith.The great Easter hymn, Thine be the Glory, incorporates the words “no more we doubt thee”, but we all know that to be a Christian is not easy. On the weekend before the feast of all Saints I learned of three people whose health is giving a new cause for concern and amidst all the pre-Christmas

advertising the charitable appeals for the homeless continue. We will all have other instances that we know will make Advent a difficult time this year for many families.

It was not exactly an easy time for The Holy Family as we learn from that first Christmas.

The familiar revelation of the Nativity will, I hope, still continue to be reflected in many plays in our primary schools. Our children will quickly grow up in what some call a postChristian society, perhaps we can assist their young lives this Advent by our own example.

When historians write up 2022 it will not be an easy year to recall. Whilst the more powerful nations have dominated the world, the need for compassion has never been greater especially to those who are suffering the most.

Much of our conflicts and poverty have been under the control of male political leaders. In our country the third woman to be Prime Minister lasted just 45 days.

Sympathy for politicians is not likely at this time but at least the male spouses of these politicians did loyally support their wives.

With interest rates now at 3% and as the country enters a period of recession it is surely time for all families to not only pull together this Advent, but for all leaders to reflect on the special role of Saint Joseph.

The obedience and humility recorded in Scripture he displayed was surely accompanied by the wisdom the world needs at this time.

Frank Goulding Holy Trinity Parish, Newark

does not move forward. We have the experience (of this). In the book I wrote, Torniamo a sognare, in the part about economics, for example, there are women economists currently in the world who have changed the economic vision and are able to carry it forward. Because they have a different gift. They know how to run things in another way, which is not inferior, it is complementary.

I once had a conversation with a head of government, a great head of government, a mother with several children, who was very successful in solving difficult situations. And I said to her, 'Tell me, Ma'am, how did you solve such a difficult situation?' She began to move her hands like this, in silence. Then she said to me: '[This is] how [we] mothers do it.'

Women have their own way of solving problems, which is not man's way. And both ways must work together: the woman, equal to the man, works for the common good with that insight that women have. I have seen that in the Vatican, every time a woman comes in to do a job in the Vatican, things get better. For example, the vice governor of the Vatican is a woman, the vice governor is a woman, and things have changed for the best. In the Council for the Economy, there were six cardinals and six lay people, all male. I changed the lay people I put one male and five women. And this is a revolution because women know how to find the right way, they know how to move forward. And now I have put Marianna Mazzuccato in the Pontifical Academy for Life.

She is a great economist from the United States, I put her there to give a little more humanity to it.

Women carry their own, they don't have to become like males. No! they are women, we need them. And a society that erases women from public life is a society that impoverishes itself. It impoverishes itself. Equality of rights, yes. But also equality of opportunity. Equality of opportunities in order to move forward, otherwise we become impoverished.

I think with that I have said what globally needs to be done. But we still have some way to go. Because there is this 'machismo'. I come from a people with machismo. Argentinians, we are masculinist, always. And that is bad, but then we turn to our mothers, who are the ones who solve the problems. This machismo kills humanity. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say this, which is [something that] I carry in my heart. Let's fight not only for rights, but because we need to have women in society to help us change."

The Catholic News. December 2022

FATIMA EVENT The Good Shepherd Church, Nottingham

How did these two little children – Jacinta age 9 and Francisco age 10 – end up being canonised and two of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church?

Standing in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, Portugal on 13 May 2017, Pope Francis canonised these two shepherd children who saw Mary at Fatima, but more importantly, he said, “they heeded the call to pray for sinners and trust in the Lord”.

“We declare and define Blessed Francisco Marto and Blessed Jacinta Marto as saints,” the pope proclaimed, as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims broke out in applause before he finished speaking.

Fatima came to us on Sunday 16 October at the Good Shepherd Church, Nottingham, when the World Apostolate visited with the Centennial Pilgrim Statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto. Our “pilgrimage” began with a procession and a crowning of Our Lady’s statue followed by Holy Mass. Pilgrims sang the Fatima Ave and waved their white hankies to greet and honour Our Lady, as they do in Fatima, when her statue entered the Church.

After the Mass we prayed the Holy Rosary communally as people came to venerate the relics of the little saints. The Apostolate gave an interesting and informative talk about the message of Fatima, the Brown Scapular and the importance of the First Saturday’s Devotion.

In the afternoon, Canon Philipp Ziomek, our parish priest, enrolled many of the congregation in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, after which we concluded with the Sacrament of Confession and a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration.

Bishop Patrick McKinney, who celebrated the Mass, re-echoed in his homily the theme that Saints Jacinta and Francisco were made saints not because of the apparitions but because of the way they responded to Our Lady and lived God centred, holy lives.

The fact that Our Lady chose these two little ones is significant. It is a reminder to us of how precious children are and to show us that holiness is not just for adults, but that children too are called to live holy lives.

We are called to follow the example of the “Little Shepherds”, particularly their constant prayer for sinners and their adoration of “the hidden Jesus” in the Tabernacle. Jacinta and Francisco had a great love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in the Mass, and they spent many hours in adoration outside of the Mass to console and adore Jesus. In October 1918, Jacinta gave us a message which is both relevant and important for our turbulent times. She said: …. God wishes to establish in the world devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell everybody that God grants us graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; that people are to ask her for them; and that the Heart of Jesus wants the Immaculate Heart of Mary to be venerated at his side. Tell

them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to her. Saint Jacinta (October 1918) When Pope St. John Paul II beatified Francisco and Jacinta, he said: “There will be saints among the children”. And there actually have been saints. But we can now add: “There will be apostles among the children. Let us pray so that this prediction, this auspice may come true ever more, as St. Pius X’s came true….. Father, to You I offer praise for all Your children, from the Virgin Mary, Your humble Servant, to the little shepherds, Francisco and Jacinta. May the message of their lives live on forever to light humanity’s way”. Saint John Paul II. (13 May 2000) We are thankful to the World Apostolate of Fatima for this wonderful visit and pray thatOur Lady will pour down many graces upon our parish and particularly upon our children and young people whose prayers and intercessions are very powerful. We also pray that all will respond to Our Lady’s request for the First Saturday’s Devotion and consecration to God through her Immaculate Heart.

Caroline Smith On behalf of the Good Shepherd Church

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The Catholic News. December 2022

Around our diocese Bishop Patrick recently travelled with three others to visit a number of health care units in the Moshi area of Tanzania. He was in Tanzania for 11 days, with an opportunity to meet with the local Bishop

On route to one of the rural medical dispensaries that InterCare supports.

A celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation with 30 young people and adults in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Mickleover.

A Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 150 Anniversary of St Norbert’s Church, Crowle, Lincolnshire. It was the 1st Foundation in England, since the Reformation, of the Norbertine Order.

The 1st Catholic Church in the Diocese of Moshi which was built by the Holy Ghost Fathers.

Pact are holding an additional Advent Carol Service in Nottingham.

Join them and Bishop Patrick at Sacred Heart Church, Calton, on Thursday 8th December at 7pm

The InterCare team working through the last but one report on visits made to dispensaries & hospitals during the visit to Tanzania.

The Catholic News. December 2022

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Christmas Dreamers and Visionaries “Your elders will dream dreams, your young people will see visions” Book of Joel, 3:1

By Canon Jonathan Cotton With Christmas just around the corner, I’m reminded of an encounter in the Christmas Story that so often can pass us by. But it is a beautiful part of the Christmas Story which Pope Francis returns to on many occasions.

It’s the encounter of Mary, Joseph, and the month-old baby Jesus, with the elderly Simeon and Anna in the Jerusalem Temple.

[See Luke 2: 22-38.]

For Pope Francis, this encounter reminds all of us of how the different generations can learn from each other. Simeon and Anna share some very wise words – words of hope but also words of realism hinting at pain and loss. , They also receive from this small family group of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, an affirmation of their life’s waiting and the completion of their purpose here on earth.

Pope Francis sees in this encounter, a wonderful display of the human virtues of “empathy, closeness, and tenderness, in a totally non-threatening, non-violent way”. He says that these human virtues “are capable of putting an end to the most violent of events”.

A special memory that I have of my childhood Christmases is of looking out of the window for the arrival of my Uncle George. As soon as I caught a glimpse of him entering the garden gate, I would dash out of the house, run down the path and leap into his arms! I couldn’t wait until he’d share stories with me or take me on a walk in the local woods to search for wildlife or, as the night closed in, to point me to the dark sky to marvel at the distant stars or spot a passing satellite. I soaked up his wise words and caught a vision of future possibilities. And, now that I’m at the other end of my life, I still laugh about a memory of the slip of the tongue a couple of years ago by one of The Briars Team, when I was Chaplain, when he referred to me as “granddad”! I hope it was some wise thought I’d shared but fear it might have been my white and thinning hair that prompted, at least for me, the flattering title! What memorable encounters will be generated by you this Christmas as you enjoy the coming together of the generations?

In his enriching and beautifully produced book “Sharing the Wisdom of Time”, Pope Francis explains how the younger generations can learn from the “reservoirs of wisdom” from their elders, with so much lifeexperience to share, and lesson to be learnt from past history. Conversely, the elders in our families and communities can learn from young people: their enthusiasm, their different questions about life, and the gifts that they already have to contribute to a better world. And as the older generation learn how to have more faith in young people, both young and old, as part of the Church Family of today, can work together to build a better future for the next generation, dreamers and visionaries together.

In the large format book, Pope Frances has chosen stories by individuals from around the world about how young and old have enriched one another, and he gives his comments with illustrations from his own life experience.

Colour photographs accompany each story. In this way, he shows how an alliance between young people and the older generation can work, coming together in friendship, dialogue and Christian action to build a better world.

He wants us to see our grandparents and elders as “the roots of the tree of life without

Image: CBCEW

Saffron robes in Nottingham Cathedral which the tree can’t flower.” I think that’s wonderful: grandparents and our elders as “the roots of the tree of life without which the tree can’t flower.” A website based on the book on how to invite this type of wisdom sharing explains more: www.sharingwisdomoftime.com. A nonprofit sponsorship organisation called Unbound helped considerably with Pope Francis’ book. See: unbound.org.

In Jesus’ day, the intermingling of age groups and families was quite common. The average household had at least three generations living under the same roof. Today, depending on what cultural group you come from, that can still happen. But, maybe for the majority of people in the countries of the West, this does not happen. There is a danger of the different generations being distant and cutoff.

If the generations can come together at Christmas, why not at another time in the year with a more organised sense of purpose: to sit down again together, to listen and learn from each other, and agree to team-up together, to do something together, out-andabout, with a true Christian missionary zeal.

It could be a local Church family gathering, or a local school or college, meeting up with a nearby senior citizens group or care home.

Pope Francis suggests three topics of particular relevance today: waste, indifference and racism. The environment, countering the culture of waste: litter picking, planting bulbs in the area. Migrants & refuges, countering the indifference and sometimes hostility towards them by befriending, for example, a local refugee family, helping them when struggling with the welfare system or with visas. Welcoming other races, countering racial tensions of hatred and intolerance. He suggests our example is needed of the respect and welcome due to any fellow member of our one human family.

So, let’s call on the Holy Spirit to gift us this Christmas with the human virtues of empathy, closeness, non-violence and tenderness so that the generations can come together in an alliance of friendship, sharing our ideas and working together to build a better world, gradually seeing our dreams come true.

Ten Buddhist Monks joined interreligious coordinators at a meeting organised by Bishop Patrick McKinney on 11 October at Nottingham Cathedral. The Venerable Abbot Dr Laow Panyasir led his monks through Nottingham and joined the meeting after lunch, as the monks do not eat after 12 noon.

The monks - who were from Thailand, England and Wales - live at Wat Mahatthat Buddist Temple, in King's Bromley, Staffordshire.

They spend their time chanting, meditating and studying Buddhist teachings. They live by 227 rules (novices have 10 rules and lay people five) and go out and collect alms from the Thai community who feed them.

Dr Laow was himself orphaned and brought up in a monastery. At the age of 13, he became

a novice and at 20 a monk, which he has been for 43 years. He is a strong believer in education and wants to give back to society by helping people make sense of their lives and understand others.

The coordinators were astounded by the fact that one monk said that he had not been angry for three years. He achieved this by meditating and explained that we should not be led too much by our emotions. He added that being attached to possessions and opinions is rooted in delusion and ignorance something for us all to ponder.

Once again, the interreligious co-ordinators expressed their gratitude to Bishop Patrick McKinney for organising such a positive encounter.

St Mary’s Parish Derby Organises STEM Education Day for Children St Mary’s Parish Derby are investigating the feasibility of installing solar panels at the Parish Hall, Presbytery and its sister churches of Holy Family and Christ the King. The Laudato Si group who are looking into the project, organised a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activity for children, parents and parishioners. They measured building dimensions, roof angles and orientation using lots of long tape measures and large protractors. They talked about the solar angles from the position of the sun in the sky, considered what happens in different seasons and looked at shading. It is hoped all the investigations will bear fruit in helping this part of Derby become greener!

Frances Hazel

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The Catholic News. December 2022

Derby Irish Centre Memorial Mass

Derby Irish Centre November Memorial Mass for past members

The 25 card table put to great use for gathering after Mass

Third from left front row Father Timothy O’Sullivan founding member 1985

Second from right Sheila O’Connor with her daughters remembering her husband Tom O’Connor who died in July

Derby Irish Centre November Memorial Mass for past members was celebrated by Kerry born Canon Timothy O'Sullivan (founding member 1985) recently.

It was the first type gathering since before Covid and was well attended. Members called out names of past members in the bidding prayers. Lunch was served afterwards by volunteers from the Thursday Fáilte Club.

Gerry Molumby

Continued from page 1 MICHAEL ABBOTT Michael studied at the College of Estate Management in London, became a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and ran his own property management development company. He has been a very committed Catholic in both parish and schools all through his adult life, and has generously used his business and property management skills for the benefit of the Church. He also served as Treasurer of the Cheltenham branch of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council.

Michael, his wife Carole, and their family moved to Loughborough in 1982 where he became a governor and then Chair of governors of St Mary’s Catholic School until 2008, and also served as a member of the parish Finance Committee. He has also served as Clerk to the Trustees of Frost’s Charity (which provides housing for older people in Loughborough) and as Treasurer of the Loughborough Circle of the Catenians.

In 2007 he was appointed one of the first lay observers on the Diocesan Board of Trustees and then in 2010 a Director. He was also a member of the Building & Sites sub-committee of the Trustees until his retirement last year.

The Papal Award, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (for Church & Pope) is conferred on those who have offered long and distinguished service to the Catholic Church. Bishop Patrick then invited Michael, accompanied by Carole, to come forward to receive this well-deserved Papal Award.

EDWARD POYSER Edward studied economics at Exeter University and then worked at the Price Waterhouse London Office as a Chartered Accountant. He then went on to become Managing Director for ES Poyser & Sons Ltd here in Nottingham from 1977 – 2005 during which time he also held company director posts for Houlden Jewellers Ltd and was an officer for trade associations at both local and

national levels. When he sold the main business he continued trading for a further while via Diamond House Ltd. Edward and his wife, Margi, live in Southwell where they are involved in Our Lady of Victories parish.

In 2006 Edward was appointed our Diocesan Financial Secretary, a post he held and carried out very efficiently until his retirement in 2019. A man of principle who did not shy away from doing what he believed to be right, Edward gained a well- deserved reputation as a careful steward of the diocese’s financial resources, which were weak in 2006 but which he turned around in the course of his time in post, so establishing the sound financial foundation which we continue to enjoy. This is helping us to manage the impact of both the Covid pandemic and the present cost of living crisis, and to transition to a more missionary Church. Edward also played an important part in supporting the implementation of the Retired Priests’ Appeal, which has laid a secure financial foundation for support to our clergy in their

latter years. He also oversaw the restructuring of the schools estate with academisation and incorporation of the diocesan trust as a limited company in 2010. He was also instrumental in developing a comprehensive suite of operating policies and procedures for parish and curial operations. In addition to his role as Diocesan Financial Director he also served as a well respected director/Trustee for the Catholic Trust of England & Wales and Inter-diocesan Fuel Management.

The Papal Award, Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory, is bestowed upon Catholic men and women in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Catholic Church through their labours and the reputation and trust that they inspire in others.

Bishop Patrick then invited Edward, accompanied by Margi, to come forward to receive this well-deserved Papal Award.

The Catholic News. December 2022

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Research reveals York priest’s crucifix could be last Gunpowder Plot raids survivor? middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk

“This is one of the most remarkable items in our possession and on display in the Bar Convent’s exhibition”

Dr Thomas said: “This is one of the most remarkable items in our possession and on display in the Bar Convent’s exhibition.

“We have been working closely with experts such as Michael Hodgetts, who has painstakingly researched the history of all known priest’s hiding holes in England and Wales, and we are now confident in believing that this is the only item surviving from a series of raids which took place at the houses of known Catholic associates across the Midlands in 1606, following the discovery of the plot in November 1605.

“The search at Hindlip lasted an incredible 12 days, and for most of that time Father Oldcorne remained hidden in a tiny, concealed room, in fear for his life. This little object is now the only surviving witness to those terrifying days, which ended with the public executions of Oldcorne and his colleagues.”

The crucifix, dated from the late 16th or early 17th century, was discovered in the priest’s hole where Father Oldcorne had gone into hiding. He was suspected of involvement in the plot because he was a Catholic priest and a Jesuit.

There was no evidence to link Oldcorne to the Gunpowder Plot and so he was instead put to death for his Catholic faith on April 7 1606.

The label on the crucifix, which is thought to have been added in the 1950s, reads: “Missionary case and crucifix found in a priest’s hiding place at Henlip Castle [Hindlip Hall], Worcester, where Fr Oldcorne SJ ministered and was arrested.

“Born York. Racked 5 times. H.D.Q [Hanged, Drawn, Quartered] April 7th 1606.

Worcester.”

The crucifix is on permanent display in the exhibition at the Bar Convent, the oldest living convent in England. The foundress of the order was Mary Ward – niece of Gunpowder Plotters John and Christopher Wright, and Thomas Percy.

A Sixth Form student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has won one of the top prizes in a national essay writing competition.

Kinga Mierzejewska, in Year 13, entered the National College of Humanities essay writing competition and came third out of 500 entries. She won £250 and was offered the opportunity to visit the college in London.

The Sixth Form student decided to enter the competition after hearing about it through school.

The Bar Convent has revealed new research into the personal crucifix belonging to York priest Father Edward Oldcorne, who was hanged, drawn and quartered in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.

Special collections manager Dr Hannah Thomas carried out the new research and discovered that the crucifix is the only item known to have survived the raids on the Catholic houses in the wake of the Gunpowder Plot in 1606.

Sixth Former recognised in national essay writing competition

She said: “There were eight essay titles to choose from and I chose the History one which was ‘How does humanity adapt to climate change?’. I thought I could link it to other subjects and research the different themes throughout history.

Image: Anthony Chappel Ross Father Oldcorne, who was friends with Gunpowder Plotters Guy Fawkes and brothers Christopher and John Wright at St Peter’s School, York, was under suspicion as a Catholic priest and a Jesuit.

He had worked secretly as a Catholic chaplain at Hindlip Hall, Worcester, for 14 years. In December 1605, Father Henry Garnet and lay brother Nicholas Owen, who were also suspects, also sought refuge at Hindlip Hall, said to be the safest Catholic house in the country as it had so many concealed hiding places.

Along with Father Oldcorne’s servant, Ralph Ashley, all four men went into hiding in two separate priest’s holes and, although the house was raided several times, they were never discovered. However, conditions in the priest’s hole became unbearable and, after eight days, they surrendered.

Father Oldcorne was tortured, but despite there being no evidence to suggest he was involved in the Gunpowder Plot, he was still put to death as a Jesuit priest. He was hanged, drawn and quartered on April7 1606. Ralph Ashley, was executed alongside him. Both were beatified in 1929.

Nicholas Owen worked in the service of Father Henry Garnet and is said to have masterminded Father John Gerard’s escape from the Tower of London in 1597.

He spent 18 years of his life building priest’s holes in the homes of Catholic families, despite ill health and injury and without payment.

It is said that his work was so ingenious that many of his hiding places still remain undiscovered. He died while being tortured during the night of March 1 and 2 1606. He was declared a saint in 1970.

Father Henry Garnet had been told of the plot some months before, but in confession, so was forbidden by canon law to reveal it.

However, he did protest the plan and attempted to deter the plotters. Despite this, he was found guilty of treason and was hanged, drawn and quartered on May 3 1606.

“When I entered the competition I didn’t expect to hear anything back, I just thought I would try it out. Then the college rang me and told me I’d come third and that they would like to meet me so I went to London. I was shocked but quite happy.

She said: “Kinga’s award is magnificent and a real reflection of her hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud to have Kinga in our Sixth Form and know this is just the very beginning of her experiencing success – there is more to come for Kinga!”

“I am not 100 per cent sure what I want to do next yet but I think I would like to go to university and study languages.”

Mrs Boyce congratulated Kinga on her achievement.

NOVEMBER 2022

Monthly National Catholic Newspaper National and International News from a Catholic Perspective with thoughtful articles to deepen Faith

Edition 11

Worldwide Church Gathering page 3

Church devastated

by Daesh restored page 9

New Bishop for East Anglia page 12

St Charles Borromeo Feast day 4th November

Public Spending Cuts Unjust Are the poor to pay a high price for the recklessness of the wealthy again?

Raymond Friel CEO, Caritas Social Action Network

We want to see welfare benefits uprated and an end to the two-child cap on universal benefit payments On Friday 23September, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, presented a fiscal plan to Parliament which represented a sharp departure from the plans of the previous government to push up taxes to pay for public services, including social care and to reduce the NHS backlog. The Chancellor’s intervention was focused on economic growth by cutting taxes, reversing the National Insurance increase and scrapping a planned increase in corporation tax.

That reckless return to an unfettered neoliberal economic agenda now seems a long time ago, such is the bewildering pace of

politics at the moment. Among other things it exposed the fantasy of Brexit sovereignty. Far from striding the global stage as a newly liberated economic heavyweight in charge of its own destiny, Britain and its political leaders were reminded in a humiliating way that the markets call the shots. Nor should we think the markets have had a sudden conversion to the common good. The main problem seems to have been that the Chancellor’s plans had not been submitted to the Office for Budget Responsibility to check their impact and affordability. Britain looked risky.

Continued on page 6

Scottish archbishop calls for boost to benefits Ellen Teague

Working people aren't getting a living wage Archbishop William Nolan of Glasgow has called on UK Government to increase benefits in line with inflation. "The poor must not be sacrificed in an attempt to shore up the Government's credibility with the markets," he said last week. “Making the poor poorer is not an act of fiscal prudence, it is an act of injustice."

He felt it is a “fundamental injustice" that “working people aren't getting a living wage," and said, "we then need to really look at how we reward people in our society." He drew attention to the applause for key workers during Covid lockdowns, “but they need more than a clap, they need decent pay," adding that “we've got a low-wage economy and people

are struggling; poverty won't go away until we pay people a fair wage."

Would you be willing to open up your heart and home and welcome individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine?

He reported people telling him that inflation, along with the increase in energy bills, has hit household budgets hard. “Everywhere I go people are talking about this," the Archbishop said: “the increase in fuel costs, how it's going to affect them and their families."

If you are willing to share your space with those in need of a safe place, you can find out more information here and register your interest: www.sjog-homesforukraine.uk

Archbishop William Nolan

Registered Charity no.1108428

Supported by

Continued on page 7

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The Catholic News. December 2022

SVP – What We Do History of the Society in England and Wales - Part 5

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As a new century dawned the SVP continued with its mission to actively seek out those in need and offer practical assistance and support in whatever way it could. The Society had shown from its inception its ability to respond to demands and needs of the time and this was to continue throughout the next century.

THE SVP IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY Concern for Youth Whilst the 20th Century had many tumultuous events, the SVP maintained a focus on supporting those younger members of society who were in danger of falling away from or losing their faith. This was demonstrated in work involving youth clubs, scouts, religious instruction and Mass attendance. The year 1918 itself is described as one of very great significance for the SVP in its ‘spiritual and corporal care of youth’. A report records 382 Conferences of which 68 were operating youth and men’s clubs, 27 instructing in Sunday schools and catechism classes, 19 running boy-scout troops, 12 boys’ brigades and 2 cadet corps.

In Preston, one brother registered attendances at Mass of 30 boys and also taught in Sunday school; ten brothers managed a guild of 250 men and 360 boys, including 3 children partially maintained in orphanages.

In Hebburn, St Aloysius’s Conference numbered 26 brothers. During 1918, they completed 1,249 visits to working boys in their own home, so as to ensure attendance at monthly Communion. There was a guild of 150 boys and a boys’ brigade of 50. The inmates of Monkton “Imbecile Home” were taken to Mass each Sunday.

The editor of ‘The Universe’, Bro. Archibald Dunn, wrote about such young boys being of an age which was the most critical period of life: “when a boy leaves the protection of home and school and is exposed to the demoralising influence of other boys of his own age who have no religion and no moral training .........”

during the first 30 years of the century when employment could be guaranteed, because most men were fighting at the front in France.

Archbishop Bourne of Westminster said that, of all the associations he knew, the SVP was the one best adapted to deal with the needs of the poor during the years of widespread unemployment.

Despite the devastating loss of brothers during the First War, the increased help needed for the unemployed nevertheless helped to stimulate recruitment to unprecedented levels: “In 1905, the number of Conferences had just passed the 200-mark and we had just fewer than 3,000 brothers.

During the worst years of unemployment, leading up to 1925/6, and despite a loss of one-fifth during the War, SVP members actually more than doubled so that, by 1925, membership was 6,500.”

MODERN TIMES Following the Second World War, our society has witnessed huge changes in terms of social reform with the development of the ‘Welfare State, the birth of the NHS, educational reform and a political commitment to look after people “from the cradle to the grave”.

The responsibilities assumed by the State towards the poor have increased dramatically and whilst the principle is laudable and it has been a successful approach for many people over the last 60 years, there are still those who need help. The SVP has continued to develop to respond to help those in need as society has modernised and changed and has undergone significant changes in the way it operates constantly evolving to ensure it stays true to its mission, values and history.

With so much social support being offered by the state the work of the SVP has now moved towards more focused, community based activities through the efforts of the parish conferences, which in modern times are the beating heart of the society. Today’s volunteers work together as a team actively seeking out those in need in their community and addressing the perennial issues of poverty, loneliness and illness as well as supporting people with and in their faith.

Equality a long time coming The attention paid by the SVP to the education and spiritual development of youth was especially appreciated by a Belgian bishop, who thanked Brothers for having looked after 350 of his refugees stranded here during the First World War. A “continued Catholic education had been ensured and six of the boys were then studying for the priesthood”.

Unemployment increases poverty but recruitment flourishes to meet the need

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Although it might seem that the 1914-18 War was the most worrying time at the beginning of the 20th Century, unemployment was a much more prolonged problem and gave much work to the SVP. The period between 1914 and 1918 was, in fact, the only period

Throughout this history reference is made to ‘brothers’ with no mention of female involvement. The SVP was founded in the mid-19th Century at a time when females’ status and rights in society were seen as secondary to men and it was unthinkable for women to be involved in the work ‘only men could do’! Until 1963 women were organised

separately throughout the world as the 'Women’s Society of St Vincent de Paul', with headquarters in Bologna, Italy. It was founded in 1856 to render charitable aid to the afflicted in matters which men could not handle such as the care of widows, orphan girls and mothers with small families. After a trial period the women's Society was amalgamated with the men's Society in 1967 and now admits both men and women with equal responsibility. Membership is approximately 50/50 male- female. Today, the SVP’s current National President is Helen O’Shea. Helen will be succeeded by Elaine Heyworth as National President after her 5 years in post.

Helen O’Shea (left) is the SVP’s first female National President for England and Wales, appointed in 2017. She is succeeded by Elaine Heyworth.

A challenge for the Society today The early history of the SVP shows how radical the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society was in those days. Our work has changed very much today, and one reason for this is a change in the Lay Apostolate. Earlier times saw the SVP as the dominant and, in some respects, the only Lay Organisation in the Church. Nowadays there are many more, doing a variety of different works, which is an encouraging development.

The challenges are, however, as great as at any time in the past 178 years. Have we lost the radical approach to need? Are there lessons for us in the energy and ingenuity expended by our predecessors for the welfare and faith of young people? Are we still as keen to encourage lapsed Catholics to return to the practice of the faith? Is there still a need for us to distribute Catholic literature? Are we doing enough for the unemployed?

The answer is that it is up to every one of us to do the best we can. Given a generosity of spirit, the Society will respond to need as it has always done, with a renewed vigour, with the help of Blessed Frédéric, and with the Holy Spirit teaching us that our work never springs from ourselves alone.

If you have enjoyed this series of articles and would like to find out more about the SVP, please contact Lance Philpott – SVP Head of Membership at lancep@svp/.org.uk

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The Catholic News. December 2022

Page 9

Blessing of Graves

Thank You NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART Dearest Heart of Jesus, In the past I have asked for many favours, This time I ask for this special one, (Mention it), Take it, dear heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful eyes, it would become His favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days and promise publication.

Never known to fail.

Fr Emmanuel Abbem, the parish priest, blessed the graves at the Church of The Annunciation, New Mills in Derbyshire after Mass on Sunday . A similar Blessing took place later after Mass at the sister church of St Mary’s, Marple Bridge.

John Fryer

St Mary’s CV Academy Derby Mark Remembrance Day With Adoration and Liturgies On November 11th, St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby took time out to remember the dead of both world wars and more recent conflicts, and to pray for those we know who have died. The day began with a liturgy for parents organised by Yr 6 pupils.

Each class then spent time in the Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament and placed a picture of a poppy on the prayer area in memory of the soldiers and departed loved ones. The children reflected on the importance of memories, and how the past, present and future are all significant to us. The traditional two minute silence was observed throughout the School at 11am.”

Frances Hazel

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The Catholic News. December 2022

Newark parishioner accompanies coffins of three Polish presidents-in-exile on their last journey home The three men and others like them were the heads of a free Polish government in exile in Britain during the years when Poland was ruled by the Nazis Laurance Goff, a parishioner of Newark Holy Trinity Church, and Town Mayor of Newark was honored to accompany the coffins containing the bodies of three Polish presidents in exile —Władysław Raczkiewicz, August Zaleski, and Stanisław Ostrowski back to their homeland. The three men and others like them were the heads of a free Polish government in exile in Britain during the years when Poland was ruled by the Nazis and then the Soviets. Sadly none of the three lived to see their homeland free.

Their bodies were exhumed on 3rd November from Newark Cemetery in an historical moment for Poland. Holy Mass at St Mary Magdalene Church Newark was celebrated on 6th November by three Polish bishops to mark their repatriation. Representatives of the Polish Government and military, the

Royal Family, UK parliament and military, local authorities, and the Presidents' relatives were present in the packed Newark parish church.

Town Mayor Goff told our reporter “On behalf of Newark, I extend my very warmest regards to the people of Poland as they mark the return of the three presidents to their homeland. I also look forward to continuing to celebrate Newark’s respect and appreciation for our Polish links as we plan for the creation and installation of a statue of General Sikorski in Newark Cemetery which is expected to be officially unveiled next year.”

The Polish government-in-exile was the legitimate state representation of Poland from the authorities’ evacuation in 1939 until 1990.

Laurance Goff Reconstructed first in Paris, and from 1940 residing in London, it led the Polish war effort throughout the second world war.

The office of president was held by: Władysław Raczkiewicz (1939-1947), August Zaleski (1947-1972), Stanisław Ostrowski (1972-1979), Edward Raczyński (1979-1986), Kazimierz Sabbat (1986-1989), and Ryszard Kaczorowski (1989-1990).

After exhuming the coffins at Newark cemetery

Willie Doyle SJ's canonisation cause opens Fr Doyle was renowned for his heroism as a military chaplain during World War I Bishop Tom Deenihan, the Bishop of Meath, announced on Thursday 27 October 2022 that he is to open the cause for the beatification and canonisation of Fr Willie Doyle SJ. Fr Doyle was renowned for his heroism as a military chaplain during World War I, and since his death on 16 August 1917, he has developed a reputation for sanctity and intercessory power. His cause will be formally opened at a ceremony in the cathedral of Christ the King on Sunday 20 November 2022 at 5pm which the Irish Jesuit Provincial,

Fr Leonard Moloney SJ, will attend. All are welcome.

The Irish Province has been supporting a group (The Fr Willie Doyle SJ Association) led

by Mr Pat Kenny who have dedicated themselves to promoting Fr Doyle's cause.

Willie Doyle SJ was born in Dublin in 1873 to an affluent Catholic family and entered the Society of Jesus in 1891. He taught in two Jesuit schools, Clongowes Wood College and Belvedere College and was ordained in 1908.

He volunteered as a chaplain in WW1.

The Polish War Graves Section of Newark Cemetery is the largest Polish plot of any cemetery in the UK. Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister Gen Władysław Sikorski, who opened it in 1941 and was laid to rest there. His body was also exhumed and repatriated home.

Meanwhile, a statue of Polish Righteous Among the Nations Irena Sendler, who saved hundreds of Jewish children during the war, stands in Newark's Fountain Gardens.

During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force welcomed into its ranks thousands of exiles from German-occupied Poland. Polish personnel served in all RAF commands and earned a reputation for exceptional courage and devotion to duty. Tragically, though the Poles fought so hard to liberate Europe from tyranny. It would take another 50 years before Poland could have their own country and freedom back once again.

Willie Doyle SJ has touched the lives of many people, especially those he ministered to in the hellish trenches of the First World War. He was renowned for his selfless care of the young soldiers in that war, for his heroism, and his deep penitential spirituality. Many draw attention to his sense of humour, positive attitude, and upbeat disposition which supported the soldiers to whom he was chaplain during dark and dangerous times in the trenches.

He was also known as a practical joker who from an early age displayed tender care for all those he came in contact with, and from an early age. he continues to fascinate people today, one hundred years on from his death in the First World War. Willie Doyle was commemorated in an exhibition at a number of events in Dublin in 2017 to mark the centenary of his death in the Battle of Passchendaele, Flanders. He died attempting to save injured soldiers from the battlefield. The cause for his canonisation has

Fr Willie Doyle become increasingly popular in recent times and it is hoped that this espousal of that cause by the Bishop of Meath will help hasten the day when he will be declared 'blessed, and 'saint.

Irish Jesuits

The Catholic News. December 2022

Our Global Community

Page 11

India: Charity reports rise in number of children diagnosed with leprosy Recent news from Mumbai, home to St Francis Leprosy Guild's partner, Bombay Leprosy Project, reports that a special health drive conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to detect leprosy, has found twelve children among 88 cases in the last 15 days. The health drive has helped detect cases of leprosy that were lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This is the highest number of new cases detected in the last five years" said Dr VV Pai, Director of SFLG's partner, Bombay Leprosy Project. "After the special drive is over, we will carefully analyse every child detected to understand how many are local, how many have progressive disease and which form of leprosy."

Sikh temple.

Image CBCEW

Vatican Cardinal's Guru Nanak message calls for Christians and Sikhs to promote Interreligious Solidarity The Vatican Cardinal who heads up the dicastery responsible for relations with other religions, has written to the world's Sikh communities to promote interreligious solidarity ahead of Guru Nanak Prakash Diwas.

Sikhs celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder and first Guru of Sikhism, in November.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in Tanwandi in the Punjab region in 1469. Guru Nanak celebrations take place on the Pooranmashi, or full moon day, in the Lunar month of Katak. It falls on a different day each year in October/November.

Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot's message calls on Christians and Sikhs to promote interreligious solidarity for the common good: "This must earnestly begin from families - the first and fundamental schools of social living - where members, led by the example of grandparents, parents and elders, learn values that build solidarity for the good of all in the family, despite conceivable differences among them.

"Education and formation are key areas whereby students can be taught to imbibe the spirit of solidarity and of 'unity in diversity', by inspiring and encouraging them, to do gestures and acts of solidarity, in creative ways, in the neighbourhoods and in the wider society."

Cardinal Ayuso Guixot recognises that both Christians and Sikhs can support each other and collectively take on a variety of issues facing society: "The kind of human solidarity including interreligious solidarity witnessed on the ground in recent times, be

it during disasters and emergencies or on matters quite critical for the welfare of society, commendably testifies it. Solidarity in general and its particular expressions need to be carefully sustained at the local, national and international levels, making it a movement and culture that favours and protects the common good."

Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot is the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

Continued from page 1 A number of parishioners felt that they needed pastoral time to sit and chat about how they are integrating themselves into the local community, especially when participating in the mass in English.Fr Baudry encouraged us, and said, “don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and to get involved in the local community and parish life through volunteering or joining in different social groups.”

Our greatest appreciation shall be given to the clergy team of the Holy Spirit, Fr John, and Fr Liam, Jim, Catherine and Margaret were very supportive and caring towards the Hong Kong newcomers. When we were planning Fr Baudry’s visit, they gave us the greatest support and responded well and reassured us of their assistance to making sure our day went well. A group of Hong Kong parishioners, Alice, Angelina, Betsy, Cecilia Chan, Cecilia Cheung, Monica, Suki and Rosa worked as a team to ensure our event ran smoothly. Our sharing session and the Mass were a great success and filled us with many blessings, which couldn’t have happened without their help.

My two children are studying in Catholic schools in the parish and we joined the

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, healthcare services were diverted toward Covid-19 management and new leprosy case detection was suspended. The referral and treatment services were also affected. This diversion has led to a huge backlog of cases that are now being detected with the special drive. Grade2 (visible) leprosy disability occurs if someone with leprosy has not taken treatment for more than two years."

"The need for surveillance of treated patients for identifying clinical events such as reaction, nerve damage, disability, relapse is very important and screening of contacts of treated patients for new case detection is essential."

The BMC health officials in Mumbai commented that the proportion of advanced leprosy has increased which can be attributed to the backlog of missed detection over the past two years due to the pandemic. Around eight per cent of the eighty-eight cases had

Holy Spirit Church to be a part of this vibrant community. Parishioners always give a very warm welcome to the newcomers and invite them to enjoy tea or coffee after the Mass. As a newcomer, these greetings and welcomes make us feel accepted and help us to be involved in the local community. As one of the coordinators to organize Fr Baudry’s visit, this seemed like organizing a housewarming party for my friends. I hope the parishioners who joined us in the Mass felt a warm welcome and enjoyed the special occasion as much as we did. Although most of us from Hong Kong community are still in transition, we believe that God who will send His angels to guard our ways as we acclimatize to our new way of life.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths Fr John and Fr Liam would like to express our gratitude for the many ways in which the Hong Kong community are a blessing and an enrichment for our Parish.

And Fr John would also like to express his gratitude to Fr Baudry and hope he will visit again soon.

Dr VV Pai examines young patient with government officials.

Image: St Francis Leprosy Guild Grade 2 leprosy or visible deformities. BMC said there are close to 10,402 suspected leprosy cases detected in the special drive.

"I was shocked to hear these new case numbers in Mumbai, although not entirely surprised" said Clare McIntosh, SFLG's Chief Executive Officer.

"When you find children with leprosy, it shows that the disease has been spreading in a community. But there may be worse to come. Some of these children may be suffering from visible disabilities caused by leprosy which will affect them for life."

"There has been no healthcare provided for people with leprosy during the Covid-19 pandemic. I strongly urge governments in those locations to scale up their healthcare provision and step up their leprosy programmes again. I applaud the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for taking taken such positive action."

SFLG's TRACE operating strategy is putting an emphasis on Active Case-Finding; early detection of leprosy followed by treatment with multidrug therapy, reflecting new global approaches in the ongoing fight against leprosy. SFLG has six Active Case-Finding projects in operation with three more due to start in 2023.

Clare McIntosh, SFLG's Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting SFLG's early results from its Active Case-Finding programme during the 21st International Leprosy Congress 2022 at the HITEX Exhibition Center in Hyderabad, India.

Bombay Leprosy Project is a NonGovernment Organisation founded by the eminent leprologist, Dr R Ganapati. He transformed leprosy treatment from a closed institutionalised approach to a widespread community-based intervention. The Active Case-Finding project with SFLG increases awareness of leprosy in the Dharavi slums of Mumbai. This project is being achieved by training and engaging local community volunteers who will conduct door-to-door awareness campaigns.

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the de facto financial centre of India. It is the second-most populous city in India after Delhi and the eighth-most populous city in the world with a population of around twenty million people. It has an inner-city population of 12.5 million living under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

Page 12

The Catholic News. December 2022

This article is an extract from Dr Paul Dixon's forthcoming book, The Road Pilgrim. Over the coming months we shall be publishing extracts. For more details, email: info@theroadpilgrim.com

The Road Pilgrim Part Ten - Tyres & Wheels Contact patch: The contact patch is the tyre area in contact with the road at any one time; it is only a few inches. Without it, a car cannot go, stop or turn. The contact patch sets limits and creates possibilities. It also provides feedback for the driver, helping vehicle control.

On the highway of life, our contact patch is the present moment. The more we bring our true selves to this, the more contact we have with reality, with God. The contact patch also symbolises prayer. Prayer ought to empower our many starts, stops, and turns on the highway of life, the possibilities we explore, and the limitations we accept. Prayer gives us vital feedback too. Find God where the rubber meets the road.

Tracking (wheel alignment): Tracking refers to a wheel’s angle and direction, as set by the manufacturer. Uneven tyre wear can indicate that the tracking is out; if so, you might feel the car pulling left or right. We can often sense when our spiritual tracking is out too.

Wheel alignment can get out of line due to hitting a kerb or driving over potholes.

Similarly, bumps, knocks, and careless ‘driving’ can affect our spiritual alignment on

the highway of life. Is your spiritual tracking out? Are you in agreement with God’s angle and direction for your life?

Punctures: Has your car had a puncture? If not, you’ll get one eventually. Tyres inflate and deflate. We do too. The evil spirit deflates, and the good spirit inflates. God permits our spiritual deflation to bring forth good, such as building up the virtues of faith, hope and love. Due to the self-sealing nature of tyres, it is possible to drive many miles without noticing a puncture, though the leakage eventually becomes apparent. In life, too, we might not know we are leaking graces. We'll deflate if we don’t pay attention and deal with our spiritual puncture(s). Are you aware of holes in your spiritual life?

Advanced tyre technology has relevance to the spiritual life. Self-inflating tyres (SIT) sense low tyre pressure and re-inflate via components built into the wheel. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has low tyre pressure sensors. In addition, run-flat tyres resist the effect of deflation via their reinforced tyre walls. Similarly, advancement in the spiritual life—this supernatural gift from God—increases sensitivity to spiritual leakage. It also provides resilience in times of desolation, enabling re-inflation by drawing

upon God’s grace within one’s inner core. One doesn’t stay flat for long. Is God waiting to upgrade ‘your’ spiritual technology?

Wheels: Are you an air cap on a revolving car wheel?

Life turns: there are ups, and there are downs.

The medieval ‘Wheel of Fortune’ (Latin: Rota Fortunae) symbolises life's changing fortunes.1 At the top—a king (I reign), at the bottom—a pauper (no reign), to one side—a person climbing (will reign), the other side— a person falling (have reigned). Life goes well;

at different times, it does not. Things get better, at other times, worse. Christianity places Jesus Christ at the centre of the wheel of life. By living at the centre, we gain the peace of Christ; we are detached (indifferent) to changing circumstances. Don’t be an air cap on the rim; live humbly on the hub.

1 1 My thanks to Bishop Robert Barron’s (more thorough) explanation of the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ metaphor.

See ‘Peace Beyond Understanding’ on the Word on Fire website at www.wordonfire.org.

2-in-1 Crossw ord

by Axe

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

CRYPTIC Down 1 Nothing in vehicle list is of the age of the new king (8) 2 Philistines prevailed here, but Mongolia is free (5,6) 3 First family: one on bridge,... (4) 4 ...for the other, it's the brink, mate (3) 6 Publish again in the matter of offspring (7) 7 Neal's Harems: massages for old Assyrian kings (11) 10 Push off and lose one's way (3,4) 11 Fruit in here has variety enclosed by old railway (8) 14 One pub promoted Italian port (4) 16 One of twelve in Israel to get higher than black belt (3)

QUICK Across 4 Isaac's firstborn (4) 5 Rim;frontier(6) 8 Roman emperor between 37 and 68 AD (4) 9 Female domestic servant (8) 10 Common seabird of Europe; ancestor of many domestic breeds (7,5) 12 Variety of football played at a particular public school (4,4,4) 13 Headgear associated with Mexico and SW USA (8) 15 FatherofMenaham(4) 17 British political party members: Irish RC 17th century outlaws (6) 18 Poetic name for Ireland (4) QUICK Down 1 Pertaining to two dynasties in 17th century Britain, and one in the 21st century (8) 2 Site of King Saul's last stand (5,6) 3 Robert ----, Scottish architect and furniture designer (4) 4 Verge;threshold(3) 6 Releaseoncemore(7) 7 Assyrian king, the fifth of his name, who captured Samaria and took the Israelites into exile (11) 10 Go away and stay away (3,4) 11 Building, greenhouse, associated with fruit (8)

14 Italian Adriatic port (4) 16 Son of Jacob and tribal ancestor (3)

SOLUTION

Across: 4 Esau, 5 Border, 8 Nero, 9 Handmaid, 10 Greylag Goose, 12 Eton Wall Game, 13 Sombrero, 15 Gadi, 17 Tories, 18 Erin. Down: 1 Carolean, 2 Mount Gilboa, 3 Adam, 4 Eve, 6 Reissue, 7 Shalmaneser, 10 Get lost, 11 Orangery, 14 Bari, 16 Dan.

CRYPTIC Across 4 One of the twins seen tucking into Lincolnshire sausages (4) 5 British sect's on edge (6) 8 Number, including the Queen, he fiddled, so some say (4) 9 Subordinate created with care, it's said (8) 10 Complex soggy eagle, or a great seabird... (7,5) 12 ...low mental age resorting to a noble pastime (4,4,4) 13 Headgear of Oregon revolutionary angry medic donned earlier (8) 15 Menaham's dad soldier imprisoned today (4) 17 Party members after allegations, lose face (6) 18 Yeats's land in Ulster, knowledge of the Scriptures will bring it all back (4)