Catholic South West October 2022

October September 2022 2022

Happy and Glorious

2 October 2022 Catholic South West

FROM CSW

A Nation Mourns

Dear Reader,

CONTACTS & DETAILS Catholic South West is a monthly newspaper for Catholics in the Plymouth, Clifton and Portsmouth Dioceses. It is published by Bellcourt Ltd

We hope you have had a wonderful Summer! As things return to normal, there are lots of events and projects

going on in the Diocese to get involved in. Many of them are included here, if there is anything we have missed then please let us know and we'll try to include it next month.

If there isn't something that you are interested, why not start something?

The life of the Church relies on us all doing our bit, so think about what you could do!

CSW TEAM

AIMS To build community in the South West by sharing stories relating to Catholic life around the South West.

To encourage readers to get more involved in - or start - projects and initiatives in the local area.

To provide thought-provoking articles to help readers deepen their Faith.

GET INVOLVED We need your help!

Articles: We need your local articles we can only include what we get. So if you have an article or just a photo with a short description - please send it in.

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DATES Catholic South West goes to parishes on the last full weekend of the month.

It is printed around the middle of the month - so if you would like to advertise or send in editorial please do it as early as possible.

Ukraine Sisters open doors to refugees Women and children make up 80 percent of all internal refugees Sisters in Lviv have converted part of the orphanage they run into accommodation for internal refugees – who they are supporting with help from a Catholic charity.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is helping the Handmaids of the Immaculate Virgin Mary to feed and clothe 30 IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) from Mariupol, Kharkiv, Zaporizhya and other parts of eastern Ukraine.

Running an orphanage, the Sisters are used to working with children and have been striving to help IDP children deal with the trauma of living through the war.

EDITORIAL GUIDELINES 1) Think of the readers: If you are writing about an event, think about the readers that don’t know anything about it. Outline what happened, but focus on why people go, why it is important to them, or some teaching that was given. Make sure readers learn something from your

Women and children make up 80 percent of all internal refugees.

The Handmaids of the Immaculate Virgin Mary are one of the 23 women’s religious orders in Lviv Archdiocese – all of which have opened their houses to take in refugees. ACN is supporting the work of the Sisters in the archdiocese with more than £60,000, so they can continue to help those who have lost everything.

The Handmaids of the Immaculate Virgin Mary are also providing spiritual support for their guests as well as seeing to their material needs. One of the Sisters tells us: “In the evenings we pray the Rosary

article - they don’t just want to know who was there and what snacks were available!

2) Keep it brief: Make sure you make your point - but keep it brief and punchy.

3) Pictures: Send pictures as they are - even if they are very big to email. Don’t reduce them in size or put them inside a Word document.

They look fine on the screen but terrible in the paper!

together with our guests in the convent chapel.

“And when the air raid sirens go off and the people are forced to seek shelter in the basement, we go down there with them and pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet together with them, asking God to protect us all in his providence.”

LEGAL INFORMATION Please note that opinions expressed in this paper and on any linked sites or publications are not necessarily those of the Publishers, Editor, any Diocese or the wider Roman Catholic Church Every reasonable effort is

By John Newton made to ensure that due acknowledgement, when appropriate, is made to the originator of any image submitted for publication. It is understood that those submitting material for publication in CSW either hold the copyright or have arranged for publication with the appropriate authority.

Catholic South West

October 2022

Messages of tribute and condolence from the Dioceses From the Diocese of Plymouth

stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.” Queen’s Christmas Message, 2014.

We offer our condolence to the members of the

The clergy and the people of the Diocese of Plymouth pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has been the only monarch that most of us would remember, and we all feel an immense loss. Throughout her reign, she upheld the values and tradition of our society, and she was a true model of leadership and service.

We recall, also, her faith and her belief in Christ.

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he

Royal Family.

A candle was lit and a book of condolences was opened at the Catholic Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth.

The bell of the Cathedral tolled throughout the day (from 8 am to 8 pm) to pay respects to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as our nation entered a time of mourning.

Bernadette. The pilgrimage was also a time of

All were invited to pay their respects to our great

shared sadness, reflection and gratefulness for

late Queen Elizabeth II.

the life of our Queen.

Many pilgrims arrived at the Cathedral on Friday

Queen Elizabeth II Requiescat in Pace.

9th September to venerate the relics of St

From the Diocese of Clifton It is with great sadness that we learnt yesterday of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We, the Catholic Community of the Diocese of Clifton, offer sincere condolence to the members of the Royal Family and the Royal Household. We share the sadness of so many people throughout this land and beyond, as we hold in prayerful reverence the memory of Her Majesty. In praying for the repose of her soul, we ask that Christ Jesus, whom she faithfully and unwaveringly served throughout her life, may welcome her into the joy of his eternal kingdom with the words ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world’.

We pray too for His Majesty, King Charles III as he assumes the high office of monarch.

God save the King.

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4 October 2022 Catholic South West

Queen Elizabeth II will remain, always, a shining light in our history Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the

accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, paid tribute to The Queen:

so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and

“On 21 April 1947, on her twenty-first birthday, Princess Elizabeth said, ‘I declare

example.’

before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your

“This faith, so often and so eloquently proclaimed in her public messages, has been

service.’

an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many. The wisdom, stability and service

“Now, seventy-five years later, we are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so

which she consistently embodied, often in circumstances of extreme difficulty, are

full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration.

a shining legacy and testament to her faith.

“Even in my sorrow, shared with so many around the world, I am filled with an

“Our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to

immense sense of gratitude for the gift to the world that has been the life of Queen

be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip. This is the promise of our faith, and our

Elizabeth II.

deep consolation.

“At this time, we pray for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty. We do so with

“Queen Elizabeth II will remain, always, a shining light in our history. May she now

confidence, because the Christian faith marked every day of her life and activity.

rest in peace. We pray for His Majesty the King, as he assumes his new office even

“In her Millennium Christmas message, she said, ‘To many of us, our beliefs are of

as he mourns his mother. God save the King.”

fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal

Calling all catechists, youth workers and volunteers.....

Join us at ST Rita's Honiton on Saturday 1st October. It's a great chance for you to meet other volunteers across the diocese and hear what they are doing, share skills and ideas.

Ben Slater from Five Ways will talk about supporting young people with neurodiverse needs.

This event is open to catechists, as well as those that run youth groups and those that would like to work with the youth in our diocese.

Farewell to David David has volunteered with Summer camps and Youth Events for around 4 years. He is following his calling to work with the youth and has taken a place at The Briars, Nottingham Diocese. We miss you already David! But know that you'll have a great time in Nottingham.

Catholic South West

October 2022

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A day of celebration for 100 years of St Boniface Church Okehampton The 18th of September 2022 was a day of celebration for 100 years of St Boniface Church in Okehampton, and took the form of a celebratory mass in the presence of some 16 priests from the diocese including Canon Paul Cummins, the diocesan administrator, Bishop Emeritus Rt Revd Christopher Budd and some of whom served in the parish over the last many years, along with some of Okehampton’s dignitaries, and our parishioners.

Fr Darline gave a welcome speech in which he mentioned a letter from the Queen dated just before her death in which she sent her warmest wishes in the marking of this milestone in the history of the parish of St Boniface, Okehampton. Fr Darline said she would be specially remembered in the day’s

celebration.

At the end of the mass Fr Darline’s new book was launched "Fiery learning from the Pastoral front line, Part 1". This was released by Canon Paul Cummins. The first copies were received by Mgr George Hay, who served in the Past as the Parish Priest and Jim Egan representing the people of the Parish.

In preparation for the centenary celebration the parishioners formed a working party led by the Friends of Okehampton and Chagford and had the church redecorated and new lighting installed. The statue of St. Boniface was also refurbished by a parishioner Bernard Jones. There was an inauguration and the blessing of the wall hanging of St Boniface, which was blessed by Fr Jonathan Steward, the

Season of Creation 2022 During the Season of Creation, we are invited to reflect on the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor – to listen to people who are marginalised; to pray for those individuals, communities, species, and ecosystems which are lost and people whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by climate change. It is wonderful to see events happening in our parishes and schools across the Diocese offering opportunities for people to come together to reflect on how we act as individuals and communities to Care for our Common Home and to share ideas for how we can make a difference. Caritas Plymouth has already received some great pledges to action: On Saturday 1st October 2022 there are

free events taking place in Falmouth (St Mary Immaculate Church Hall) and St Mellion Estate, Cornwall, offering opportunities to hear from guest speakers about climate change and how we can respond. On Saturday 8th October, Sclerder Abbey will be hosting an Open Day with presentations on Caring for Creation, their permaculture project and practical tips for gardeners and other enthusiasts.

You can find out more on the Diocesan website https://www.plymouth diocese.org.uk/seasonofcreation22/.

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting many of these events

Dean of Exeter. A brass plate with the names of all the parish priests who have served for the last 100 years was unveiled by Canon Peter Morgan who also served as the Parish priest at Okehampton in the past. A yew tree sponsored by Jim Egan was planted at the Church grounds by Fr Darline Joseph, the present Parish Priest and Canon Paul Cummins, Plymouth Diocese Administrator.

After the mass the church congregation joined the parishioners and invited guests who were in the marquee watching the mass on a large screen TV. A magnificent hog roast and refreshments were enjoyed by all.

This was the first notable event since the pandemic and as the late Queen said we would, we did all meet again.

Margaret Haxton

6 October 2022 Catholic South West

WALK ON… Ten years ago our annual Saints Way Rosary Walk was a regular feature of the parish life of our young people.

Over a weekend we would take the prayers of our people and, with the mysteries of the Rosary, walk and pray the 33 miles across our beloved county in the footsteps of the Celtic Saints. Since developing Parkinson’s in 2014 this has not seemed a possibility.

So when the Lord laid it on my heart in prayer to do it again, I thought He was joking. So insistent was the call that I gave in. I could try it in seven portions of c.5 miles a day on seven Tuesdays leading up to Holy Week.

The intention was to be the Mission of the Church. Fr Jacek generously gave up his day off to ensure that I didn’t get lost or fall down a rabbit hole. So we walked and prayed.

When I asked permission of the ancient churches on our route for permission to offer the Mass, they could not have been more welcoming. The harbourside of Padstow, the jewel of Little Petherick, the commanding heights of Withiel and the riverside beauty of Golant all hosted our celebrations.

We managed to celebrate on the windswept height of Helman Tor, finding, like Elijah, a cleft in the rock to keep us safe in the roaring Presence. The weather was kind with one soaking exception. The companionship and conversation were deep and uplifting.

As we strolled into Fowey on the final day, I was reminded that the Lord always honours His promises and only asks us to do what He will give us the strength for.

Accompanied by Our Lady and the Saints we had arrived to offer the final Glorious Mystery in the church of St Finbarr.

In the months since, under Fr Ciaran’s leadership, we have refurbished our mission church in Wadebridge, taken in refugees from Ukraine, begun a Healing Ministry in Bodmin and started a rolling programme of training for our people on the Diocesan Evangelisation course. So we walk on with hope in our hearts and trust in God. St Petroc and St Piran pray for us.

Plymouth CAST Plymouth CAST is a family of Catholic schools that benefit from working in partnership as part of a Multi-Academy Trust.

Our Plymouth CAST schools enjoy working together collaboratively so that the children and young people we serve, grow and flourish as a result. Our staff are committed, caring professionals who benefit from high quality professional development and support.

Plymouth CAST is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the south west, serving the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, all within the Diocese of Plymouth.

The Trust comprises of 35 schools: 33 primary, 2 secondary and 1 nursery.

To find out where your nearest CAST school is, please visit www.plymouthcast.org.uk or contact us at admin@plymouthcast.org.uk Plymouth CAST, Edmund Rice Building, St Boniface College, 21 Bonificae Lane, Plymouth, Devon PL5 3AG

Catholic South West

October 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 Eight - Speed Speeding: A driver's tendency to speed is akin to the human propensity to sin. Can you recall driving past a speed camera and thinking: 'Was I speeding?' 'Did the camera get me?'

The increasing amount of speed cameras can lead to over-concern about their prying eyes. At the end of a journey, if you find yourself wondering whether a speeding fine will soon pop through the letterbox, you know what I mean. Thinking like this destroys the joy of driving. Thinking the wrong way about mistakes (sins) on life's journey also destroys the joy of life. God gets the lot, but He is not an over-zealous police officer hell-bent on prosecuting.

William A. Barry SJ speaks of 'ungodly remembrance' and 'godly remembrance'.1 The former leads to 'darkness and despair', the latter leads 'to turn ourselves away from self-destruction and toward a more abundant life'.2 Fr Barry says our past matters to God only 'because it affects the present and the future'.3 'God's interest in the past is for the sake of transformation, of a change of heart in the present so that more of the future will be affected positively.'4 God wants us to learn from the past so we can have life to the full.

When driving, rather than fretting over speeding and speed cameras, reflect upon

why you might speed. Maybe you fail to allow enough time for journeys. The point is to notice patterns in your speeding and do something about it. Take the same approach with life. Rather than obsessing over sins, look for your destructive behaviour patterns and work with God (your friendly driving instructor) to drive better on the highway of life.

Speed cameras: Speed cameras exist for the good of society as a whole and its individual citizens including you and me. While none of us wants a speeding ticket, most accept the need for regulating driver behaviour. Speed limits, their enforcement and the use of cameras provide a helpful analogy for reflecting on rules in general and our response to them. Why do you observe the speed limit when a camera is in sight?

Suppose the avoidance of negative consequence to oneself is your only motivating factor for being lawful. In that case, you will probably break the law if you think you can get away with it. Alternatively, appreciating the value behind a law makes one far more likely to follow it—though you may still find yourself pushing the boundaries.

Catholicism (Catholic Christianity) and

religion generally have rules, laws and norms. How do you respond to them?

Chances are, if you have left organised religion, their regulations and your response to them have something to do with your departure. The truth is, everyone has issues with aspects of organised religion, including no doubt the Pope. Jesus had a few issues too!

Consider mandatory speed limits and advisory speed limits. It is usually best for a driver to adhere to both advisory speed limits and mandatory ones since the Highways Agency offers this advice for our benefit, not harm. Similarly, the Church provides all of its teachings for our good too.

Cost of Living crisis In light of the cost of living crisis, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has issued a statement highlighting the importance of Catholic Social Teaching and the need to advocate for the inherent dignity of every person.

In reflecting on the material and pastoral needs of the poor, Cardinal Vincent encourages and echoes the central ethos and work of Caritas Plymouth. He reminds us that there are many Catholics in public life and in the charitable sector who are engaged in trying to produce long-term solutions to these political and economic challenges.

Caritas Plymouth remains committed to developing charitable projects here in the Diocese of Plymouth that seek to uphold Gospel values and the principle of serving the common good.

We will be holding a free event in Poole on 12 November for World Day of the Poor to reflect on the current challenges and how we can respond. All are welcome. Registration essential.

You can find our more about the work of Caritas Plymouth here or contact us at caritas@prcdtr.org.uk

The Church remains our best guide for regulating driver behaviour on the highway of life. Nevertheless, imagine someone driving life's highway trying to follow the spirit of God's law yet notching up a few ecclesial speeding tickets along the way.

When God reviews the footage, what do you think He might say?

1

William A. Barry, SJ, Praying the Truth: Deepening Your Friendship with God through Honest Prayer, 113- 115.

2

Barry, Praying the Truth, 113 & 115.

3

Barry, Praying the Truth, 115.

4

Barry, Praying the Truth, 116.

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8 October 2022 Catholic South West

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Celebration Our lady star of the sea Catholic Church Weymouth held its parish September celebration in the grounds of the convent of mercy Wyke Road.

There was live music by Dr Jazz, many stalls, school choir & grand draw with one prize of a book of Downton Abbey signed by Lord Julian Fellows the writer. But the highlight of the afternoon was when our parish priest Fr Anthony O’Gorman and Deacon Jonathon de Kretser were pelted with wet sponges.

To Advertise please contact Natasha on 01440 730399 natasha@cathcom.org

Catholic South West

October 2022

Relics were given a special place in the Lady Chapel The grace of Lourdes came to the Diocese of Plymouth on Friday afternoon when the Relics of St Bernadette arrived during their tour of Great Britain.

A steady stream of pilgrims came to the Cathedral where, very appropriately, the Relics were given a special place in the Lady Chapel.

It was an important opportunity for those who might not have been able to travel to Lourdes on pilgrimage since 2019 or earlier, as well as for many others who have never visited the Shrine but have been inspired

by Bernadette’s life. People came from across the Diocese and from various different Lourdes groups including HCPT, the Diocesan Pilgrimage, the Society of Our Lady of Lourdes and Across.

More than 120 Plymouth schoolchildren began the Visit with a Service of Welcome, in which they recounted the story of Bernadette and the apparitions and led prayers and hymns. Near the Reliquary was a piece of rock, hewn from the Grotto during works for the 1958 Centenary of the Apparitions. As they

Lady and at the bidding of St Bernadette, three main

queued to venerate the Relics, many visitors touched

actions, in addition to prayer and the Eucharist, sum

or prayed before the rock, just as they would have

up the meaning of what Bernadette discovered:

done, before the pandemic, when they stood beneath the famous statue of Our Lady at the Grotto.

The schoolchildren were each treated to an illustrated booklet of the ‘Story of St Bernadette’ specially prepared by HCPT for the Visit. Copies were later given to all those who came to greet and venerate the Relics

• Light and carry a Candle (‘come in procession’: the small, weak light that lights up the night) • Wash and drink in the Water (a response to Our Lady’s invitation, but also a reminder of our baptism and of the abundance of God’s life-giving love for us)

– some 800 in all. In the Cathedral Centre, an

• Touch the Rock (so often our last action before

animated version of that story – created by Colin

leaving the Grotto. In Hebrew tradition ‘God alone is

Bentley for HCPT’s Easter children’s ‘virtual

the Rock’; we trust and believe in the Lord, our Rock)

pilgrimage’ last year - was being watched while

A candle was brought from Lourdes, to be returned

visitors took refreshments.

there on behalf of all pilgrims from the West country.

In the evening, a large crowd came to celebrate a

The day ended with Compline (Night Prayer) at the

‘Lourdes Liturgy’. Devised by HCPT Westcountry, it

Lady Chapel, facing the Relics. It was truly a ‘mini-

consisted of a Liturgy of the Word (using the readings

pilgrimage’, reminding many of what Lourdes means

from the Feast of St Bernadette); a Torchlight

to them.

Procession around the Bishop’s Garden; a Liturgy of

The Cathedral reopened at 6 am so that more people

Water (in which pilgrims could drink and wash in the

could venerate the Relics and touch the rock, and then

water brought specially from Lourdes); and a

at 10.30 the Dean celebrated an uplifting Mass, with

concluding liturgy with intercessions including prayers

an Anointing of Sick People. Finally, just before

for the repose of the soul of our late Queen and for the

midday, a procession led the Relics out of the

new King. Canon Mark O’Keeffe, Dean of the

Cathedral. After a last sprinkling of holy water, they

Cathedral, presided and several other clergy,

were packed away for their journey to Clifton

including Bishop Christopher, the emeritus bishop,

Cathedral, but not before several eager visitors

contributed reflections and prayers.

reached out to touch the Reliquary or be

The liturgy was a brief reflection of our experience in

photographed with it, while the two drivers waited

Lourdes: when we go there, at the invitation of Our

patiently to begin the next stage of the Tour.

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October 2022 Catholic South West

The Shroud of Turin Exhibition

Funeral Services

A full-size copy of the world-famous Shroud of Turin is coming to St John The Baptist Church in Trowbridge.

‘The Shroud Of Turin Exhibition’ will display the story and a replica image of the famous Shroud of Turin.

The Shroud is widely believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus after his crucifixion.

Pope Benedict called the Shroud ‘An Icon of Love’.

The exhibition will be able to be viewed from: Monday 26th September from 1pm-9pm Tuesday 27th September to Sunday 2nd October from 9am-9pm Monday 3rd October from 9am-1pm No need to book if viewing as an individual. If coming in a larger group, Please let

To Advertise in the Funeral Section contact Natasha on 01440 730399 natasha@ cathcom.org

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us know by calling St. John’s Parish Centre on 01225 767215

Catholic South West

October 2022

LET ME STAY WITH YOU TODAY One of the most memorable scriptural characters is Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector who climbed a tree to catch sight of Jesus. Indeed, Luke puts a particular focus on him, as we hear in the gospel for Sunday 30th October.

The story unfolds in the town of Jericho. This was an oasis in the wilderness of Judea, not far from the River Jordan. Jesus was passing through it on his way to Jerusalem. Crowds of people had gathered to see him, like the crowds that would gather to see Queen Elizabeth when she was visiting a town.

One important person from the town wanted to get a view of Jesus, but was blocked by all the crowds, so he climbed a sycamore-fig tree. He wished to observe Jesus, but perhaps he did not expect to be observed.

But Jesus saw him in the tree, and called him: “Zacchaeus, come down! Hurry, because I must stay at your house today!” Significantly, Jesus chooses to visit the most unpopular man in town.

Zacchaeus was hardly expecting to welcome Jesus to his home that day. Probably he had no meal prepared for a guest, and the house may not have been tidy. More importantly, he realised that he himself was not ready

for such a holy person to come to him.

previously went astray, but now he has come back.

His previous life had been about extorting tax revenues from the population for the Romans, while keeping a proportion for himself. By supporting the oppressive system of the occupying Roman power, he would have been disliked by almost all his people. Presumably his wealth had gained him few friends.

Not many of us are despised tax collectors who have exploited others to become rich, and we have not personally climbed a tree in Jericho to see Jesus. But many of us are curious to get close to Jesus our Saviour and to hear him speaking to us his words of welcome and forgiveness.

But the visit of Jesus, friend of the poor, creates a transformation in his life. He tells Jesus: “Look, sir, I am going to half my property to the poor.” Instead of exploiting the needy, he will now assist them from his possessions.

In a famous passage in the Apocalypse (Revelation 3:20), we hear Jesus’ invitation to each one of us to welcome him into our hearts: “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in for you and eat with you, and you will be able to eat with me.”

He also says: “If I have cheated anybody, I will pay him back four times the amount.” At long last, this move towards restitution would fulfil the Law of Moses: “If someone steals an ox or a sheep, the thief shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep” (Exodus 22:1).

Suddenly the hated tax collector has become a less despised member of the community. For those who could not yet see the change happening in Zacchaeus, Jesus declares: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.” Maybe he

At Mass and in our personal prayer, we can open our hearts to welcome Jesus. Despite our own weaknesses and failings, he wishes to visit us and stay with us. All he asks is for us to give him our time and attention and love.

When Jesus comes into our hearts, we will be able to hear him saying to us: “Today salvation has come to you, because you also are a child of Abraham, an heir to the promise.” As we rejoice in his love, we ask for the grace to stay close to him always.

p

Book Reviews SACRED SPACE – THE PRAYER BOOK 2023 The Irish Jesuits Messenger Publications, pbk, 396 pages, 2022, £12.95 In 1999 an Irish Jesuit called Alan McGuckian had the simple, but at that time radical, idea of bringing daily prayer to the internet. Ever since then Irish Jesuits have worked together to produce this carefully crafted helpful tool, which is now used worldwide, and has been translated into seventeen languages. The contents of the printed edition, first produced in 2004, are taken directly from the Sacred Space internet site. In our age of mobile devices there are still many who prefer to have a printed copy, and the book format has proved particularly useful for prayer groups.

Each day of the liturgical year there is a simple suggested format. The suggestion is that each week the user begin by reading a brief passage, offering something to think and pray about each day of the week. The daily shape of personal prayer begins with awareness of being in the presence of God; then gratitude for the gift of personal freedom; followed by a conscious movement into prayer mode; which is centred on a scripture passage; as the living Word opens up to a conversation with Jesus about the scripture, centring on any chords struck, and helpful for the present moment; and ending with a thanksgiving Glory Be. The value of this volume is incalculable, as when used daily it will open up fresh avenues and insights, deepen an individual’s friendship and love of Jesus, and enable the pray-er to become an ever better disciple and apostle in her or his ordinary everyday living. If you haven’t already, go for it!

Fr Denis Blackledge SJ

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October 2022 Catholic South West

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2022

We Will Meet Again