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A new shrine to Persecuted Christians
Basil Youdell
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on THuRsdAy the 8th September, we assembled at the Ordinariate Church of The Assumption, in the heart of London, to dedicate a new shrine to Persecuted Christians the first such in Europe specifically related to those who are persecuted now} and to bless an icon of The Theotokos, encased within the shrine; this within the context of Solemn Evensong and Benediction on the Feast of The Nativity of Our Lady.
The singing of the Nunc Dimittis (Stanford in G) was particularly poignant that evening, since, during the Service, we learned that the Queen had died. Possibly we were the first church anywhere to use the versicle “O Lord Save the King”.
The shrine itself is a beautiful and simple design by Anthony Delarue, and commissioned by Fr Benedict Kiely, the founder of Nasarean.org a charity founded to promote awareness of the persecution of Christians worldwide and to assist them with aid and succour. Fr Kiely is an Ordinariate priest.
The icon was ‘written’ by Syrian Melkite Greek Catholic nun, Sister Souraya, in Beirut. The inscription, in Aramaic, reads, “Mother of the Persecuted”. The icon was blessed by Monsignor Keith Newton, the Ordinary, using the Ritual prayers of the Syriac Rite in English and anointed with oil in the Name of the Life-Giving Trinity.
The shrine is part funded by Damian Thompson as a memorial to his late sister and mother. Fr Benedict preached a most excellent sermon, related, of course, to persecuted Christians, not only in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, but in places such as Nigeria, often overlooked by secular western media, and treated with disdain and disrespect by western leaders, such as Higgins, President of The Republic of Ireland, who attributed a recent massacre of Christians in Nigeria to climate change!
Fr Benedict also, with great sensitivity and awareness, used the sermon to highlight the virtue of selfless Christian service, exemplified by Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
In many ways a sad evening, yet at the same time memorable and inspiring, and one that those of us present will not forget.
You can help restore the monastery of San Benedetto in Monte - the birthplace of Saint Benedict himself - by purchasing the exceptional beer brewed by the monks.
Enjoy these beers as you celebrate feast days or with a gathering of friends knowing you are supporting the ongoing establishment of a spiritual oasis built to last a thousand years.
Birra Nursia flows from the deep brewing heritage of western monasticism. Originally crafted to suit the rich culinary traditions of Umbria it is best enjoyed alongside delicious meats, cheeses and mushroom infused dishes.
Find out more about the beers and the monastery at www.monasticorder.co.uk where Birra Nursia is now available for the first time in the UK.
