Westminster Record September 2014 | 20p
Success in Diocesan Schools
Financial Review
St Elizabeth’s, Hertfordshire
Page 6
Centre spread
Page 16
Dona Nobis Pacem
By Chris O’Callaghan In 1914 H.G. Wells wrote a series of articles incorporated into a book entitled The War To End All Wars, describing impending war in Europe and how the British should fight against the Central Powers and German militarism. This description rapidly became a catchphrase as Europe was ravaged for the following four years. 21 years later, an equally devastating war was written into our history and heritage. On 4 August a Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Vincent in Westminster Cathedral, preceding the National Remembrance Service in Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of the declaration of war against Germany by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. The service honoured the sacrifices of British and Commonwealth personnel who had
served so valiantly in and beyond the fields and trenches of Europe. As we mark the beginning of one of the biggest mobilisations of the British nation in history and remembered solemnly their sacrifices, war continues to be a part of daily life in the Middle East. As silence fell and the lights went out across Britain on the night of 4 August, Israeli and Hamas rockets were at the same time lighting up the night sky under which Our Lord offered himself as the sacrifice of reconciliation for all 2,000 years ago. A few hundred miles away IS militants continued their advance through Syria and northern Iraq, demanding that Christian communities there convert to Islam or face execution. While we remembered in silence, the Middle East prayed desperately for the same quiet and stillness and for the promise and gift of peace.