Westminster Record February 2017 by RCWestminster

Westminster Record | February 2017

St Paul Miki and Companions: 6 February

During the 16th century, the Catholic faith spread throughout Japan and, through the efforts of missionaries such as St Francis Xavier, 200,000 people had been converted. In 1587, Emperor Hideyoshi ordered the banishment of all Catholics, forcing Catholic missionaries to work in secret. Paul Miki was the son of a Japanese military leader, and was educated at the Jesuit college in Anziquiama. In 1580, he joined the Jesuits and became known for his eloquent preaching. In 1596, Paul Miki, along with 25 other Catholics, both religious and lay people, were sentenced to die by crucifixion and lancing. As a sign of disrespect the martyrs had their left ears severed and were paraded through Kyoto. However, the display evoked compassion from

the crowd, leading many witnesses to convert to Christianity. Even on the cross Paul Miki continued to evangelise to the gathered crowds, saying: ‘The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ, I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die. After Christ's example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.’ Paul had completed 11 years of formation, and was martyred shortly before his ordination. St Paul Miki and his 25 companions were canonised by Pope Pius IX in 1862, and became known as the Martyrs of Japan.

Hon Canon John Charles Acton STL RIP The Honourable John Charles Acton, always known as Charles or Charlie, was born in January 1943 in Shropshire. He was the son of John, Third Baron Acton, and Daphne, née Strutt. Charles went to Allen Hall, St Edmund’s College, Ware to study for the priesthood from 1962-65 before continuing his studies at the Venerable English College, Rome. Charles was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal William Heard at Palazzola on 14 July 1968. Fr Charles was appointed Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Victories, Kensington 1969-71. Fr Charles returned to Rome for further studies in Sacred Theology, 1971-74. He was then appointed to Allen Hall as a member of the teaching staff

until 1999. In 1992, Fr Charles was appointed to the International Theological Commission at the invitation of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. In November 2002 Fr Charles became a member of the Metropolitan Chapter, serving as Canon Theologian. In 2004 he was appointed Dean of Studies at Allen Hall and continued as a full-time member of the seminary staff until the summer of 2016. He was a man of integrity who had a gentle sense of humour, a man of learning who was, above all, a gentleman and a diocesan priest dedicated to the teaching of theology. Canon Charles died peacefully on 25 December 2016 surrounded by his family.

Canon John McDonald RIP John McDonald was born in London in June 1930. After a brief time in novitiate for the White Fathers, John studied for the priesthood for the diocese and was ordained on 4 June 1955. In 1965, he was appointed to the Crusade of Rescue, becoming Director in 1977 until 1983. He made an extraordinary contribution to the ethos and work of the Crusade, being the first priest to receive the Home Office qualification in Child Care. In 1983 Fr John was appointed Parish Priest of Acton and then in 1987 he was appointed Parish Priest of Ruislip where he remained until 1992. After recovering from a stroke he was appointed Parish Priest of

Maiden Lane and, in October 1997, Fr John was installed as a Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter. Canon John was appointed Chair of the Sick and Retired Priests Committee in 1999. In 2005 Canon John retired and was appointed Chaplain to the Knights of Malta and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John’s Wood. His next appointment was to St Anne’s Home in Stoke Newington, as Chaplain, where, after two years, he became resident. On 19 December 2016 Canon John died peacefully, the day after meeting and conversing with Cardinal Vincent on the pre-Christmas visit to St Anne’s Home.

Beginning Experience There is a healing weekend for men and women who find themselves single again following divorce, separation or the death of a partner from 17 to 19 March 2017 at the Emmaus Centre, West Wickham, Kent. For details please contact Sandra 01293 783965, Freda 01322 838415 or John 01992 642443, johnabrotherton@hotmail.co.uk. Lent Faith Matters Talks This series of talks will be held at Vaughan House on 7, 14, 21 and 28 March from 7 to 8.30pm. The theme will be 'Faces of Mercy' with talks given by Fr Geoffrey Wheaton SJ, Sarah Teather, Peter Scott and Mgr Roger Reader. For more information contact livingfaith@rcdow.org.uk. Page 18

In Memoriam: February 1 Fr Harold Gadsden (1972) Mgr Edward Dunderdale (2001) 2 Fr Charles Lowe (1978) Bishop Philip Harvey (2003) Fr James McCormick (2009) 3 Fr Hugh Bishop (1984) 6 Fr Patrick McEvoy (1974) Canon William Ward (1993) Canon Daniel Kay (2003) Fr Kenneth McCabe (2013) 7 Fr Bernard Ferry (1970) Fr George Haines (2000) Fr Michael John Groarke (2008) 9 Canon George Groves (1997) 11 Fr Alan Body (1988) 12 Fr Joseph Francis (1984) Canon Edward Armitage (1987) Mgr Canon Francis Bartlett (1992) 13 Fr Patrick O’Callaghan (1970) Mgr Canon Maurice Kelleher (1994) 15 Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman (1865) Fr Richard Wakeling (1988) Fr Leo Straub (2000) Mgr Canon Adrian Arrowsmith (2014) 16 Mgr Bernard Chapman (1999) Fr John Kirwin (2003) Canon Patrick Davies (2010) 19 Fr Ronald Aylward (2010) 20 Fr Joseph Scholles (1983) 21 Fr Michael Hollings (1997) Canon Peter Bourne (2001) Fr Cathal McGonagle (2010) 22 Deacon James Richards (2014) 23 Canon John O’Callaghan (1981) 24 Canon Thomas FitzGerald (1968) Mgr Canon Arthur Rivers (1978) 25 Fr Charles McMenemy (1976) Fr Archibald Bardney (1985) Fr Andrew Clancy (1986) 26 Fr Brian Heaney (2013) 27 Fr Nicholas Lambert (1976) Canon Michael Richards (1997) Canon Charles McGowan (2006) Canon Peter Moore (2006) 28 Fr Joseph Gilligan (1990) Fr John Taylor (2005) 29 Fr Frank Rochla (1992) Fr John McCoy (2012)

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