Lazarus and Abraham

TWENTY·SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Gospel: Luke 16:19-31                            Lazarus and Abraham                 Mass Intro: Gospel today has the classic story. Jesus is the creative story teller, as in the Parable of the Dives and Lazarus It is the strong message of the Rich Man ignoring the poor man, he not only deprives the poor of what he needs – it goes so far to deny his very humanity, his personal dignity. It is a good Preach on the Moral. The more positive headline should be Lazarus and Abraham. In the early Office, John Chrysostom, one of the Fathers, spoke beautifully of Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham. Jesus reveals His familiarity with Abraham and the Scriptures --- the Jews and Jesus lived with the Scriptures and that is the living contemplation in our own reading and prayer with the Bible. We feel the experience of Jesus, and keep close to the presence and personality in his talk. In this Mass we open our hearts to that life of love.   ..       .. From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom (Horn. 2, 5 sur Lazare: Bareille 2, 582-583) Our Lord said we would be judged by how we have treated the poor. The rich man who failed the test learns the reason for this when he sees the poor man he failed to help with Abraham, who made a practice of welcoming every traveller into his home. It is worthwhile inquiring why the rich man saw Lazarus in Abraham’s arms, and not in the company of some other righteous person. The reason that Abraham was hospitable, and so the sight of Lazarus with Abraham meant to reproach the rich man for his own inhospitality. Abraham used to pursue even passers- by and drag them into his home, whereas the rich man disregarded someone lying in his own doorway. Although he had within his grasp so great a treasure, such an opportunity to win salvation, he ignored the poor man day after day. He could have helped him but he failed to do so. The patriarch was not like that but just the opposite. He would sit in his doorway and catch all who passed by. And just as a fisherman casting a net into the sea hauls up fish, yes, but also quite often gold and pearls, s Abraham whilst catching people in his net finished by catching angels, though strangely enough without knowing it. Even Paul marvels at this and gives the advice: Remember to welcome strangers into your homes, for some by so doing have entertained angels without knowing it. And he did well to say without knowing it, for if Abraham had welcomed his guests with such kindness because he knew who they were he would have done nothing remarkable. He is praiseworthy only because, without knowing who the passers-by were and taking them to be simply human wayfarers, he yet invited them in with so much good will. And this is true of you also. If you show much eagerness in welcoming some famous and distinguished person you do nothing remarkable; often the high rank of a guest compels even a reluctant host to show every sign of courtesy. But we do something truly great and admirable when we give a most courteous welcome to all, even the outcasts of society or people of humble condition. Hence Christ himself praised those who so acted, declaring: Whatever you did for one of these very poor people you did to me. He also said: It is not your Father's will that one of these little ones should perish. Indeed, throughout the gospel Christ speaks a great deal about the little people and those of the humblest condition. And so Abraham also, knowing this, did not ask who travellers were or where they came from, as we do today, but simply welcomed them all. Anyone wishing to show kindness should not inquire into other people's lives but has only to alleviate their poverty and supply their needs, as Christ commanded when he said: Imitate your Father in heaven, who makes his sun rise on good and bad alike, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (c.347-407) was born at Antioch and studied under Diodore of Tarsus, the leader of the Antiochene school of theology. After a period of great austerity as a hermit, he returned to Antioch where he was ordained deacon in 381 and priest in 386. From 386 to 397 it was his duty to preach in the principal church of the city, and his best homilies, which earned him the title "Chrysostomos" or "the golden-mouthed", were preached at this time. In 397 Chrysostom became patriarch of Constantinople, where his efforts to reform the court, clergy, and people led to his exile in 404 and finally to his death from the hardships imposed on him. Chrysostom stressed the divinity of Christ against the Arians and his full humanity against the Apollinarians, but he had no speculative bent. He was above all a pastor of souls, and was one of the most attractive personalities of the early Church.

Trappist community of Mt Atlas

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "info@indcatholicnews.com"
To: nunrawdonald@yahoo.com
Sent: Thu, 10 June, 2010 9:47:22
Subject: Recommended Article
Hello, your friend at info@indcatholicnews.com felt that you would be interested in the following article posted at our site:

"Des Hommes et des Dieux - Of Gods and Men "
http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=16222

Your friend made this comment about the article:
"Dear Fr Donald - This is the review we carried recently.
It does look a lovely film.
Best wishes Jo"

Why don't you take a moment to check it out?
Thanks,
Independent Catholic News

Des Hommes et des Dieux - Of Gods and Men

By: Fr Peter Malone - Signis

Posted: Saturday, May 29, 2010

One of the finest religious films, and one of the best Catholic films, in years. No controversy here.  The film won the Ecumenical Prize at Cannes 2010.  It also won the Grand Prix du Jury from the festival itself. The subject is the Trappist community of Mt Atlas, Algeria, in the 1990s.  Living their monastic life amongst the local people and ministering to them, especially with medical services, they were viewed more and more with suspicion in the country, especially because they were French expatriates, by government troops who were becoming more active against the increasing terrorist attacks, and by the terrorists themselves.  Seven of the monks were killed in the latter part of May, 1996. While the film expertly builds up the background of post-colonial Algeria, corrupt government, extreme Islamists imposing something like Taliban terror in the towns and villages, the role of the military  is ambiguous.  Later, and with stronger evidence emerging in recent years with documentation more open and available, the violence perpetrated by both sides, including the military is now under review.  The centre of the film, however, is the life of the monks and their preparation for death.

UK Apostolic 'gratitude' message

----- Forwarded Message ----From: Andy - - -To: Donald - - -Sent: Wed, 22 September, 2010 23:47:04Subject: BENEDICT XVI RECALLS HIS APOSTOLIC TRIP TO UNITED KINGDOM

BENEDICT XVI RECALLS HIS APOSTOLIC TRIP TO UNITED KINGDOM

VATICAN CITY, 22 SEP 2010 (VIS) - During this Wednesday's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope turned his attention on his recent apostolic trip to the United Kingdom, which took place from 16 to 19 September and which he described as "a historic event marking a new important phase in the long and complex history of relations between that people and the Holy See".

  Referring to the first event of the trip, his meeting with Queen Elizabeth II in Edinburgh , the Holy Father recalled how "it was a highly cordial meeting, characterised by a deep and mutual concern for the wellbeing of the peoples of the world and for the role of Christian values in society".

  In Glasgow , where he celebrated the first Mass of his trip on the feast of St. Ninian, the first evangeliser of Scotland , "I recalled the importance of the evangelisation of culture, especially in our own time in which an insidious relativism threatens to darken the unchanging truth about the nature of man".

  The second day of the visit began with a meeting in London with the world of Catholic education, at which Benedict XVI dwelt on "the importance of the faith in forming mature and responsible citizens. I encouraged the many adolescents and young people who welcomed me with warmth and enthusiasm", he said, "not to follow limited goals, or to satisfy themselves with comfortable choices but to aim at something greater: the search for true happiness which is to be found only in God.

  "In my subsequent meeting with the leaders of other religions present in the United Kingdom ", he added, "I pointed out the ineluctable need for sincere dialogue, which in order to be fruitful requires respect for the principle of reciprocity. At the same time, I identified the search for the sacred as a ground common to all religions, upon which to build up friendship, trust and collaboration".

  The Pope went on: "The fraternal visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury was an opportunity to underline the shared commitment to bear witness to the Christian message which unites Catholics and Anglicans. This was followed by one of the most significant moments of my apostolic trip: the meeting in the Great Hall of the British parliament" where, he explained, "I underlined the fact that religion, for lawmakers, must nor represent a problem to be resolved, but a factor that makes a vital contribution to the nation's historical progress and public debate, especially by recalling the essential importance of ensuring an ethical foundation for choices made in the various areas of social life".

  The praying of Vespers with the Christian communities of the United Kingdom in Westminster Abbey, the first visit made there by a Successor of Peter, "marked an important moment in relations between the Catholic community and the Anglican Communion", Pope Benedict said.

  He then recalled how, on Saturday morning, a Eucharistic celebration was held at Westminster Cathedral, which is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord. "I as overjoyed to meet large numbers of young people", he remarked. "With their enthusiastic presence, ... they showed that they wanted to be protagonists of a new period of courageous witness, effective solidarity and generous commitment to serving the Gospel".

  Later in the apostolic nunciature, "I met with some victims of abuses committed by members of the clergy and religious. It was a moment of intense emotion and prayer", said the Holy Father. At his meeting with people responsible for protecting children and young people in Church environments "I thanked them and encouraged them to continue their work, which is part of the Church's long tradition of concern for the respect, education and formation of new generations".

  The old people's home he visited on Saturday afternoon testifies, he said, "to the great concern the Church has always had for the elderly, and expresses the commitment of British Catholics to respecting life irrespective of age or condition".

  "The culmination of my visit to the United Kingdom was the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, illustrious son of that land. By way of preparation, it was preceded by a special prayer vigil which took place on Saturday evening at Hyde Park in London . ... To the multitude of faithful, especially young people, I presented the shining example of Cardinal Newman, intellectual and believer, whose spiritual message can be summed up in his the witness that the way of knowledge does not mean closing in on oneself; rather it means openness, conversion and obedience to He Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life".

  Benedict XVI concluded his remarks by highlighting how "this apostolic trip confirmed my profound conviction that the old nations of Europe possess a Christian soul which merges with the 'genius' and history of their respective peoples, and the Church never ceases to work to keep this spiritual and cultural tradition alive".

Padre Pio Saint

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Nivard ....
To: donald ...
Sent: Thu, 23 September, 2010 11:20:58
Subject: Padre Pio   

Padre Pio was a gifted spiritual director. He guided many souls. He considered them his spiritual sons and daughters.                                    

   

Padre Pio had five rules for spiritual growth, weekly confession, daily Communion, spiritual reading, meditation, and examination of conscience.^[9]

   

He compared weekly confession to the weekly house-cleaning on Saturday. He recommended the performance of meditation and self-examination twice daily: once in the morning, as preparation to face the day, and once again in the evening, as a preparation for a good night’s sleep with a clear conscience.     

   

His message is summed up in his famous quote; "Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry". He directed Christians to see God in everything.

+ + + +

Mass of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Priest

Collect

Almighty and eternal God,
who, by a singular grace,
allowed the priest Saint Pio
to participate in the cross of your Son,
and by means of his ministry,
renewed the wonders of your mercy;
grant, through his intercession that, 
constantly united to the passion of Christ,
we may happily arrive at the glory of the resurrection.
Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

Prayer Over the Offerings

As we offer you our gifts,
we pray, O Lord, that we may be rightly prepared
to celebrate the mystery of the Cross
to which Saint Pio held fast with such burning love.
Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon

Come to me, all you that labour and are burdened,
and I will refresh you, says the Lord (Mt 11:28).

Prayer After Communion

Grant, we beseech you, O Lord,
through the holy gifts which we have received,
that by imitating the apostolic charity and zeal of Saint Pio
we may experience the effect of your charity,
and pour ourselves out for all.
Through Christ our Lord.

Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

MASS September 22

LUKE 9:1-6
Proverbs 30:5-9

Fr. S... Intro:

In the book of proverbs, we hear the wisdom of the Sage, “Give neither poverty nor riches.”

Today’s world is glamorized by riches and material goods. It is influenced by the tide of consumerism and hedonism. Excessive riches do not bring happiness rather it alienates us from God and suffering humanity. Today’s first reading invites us to live in discipline and moderation way of life which brings joy, peace and fulfillment.

In the Gospel, Jesus called the Twelve Disciples to leave the old life behind and to embrace his new life. Therefore, he called them to be with him in order to experience this new life in Christ. After having formed them, Jesus sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal.

Before he commissioned them, he equipped them with his power. Because it is his mission, the apostles carry our.

Each one of us is called by our baptismal commitment to evangelize. We need to accept the call generously, totally dependent on the Lord and with every confidence in the power of his word.

“The word has a tremendous power to transform humanity for within and making it new.” (Evangelii nuntiandi – 16)

Apostolic Journey to the UK

Post-It:: As certain special notes on the Pope Benedict xvi in the UK I need to stick a Post-It to search back to the memories.

E.g.

Post-It 

1. Bellahoustan Homily summary by St. Andrews professor.

2. Heather – Newman Beatification Homily

3. Vatican Collected UK Homilies
Apostolic Journey to the United Kingdom
(16-19 September 2010)

Meanwhile many of the Links are in (below):

Homepage | Biography | Joseph Ratzinger Archives | Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI | In America | In Israel | In the UK | The Crisis 
Benedict Books (in the US) | Benedict Books (in the UK) | Fan Club Shop | Store | The Forum | The Benedict Blog

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Journey to the UK: September 17, 2010

This is an ongoing roundup of news, commentary and articles. It will be continuously updated throughout the day as content is made available.

What Happened Today? 

London

• 08:00 - Private Celebration of Mass in the Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature in Wimbledon (London Borough of Merton)
• 10:00 - Meeting with the world of Catholic Education in the Chapel and Sports Arena of St Mary’s University in Twickenham (London Borough of Richmond): Greeting and Address of the Holy Father | Video
• 11:30 - Meeting with Religious Leaders in the Waldegrave Drawing Room of St Mary’s University College in Twickenham (London Borough of Richmond): Address of the Holy Father |Video
• 16:00 - Courtesy Visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace (London Borough of Lambeth): Address of the Holy Father | Video
• 17:10 - Meeting with representatives of civil society, academic, cultural and entrepreneurial world, diplomatic corps and religious leaders at Westminster Hall (City of Westminster): Address of the Holy Father | Video
• 18:15 - Ecumenical Celebration at Westminster Abbey (City of Westminster): Address of the Holy Father

A school girl holds a decorated crucifix and a Papal flag as she watches Pope Benedict XVI at The Big Assembly gathering at St Mary's University College. Source: Getty Images

Addresses of the Holy Father / Others

• Meeting with the world of Catholic Education in the Chapel and Sports Arena of St Mary’s University College in Twickenham (London Borough of Richmond, 17 September 2010)
  • Bishop McMahon welcomes the Pope to the Big Assembly - Full Text
• Meeting with Religious Leaders in the Waldegrave Drawing Room of St. Mary’s University College in Twickenham (London Borough of Richmond, 17 September 2010)
  • Archbishop Kelly welcomes the Pope to the Interreligious Gathering – Full Text
• Fraternal Visit to the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace (London Borough of Richmond, 17 September 2010)
  • Archbishop of Canterbury’s speech – Full Text
  • Joint statement on meeting between Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury
• Meeting with representatives of civil society, academic, cultural and entrepreneurial world, diplomatic corps and religious leaders at Westminster Hall (City of Westminster, 17 September 2010)
• Ecumenical Celebration at Westminster Abbey (City of Westminster, 17 September 2010)
  • Archbishop of Canterbury’s Evening Prayer Address – Full Text
  
  
  
  The pope visited about 4,000 school pupils and young people at St Mary's University College, Twickenham. Source: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images

Coverage of the Day's Events

• Five arrested in alleged terror plot (The Guardian):

  Scotland Yard arrested five street cleaners today over an alleged terrorist threat to the pope.

  The men were arrested by armed officers in central London at 5.45am on the second day of the pope's visit.

  Sources say the men are believed to be Muslim and that some of them are Algerian. ... They were taken to a nearby police station, where they will be interviewed by detectives.

  An assessment of the intelligence judged it to be so severe that police needed to disrupt the alleged plot immediately.

  The Vatican said the arrest of terrorist suspects would not affect Pope Benedict XVI's schedule of events and hat the pope remained "calm" and happy with the visit (Catholic News Service).
  UPDATE: Police release 'Pope threat' men without charge BBC News reports that, having found "no credible threat", all six suspects have been released. (9/19/10)
• Pope Benedict XVI's UK visit: Day two Photo Gallery (from The Guardian)
• Pope urges children to grow in holiness at first papal event in England (Catholic Herald)
• Pope urges states to respect freedom of religion (Catholic Herald)
• Holy Father addresses 'question' of existence Following the recent claim by U.K. physicist Dr. Stephen Hawking that the universe “created itself from nothing,” the Holy Father spoke about “the most important question” of existence in an address to interfaith leaders. (Catholic News Agency)
• Pope to Anglicans: Proclaim Uniqueness of Christ Greets Anglican Leader, Maps Guidelines for Dialogue. (Zenit)
• Pope: reason and faith need one another (Catholic Herald) "In one of the major speeches of his Pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI today spoke to the assembled members of civil society about the proper place of religious belief within political process."
• The Pope in Parliament and Westminster Abbey: a day that shook the foundations of Britain's Protestant myth Damian Thompson. Telegraph:

  ... if you want evidence of the self-confidence of our Catholic national identity, look no further than Westminster Abbey and Westminster Hall. For at least the first 500 years of its existence – we can’t be sure when it was founded – the Abbey was obedient to Benedict’s predecessors. So for the Pope to enter it today was an affirmation of its own “foundational act”. Not for nothing did he point out in his address that the church was dedicated to St Peter. Even Catholics who would never be so crude as to say “the Abbey belongs to us, not to you” sensed that history was being re-balanced in some way. They realised that the Pope had as much right to sit in that sanctuary as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

• Pope Benedict XVI worked a minor miracle while on his state visit to Britain by getting Tony and Cherie Blair to kiss and make up with Gordon Brown Daily Mail
• The Pope publicly shook hands with a woman priest for the first time last night as he joined the Archbishop of Canterbury in an ecumenical service at Westminster Abbey crows Heidi Blake (The Telegraph). (From which we can conclude that, despite differences in convictions, the Holy Father is not above extending the hand of friendship).

The Achbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams supports the arm of Pope Benedict XVI as he leaves after addressing a meeting of Anglican and Roman Catholic Diocesan bishops of England, Scotland and Wales at Lambeth Palace . Source: Getty Images

Blogging the Papal Visit

• Papal Visit 2010 live blog: Central London (Catholic Herald)
• Papal Visit 2010 live blog: St Mary’s, Twickenham (Catholic Herald)
• Papal Visit 2010 live blog: Central London (Catholic Herald)
• Pope visits Britain: day two live (The Guardian)
• What Boris said to the Pope and the Pope said to Boris The Holy Father met the Mayor of London last night. (Stuart Reid, Catholic Herald)
• Pope's visit: Blimey. What to say to the Pope? A good joke ought to clinch it. . . Waiting to meet Benedict XVI, Boris Johnson feels his sense of humour rising to the occasion. (Telegraph)
• “Benedict goes to Westminster” Fr. John Zuhlsdorf:

  The phrase that comes to mind is "Nixon goes to China".

  Day 2 Benedict’s trip has blown John Paul II’s trip out of the water. I don’t mean that John Paul’s trip wasn’t important or that the crowds weren’t as big. But we have to consider who the players are, and what is taking place and where. What John Paul did was great, but what he did, didn’t matter as much as what Benedict is doing. John Paul’s effort was a continuation of what Paul VI and John XXIII had done. Benedict builds on that, but his project is something quite different. ...

• Phil Lawler couldn't help but notice Pope Benedict's personal invitation to the Anglican bishops(Catholic Culture):

  when he spoke to a group of Anglican (and Catholic) bishops, and offered Cardinal Newman as a model for ecumenical actions, the Pope was making his point clearly enough. Any Anglican prelate who takes that suggestion seriously, and models his actions after those of Cardinal Newman, will very soon run up against an immovable fact. Cardinal Newman became a Catholic. If you want to follow him, you'll have to follow him to Rome.

  The Pope stressed that Cardinal Newman made his move gently, politely, without breaking friendships, without recriminations, without renouncing his heritage—the same way other Anglicans might take the step today, under the provisions ofAnglicanorum Coetibus.

The pope arrives to attend a service of prayer at St Mary's University College chapel in Twickenham. Source: Toby Melville. Reuters

Other Articles of The Day

• Martyrs and messy divorces: 500 years of Anglo-papal antagonism (Paul Willis, CNN):

  When the pope gets up to speak in London's historic Westminster Hall today we might forgive him a few nerves.

  In agreeing to visit Britain he has, as some observers have noted, entered the lions' den.

• Benedict in Britain: We get it, we've got it, let's share it - an assessment of the first two days by John Allen Jr. (National Catholic Reporter)
• Luke Coppen: "The pope's trip to Britain is worth the money" (Special to CNN)
• Embarrassment for Commons Speaker as wife uses Twitter to join attacks on Pope hours before Benedict goes to Parliament (Daily Mail) 

Faith communities look back on the Pope's visit

Faith communities look back on the Pope's visit

By Joe Wilson BBC Radio Lancashire

Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury celebrate evening prayer at Westminster Abbey

Lancashire's faith communities have been assessing the impact of the Pope's visit to the UK and it seems the four day visit has been met within faith circles with almost universal approval.
It is hard to over-emphasize the importance of this visit to the Roman Catholic community. It was the spiritual highlight, not just of the year, but possibly of their lifetime.
To see the direct descendant of St. Peter, the worldwide leader of their church, on British soil delivering his message of peace and togetherness was a moment which may never be repeated.
For me, the visit began a week before the papal plane known as "Shepherd One" touched down at Edinburgh airport shortly after ten on Thursday morning.
Yes, there had been meetings and discussions about how BBC Radio Lancashire would fit into the width and scope of the extensive BBC coverage but no matter how well prepared and briefed I was, there was still something pleasantly surprising about the intensity of support to be found in the Catholic congregations.
Massive crowd
I began to get a true sense of the emotional importance of the visit to Catholics as I met some of the younger pilgrims who were destined to be part of a massive crowd at Hyde Park for a prayer vigil at which the Pope was due to be the chief celebrant.
"It's a great opportunity as a Catholic young person to hear from the leader of our faith," 22-year-old Sarah Kane from Preston told me. "To get his guidance and to hear what he has to say about how we live and how we can live."
I met others too, like Sean McMahon from Lancaster who had seen the Pope before at a World Youth Day event in Cologne. He told me: "Being surrounded by a million young people from all over the world, from all different walks of life, all different backgrounds, all different cultures, it's an experience you hold close in your heart. It makes you realise how universal the church is."
The historic nature of the visit is well documented. Pope Benedict XVI was embarking on the first ever state visit by a pontiff.
It was a four day occasion, beginning on Thursday morning in Edinburgh, taking in Glasgow, Twickenham, London and eventually concluding in the West Midlands on Sunday afternoon.
As we woke on the Thursday morning to the first glimpses on television of an expectant Edinburgh it did not bode well. "I've seen bigger crowds for the January sales!" said BBC reporter Kay Adams looking down a modestly, some would say thinly, populated Princes Street.

"It was awesome." Anne Marie Coppock

It was minutes before the Pope arrived. This was the first morning of day one and the omens were that this would be long four days.
At the airport, the Duke of Edinburgh waited to offer the state's official hand. Prince Phillip was wrapped in a heavy coat to ward off the chill of a Scottish autumn, but for many it was the harsh winds of controversy that greeted the Pope.
Homosexuality
A poll suggested many Catholics were worried about his leadership. There were still many worries about the church's response to child abuse allegations amongst the clergy. The church's attitude to homosexuality, its insistence on celibacy amongst the clergy and the lack of lead roles for women within the church were all roundly criticised.
The Pope was flying into the face of his critics and as the days wore on, almost against all odds; his supporters claim he appeared to dilute the potency of his detractors.
Somehow as the four days progressed, bit by bit, the Pope's visit transformed from the worry of embarrassment that reaction would be tepid, to the glow of the eventual warmth given off by the obvious love so many felt for him.
In fact within hours, Kay Adams was reporting that Edinburgh had found its voice and there was a jubilant mood amongst the now 125,000 crowd.
Most of Lancashire's Catholic pilgrims travelled south to events in Birmingham and London.
The stamina of those travellers was immense. Parties left from throughout our three diocese. They boarded four coaches in Burnley at two o'clock in the morning to get to Birmingham's Cofton Park for the beatification of Cardinal John Newman.

"It was overwhelming." Sarah Kane

They had a lie-in, in the Archdiocese of Liverpool. It was only a three o'clock start for them!
In Lancaster, a double decker bus set off on the Friday evening to transport 72 pilgrims through the night to be in Westminster and then Hyde Park for mid-morning on Saturday.
Bumpy discomfort
Were the travelling hours of lost sleep and bumpy discomfort worth it?
When we spoke to Cafod's Anne Marie Coppock on our Sunday morning programme she appeared to be still floating on a cloud somewhere over Hyde Park.
It was there that Anne Marie had spent the previous evening with the Pope and 80,000 pilgrims at a prayer vigil which was set off by hundreds of candles against the London night sky.
"It was really, really wonderful. We were just surrounded by so many different people. Young people, elderly people, more young people than elderly people, people of all nationalities. It was awesome."
On the previous day, Anne Marie had been in the congregation at Westminster Abbey where she was impressed by the heritage of the building and the ecumenical multi-faith congregation of those worshipping alongside the pontiff.
"The history of our country has flowed through the abbey for so many years. To see our Pope, who is our faith leader, entering into the Westminster Abbey was just wonderful."
Anne Marie was also impressed by the Anglican greetings for the Catholic leader. "The welcome by the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a sense of unity. We were stood next to an Anglican vicar who was called Moira. She introduced herself and the sense of togetherness was wonderful."
The Anglican Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Nicholas Reade, was also in the congregation. He had met the the Pope hours earlier at Lambeth Palace. "It was just incredible. I just had to pinch myself. Here was I, over 60 years old and I thought back to when I was child and how the thought of the Pope being in Britain was unthinkable.
Yet, there he was meeting Anglican bishops alongside Roman Catholic bishops. It was quite sensational."

"I think there was a much more positive response than many people expected. " Sean McMahon

More open
Sarah Kane from Preston was part of the party of young people who had travelled to London with the Lancaster Diocese. Sarah told me: "It was amazing. The atmosphere and the excitement of meeting people from all over the country and to celebrate mass with them was wonderful. It was overwhelming.
"Outside Westminster Cathedral, no one knew what the atmosphere would be like and when the Pope emerged it was a profound moment."
Sean McMahon from Lancaster said: "I think there was a much more positive response than many people expected. The way the Pope interacted with the young people at Hyde Park and Westminster Cathedral was fantastic for the young Catholics of the UK."
For millions of Catholics the visit was profound. Yes, there were protests and some would agree the shadow of despicable crimes of abuse committed by a minute percentage of priests needs addressing in a bolder and more open way.
In truth, the visit was always shadowed by, what some would see as, the ineffectual response to these terrible events.
Though many would also point to the undisputed fact that an official visit of this scale would have been unthinkable 50 years ago.
The impact of the whole four days, they would say, grew from the minute the Pope landed in Edinburgh.
What followed was a welcome and spiritual experience that drew massive crowds. They were spiritually fulfilled by the religious masses and heartened by the human masses that grew in number as they cheered from the pavements and ran alongside the iconic Popemobile as it travelled through the English and Scottish capital cities.
Perhaps most productive of all was the living proof of how far the faiths and Christian denominations have come. How they can now talk to and understand each other. How they celebrate their commonalities and respect their differences.
The Pope's supporters will also sight the warmth of greeting expressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury as the pontiff arrived at Lambeth Palace. There in the afternoon autumnal sun, conscious of the watching world, two of the most important faith leaders on the planet greeted each other in the way of old friends.
That moment was the whole point of the four days summed up in four seconds, as to the joy of millions of Christians, the Pope met the Archbishop and they embraced with arms that encircled the world.
Joe presents the faith programme on BBC Radio Lancashire from 6am each Sunday.

Beatification of John Henry Newman

25 Sunday 2010        Homily – Abbot Mark (Beatification of John Henry Newman)           11.00 am In the gospel today (Lk 16.1-13) we are shown the parable of the Unjust Steward who continued to look after his own needs when his dishonest actions were brought to light.  Scripture scholars give some interesting explanations as to why Jesus praises his behaviour when he seems to continue acting unjustly.  The point Jesus is making is that we should learn to use our natural abilities to resolve our problems whatever they are.  And he did say elsewhere, that we should be as cunning as snakes though remain as simple as doves. But today I want to speak about two other men who have used their talents to good effect not just for their own ends but for the glory of God.   Pope Benedict begins the final day of his visit to the UK.  In spite of so much negative reaction to his visit and against himself, there has been a great groundswell of appreciation of him and of what he has to say.  His is surely a timely message of how to respond to negative feelings and opinions that dog the path of anyone who tries to do something positive.   Like Pope Benedict, if we know or believe something to be the correct thing to do, we should not hold back but reasonably and carefully act for the good of others.  The Pope has steadfastly preached the good news in season and out.  He has had to deal with the dreadful cases of clerical sex abuse, the problems of ethical controversies worldwide, how to promote a just and compassionate society at home and the proper way to deal justly with the poorer countries of the world, as well as meeting their immediate basic needs. His words have not always been favourably welcomed.  But by faithfully sticking to his informed understanding of the problems facing the church and the world, he has managed to bring the general public round to listen to what he has to say.  There won’t be many instant conversions to his way of thinking but, hopefully, there will be a readiness to listen to what he has to say.  People need the time and opportunity if their lives are to grow into the truth.  The Holy Father himself will need time to respond to any open dialogue that may well come about after these few days and many meetings in Britain.  But there will always be contrary opinions in any debate.  All that we can try to do is to investigate a matter as thoroughly as we can, make the right decision as we see it and act on it in a way that respects the opinions of others.  That way has the hallmark of goodness and holiness about it.   This morning Pope Benedict has been carrying out the main task that he came to do while in Britain: the Beatification of John Henry Cardinal Newman.  The pope has been a long-time admirer of Newman and his writings.  Not-surprisingly, Newman epitomises much of what Pope Benedict is trying to convey in his homilies and messages during this visit.  Everyone, not just Catholics and other Christians, he says, needs to listen to the truths Christ shows us in the gospel if we want to become fully human and helpful to others in society.  We all need to be receptive to the truth wherever it may be found.  Newman himself was such a seeker *Cardinal Newman’s whole life was governed by his search for truth and holiness.  In every event and circumstance he asked himself the simple but complex question: is this particular thing true?  Is it real?  Does it lead to holiness?  And if it is true, then it must be acted upon.  Newman sought the truth wherever it led and whatever the cost.  He suffered when he felt compelled to leave the Church of England and join the Catholic Church, and later he suffered within the Catholic Church when his views became unwelcomed.  Conscience was the guiding light which he saw as the primary, God-given, way to seek and find the truth.  Obedience to conscience was the supreme rule of life and one in which he found assurance and reliance on God’s mercy.  Though he was always loyal to his friends and commitments he would propose a toast to conscience first before allegiance to any other authority.   *Holiness for Newman was the sign of life in the Church.  It was the true test of her credibility.  The miracle of Newman is the moral miracle of his influence for good in the Church.  By his teaching and example he has transformed the lives of countless men and women, strengthened their faith, renewed their hope and deepened their love for others. Newman is not being beatified today because he was perfect.  Like all of us, he had his faults.  It is because he didn’t let  these get in the way of his search for truth, that he is being held up to us for our imitation. *John Henry Newman now enjoys the “safe lodging and holy rest” he earnestly prayed for.  May he intercede for us and help us to pray as he once did in these memorable words, “May Christ support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done!  Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at last!” * Paragraph adapted from Blessed John Henry Newman, Fr Colm McKeating, Far East, Sept/Oct 2010, p.7)

20 September 2010 

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Pontiff's visit 'did Birmingham proud'

Organizers of the Pope's historic visit to Birmingham say it was a great success.

Father Richard Duffield said the Pope blessed the Oratory's cat during his visit

Pope Benedict XVI lead Mass at Cofton Park on Sunday at the culmination of his four-day UK state visit.

More than 50,000 people at the event witnessed the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, of Birmingham City Council, said putting on such a large event had "done the city proud".

Peter Jennings, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Birmingham, said: "The whole visit itself has been a huge boost for everybody It's given new confidence to the Catholic Church and also to our relations with the Church of England and other churches."

Oratory cat

About 2,000 officers from West Midlands Police and other forces were on duty for one of the area's biggest security operations.

The Popemobile travelled from Cofton Park, near Longbridge, along Hagley Road, Edgbaston, to the Oratory, which was founded by Cardinal Newman.

Father Richard Duffield, Provost of the Birmingham Oratory, said the Pope met a group of parishioners there and also thanked workers at the Oratory.

He added the Pontiff had also given a blessing to the Oratory's cat.