For several years now, I have helped to organise and run the Faith Northern Summertime event at Ampleforth in the last week of July. It is a four-day event in a holiday type atmosphere for teenage Catholics from Scotland and the North of England and involves Catechises, discussion, Mass, prayer, sports and lots of fun.
Most of the activities, especially the talks, happen in Alban Roe house, which is well used for other retreats and events. Sadly, I can’t remember any explanation being given to the youngsters about the significance of the man who the building they spend a lot of their time in is named after. I was aware of Alban Roe being one of the 40 martyrs but didn’t know much about him. So, when the Abbot of Ampleforth, Cuthbert Madden was invited to take part in a question and answer session towards the end of last year’s event, I sneakily planted a question with one of the youngsters whom I know quite well. Eventually, after having his hand up for quite some time, he was called to ask the question by Abbot Cuthbert. "Who was Alban Roe?" he said.
One of the first things I remember the Abbot saying was that Father Alban was quite a character. He then went onto tell the story of Fr Alban playing cards with his prison cellmates on the night before is martyrdom. I thought he sounded slightly eccentric and was keen to find out more about him.
Upon further reflection, Saint Alban Roe was a glorious martyr who almost danced his way onto the gallows, whilst giving some poignant messages to the crowd at Tyburn.
Bartholomew Roe was born in Bury St Edmund’s, Suffolk, in 1583. Whilst studying at Cambridge University, he went to visit some friends at St. Albans. There he was told about a townsman called David who had been thrown into prison for recusancy. Alban was keen to visit the prisoner, convinced he could talk him round to following the new religion. But David was well-read and rebutted the visitor’s arguments intelligently, causing him to go into a state of confusion.
Alban went to see some Catholic priests to seek advice. Having discovered the error of his ways, he was reconciled to the Church of Rome and was shortly after keen to go abroad and train as a priest.
In February 1608 he took up a place in the English College in Douai, France, but within three years the outspoken young man was expelled for criticising the principal. In 1613, he joined the noviciate at another English monastery, St Laurence’s at Dieulouard in 1613. Once ordained, his superiors agreed to send him to the English mission where he began to work in secret as a priest in 1615.
He preached and met with Protestants, reportedly converting many. But no less than three years later, he was arrested and jailed in London for around five years. This was only a fraction of his next period of time in a filthy cell which was to come.
Through the intervention of the Spanish ambassador of the time, Fr Alban was released by King James I in a general amnesty in 1623 and banished. He joined his brethren back in Douai in the monastery of St Gregory, before defiantly returning to the anti-Catholic shores of his homeland.
After two years of ministering to the faithful, he was re-arrested in 1625 and imprisoned in St Albans, the very place where he had discovered the Catholic faith all those years beforehand. The priest had a horrid time in a filthy, pokey prison cell, and was lucky not to die from starvation and the cold as a result of his treatment by the authorities. After the intervention of some friends, he was moved to the slightly more comfortable Fleet prison. He was never to be a free man again.
Fr Alban endured 17 years in jail. Despite falling ill several times, he saw the prison as mission territory, praying for and keeping the spirits high of his fellow inmates.
While King Charles I governed without parliament, no imprisoned priests were executed. When the Long Parliament convened, however, the hangings began again in earnest.
Eventually, Fr Alban was moved to Newgate prison and stood trail at the Old Bailey. After initially refusing to be tried by jury because he did not want his blood on the hands of the innocents, he agreed to be brought to justice by this system. Incredibly, when found guilty and sentenced to death, Fr Alban actually thanked the judge and jury for the favour they had done him. He then turned to people in the public gallery and offered to discuss Catholicism with anyone who wanted! Taken aback by his bravery, the judge wasn’t having any of that and sent him down.
Conscious that he was about to shed his life for Christ, he was described as being in a constant state of happiness by visitors to the prison in the last few days before his horrific execution.
It is on the night before his hanging, January 21 1642, that Fr Alban is said to have cracked open a box of playing cards with other prisoners. If you know you are facing a horrible death in the morning, surely the last thing on earth you think about doing is playing a game of rummy? Not Fr Alban! It’s a poignant indication of his calmness, faith, and sense of joy at becoming a martyr.
Early the next morning, he said Mass with Fr Thomas Greene, aged eighty, who on the mission had taken the name of Reynolds. Fr Alban gave those Catholics a homily they would never forget. He urged them to be loyal to their Catholic faith and lead a holy life. After offering the Sacrifice of the Mass, he and Fr Reynolds were tied to a hurdle and drawn to Tyburn. There are several stories of the Benedictine’s jovial manner. As he was being dragged along on the wooden frame, he even managed to joke with a prison guard saying: "Thou hast often told me I should be hanged… I see thou art a prophet!"
After hearing each other’s confessions, they stumbled into the cart below the gallows, kissed the ropes and, significantly, put on their stoles for their last sacrifice – not of the Mass, but the sacrifice of their lives for Christ. The stole, the vestment which marks reciepients of Holy Orders, is said to symbolise the bonds and fetters with which Jesus was bound during his Passion. This is the two priests uniting their sufferings to those of Christ.
During his final speech, Fr Alban, not afraid to mince his words, attacked the law against being a priest as "wicked, unjust and tyrannical". He remained in good spirits and showed his kindness to the final end, reportedly giving the executioner money for a couple of alcoholic beverages on the condition he would not get drunk. The two priests prayed the Miserere psalm alternately before the cart was drawn away and they were hanged.
The executioner discovered a page of writing, thought to be a lengthier speech Fr Alban was intending to read before being stopped. The Sheriff at the time is said to have shown it to Parliament and it has never been see since. What a relic that would be if it were discovered.
During the quartering process, onlookers were seen dipping their handkerchiefs in the blood of the two martyrs, or any relics they could grab their hands on.
Saint Alban Roe’s link with Ampleforth is that the Benedictine community of St Laurence at Dieulouard, where the priest was ordained, went on the move from France at the outbreak of Revolution in 1792 and eventually settled in the stunning North Yorkshire valley.
As a prisoner for no less than 17 years on the trot, St Alban must be one of the first ports of call for both modern-day prison inmates and their relatives to pray to for help and strength. The saint’s zeal for passionate preaching must also make him a source of inspiration for priests and deacons struggling to write homilies. St Alban Roe was a remarkable, if not slightly eccentric, martyr. He had a steadfast love of the gift of life given to him by God. This was expressed in his eagerness to serve the faithful, his social activities and his joyfulness, which was evident even in the most torrid of times.
Saint Alban Roe, Pray For Us.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Blair to give one of Cardinal's lectures
I read with great interest in the Catholic Herald this week that Tony Blair is to give the first of the Cardinal's lectures on April 3.
According to reports, it has been kept "secret" for security reasons until now. I wondered why on the Diocese of Westminster website that the notification first in a series of six talks read (and still reads, for some reason) "lecture to be confirmed, guest speaker, 3rd April" and then, underneath, "tickets for the above lecture must be booked separately". I should have guessed it would be the recent high-profile convert to Catholicism.
When you click on the "book here" link, it says that tickets are named and are not transferrable. "Photographic proof of identity (a valid passport, driving licence or identity card) and a valid ticket will be required on entry to the lecture," it adds. A further indication of a hig-profile speaker. It's no wonder that security will be tight.
I'm suprised that the news merely made a NIB (news in brief) in the Catholic Herald. Despite the piece claims that the former prime minister will "break his silence about his new found Catholic faith", it does not go into any reaction about the significance of the talk or what the potential consequences of it are.
The really synical side of me says that this "coup" is no less than a parade of the high-profile new convert by the senior hierarchy of the Church which has helped him across the Tiber. It just seems baffling that, effectively, one of the archietects of the culture of death in the western world is being invited to give one of the Cardinal's lectures. It wouldn't be surprising if, because of the naming system, well-know critics of Blair are phased out in attempt to make this a PR stunt.
Readers of this blog will be under no illusion of what its position is regarding Blair's conversion. At the time of the news back in December, whilst welcoming Blair into the One True Fold, it wholeheartedly agreed with the commentators and priests who agreed that a public statement by the former leader - announcing his regret for voting no less than 13 times in favour of abortion, three of those for abortion up to birth for disability - is needed. I also higlighted his government's legalisation of euthanasia by ommission, its policy of distributing morning after pills to girls as young as 11 without the consent of their parents, and the legalisation of civil partnerships for same-sex couples, amongst many other things.
I must make it clear that I'm not attempting to judge another person's conscience. Nor do I hope I come across as a complete and utter hypocrit having a go at someone else's sins. As Psalm 51 says: "My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me." But since Mr Blair has, in the public forum (and you can't get more public than parliament), voted and legislated on, made statements, and taken action publicly in contradiction of Catholic teaching, it's reasonable to expect some kind of public address saying that he regrets voting in a particular way and vows to accept everything that the Church teaches.
Thus, the more optimistic side of me says that maybe the April 3 lecture is exactly the forum for Mr Blair to do exactly that - which many of his brothers and sisters in the faith are calling for. I pray that he may not only do this but also actively join those of us involved in the pro-life movement in trying to halt the practices which he has so willfully promoted whilst in office.
The lecture, on faith in public life, is certain to make big news on the day - whatever Mr Blair says.
According to reports, it has been kept "secret" for security reasons until now. I wondered why on the Diocese of Westminster website that the notification first in a series of six talks read (and still reads, for some reason) "lecture to be confirmed, guest speaker, 3rd April" and then, underneath, "tickets for the above lecture must be booked separately". I should have guessed it would be the recent high-profile convert to Catholicism.
When you click on the "book here" link, it says that tickets are named and are not transferrable. "Photographic proof of identity (a valid passport, driving licence or identity card) and a valid ticket will be required on entry to the lecture," it adds. A further indication of a hig-profile speaker. It's no wonder that security will be tight.
I'm suprised that the news merely made a NIB (news in brief) in the Catholic Herald. Despite the piece claims that the former prime minister will "break his silence about his new found Catholic faith", it does not go into any reaction about the significance of the talk or what the potential consequences of it are.
The really synical side of me says that this "coup" is no less than a parade of the high-profile new convert by the senior hierarchy of the Church which has helped him across the Tiber. It just seems baffling that, effectively, one of the archietects of the culture of death in the western world is being invited to give one of the Cardinal's lectures. It wouldn't be surprising if, because of the naming system, well-know critics of Blair are phased out in attempt to make this a PR stunt.
Readers of this blog will be under no illusion of what its position is regarding Blair's conversion. At the time of the news back in December, whilst welcoming Blair into the One True Fold, it wholeheartedly agreed with the commentators and priests who agreed that a public statement by the former leader - announcing his regret for voting no less than 13 times in favour of abortion, three of those for abortion up to birth for disability - is needed. I also higlighted his government's legalisation of euthanasia by ommission, its policy of distributing morning after pills to girls as young as 11 without the consent of their parents, and the legalisation of civil partnerships for same-sex couples, amongst many other things.
I must make it clear that I'm not attempting to judge another person's conscience. Nor do I hope I come across as a complete and utter hypocrit having a go at someone else's sins. As Psalm 51 says: "My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me." But since Mr Blair has, in the public forum (and you can't get more public than parliament), voted and legislated on, made statements, and taken action publicly in contradiction of Catholic teaching, it's reasonable to expect some kind of public address saying that he regrets voting in a particular way and vows to accept everything that the Church teaches.
Thus, the more optimistic side of me says that maybe the April 3 lecture is exactly the forum for Mr Blair to do exactly that - which many of his brothers and sisters in the faith are calling for. I pray that he may not only do this but also actively join those of us involved in the pro-life movement in trying to halt the practices which he has so willfully promoted whilst in office.
The lecture, on faith in public life, is certain to make big news on the day - whatever Mr Blair says.
Friday, 22 February 2008
Lenten 40 Martyr Reflections: Saint John Jones
John Jones, a Welsh Franciscan, suffered greatly for his faith at the hands of torturers.
Born in Caernarvonshire, John entered the Fransican monastery at Grenwich, which was dissolved in 1559. From there he went to Pontoise, in France, and was professed there. On return to England, he served as a secular priest amongst the prisoners at Marshalsea gaol but was found out and incarcerated at Wisbeach Castle. He somehow managed to escape from there and flee to Rome where he stayed at a Franciscan Observant house. There he joined the Roman province of the Reformati (a stricter observance branch of the Order of Friars Minor).
It was not long before he was begging his superiors to be allowed to go to the English mission. Despite his superiors being well aware of the dangers of sending priests back to England and Wales, they granted his request and he even received a special blessing and commendation from Pope Clement VIII.
He reached London at the end of 1592 and stayed temporarily at the house which Father John Gerard had provided for missionary priests. After a short period here, he laboured in different parts of the country. He was so well respected that his brother Franciscans in England elected him their as their provincial.
But four years later, disaster struck. Notorious "priest catcher" Richard Topcliffe was informed by a spy that Father Jones had visited two Catholics and had said Mass in their house. It was discovered afterwards that the people in question were actually in prison at the time of the alleged offences. Nevertheless, Fr Jones was promptly arrested and there started a period of severe torture.
He was mercilessly scourged (whipped and slashed). Topcliffe - who had a fanatic hatred for Catholics and was described as a deranged psychopath - brought the Franciscan to his house and inflicted torture on him.
On July 3 1598, Fr Jones was tried on the charge of "going over the seas in the first year of Her majesty's reign (1558) and there being made a priest by the authority from Rome and then returning to England contrary to statute".
"If this be a crime, I must owe myself guilty, for I am a priest, and came over into England to claim as many souls as I could to Christ," said Fr Jones, defiantly.
Opting for trial by judge rather than an ignorant jury, he was convicted of "high treason" and sentenced to being hanged, drawn and quartered.
On July 12 1598, the priest was dragged along to St. Thomas' Waterings, Southwark. In another agonising moment for the priest during the early morning execution, it was discovered that the hangman had forgotten his rope. Pushed up into the cart under the gallows, he was made to wait in this position for an hour. During these horrifying minutes, he prayed and preached to the crowd. He told them that he had never thought or uttered a word against the queen or country. Rather, he was dying for his faith. The faithful Franciscan also said to the remarkably large crowd that he prayed for them daily. Eventually, he was hanged.
Despite Fr Jones' prolonged torture, he rarely stopped praying and was only interested in converting as many souls as he could. The courageous priest is an ideal saint for cruelly persecuted Christians in the world today to pray to for comfort, strength and courage. He also seems an ideal model for priests and, particularly those in religious life, by his constant prayer in the face of unbearable pain.
Saint John Jones, pray for us.
Born in Caernarvonshire, John entered the Fransican monastery at Grenwich, which was dissolved in 1559. From there he went to Pontoise, in France, and was professed there. On return to England, he served as a secular priest amongst the prisoners at Marshalsea gaol but was found out and incarcerated at Wisbeach Castle. He somehow managed to escape from there and flee to Rome where he stayed at a Franciscan Observant house. There he joined the Roman province of the Reformati (a stricter observance branch of the Order of Friars Minor).
It was not long before he was begging his superiors to be allowed to go to the English mission. Despite his superiors being well aware of the dangers of sending priests back to England and Wales, they granted his request and he even received a special blessing and commendation from Pope Clement VIII.
He reached London at the end of 1592 and stayed temporarily at the house which Father John Gerard had provided for missionary priests. After a short period here, he laboured in different parts of the country. He was so well respected that his brother Franciscans in England elected him their as their provincial.
But four years later, disaster struck. Notorious "priest catcher" Richard Topcliffe was informed by a spy that Father Jones had visited two Catholics and had said Mass in their house. It was discovered afterwards that the people in question were actually in prison at the time of the alleged offences. Nevertheless, Fr Jones was promptly arrested and there started a period of severe torture.
He was mercilessly scourged (whipped and slashed). Topcliffe - who had a fanatic hatred for Catholics and was described as a deranged psychopath - brought the Franciscan to his house and inflicted torture on him.
On July 3 1598, Fr Jones was tried on the charge of "going over the seas in the first year of Her majesty's reign (1558) and there being made a priest by the authority from Rome and then returning to England contrary to statute".
"If this be a crime, I must owe myself guilty, for I am a priest, and came over into England to claim as many souls as I could to Christ," said Fr Jones, defiantly.
Opting for trial by judge rather than an ignorant jury, he was convicted of "high treason" and sentenced to being hanged, drawn and quartered.
On July 12 1598, the priest was dragged along to St. Thomas' Waterings, Southwark. In another agonising moment for the priest during the early morning execution, it was discovered that the hangman had forgotten his rope. Pushed up into the cart under the gallows, he was made to wait in this position for an hour. During these horrifying minutes, he prayed and preached to the crowd. He told them that he had never thought or uttered a word against the queen or country. Rather, he was dying for his faith. The faithful Franciscan also said to the remarkably large crowd that he prayed for them daily. Eventually, he was hanged.
Despite Fr Jones' prolonged torture, he rarely stopped praying and was only interested in converting as many souls as he could. The courageous priest is an ideal saint for cruelly persecuted Christians in the world today to pray to for comfort, strength and courage. He also seems an ideal model for priests and, particularly those in religious life, by his constant prayer in the face of unbearable pain.
Saint John Jones, pray for us.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Lenten 40 Martyr Reflections: Saint John Stone
John Stone, an Augustinian Friar thought to be from Canterbury, was hanged drawn and quartered after refusing to sign the deed of surrender which recognised King Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church.
He entered the friary in Cantebury and after going away to study and teach, he came back to the friary just as Henry began to split the Church in England into two. On November 3 1534, parliament issued the Act of Supremacy, declaring Henry as the head of the Church in England. With immediate effect, John began denouncing the king's second marriage from the pulpit as well as his claim as the head of the Church. This, under the new law, was treason.
Four years after the Act, the Bishop of Dover arrived in Canterbury to close the orders. When encountering Friar Stone, Bishop Richard Ingworth got more than he bargained for. John was said to have launched an attack on the bishop for loyalty to the king over God. He said that the king's claimed prerogative belonged only to the pope. John refused to sign the deed and was promptly arrested to avoid other members of the community from being influenced by his line.
The friar was thrown into the Tower of London without charge for a year. He was sent for trial at the Guildhall (now demolished) in Canterbury. Whilst awaiting his fate, John fasted and prayed solidly for three days and is said to have heard a voice which urged him to stand strong and be prepared to die for his profession of faith.
A jury confronted with an indictment for High Treason unsurprisingly found the defendant guilty. His execution was set for December 27. He was dragged on a hurdle from his cell at Westgate Tower to a prominent hill called Dane John (Dungeon Hill), the place of his martyrdom. As he stood on the scaffold, he would have seen his beloved Augustinian Friary, now barred and empty, beneath him.
"Behold I close my apostolate in my blood, In my death I shall find life, for die for a holy cause, the defence of the Church of God, infallible and immaculate", he said as the executioners prepared to tighten the noose. After being hanged, drawn and quartered, his head and quarters were displayed at the city gates, to deter any Catholics living there from refusing to join the newly formed Church of England
The Catholic Chaplaincy building at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, is named St. John Stone House in memory of the saint.
Saint John was loyal to the Church of Rome and to the Pope in the face of certain death. He was even prepared to lecture a bishop about his betrayal of God in favour of the monarch. This saint serves as an example for every Catholic to stay close to the Pope and his teachings - which lead to Christ - in spite of any ridicule or persecution they may encounter from the state or society. The friar fully embraced and answered Jesus' cry of "Do not be afraid", and encourages us to do so as well. His witness to Christ may also lead people to Augustinian vocations.
Saint John Stone, pray for us.
He entered the friary in Cantebury and after going away to study and teach, he came back to the friary just as Henry began to split the Church in England into two. On November 3 1534, parliament issued the Act of Supremacy, declaring Henry as the head of the Church in England. With immediate effect, John began denouncing the king's second marriage from the pulpit as well as his claim as the head of the Church. This, under the new law, was treason.
Four years after the Act, the Bishop of Dover arrived in Canterbury to close the orders. When encountering Friar Stone, Bishop Richard Ingworth got more than he bargained for. John was said to have launched an attack on the bishop for loyalty to the king over God. He said that the king's claimed prerogative belonged only to the pope. John refused to sign the deed and was promptly arrested to avoid other members of the community from being influenced by his line.
The friar was thrown into the Tower of London without charge for a year. He was sent for trial at the Guildhall (now demolished) in Canterbury. Whilst awaiting his fate, John fasted and prayed solidly for three days and is said to have heard a voice which urged him to stand strong and be prepared to die for his profession of faith.
A jury confronted with an indictment for High Treason unsurprisingly found the defendant guilty. His execution was set for December 27. He was dragged on a hurdle from his cell at Westgate Tower to a prominent hill called Dane John (Dungeon Hill), the place of his martyrdom. As he stood on the scaffold, he would have seen his beloved Augustinian Friary, now barred and empty, beneath him.
"Behold I close my apostolate in my blood, In my death I shall find life, for die for a holy cause, the defence of the Church of God, infallible and immaculate", he said as the executioners prepared to tighten the noose. After being hanged, drawn and quartered, his head and quarters were displayed at the city gates, to deter any Catholics living there from refusing to join the newly formed Church of England
The Catholic Chaplaincy building at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, is named St. John Stone House in memory of the saint.
Saint John was loyal to the Church of Rome and to the Pope in the face of certain death. He was even prepared to lecture a bishop about his betrayal of God in favour of the monarch. This saint serves as an example for every Catholic to stay close to the Pope and his teachings - which lead to Christ - in spite of any ridicule or persecution they may encounter from the state or society. The friar fully embraced and answered Jesus' cry of "Do not be afraid", and encourages us to do so as well. His witness to Christ may also lead people to Augustinian vocations.
Saint John Stone, pray for us.
Juno
Today I had a rare weekday off and, as I hadn't been for absolutely ages, I decided to go to the cinema to watch a corny film.I selected "Juno" which I had seen briefly advertised on television. It's about a witty sixteen-year-old girl that gets pregnant and, instead of having an abortion to deal with the crisis pregnancy, she arranges to have the baby adopted. This, according to reviews of the movie, is "an unusual decision". As this is against the modern-day trend of teenagers opting, or usually being pressured both by society and their relatives to have an abortion when finding themselves pregnant, I was curious to know what impression the film gave about this kind of situation.
As soon as the opening scene - Juno MacGuff having sex with her "best friend" Paulie Bleeker - I was shocked that it was 4pm in the afternoon and the film was a 12A rating. For the record, this means it is apparently suitable for children 12 years and over. But it also means that those younger than 12 watch the film if accompanied by an adult.
A quick glance at the British Board of Film Classification's website shows some of the specifications of a 12A are quite surprising.
"Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet" - I don't think that at least two sex scenes (although not showing any sexual organs) were particularly discreet in Juno.
"Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them."
"Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated."
"Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised."
As it is half term in the East Midlands this week, there were definitely some mums with their teenage sons and daughters and the cinema was packed especially with teen girls laughing immaturely at the mention of a rude word or whatever. The language was at times coarse and scenes included an adult showing to a class how to put a condom on a banana. These are just two examples of why I thought the film was inappropriate for the younger audience. It's yet another indication how younger and younger children are becoming exposed to an oversexualised media, which collectively, no doubt, is resulting in a lot of teenagers becoming sexually active as young as 11 and 12. After all, schools can now distribute the morning after pill to girls as young as 11 without the consent of their parents.
Whatever my opinions are of this particular movie going beyond these guidelines, the question has to be asked: Is ANY sexual activity or nudity appropriate to be watched by children aged 12 and under? I think Juno should have been at least a 15.
Putting the rating issue to one side, the film was actually OK and had some poignant moments - the most telling of which was the scene when Juno turns up at the abortion clinic for her appointment. Outside, she is met by a geeky female schoolmate who is the sole pro-life campaigner that day. She is clutching her placard which reads something like "Children don't want to be murdered". After a brief conversation trying to dodge the reason why she was there, Juno walks towards the door at which point her classmate shouts after her: "Do you realise your baby's heart can beat? You know it can feel pain? It has fingernails." It was the last point which made Juno stop and turn round. "It has fingernails?" she repeats. Her friend nods.
Juno continues into the clinic and is met by a less-than-enthusiastic hyppie receptionist who asks her to fill in a form and offers her condoms. It's when she goes into the waiting room that the conscience of the 16-year-old is tested. All women around her waiting their turn are hysterical. This is something which I've heard being described by woman who have had an abortion experience in real life. Significantly, all the ladies around Juno are doing something with their fingernails - either scratching their head or arms, biting their nails or tapping them on the bench. It is this which plays on the mind of the pregnant teenager, who walks out and doesn't go through with the abortion. Instead, she arranges an adoption. Although the circumstances of the agreement are a little bizarre, the baby is born and given to the parent. The way the offbeat young woman is committed to carrying the baby to term is quite impressive.
Although, as I said at the beginning, it was a bit cheesy as American films often are, the plot is witty and amusing at times. Juno and Paulie eventually fell in love for real after learning from their irresponsible mistake. Much of the courting and "hanging out" between the couple after the birth is innocent and in keeping with the 12A audience. In terms of acting, I thought Ellen Page (Juno), with her humorous vocabulary, and especially 19-year-old Canadian actor Michael Cera (Paulie), who played the shy but clued-up teenager to a tea, were particularly good.
It's a shame that the movie was a bit below the belt for its younger audience. But at least the schoolkids walking away from the cinema room today were given a positive message - that abortion is not the only option if they get pregnant. Keeping the baby and adopting it if needs be is the right decision both for the unborn child and the mother.
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Lenten 40 Martyr reflections: Saint Margaret Ward
Margaret Ward, a laywoman, helped Fr William Watson escape from prison and paid the price of being hanged drawn and quartered.
Fr William, who studied at the seminary in Rhiems, was initially imprisoned in miserable conditions in London. He was freed when he agreed to attend a Protestant church. But he began to realise that he had sinned and denied his faith. He went to a nearby prison where other priests were being held and confessed his sins. He then went to back to the Protestant church and stood up in the middle the service to announce that he had sinned by attending their church. He was captured by a gang and thrown into prison again. Fr Watson was chained up and fed on rations of bread and water so poor that it was barely enough to keep him alive. After a few weeks, he was moved to a cell above ground where he could see some light.
Margaret Ward was living in London at the time and, hearing the priest’s plight, she started to visit him. Initially, she was refused access to him but eventually secured permission to visit him regularly. At first, Margaret was rigorously searched and a jailer was present during their conversations. Eventually, the jailers were convinced Margaret posed no threat and began to be less strict on conditions of her visits. But the courageous and faithful woman have a plan of escape up her sleeve. Smuggling a rope into the cell under some food she was carrying, she told Fr Watson about her plan to free him.
Margaret had arranged for two Catholic watermen to wait with an escape boat near the Bridewell prison. These lost their nerve but Margaret had a reserve in Irishman John Roche who agreed to steer the boat.
In the early hours of the morning of the escape, Fr Watson secured the rope and lowered himself down. But halfway down, he realised it wasn’t long enough and was suspended in mid-air. After a brief prayer, he let go and landed smack-bang on the roof of a shed below, breaking his right arm and leg. Mr Roche was quick off the mark, running to his assistance and carrying him to the boat. They sailed off out of site but Fr Watson left the rope, leaving the jailors to suspect only one person of hatching the plan – Margaret. She was arrested later the same morning at her home, just before she was about to escape herself.
In prison, Margaret was chained, flogged and tortured.
Robert Southwell, who also became one of the 40 Martyrs, wrote to a Father Acquaviva saying:
"She was flogged and hung up by the wrists, the tips of her toes only touching the ground, for so long a time that she was crippled and paralysed, but these sufferings greatly strengthened the glorious martyr for her last struggle."
At the trail, when asked if she was guilty of treason, Margaret said that if helping a priest was treason, then she was happy to admit it. The martyr was hanged drawn and quartered at Newgate on August 30 1588 along with Mr Roche, who was captured (Fr Watson escaped), as well as four other Catholic martyrs.
As with Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Margaret was also a laywoman totally devoted to helping priests in their ministry. She seemed determined to free Fr Watson so that he could continue to administer the sacraments and save souls. The holy woman was clear that this was her role in the keeping alive of the Catholic faith under persecution in England. She is a great model for one of the countless instrumental roles played by women in the Church today – assistance and care of their parish priests.
Fr William, who studied at the seminary in Rhiems, was initially imprisoned in miserable conditions in London. He was freed when he agreed to attend a Protestant church. But he began to realise that he had sinned and denied his faith. He went to a nearby prison where other priests were being held and confessed his sins. He then went to back to the Protestant church and stood up in the middle the service to announce that he had sinned by attending their church. He was captured by a gang and thrown into prison again. Fr Watson was chained up and fed on rations of bread and water so poor that it was barely enough to keep him alive. After a few weeks, he was moved to a cell above ground where he could see some light.
Margaret Ward was living in London at the time and, hearing the priest’s plight, she started to visit him. Initially, she was refused access to him but eventually secured permission to visit him regularly. At first, Margaret was rigorously searched and a jailer was present during their conversations. Eventually, the jailers were convinced Margaret posed no threat and began to be less strict on conditions of her visits. But the courageous and faithful woman have a plan of escape up her sleeve. Smuggling a rope into the cell under some food she was carrying, she told Fr Watson about her plan to free him.
Margaret had arranged for two Catholic watermen to wait with an escape boat near the Bridewell prison. These lost their nerve but Margaret had a reserve in Irishman John Roche who agreed to steer the boat.
In the early hours of the morning of the escape, Fr Watson secured the rope and lowered himself down. But halfway down, he realised it wasn’t long enough and was suspended in mid-air. After a brief prayer, he let go and landed smack-bang on the roof of a shed below, breaking his right arm and leg. Mr Roche was quick off the mark, running to his assistance and carrying him to the boat. They sailed off out of site but Fr Watson left the rope, leaving the jailors to suspect only one person of hatching the plan – Margaret. She was arrested later the same morning at her home, just before she was about to escape herself.
In prison, Margaret was chained, flogged and tortured.
Robert Southwell, who also became one of the 40 Martyrs, wrote to a Father Acquaviva saying:
"She was flogged and hung up by the wrists, the tips of her toes only touching the ground, for so long a time that she was crippled and paralysed, but these sufferings greatly strengthened the glorious martyr for her last struggle."
At the trail, when asked if she was guilty of treason, Margaret said that if helping a priest was treason, then she was happy to admit it. The martyr was hanged drawn and quartered at Newgate on August 30 1588 along with Mr Roche, who was captured (Fr Watson escaped), as well as four other Catholic martyrs.
As with Saint Nicholas Owen, Saint Margaret was also a laywoman totally devoted to helping priests in their ministry. She seemed determined to free Fr Watson so that he could continue to administer the sacraments and save souls. The holy woman was clear that this was her role in the keeping alive of the Catholic faith under persecution in England. She is a great model for one of the countless instrumental roles played by women in the Church today – assistance and care of their parish priests.
40 Martyrs
I apologise for not being able to blog so much on the 40 martyrs. If you remember I was trying to do a reflection on each of them before Lent is up. This is still my target, despite not having much time to work on these in the last few days.
Monday, 18 February 2008
Free vote petition
A petition to the Prime Minister has been started urging him to give Labour MPs a free vote on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
It states: "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to allow free votes on the embryology and fathers components of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill when considered by the House of Commons."
Michael Hill, my colleague on SPUC's National Executive Committee, sent me a link to it this afternoon. He writes: "It may seem to be a waste of time as the Government does not seem to take any notice of these petitions but if there is not a good response, the Government may use that as an indication that the public in general support the HF & E bill."
It was good to see in this weekend's Catholic Herald that Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, Jim Dobbin MP, said during the recent rally against the bill at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster: "If there is no free vote accorded by the Government I will be voting against this bill." Newspapers cannot say word for word what everyone said at such meetings. But I trust that Mr Dobbin would vote against the bill even if a free vote is granted.
It has also been promising to read that Catholic Cabinet ministers Ruth Kelly, Des Browne and Paul Goggins are known to be "deeply unhappy about the contents of the bill". If any of them defied a three-line whip they would at least be expected to resign from the Cabinet. It is reported that they have been told that they can be “absent” to avoid having to vote. What a massive stand for life it would be if these politicians were to actually turn up and defy their own government whip, thus putting their ministerial jobs in jeopardy. Three Labour whips - Tommy McAvoy, Tony Cunningham and Frank Roy, all of whom are Catholics - are also thought to have serious misgivings about elements of the bill. Let us pray earnestly for them that they will have the courage to reject the government's push to end the lives of millions more embryos, remove the need for a father, and create "human admixed embryos" as they are now labelled in the bill.
It is truly scandalous that the Government can whip this bill. As "more details" from the petition creator, Phil Craig, say:
"There is a tradition when dealing with matters of conscience that MPs are not whipped. This is particularly true when it comes to human embryos. When the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill was considered by Parliament the (then)government allowed free votes on all matters up until the final vote.
"The joint committee on the draft Human Tissues and Embryos bill recommended that this approach be adopted for questions over embryology and the role of fathers, but the Brown government has said that free votes will only be allowed on abortion.
"This decision suggests that there is no room for conscience and conscientious objection in our politics. If the government is genuinely concerned about voter apathy and alienation it should demonstrate that British politics caters for conscience and conscientious objection through free votes."
You can find the petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/embryovote/. It only takes two minutes - if that - to complete. Please tell your friends and family, circulate the link via email and post it on blogs. The deadline for signatures is 13 May. So far 1,832 have put their name to it.
London
On Friday I drove back to Kettering after lunch. After dumping the car and packing an "overnight bag", it was on to the railway station to hop on a train London. The occasion was one of the fairly regular meet ups with some of my University friends who had to endure three years of living with me in Sheffield (poor souls!). At Paddington station, I met with Henry and Gemma (who could only stay for an hour or so because she was getting a train to Somerset for the weekend). Then Daniel (now a lawyer in London) turned up at the Pride of Paddington Pub just before Gemma had to leave for her train. Myself, Daniel and Henry then travelled to Oxford Circus and went to a bar there. As ever, it was good to catch up. Here's Henry and Dan enjoying their pints of Peroni:
We were virtually kicked out of this place (as it's one of those few places now that still strictly closes at 11:20pm) and I went back to Paddington with Henry to get a train to his place in the lovely Windsor. I'm lucky enough to visit him fairly often and thoroughly enjoy relaxing in the Royal Borough. I stayed in his brother Ed's room (who is a student in Nottingham) overnight.
In the morning, Henry gave me a lift to Slough station. I had to dash across London and arrived a few minutes late for the SPUC National Executive Committee meeting. The organisation has now moved its headquarters to Stannary Street in Kennington. The building is more spacious to work in and operate from. There were a number of things to discuss during the meeting, including the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
We were told that there were no substantial pro-life amendments made to the bill during the report stage and the third reading. SPUC is now asking people to write to their MPs asking them to vote against the bill prior to its introduction in the House of Commons. No date has been set for this yet but it is thought that it will not be until after Easter.
After the meeting, I got the tube to Westminster and walked down Victoria Street to Westminster Cathedral for confession, vespers and the Vigil Mass for Sunday. Upon arrival, there were a lot of people gathered outside in the piazza. A Mass marking the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions of St Bernadette at Lourdes had just finished. The Sacrament of the Sick was administered during the Mass.
I'm not familiar with the auxiliary bishops of Westminster. Although I know names I'm not too up on the faces. There was a bishop greeting people on the way out and I took a nice photo of him talking to a lady in a wheelchair. Upon a brief inspection of the auxiliaries' profiles on the Diocese of Westminster website, I think it was Bishop Bernard Longley. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
It's not often I get to see a Successor to the Apostles in the flesh so I was pleased to spot the mitre across the piazza.
We were virtually kicked out of this place (as it's one of those few places now that still strictly closes at 11:20pm) and I went back to Paddington with Henry to get a train to his place in the lovely Windsor. I'm lucky enough to visit him fairly often and thoroughly enjoy relaxing in the Royal Borough. I stayed in his brother Ed's room (who is a student in Nottingham) overnight.
In the morning, Henry gave me a lift to Slough station. I had to dash across London and arrived a few minutes late for the SPUC National Executive Committee meeting. The organisation has now moved its headquarters to Stannary Street in Kennington. The building is more spacious to work in and operate from. There were a number of things to discuss during the meeting, including the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
We were told that there were no substantial pro-life amendments made to the bill during the report stage and the third reading. SPUC is now asking people to write to their MPs asking them to vote against the bill prior to its introduction in the House of Commons. No date has been set for this yet but it is thought that it will not be until after Easter.
After the meeting, I got the tube to Westminster and walked down Victoria Street to Westminster Cathedral for confession, vespers and the Vigil Mass for Sunday. Upon arrival, there were a lot of people gathered outside in the piazza. A Mass marking the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions of St Bernadette at Lourdes had just finished. The Sacrament of the Sick was administered during the Mass.
I'm not familiar with the auxiliary bishops of Westminster. Although I know names I'm not too up on the faces. There was a bishop greeting people on the way out and I took a nice photo of him talking to a lady in a wheelchair. Upon a brief inspection of the auxiliaries' profiles on the Diocese of Westminster website, I think it was Bishop Bernard Longley. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
It's not often I get to see a Successor to the Apostles in the flesh so I was pleased to spot the mitre across the piazza.
Dad's birthday
On return to Hull from Ampleforth (via a stop in Beverley) I was greeted by my mother getting food ready for my dad's 60th birthday bash. His birthday falls on January 14.From 6pm, my two sisters, brother-in-law, aunties, uncles and cousins began to arrive shortly after dad got home from work.
It was an enjoyable evening, especially because I haven't seen some of my uncles, aunties and cousins for ages since starting the job in Northamptonshire. Amongst the guests was my uncle Michael (seen here sitting down in the foreground) who is parish priest in Hessle.
We had a nice buffet with pizzas, pate, cheeses, cold meats, crusty bread, salad, pork pies and so on - not to forget the all important beer, wine and whisky. Then it was time for dad to cut the cake, which was interrupted by me telling him to stop whilst I got the camera sorted out.
Afterwards, dad began to construct his main present from mum, an "N" gauge model train set. We have a substantial "0" gauge collection up in the loft but dad has always wanted the smaller scale. He intends to build up the set in the spare bedroom. But just for a test run, he set his starter pack up on the dining table after the buffet. Hours of fun are inevitably to come!
Friday, 15 February 2008
Ampleforth
I arrived back to Hull last night from a thoroughly enjoyable symposium at Ampleforth. North Yorkshire really is God’s own county and I got chance to explore places that I’d not been to before during the free afternoons on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The six talks opened up enthralling lines of discussion with subjects ranging from the priesthood of Christ to how man’s humanity is related to the humanity of Christ. I intend to blog about each of the talks when I get chance.
On Tuesday afternoon, before going to pick two-day symposium delegates Ryan and Connor from York station, I managed to get up to the stunning 12th century former Cistercian abbey, Rievaulx. It was founded in 1132 by twelve monks as a mission centre for the colonisation of the north of England and Sctoland and was the first Cistercian abbey in the north. It is located near the quiant town of Helmsley in a beautiful setting in a wooded dale by the River Rye, sheltered by hills. The Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538.
The ruins are now in the care of the English Heritage, a fact which flags up problems. Firstly, they tried to charge me £6 to merely park the car. That’s before the £4.50 entry fee. So I drove back up the road towards the village and parked on road for free. It was a gourgous day which made the photographs even more spectacular:
I'm afraid I'm now on the move again back to Kettering and then to London for the weekend. I'll give you more coverage when I can.
The six talks opened up enthralling lines of discussion with subjects ranging from the priesthood of Christ to how man’s humanity is related to the humanity of Christ. I intend to blog about each of the talks when I get chance.
On Tuesday afternoon, before going to pick two-day symposium delegates Ryan and Connor from York station, I managed to get up to the stunning 12th century former Cistercian abbey, Rievaulx. It was founded in 1132 by twelve monks as a mission centre for the colonisation of the north of England and Sctoland and was the first Cistercian abbey in the north. It is located near the quiant town of Helmsley in a beautiful setting in a wooded dale by the River Rye, sheltered by hills. The Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538.
The ruins are now in the care of the English Heritage, a fact which flags up problems. Firstly, they tried to charge me £6 to merely park the car. That’s before the £4.50 entry fee. So I drove back up the road towards the village and parked on road for free. It was a gourgous day which made the photographs even more spectacular:
I'm afraid I'm now on the move again back to Kettering and then to London for the weekend. I'll give you more coverage when I can.Monday, 11 February 2008
Week off
This week I'm on holiday. I've been up in Hull since Friday evening and will shortly be leaving for the picturesque Ampleforth Abbey/School for the annual Faith Theological Symposium for a few days.It will be a good chance to catch up with people and be challenged at an intellectual level to pick up some more wonders of the Catholic faith. Last year, I must admit, I was a little baffled by some of the content as I've only got A-Level Theology/Philosophy, as well as a Philosophy module at University under my belt. I don't expect to understand everything this year either. But I'm sure a new window of understanding will be opened.
There will be at least four or five Catholic bloggers at the event, so hopefully we can have a bloggers' fridge meeting, or, even better, a bloggers' outing to the nearby village pub...???
My "going away" will mean not much blogging for the next few days as Ampleforth isn't the best place for technological communication (the village lost power during the wintry weather recently). So expect several English and Welsh martyr posts when I get back as well as a review of the week.
I did have a post about St Margaret Ward almost written the other night when I pressed a wrong button, lost all of it, and couldn’t get it back.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Saint Nicholas Owen
At the Faith Winter Conference this year, Fr Scott Deeley read out the names who were to form discussion groups in various rooms of Stonyhurst College. "And group X is in the Nicholas Owen room, named after a famous ITV newsreader who has been on our TV screens for year," said Fr Deeley, or words to that effect. Joking aside, I thought this name rang a bell as one of the 40 Martyrs.After the discussion group was over in the Nicholas Owen room, I went on the prowl for any information about the saint to whom the room was dedicated. I found a framed picture which had some artists impressions along with several words about his life. It was fascinating.
St Nicholas was often known as Little John or as little Michael. He was a carpenter by trade - which was surely a God given gift, particularly useful to keep the Catholic faith going during penal times. He was the guy who for several years built hiding-places for priests in the homes of recusants. He travelled from one house to another, under the name of "Little John", accepting food as payment before starting off for a new project.
Although not much is known about him, he apparently was only slightly taller than a dwarf, and suffered from a hernia. Nevertheless, his work often involved breaking through stone, and, to minimize the chances of betrayal, he always worked alone. The exact number of hiding-places he constructed is unknown. Some may be still undiscovered.
Nicholas became a lay brother of the Jesuits. Fr Henry Garnet, Superior of the English Jesuits, employed him to construct hiding places and escape routes in the various mansions used to house priests across England. By day he worked at the mansions on regular wood- and stone-working jobs so no one would question his presence. By night he worked alone, digging tunnels, creating hidden passages and rooms in the house.
He was arrested twice and once was tortured but revealed no information about the whereabouts of priests or the location of the secret compartments. In 1606, Nicholas was arrested again in Worcestershire, giving himself up voluntarily in order to distract attention from priests who were hiding nearby.
Under English law, he was exempt from torture, as he had been maimed a few years previously, when a horse fell on him. Despite this, he was tortured anyway, on a rack until he died. He gave no information.
St Nicholas appears to have been a man highly skilled at his job, the same profession as St Joseph and Christ. His hard labour kept priests from the authorities, allowing them to say Mass and save souls. His love for priests must have been great, a love which cost him his life. He is a true example of how lay men can assist priests in parishes in carrying out less-secret "handyman" jobs, without fear of being martyred, but nevertheless working for the Glory of God.
Saint Nicholas Owen, Pray For Us.
The 40 Martyrs of England and Wales
I've always been quite baffled why the Church in this land doesn't really make a fuss about its martyrs - those courageous men and women, priests and laity, who were subjected to the most gruesome of deaths because of their faith.
Of the 40 English and Welsh Martyrs, I barely know half their names, let alone what they did to keep the faith alive in hostile times. This is despite me going to both a Catholic primary and secondary school. Apart from Blessed Nicholas Postgate, one of the Yorkshire based 85 martyrs, after whom one of the "houses" were named at St Mary's College, I wasn't educated about a single one of the saints of the penal times. It was only when we did an RE project in Year 9 about modern day saints that I knew they existed.
We were asked to pick someone who we considered as a modern day saint. I was struggling - until my dad suggested an actual Saint - Margaret Clitherow. He introduced me briefly to her story and then handed me a book about the martyrs of the Middlesborough Diocese, which included a lengthy chapter on the "Pearl of York". I went back to my teacher, Fr Noel Wynn, to ask if 500 years was "modern" enough. He let me off and so the enthralling essay began.
I remember being absolutely inspired by her story. The courageous Catholic convert who harboured priests so that they could celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass in a secret room of her house in the Shambles. Her death sentence for her "crimes" was "peine forte et dure" - to be pressed to death. I remember being astounded at this - reflecting that if it wasn't for the witness of St Margaret and the other martyrs keeping the faith alive, maybe it would still be illegal for me to go to Mass today? In recent years I have tried to pray to St Margaret after every Mass, considering her as one of the "saints of the Mass" and asking her to help me grow in love for the Eucharist.
Of course, I am in admiration of the whole Communion of Saints and ask for the help of those who are internationally known. But I've never understood in my lifetime why there isn't an enthusiastic admiration en masse for "our own saints", particularly as they were only canonised in 1970. Just think how much they can help us in our daily struggle against a secular Britain. Surely their prayers would give zeal to others - particularly to pro-life politicians at the moment given the current legislation before parliament which will essentially change the definition of human life and the family.
I think there should be some sort of celebration in 2010, 40 years on from the martyrs' canonisation. What about a massive pilgrimage to Rome around October 25?
In the meantime, I thought it would be really helpful for me and others to give reflections on each of the 40 saints. There are 40 days in Lent, one's already gone and I won't be able to post every day. But hopefully I can blog on the 40 before Good Friday. It's an appropriate season to do this, when we are encouraged to come closer to Christ and His Church through the help of the saints. Feel free to add your comments and further stories about these remarkable people, especially if you have local connections to them.
Of the 40 English and Welsh Martyrs, I barely know half their names, let alone what they did to keep the faith alive in hostile times. This is despite me going to both a Catholic primary and secondary school. Apart from Blessed Nicholas Postgate, one of the Yorkshire based 85 martyrs, after whom one of the "houses" were named at St Mary's College, I wasn't educated about a single one of the saints of the penal times. It was only when we did an RE project in Year 9 about modern day saints that I knew they existed.
We were asked to pick someone who we considered as a modern day saint. I was struggling - until my dad suggested an actual Saint - Margaret Clitherow. He introduced me briefly to her story and then handed me a book about the martyrs of the Middlesborough Diocese, which included a lengthy chapter on the "Pearl of York". I went back to my teacher, Fr Noel Wynn, to ask if 500 years was "modern" enough. He let me off and so the enthralling essay began.
I remember being absolutely inspired by her story. The courageous Catholic convert who harboured priests so that they could celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass in a secret room of her house in the Shambles. Her death sentence for her "crimes" was "peine forte et dure" - to be pressed to death. I remember being astounded at this - reflecting that if it wasn't for the witness of St Margaret and the other martyrs keeping the faith alive, maybe it would still be illegal for me to go to Mass today? In recent years I have tried to pray to St Margaret after every Mass, considering her as one of the "saints of the Mass" and asking her to help me grow in love for the Eucharist.
Of course, I am in admiration of the whole Communion of Saints and ask for the help of those who are internationally known. But I've never understood in my lifetime why there isn't an enthusiastic admiration en masse for "our own saints", particularly as they were only canonised in 1970. Just think how much they can help us in our daily struggle against a secular Britain. Surely their prayers would give zeal to others - particularly to pro-life politicians at the moment given the current legislation before parliament which will essentially change the definition of human life and the family.
I think there should be some sort of celebration in 2010, 40 years on from the martyrs' canonisation. What about a massive pilgrimage to Rome around October 25?
In the meantime, I thought it would be really helpful for me and others to give reflections on each of the 40 saints. There are 40 days in Lent, one's already gone and I won't be able to post every day. But hopefully I can blog on the 40 before Good Friday. It's an appropriate season to do this, when we are encouraged to come closer to Christ and His Church through the help of the saints. Feel free to add your comments and further stories about these remarkable people, especially if you have local connections to them.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
White Flower Appeal: Beverley
At the weekend I spent most of my time in Beverley, the birthplace of St John Fisher and also famous for St John of Beverley, whose feastday I have the great honour of sharing my birthday with. I was invited by Fr Roy Lovatt to do the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children's (SPUC) White Flower Appeal at the Saturday evening Mass as well as the two Sunday morning Masses. I'm pleased to say that the generous parishioners of St John's raised a total of £511.43 for the cause.
Fr Lovatt is a married priest. He was a Methodist minister, then an Anglican and then, in Spring 1985, he and his wife, Sue, decided they were ready to join the one true fold. He got permission to be ordained and received Holy Orders in 1990. Fr Roy and Sue have five sons, four of which I know well. I always enjoy visiting them when I'm around at home.
I arrived in Beverley from home (in Hull) late on Saturday afternoon, just in time for the start of the England v Wales game. By half time I was laid out on their living room floor sifting through thousands of lego pieces making a weird looking truck. It was great fun. After the disappointing result in the rugby, it was time to make my way into the church next door.
The appeal works by giving a brief introduction followed by a set talk about a few aspects of SPUC's work at an appropriate time during the Mass. Then, at the end, you stand at the back flanked by a couple of helpful altar servers with baskets and take the collection, giving leaflets and the White Flower stickers out and speaking to people if they have any questions. This year's talk focuses on the work of the society, particularly in the field of attempting to break the silence of women who are hurting after an abortion experience. Here are the relevant parts of the talk in full:
After Mass, I stayed for the rest of the evening and had tea with Fr and Sue, their sons Steve and Tom, as well as Sue's relatives who were staying at the weekend. Sue made a fantastic spaghetti bolognaise as well as numerous scrumptious sweets. Discussions included reports on how well the bishop's ordination in Middlesbrough and Mass with the people of Hull went last week. Fr Roy also told me about some fascinating history behind Beverley's connections with St John Fisher and St John of Beverley. Later on, Fr told me the fascinating story of his journey to Catholicism.
Fr Roy kindly gave me a lift back to Hull. In less than nine hours, I was back in Beverley ready to give the appeal at the other Sunday morning Masses. Despite not being a regular feature in the parish, refreshments were laid on after both Masses with the intention that people would meet me and ask any questions they may have about the work of SPUC. I was able to answer queries on our campaign against the Morning After Pill, SPUC's relationship with other pro-life groups and outline details on the society's Patients First Network.
After both Masses, I stayed for another delicious meal - Sunday lunch. Afterwards I enjoyed laughing at some "will it blend" clips with Steve, Tom and Fr before going back home to see mum, dad, sister and brother-in-law for the rest of the afternoon.
Fr Lovatt is a married priest. He was a Methodist minister, then an Anglican and then, in Spring 1985, he and his wife, Sue, decided they were ready to join the one true fold. He got permission to be ordained and received Holy Orders in 1990. Fr Roy and Sue have five sons, four of which I know well. I always enjoy visiting them when I'm around at home.
I arrived in Beverley from home (in Hull) late on Saturday afternoon, just in time for the start of the England v Wales game. By half time I was laid out on their living room floor sifting through thousands of lego pieces making a weird looking truck. It was great fun. After the disappointing result in the rugby, it was time to make my way into the church next door.
The appeal works by giving a brief introduction followed by a set talk about a few aspects of SPUC's work at an appropriate time during the Mass. Then, at the end, you stand at the back flanked by a couple of helpful altar servers with baskets and take the collection, giving leaflets and the White Flower stickers out and speaking to people if they have any questions. This year's talk focuses on the work of the society, particularly in the field of attempting to break the silence of women who are hurting after an abortion experience. Here are the relevant parts of the talk in full:
"Since the passing of the Abortion Act, 40 years ago, the lives of over six and a half million unborn children have been cut short. Their deaths have left deep wounds in society and few families remain untouched by the effects of abortion. SPUC works for the legal protection of unborn children, but there is another aspect to its work which is less well known, but equally important – reaching out to women before and after abortion.
For the past forty years the emotional pain of abortion has been largely hidden in silence. SPUC’s Silent No More Campaign is helping to overcome this silence. Women and men are now speaking out publicly about their experience in towns and cities across Britain. By sharing their personal stories and regrets in this way, the campaign reaches out to others who may be affected and are struggling in silence. Great courage is required publicly to declare regret for an abortion, and the brave men and women who do so need your support. These voices of experience need to be heard so that others may avoid making the same tragic mistake.
SPUC’s partner in the Silent No More Campaign is British Victims of Abortion, which is funded by the SPUC Education and Research Trust. It plays a key role in SPUC’s outreach work by offering free and confidential counselling and support. A Post-Abortion Helpline is available 7 days a week. The helpline number can be found in the White Flower Appeal leaflet.
Finally, SPUC believes women have a right to know the truth about abortion. Its Patient Information Service supplies GPs with a leaflet to give to patients who ask for an abortion. This means they are more likely to receive factual information about the development of their unborn child and what abortion, and its aftermath, really involve. Just as importantly, the leaflet explains who they can contact for support and help in a crisis pregnancy."
After Mass, I stayed for the rest of the evening and had tea with Fr and Sue, their sons Steve and Tom, as well as Sue's relatives who were staying at the weekend. Sue made a fantastic spaghetti bolognaise as well as numerous scrumptious sweets. Discussions included reports on how well the bishop's ordination in Middlesbrough and Mass with the people of Hull went last week. Fr Roy also told me about some fascinating history behind Beverley's connections with St John Fisher and St John of Beverley. Later on, Fr told me the fascinating story of his journey to Catholicism.
Fr Roy kindly gave me a lift back to Hull. In less than nine hours, I was back in Beverley ready to give the appeal at the other Sunday morning Masses. Despite not being a regular feature in the parish, refreshments were laid on after both Masses with the intention that people would meet me and ask any questions they may have about the work of SPUC. I was able to answer queries on our campaign against the Morning After Pill, SPUC's relationship with other pro-life groups and outline details on the society's Patients First Network.
After both Masses, I stayed for another delicious meal - Sunday lunch. Afterwards I enjoyed laughing at some "will it blend" clips with Steve, Tom and Fr before going back home to see mum, dad, sister and brother-in-law for the rest of the afternoon.
Friday, 1 February 2008
A bit of fun
Lately, my posts have been a bit doom and gloom, especially when it comes down to the horrific proposals in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
So here's something a little random and a little light hearted. My colleague at work sent round the address to this website. I've been in hysterics ever since. Take a look and see if you like it.
Will it blend?
So here's something a little random and a little light hearted. My colleague at work sent round the address to this website. I've been in hysterics ever since. Take a look and see if you like it.
Will it blend?
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