On Saturday 10 May, hundreds of pilgrims from across the Archdiocese of Birmingham once again made pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk.
The pilgrims gathered for a peaceful Mass, celebrated by Canon Paul McNally in the Chapel of Reconciliation, before walking and praying the rosary in silent procession through the countryside to the ruins of the Abbey where the original shrine stood. Homily: "What is it that has brought so many of us to travel today so many miles to this shrine in an obscure valley in the Norfolk countryside with its vast skies? "It is true that for hundreds of years in the Middle Ages, the shrine of Walsingham was one of the great places of pilgrimage, famous throughout Europe. But after the destruction of the Priory, the probable burning of the original statue and the ban on pilgrimages, Walsingham settled back into being an agricultural backwater with an almost forgotten, distant memory of having a very special and unique past. "But at the heart of that past, and our reason for being here today was and is that faith-filled, courageous, prayerful Virgin of Nazareth, Mary, the Mother of the Lord, venerated in this place under the title and image of ‘Our Lady of Walsingham.’ As English Catholics this image is woven into the fabric of our nation’s story and is a symbol of its rich, yet often forgotten Catholic heritage. "It is Mary who has drawn us here, not only to remind us of who we were but more importantly who we are and who we are called to be. At the heart of Mary’s life is her relationship with God, her openness to Him, her complete trust in Him, her willingness to follow His will in her life. This was only possible because Mary was a woman of prayer and contemplation. "Her life of prayer is clearly revealed in the Gospel story that we have just heard, the Wedding Feast at Cana. Here, as in fact in all of Mary’s life, all that she is and was, points not to herself but to her Son. True Marian devotion always brings us to Christ. That is why the fanatical iconoclasts who in the 16th Century destroyed images of Mary got it so wrong, because in destroying her they also destroyed her Son. "But let us return to that wedding in Cana. A joyful occasion that was about to change as the wine flow begins to run out. Embarrassment and discomfort are in the air. Mary, sensitive to the needs of others comes forward, she knows how this will affect the young couple and their families, with quiet confidence she approaches her son, Jesus. "Mary does not tell Jesus what to do, she does not offer her own solution, she simply says, “They have no wine.” This is a beautiful model for prayer. When we come before God, telling Him about our concerns, our joys, and our sorrows, we should do so with humility and with the realization that our solutions may make things worse. We simply need to have trust in God’s wisdom and love. "Mary’s next words, are so profound and so important, they are in fact the last words that Mary utters in the whole of the Scriptures, “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary is showing us the importance of obedience and faith in God. Even though Jesus’ response at first seems dismissive, Mary trusts that He will act in the best way and at the best time. At the heart of prayer, continuous faith in God is essential, especially in the most difficult and trying of circumstances. We may not always understand how and when God will act but we must trust in Him, that He will do so at His own time and in His own way. "In the end Jesus performs His first miracle and transforms water into the finest wine, going far beyond what was expected. God is abundantly generous. Our prayers may be simple, but His response can and so often is extraordinary. "Mary, as the model of prayer, teaches us to be attentive to the needs of others. That we bring their needs and our own to God in prayer, with trust and without demanding how things will be resolved. Finally, Mary shows that we must have faith that God will answer in His own perfect way and time. "So today let us draw inspiration from Mary as Our Lady of Walsingham. Let her be the model for our lives in prayer. Like the pilgrims from all ages who have come to this shrine, let us ensure that we have time in our lives for quiet reflection and heartfelt conversations with God. And when at times doubt or fear cloud our minds, let us turn to Our Lady of Walsingham, our intercessor. Entrust our petitions to her care, and know that through her intercession, they will reach the loving embrace of her Son. "May the centuries of prayer that have made this place holy, inspire us to deepen our relationship with God. May Our Lady of Walsingham pray for us, for our Archdiocese, for our nation, and for all who in our world are searching for that solace and that peace that only God’s presence can bring."
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At this time in history, which risks becoming rich in technology and poor in humanity, our reflections must begin with the human heart.
These words are drawn from Pope Francis’ annual message for World Communications Day – which is this Sunday, 12 May. In this year’s message, he encourages us not to see everything that Artificial Intelligence offers as doom and gloom, but that with discernment, and making good choices about how we use technology, we can influence its use to good effect. Pope Francis continues: Only by adopting a spiritual way of viewing reality, only by recovering a wisdom of the heart, can we confront and interpret the newness of our time and rediscover the path to a fully human communication. In the Bible, the heart is seen as the place of freedom and decision-making. It symbolises integrity and unity, but it also engages our emotions, desires, dreams; it is, above all, the inward place of our encounter with God. Wisdom of the heart, then, is the virtue that enables us to integrate the whole and its parts, our decisions and their consequences, our nobility and our vulnerability, our past and our future, our individuality and our membership within a larger community. This year’s message echoes some of the assertions in the recent Vatican Document Infinite Dignity which spoke of the social dangers of the everyday use of communications: The more that opportunities for making connections grow in this realm, the more people find themselves isolated and impoverished in interpersonal relationships: Digital communication wants to bring everything out into the open; people’s lives are combed over, laid bare and bandied about, often anonymously. Respect for others disintegrates, and even as we dismiss, ignore, or keep others distant, we can shamelessly peer into every detail of their lives. Such tendencies represent a dark side of digital progress. On this coming Sunday, World Communications Day, we pray for the Church’s positive contribution to proclaiming the Good News and making the Church’s voice heard in what is sometimes referred to as the Public Square. We pray for the Communications Department nationally (www.cbcew.org.uk) and for the work of Communications in our own Archdiocese. And we can all remember that when we speak about the Church’s voice in the Public Square, we are all members of the Church, and you will meet many more people in various settings in the coming week that no priest or deacon will. Your voice in speaking the truth is important too! Mgr Timothy Menezes, Dean of St Chad's Cathedral A new study into how the abuse crisis has impacted the whole Catholic community in England and Wales was launched today, Tuesday 30 April 2024, at St Chad’s Cathedral. The Cross of the Moment report, led by Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies is now available here.
Pat Jones, Lead Author of the report, said: “We’re very glad to be marking the publication of the report in Birmingham, in collaboration with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. “The diocese and its leaders have led the way in listening to survivors and welcoming initiatives to recognise their experience. We present the report in solidarity with the continuing work here.” Bishop David Evans, who celebrated the Mass said: “We are pleased to be part of the launch of this important study today. The report looks thoroughly at the impact of abuse on Victim-Survivors and the communities in which abuse happens. “It is important to see how culture can affect a truly compassionate response to those who have suffered. This is a valuable resource, which we will share with our parishes and communities, that we might better work together to break silence and respond with compassion.” For more information on safeguarding work in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, please visit our safeguarding page. Cardinal: Voting is a way of contributing to the good of society - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)
(Click on link to view his video message or go to YouTube) Ahead of Thursday’s local elections, the Cardinal encourages all to vote as ‘another way in which we exercise responsibility’ for the good of society. He addresses a special message to young people who may be eligible to vote for the first time, urging them to play their part and use their vote. He asks all the faithful to think carefully and prayerfully as we cast our vote in these elections. We have received information that Holy Trinity features in a forthcoming publication:
CHURCHES OF STAFFORDSHIRE by HELEN HARWOOD The county of Staffordshire has a rich and varied past which is reflected in its historic churches. Staffordshire has a varied landscape, from the conurbation of Stoke-on-Trent, the county town of Stafford and the cathedral city of Lichfield, to industrial towns such as Burton-upon-Trent, smaller market towns, agricultural land and the more sparsely populated areas of Cannock Chase and Peak District. In Churches of Staffordshire, author Helen Harwood explores a selection of the most interesting churches across the whole of the county, both well-known and those waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. The buildings range from rural and urban churches, dating from the mediaeval period to the modern age, covering various denominations, including the parish church of St Margaret’s, Wolstanton, whose tower is the oldest building in the area, Pugin’s Catholic churches including his ‘masterpiece’ at Cheadle and Coven Methodist chapel built in the 1830s which is one of the oldest Wesleyan chapels in the county. Each has their own interesting story to tell. This fascinating picture of an important part of the history of Staffordshire over the centuries will be of interest to all those who live in or are visiting this attractive county in England. Helen Harwood was born in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up in nearby Wolstanton, where her lifetime love of history developed. Her family have had a long association with the Staffordshire coal industry over several generations, working at a number of collieries. BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Publication: May 2024 Price: £15.99 ISBN: 9781398112650 Size: 234 x 165mm Binding: Paperback Extent: 96 pages Illustrations: 100 illustrations Rights: World, all language In John’s Gospel Jesus is presented as using the language of being at home and it encourages us to ask whether we feel at home in the church and with God. Feeling at home somewhere goes deeper than a postcode: it’s where we are most comfortable, where we are fully ourselves, and where we experience comfort and security. Please God we can instantly call to mind that place where we feel at home. Where is it for you? Give thanks for that place.
It’s remarkable to think that God sees his home as within us: that the Son of man who had nowhere to lay his head, in today’s Gospel, sees us as the person whom he leans upon to rest. The same Jesus who invites all those who are burdened to find their rest in him, recognises us as his place of comfort and restoration. Often this way of viewing our relationship with God can be uncomfortable because we experience feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Perhaps this is something to pray about: asking God to increase our sense of self-worth, with a grace to enable us to view ourselves more as God sees us; as his home. Indeed, this is a particular grace we pray for at every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed”. Fr Ryan Service, Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield The Holy Father Pope Francis has today appointed Mgr Timothy Menezes, Dean of St Chad's Cathedral, and Canon Richard Walker, Vicar General, to be new Auxiliary Bishops to serve our Archdiocese.
Mgr Timothy has been the Dean of St Chad's Cathedral since 2019. He is also the Vice-Dean of Birmingham Cathedral and South Deanery. He was the Vicar General for several years and also the Archbishop’s Secretary. Mgr Timothy was installed as an Ecumenical Canon at Lichfield Cathedral in July 2022. Canon Richard has served as the Vicar General and Trustee of the Archdiocese since September 2020. In previous years he served as the Director of Ongoing Formation for the Archdiocese and Vice Rector at St Mary's College, Oscott. Information regarding the Episcopal Ordination of Bishops-Elect Mgr Timothy and Canon Richard will be shared in due course. Archbishop Bernard said: “I am very grateful to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for appointing Mgr Timothy Menezes and Canon Richard Walker as Auxiliary Bishops to serve the Archdiocese of Birmingham. “With their long experience of pastoral ministry, their contributions to priestly formation and their dedicated service as Vicars General I know that they will assist me and Bishop David Evans in caring for our clergy and in carrying out our diocesan vision and mission in the years ahead. “I ask the prayers of Our Lady and St Chad, St John Henry Newman and Blessed Dominic Barberi for our two bishops-elect as they prepare for their episcopal ordination in the coming weeks.” Bishop-Elect Mgr Timothy said: “A vocation to the priesthood is one of my earliest memories and my faith has been nourished by my family. For us, Parish life and Sunday Mass were always so important. “It has been a privilege to have served as a priest for 29 years. I am grateful to those who have shaped my life through every pastoral experience and I ask those who have been part of the journey of life to pray for me now. “I have always tried to encourage the young to know the importance of their place in the Church and to value their joyful witness of hope. “In this new role as a Shepherd, I will continue to serve the Lord, encouraging the People of God, the Religious and my fellow Clergy to know God’s love for them and together to build the Kingdom of God beginning with the needs of those whom we might have left behind: those who are homeless, the asylum seeker and those for whom the Church owes a special duty of care.” Bishop-Elect Canon Richard said: “It was a surprise to be appointed an auxiliary bishop of Birmingham, but with humility and hope I have accepted. “It is a privilege to be asked to serve the people of God in this manner and I look forward to continuing to work with Archbishop Bernard and the priests, deacons and people of the Archdiocese to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. “Please keep me in your prayers that, with God’s grace, I may be a faithful shepherd and servant of the Gospel.” The Bishops-Elect will join Bishop David Evans as Auxiliary Bishops serving the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Main photograph: Canon Richard, Archbishop Bernard, Mgr Timothy. Biographical information: Mgr Timothy Menezes SLL • Born 18 July 1970 • Formation for the Priesthood at St Mary’s College, Oscott, and the Venerable English College, Rome • Ordained Priest at St Dunstan’s, Kings Heath, 22 July 1995 • 1995-96 Further Studies, Rome • 1996-98 Assistant Priest, St Michael’s, Wolverhampton • 1998-2000 Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redditch • 2000-2004 Archbishop’s Secretary • 2004-11 Parish Priest, St Thomas More, Coventry • 2011-19 Vicar General • 2019-Present. Dean, St Chad’s Cathedral • 2022-Present. Parish Priest, Sacred Heart and St Margaret Mary, Aston. Canon Richard Walker STL • Born 24 October 1960 • 1985 Qualified as a solicitor • Formation for the Priesthood at St Mary’s College, Oscott, and the Venerable English College, Rome • 2000 Awarded Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the Gregorian University, Rome • Ordained Priest at St Francis, Kenilworth, 22 July 2000 • 2000-2003 Assistant Priest, Christ the King, Coventry • 2003-2014 Member of the Formation Staff at St Mary’s College, Oscott, for the majority of which time he was Vice Rector • 2014-2020 Parish Priest, St John the Evangelist, Banbury • 2015-2020 Director of Ongoing Formation for the Archdiocese • 2017-2020 Member of the Archdiocesan Safeguarding Commission • 2018-2020 Parish Priest, St Joseph the Worker, Banbury • Trustee of St Mary’s College, Oscott • September 2020 Appointed Vicar General and a Trustee of the Archdiocese. Fourth Sunday of Easter
John’s words “the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep” set the tone for us this Good Shepherd Sunday. As a child I was fascinated by the start of the Good Friday liturgy where the clergy would lie flat on the church floor. With enthusiasm, I also wanted to be lying down at that moment. We all make sacrifices in this life, often in ways hidden to many, but seen by God (think of the widow’s mite). In loving others, sacrifice is always involved as we reach out of ourselves and seek to understand the other, and this helps us understand the power of the call to lay down our lives. Laying down ourselves is not about being a doormat or self-neglect. Rather, as Pope John Paul II reminded us, we are called to be bridges (pontifex) in helping people reach God through the way we reveal the love of God incarnate in the concrete reality of our lives. We are all called to be shepherds, then, and we lie down every day and not just on Good Friday. Let us give thanks, too, for the shepherds and shepherdesses whom we have known and who have helped reveal something of the face of God, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Fr Ryan Service, Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield In 1964, Pope Paul VI, launched the Vocations Sunday, which since then we celebrate on the fourth Sunday of Easter, also called as Good Shepherd Sunday. This year it is on the 21st April 2024, which marks the 61st Anniversary of World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
As Catholics and people of God we all know that God is calling us and has a plan for each of us. He called each of us by name through our Baptism to holiness. He continues to call and cry out to us each day to be his disciples, some to the married life, some to the priesthood, some to religious life or to live as kind single people. Everybody is called! What is God calling you to? Along with the whole Church, let us pray for vocations today. Let us take time to stir the hearts and minds of the people around us to think about the topic of Vocation. The National Office for Vocation (NOV) invites you to talk and encourage children, young people, grandchildren, students, family members to respond generously to the calling of the Lord. Some food for thought from the National Office for Vocations: 0ba3d2_79669bd8a00442fa8ddabe52b2fc67f7.pdf (ukvocation.org) God our Loving Father, you called each of us by name through the Sacrament of Baptism to holiness. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, you made us the temples of the Holy Spirit. Help us to listen to the cry of our Lord Jesus from the Holy Cross ‘I thirst’ and respond to the call ‘Go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news to all the nations’. Guide us in every step we take in life and lead us in every decision we make in responding to your call. Make us and mould us into the living images of Christ your Son, who was always close to those in need. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen. |
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