The Wonderful Traditions of Christmas
Posted: Mon, 5 Dec 2022 15:37
As we approach the great feast of Christmas, it is good to remember traditions from other cultures, especially in these difficult times. We are blessed to live in a nation of so many nationalities and they remind us that our faith is not a case of 'one size fits all'; there is variety and an openness that we need to share.
In the Philippines and in Filipino communities across the world, people will... Read More »
The great Christmas Tree debate
Posted: Mon, 5 Dec 2022 10:07
In homes across the land, lights and trees are springing up. Drab shopping malls are aglow with bright and, some might say, gaudy decorations, encouraging valued shoppers to part with their cash. Indeed, the Christmas shopping period is often a make-or-break time for so many small entrepreneurs especially. It has been argued that Christmas comes too early, and that we do not give ourselves time to... Read More »
Thank you Janet!
Posted: Fri, 2 Dec 2022 13:58
On Thursday 1st December, the community and staff at St Joseph's and Thornleigh came together for their annual Christmas meal, but also to thank Janet for her service at Thornleigh. Janet has been working at Thornleigh for 47 years and is soon going to be retiring. Salesians shared stories about the work that Janet has done for them and their memories of her friendship and loyalty. The Thornleigh community... Read More »
Sleepout - Battersea
Posted: Thu, 1 Dec 2022 15:18
On Friday 25th November, about 50 students at St John Bosco College in Battersea, participated in a Sleep out in the school. Homelessness is a huge concern for many over the winter months. It was also an opportunity to raise money for homeless charities through sponsorship.
Images from Fr Gregory Echegwo SDB
Deacon Michael Kennedy: New Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Southwark
Posted: Thu, 1 Dec 2022 14:43
In the Archdiocese of Southwark, Monsignor Matthew Dickens has stepped down from the role of Vicar General and Chancellor.
The role of Vicar General will be given to Monsignor Gerry Ewing. Mgr Ewing has been a part of the Archdiocese of Southwark since 1981, and is also the Moderator of the Curia, for the Archdiocese of Southwark.
The role of the Chancellor will be given to Deacon Michael Kennedy. Deacon... Read More »
Sunday Reflection: 2nd Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Posted: Thu, 1 Dec 2022 12:02
As we enter the second week of Advent, we are presented with the exciting and prophetic voice of John the Baptist; he stands in that strong line of Jewish prophets who are often 'a voice crying in the wilderness' (Isa 40:3). Time and time again, God chose these men and women to act as mirrors to human society: they offered a vision that many found difficult to follow. Isaiah offers us an amazing vision,... Read More »
The time to embrace the RADICAL call to forgive
Posted: Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:40
I read a very positive book recently that I strongly recommend for our times, especially as we are about to enter the season of Advent. 'Called to Forgive' by Anthony B. Thompson is the story of the hurtful experience of the Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina. On a warm evening in June 2015, a young white supremacist, Dylann Roof took part in a bible study class in a traditionally... Read More »
Sean Devereux: A Light that Never Dies
Posted: Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:35
On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November, a film about Sean Devereux, "A Light that Never Dies", fronted by the Social Media and Communications team in the British province, was premiered in front of Sean's family and friends, Fr Gildasio Mendes dos Santos SDB (the General Councillor for Social Communications), Fr Maciej Makula SDB, Fr Gerry Briody SDB as well as Salesians from across the province.... Read More »
Sunday Reflection - First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Posted: Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:34
As we begin our Advent journey and light this first candle, we are presented with the vision of hope this Sunday, so needed in the light of all we have been through. In the first reading today, Isaiah writes to encourage a people enslaved and not seeing much place for hope in their lives for they are worn down. The events of these past few months have hurt us and worn us down, some more than others.... Read More »
Las Posadas in Bolton
Posted: Thu, 24 Nov 2022 10:42
Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition that is typically celebrated among families in Spain, Mexico and other Latin American countries. It usually begins on the 16th December running through to the 24th, Christmas Eve.
The journey is a procession of Mary and Joseph as they go from house to house, being welcomed into each home. Mary and Joseph and the guests that are in that group will then enter the house... Read More »