Salesian Strenna 2022 “Do everything through love, nothing through constraint”
Posted: Fri, 3 Dec 2021 11:11
The text below was written in July 2021, and sets out the theme of the work for the Salesians in 2022.
Dear Brothers, Sisters and Friends, Just six months ago we gave the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians – as has been our tradition since Don Bosco's time – and the whole Salesian Family, the Strenna for the new year. Six months later, therefore, I have been asked to anticipate what could... Read More »
Hope in Darkness
Posted: Wed, 1 Dec 2021 10:11
Christmas comes early?
I do not know if it is I am becoming older and more cranky, but Christmas 2021 seems to be upon us already in November—it is not even Advent yet. In the United States, the national celebration of 'Thanksgiving' towards the end of November seems to slow down the advertising juggernaut that we are seeing daily on our screens in Britain and Ireland at the moment. Come 'Black... Read More »
Nothing can stop us from the love of Christmas
Posted: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 12:54
According to the powers that be at the supermarket giant, Tesco, 'this Christmas nothing is stopping us', as we can sing along to the Queen hit, 'Don't Stop Me Now!' I am sure this is a challenge to the situation that we all had to experience last year when Christmas had to be somewhat subdued. As I watched their Christmas advertisement during my recent holiday in Ireland, I was struck by how government... Read More »
First Sunday of Advent - Sunday Reflection
Posted: Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:15
May I wish you a very happy new year! The First Sunday of Advent marks the start of the new Church year, and this year our gospel of focus will be Luke. Scholars agree that This evangelist was Greek, probably from Antioch. He is a key figure in the canon of the New Testament, as both this gospel and the Acts of the Apostles are ascribed to him. Tradition has it that he was a medic and an artist, with... Read More »
Anti slavery international annual Supporter Conference
Posted: Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:22
Ryan Sherazi the Head of Anti-Slavery International Fundraising and Communication chaired the event, celebrating the work of this organisation which was founded in 1839.
ASI works against forced begging, bonded labour, climate change and slavery, supporting 17,880 people in 21 projects in 10 countries as outlined by Jasmine O, Connor CEO.
COVID has created conditions for slavery in Mali, Niger, and other... Read More »
Feast of Christ the King - National Youth Sunday
Posted: Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:33
Today we are presented with the dilemma of Pontus Pilate in his failure to recognise and truly understand the majesty of Jesus. In our gospel today that we usually associate with Good Friday, we have an insight into a real appreciation of today's feast. For this final Sunday of the Church's year, we move to John's gospel: both the religious and secular leaders of Palestine want Jesus out of the way.... Read More »
33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:09
As we come to the end of this liturgical year, Jesus reminds us that his Word will always remain with us. Over these past twelve months we have walked with the evangelist, Mark, and listened to his view of Jesus. I see Mark as the evangelist 'in a hurry' to spread the gospel. No beautiful stories of birth in a Bethlehem stable are to be found in Mark; his gospel focuses on Jesus's desire to share the... Read More »
32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Posted: Sat, 6 Nov 2021 12:44
In the spirit of the Beatitudes, this week we are given the image of the poor widow and her offering in the Temple. The icon of 'the widow' is important in Jewish spirituality: the widow is seen as having nobody to turn to—she is in need of support and encouragement, and utterly dependent on the love of God. In our first reading, the prophet Elijah offers hope to the widow—he shows her... Read More »
Real friends in a Virtual World
Posted: Fri, 5 Nov 2021 10:56
The new Sarah Smith animated Disney film shares a topic that I suspect many parents, grandparents and teachers would identify with. Set in the mythical town of 'Nonsuch', the movie focuses on its children's love of social media and the various gadgets that are used to connect to the World Wide Web. However, 'Ron's Gone Wrong' is as much a warning to adults as it is to the young. The fictional tech... Read More »
Reflection - All Souls Day
Posted: Tue, 2 Nov 2021 10:22
Honourable pain—honouring those gone before us, marked with the sign of faith.
I had an amazing conversation with a friend this week on the topic of grief. As we move towards the month of November, memories of loved ones will come to mind. He talked to me about the pain of losing someone dear to you; it can be a real physical emptiness and hurt that can tear you apart-if you let it. It made me... Read More »