Third Sunday of Advent: Rejoicing in the ordinary
Posted: Wed, 9 Dec 2020 16:04
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB explores the words of Isaiah in the first reading of the mass for Gaudete Sunday (Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11)
The Prophet Isaiah gives us the theme for reflection today:"In my God is the joy of my soul." When that is true in our lives, we are walking the road and we know the truth of these words from the same Prophet:
He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the... Read More »
Interviews with the Ordained
Posted: Tue, 8 Dec 2020 14:56
You may remember Joseph and Gregory from an article we featured in RuaLink this summer, where we focused on their upcoming Ordination. We can confirm that they have successfully completed the process of Ordination at Battersea. As part of their Ordination, they were interviewed on their experiences, and have given us some interesting insights on the process. The interviews are featured below.
Joseph... Read More »
'What think ye of Christ?'
Posted: Tue, 8 Dec 2020 11:41
Catholic teacher and Deacon, Mike Bennett, looks at where we can find Christ in our schools this Advent.
As the song 'In My Liverpool home' goes "In this fair city there are two football teams, one we call Everton, the other's a scream!'' Spot the Bluenose I hear you say! The park which divides the two Liverpool stadia, Stanley Park, has a church on its western corner. I often walk past this church... Read More »
SJBC student's interview with Salesians in Bethlehem
Posted: Mon, 7 Dec 2020 08:05
Sixth form students at St John Bosco College Battersea have just issued the third edition of their excellent 'Faith Matters' magazine, produced by students for an adult readership. The magazine, placed under tha patronage of Our Lady, is continuing to grow and develop. The article below, written by Alessia Morra, looks at the presence of the Salesians in Bethlehem, and includes an interview with the... Read More »
Get snapping for SJBC 'Faith Matters' photography competition!
Posted: Mon, 7 Dec 2020 07:39
'Faith Matters is a brilliant new magazine produced by 6th Form students at St John Bosco College, Battersea, and aimed at an adult audience. The team has launched a photography competition in the latest issue, with a prize of £25 and publication of the winning pic.
Use a camera, phone or any other device to take a photo that has a connection to the theme 'Church'. You can enter up to 3 photos.... Read More »
Inclusion matters ... so include yourself!
Posted: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 19:19
Catholic teacher, Mike Bennett, looks at the importance of inclusion in meeting the needs of young people at school - and asks exhausted teachers to remember to include themselves as well. Photo: Shutterstock
My family have been blessed with the loving kindness of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, an order of good sisters who were founded in Paris at the time of the French Revolution. Their charism... Read More »
Meet Br Stephen SDB
Posted: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 17:25
Over the next few weeks, we'll be introducing you to three of our recently arrived young Brothers, This week, we'd like you to meet Br Stephen, from Ghana. He is part of the Chertsey community, where he is working at Salesian School. Welcome Br Stephen!
Each year, our Province welcomes Salesians in formation from other Provinces, who will carry out part of their practical experience, or who come here... Read More »
Feast of St Nicholas - sharing gifts of love
Posted: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 13:30
The feast of St Nicholas, the real Santa Claus, falls this weekend (6 December) and sparked Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy to consider the seasonal matter of gifts. Image via Catholic Online.
As we move through Advent, I enjoy reflecting on the poem by Christina Rossetti, 'In the Bleak Midwinter.' Born in 1830, she was the youngest child of a great artistic family; as well as her talented siblings, her father... Read More »
Kind benefactors fund cancer treatment for 2 children in Kenya
Posted: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 11:53
Fr Francis Preston SDB shares a good-news story about the generosity and compassion of a UK Salesian past pupil and his wife, in helping two children in Kenya suffering the appalling effects of untreated cancers to receive vital surgery. Photos: Maureen (left) and Brian after surgery
At the beginning of October, Caroline, the social worker in St Monica's parish, Rongai, a dormitory town outside Nairobi... Read More »
Brs Joe and Greg to be ordained Deacons
Posted: Thu, 3 Dec 2020 11:14
At 11:30am this Saturday, 5 December 2020, Br Gregory Echegwo SDB and Br Joseph Tran SDB will be ordained as deacons in the chapel of Salesian House, Battersea, by Rt Rev Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark.
The event will be livestreamed on the Battersea parishes Facebook page, and all of the Salesian Family is invited to attend (link below).
This is an occasion of great joy in our difficult... Read More »