Sacred Journeys in the School Year
Posted: Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:20
In this week's article on Catholic education, Mike looks at school life as a pilgrimage. Photo: Savio Salesian College students in Lourdes, 2017
I am missing the daily routine of school. The school day has a rhythm, as does the term and the school year. I have always either been at school or working in a school; at forty-six, I am used to the movement of the school day and how the clock ticks.
In this... Read More »
Cardinal speaks about re-opening of churches for individual prayer
Posted: Wed, 10 Jun 2020 19:31
In a podcast this week, Cardinal Vincent Nichols spoke from Westminster Cathedral on how re-opening churches safely for private prayer is an important first step as society begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Monday 15 June, churches can open for individual prayer, by following guidelines to prepare for reopening and to maintain safety standards in respect to virus transmission
The Cardinal... Read More »
Deacon Fidelis: Silver Jubilee of ordination
Posted: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 16:05
Congratulations to Deacon Fidelis Chukwu on the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate!
Deacon Fidelis was the first Nigerian born Deacon to be ordained in the UK. He had a successful career as a civil servant and was a chaplain in HM Prison service until his retirement. He is long-standing member Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St Joseph parish, where he lives with his wife and family.... Read More »
Corpus Christi: We each bring something to the table of eucharist
Posted: Tue, 9 Jun 2020 11:19
Fr Gerry O'Shaunessy's reflection on the feast of Corpus Christi this Sunday
Image: SalesianLink/LEGG
Another feast day, yet another virtual experience of the Eucharist. However, today is especially poignant as we celebrate the very gift of Jesus giving us himself - a gift to nourish and to share. 2020 will go down in our history as the time when we could not gather, as parish families, for much of Lent,... Read More »
Thornleigh Assembly: Strength Through The Holy Spirit
Posted: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 16:30
In the first week of the last half term of the academic year, Thornleigh brings us a highly reflective assembly that touches on some key messages that are important to the Salesian community. These messages were brought to us by staff, students and friends of Thornleigh Salesian College, who have worked very hard to produce this assembly.
The first message that is brought to us is that of unity. With... Read More »
Bishops stand in solidarity with sisters and brothers in the USA against evil of racism
Posted: Thu, 4 Jun 2020 12:57
On Wednesday, on behalf of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Bishop Declan Lang, Lead Bishop for International Affairs, and Bishop Paul McAleenan (pictured), Lead Bishop for Racial Justice, issued the following statement expressing the Bishops' solidarity with sisters and brothers in the USA as they challenge the evil of racism and the brutal killing of George Floyd:
'We stand in solidarity... Read More »
Glory in the family of the Trinity
Posted: Wed, 3 Jun 2020 19:29
A reflection for the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB
I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you.
But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth.
John 16: 12-13
Many of us know the beautiful icon of the Trinity painted by Rublev; it presents the three sitting around a table with the chalice of blessing. The fourth space... Read More »
Perpetual Profession of Br Peter Gbertyo SDB
Posted: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 18:31
On Pentecost Sunday, Br Peter Gbertyo SDB made his Perpetual Profession in Chertsey. Mass was presided over by Fr John Dickson SDB, Rector, and was live-streamed on Facebook, enabling Br Peter's family, friends and confreres to join in this joyful celebration with him.
Fr John told Br Peter, 'We are so delighted that you decided to share these last two years with us, and today, you come to the culmination... Read More »
Salesians leave Cowley parish 'in the best of hands'
Posted: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 17:35
Pentecost this year began a new chapter for Our Lady Help of Christians in Cowley, as the Salesians of Don Bosco handed the care of the parish over to the Archdiocese of Birmingham after almost a century of ministry.
In a farewell video replacing the planned celebrations for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, Parish Priest Fr Peter Brealey SDB thanked parishioners for their kindness and generosity... Read More »
Educating through friendship and peace
Posted: Tue, 2 Jun 2020 14:07
This week's article by Catholic teacher, Michael Bennett, looks at the importance of being a friend to young people. Photo: A Salesian summer camp in 2015
For nine years I was fortunate enough to serve the community of Bootle in Savio Salesian College. From the moment I was appointed, I knew I had found my spiritual home amongst the Salesian family. I was doubly lucky: not only had I landed in a Salesian... Read More »