Chesterton Knew The Importance of Ecumenical Dialogue

Chesterton Knew The Importance of Ecumenical Dialogue

Friday 24 December 2010

Listen To The Pope's Thought For The Day


Just in case you did not get up in time or were at work or something click here to listen to the Holy Father on the BBC.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Pope Benedict XVI Will Be On The BBC


The Holy Father will give the Thought For The Day, on BBC Radio 4 on Christmas Eve at 7.45am English time. If you want to listen on the Internet click here and then click on Radio 4 and listen now. Do let others know, as here is a 3 minute message from the Pope for all the peoples of these isles.

Sunday 19 December 2010

Westminster Priest On Television & A Chesterton Play


Fr Gerard Skinner, Parish Priest of South Harrow, will be on EWTN for half an hour at 6.30am on Tuesday 21st December. You can watch it on Sky 589 or online at www.ewtn.co.uk.

There will also be another chance to see the GK Chesterton play, The Surprise, on EWTN on Monday 20th at 3pm or Thursday 24th at 10am, it lasts 2 hours. The GK Chesterton play is about a travelling playwright who has created a set of puppets to perform his play that are life-like in every aspect but one.

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Ember Days To Save The World





'At the beginning of the four seasons of the Ecclesiastical Year, the Ember Days have been instituted by the Church to thank God for blessings obtained during the past year and to implore further graces for the new season. Their importance in the Church was formerly very great. They are fixed on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: after First Sunday of Lent for Spring, after Whit-Sunday for Summer, after the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross (14th September) for Autumn, and after the Third Sunday of Advent for Winter. They are intended also to consecrate to God the various seasons in nature, and to prepare by penance those who are about to be ordained. Ordinations generally take place on the Ember Days. The faithful ought to pray on these days for good Priests. The Ember Days were once fast days of obligation.'

I found this in my Baronius Press 1962 Missal and it made me think. Imagine the Graces that God would bestow upon the World if the whole Church still fasted on these twelve days a year, imagine the great Graces if our Priests and Bishops declared these Fast Days again. Oh forget all that, imagine the Graces we could gain for our Priests & Bishops by fasting on these days! So that is today, Friday & Saturday this week to start with.

Monday 13 December 2010

And Ends With Mass


Great poster which should be in your front window by now. You can also print it off and make a card/leaflet for local distribution. Inside it could say;

And ends with Mass, come and celebrate His Birthday in His Church. Your local Catholic Church is ......... and Mass will be at Midnight(or whenever). (If you are not a Catholic or if you are, but are not in a state of Grace please do not receive Holy Communion. Instead speak to the Priest about joining, or about going to Confession)
http://ecumenicaldiablog.blogspot.com

I'm off to post a copy to the Prods down the road! And the local Meptist church as they always put their Christmas service card through our door.

Friday 10 December 2010

Image of the pregnant Mother of God will be displayed this weekend at Westminster Cathedral


Catholics in London and the Home Counties should be interested to know that "a unique relic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be on display in Westminster Cathedral from 12 noon on Saturday 11th December to 11:30am on Monday 13th December", according to Catherine MacGillivray, of the pastoral affairs department of the archdiocese of Westminster. There will be an Old Rite Mass in a side Chapel at 4.30pm on Saturday 11th December.

In a message to priests she writes:

Our Lady of Guadalupe is especially invoked in prayer for the sanctity of life as she is depicted as pregnant, and the image has been touring England and Wales over the past 9 months as a focus for pro-life events, Masses and vigils, as well as for general intercession. A summary of the places visited and further information about our relic image, the history of the apparition and its significance can be found at http://www.rcdow.org.uk/pastoralaffairs/dignityoftheperson/
I will be praying for a big turn-out at Westminter Cathedral and hope to pay a visit during the weekend. Supernatural help in combatting the evils we are fighting is urgently needed for our pro-life work to be successful, in my opinion.

From my experience of the Cathedral, it's open till about 7 p.m. on Saturday; from 7.00 a.m. till 7 p.m. on Sunday; and from 7 a.m. on Monday; but ... to be sure: contact edmundadamus@rcdow.org.uk or telephone 020 7798 9363

Deerstalker Tip to John Smeaton for this one.

Thursday 9 December 2010

Protestant Vicar Goes To Mass For Feast Of The Immaculate Conception


My post How Old Is Your Church? got quite a lot of interest back in August. Some readers sent it on to other Christians, as requested. I was overjoyed to hear that one C of Henry VIII (aka C of E) Vicar who was sent a link to that post was seen at Mass in his local Catholic Church yesterday!

Let us all continue to pray for conversions;

Prayer for Wales

O Almighty God,
Who in Thine infinite goodness
has sent Thine only-begotten Son into this world
to open once more the gates of heaven,
and to teach us how to know, love and serve Thee,
have mercy on Thy people Who dwell in Wales.
Grant to them the precious gift of faith,
and unite them in the one true Church
founded by Thy Divine Son; that,
acknowledging her authority and obeying her voice,
they may serve Thee, love Thee, and worship Thee
as Thou desirest in this world,
and obtain for themselves everlasting happiness
in the world to come.
Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Our Lady, Help of Christians,
pray for Wales.

Saint David,
pray for Wales.

Saint Winefride,
pray for Wales.

Prayers for Scotland & England

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Happy CHRISTMAS Mr Cameron


Last Christmas David Cameron became the first Tory leader (now Prime Minister) to send non-Christmas-Christmas cards. Even Jewish leaders of the Tories have in the past sent Christmas-Christmas Cards.

So today I have sent David, Samantha and Family a Christmas Card, wishing them a 'Happy CHRISTMAS, not a happy solstice, not season's greeting, but just a straightforward prayer that Jesus Christ, Our Lord & Saviour will bless your Family on His Birthday.'

Please feel free to do the same; Mr & Mrs David Cameron, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA, England.

Tuesday 7 December 2010

'Strippers' Come Dancing, Replaces 'Strictly' Come Dancing


Now that Ann Widdecombe has been voted off Strictly Come Dancing, that just leaves the BBC with a load of strippers! She has done a great job for the Church on this show, do see what my Wife says about this.

What was great for me, was to hear two of the children brought on to be judges of the dancing, on the follow up show, Strictly-It Takes Two (Sorry you will need to fast forward to 20 minutes as I have no idea how to edit a clip) on BBC2 on Monday. The young girl complained about a male contestant taking his shirt off, and that all the children at home did not want to be watching that. It was all out of order to be honest as his partner who removed his shirt was herself only wearing a bikini! One of the young boys gave Gavin Henson, 10, but only because you kept your shirt on.

Saturday 4 December 2010

It Snowed On Me, Because I'm Pro-Life


As I looked out yesterday morning the world was covered in snow, but it did not seem to be snowing. A while later when I left home, heading to the abortuary (108 Whitfield St, London,W1T 5EA) to pray and offer help to the Mums going in, it was snowing. Thank You God.

The rain it raineth on the just
And also on the unjust fella;
But chiefly on the just, because
The unjust steals the just's umbrella.


And so the abortionist is inside, while we get snowed upon. The Catholic Pro-Life Movement is just! Come and join us while this weather lasts! Next week, 9am until 1.30pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Pro-Life Priest Needed


Since Good Counsel started having a 4 days a week vigil at marie stopes abortuary, 108 Whitfield Street, London, England, on Monday 29th November, it has only had Religious Sisters and lay Faithful in attendance so far. Who will be the first Priest to attend to lead the prayers? Telephone 02077231740 or info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk

The vigils are 9am-1.30pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Don't worry if you are not a Priest come along. (The photo is of Father Dunne leading the prayers as part of the 40 Days for Life in October)

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Pro Life Vigil In The Snow


I woke up yesterday to find snow falling all around, and Good Counsel (James from Good Counsel actually, Conor was there on Monday) were off to pray at marie stopes abortuary in Whitfield Street London. It was time to offer it up to God, for those praying in the snow and for the Mums and Babies. So I dropped my Wife to the dentist and told her to offer up any pain, sent out a text telling everyone else to pray and sacrifice and then went to the cafe for breakfast!

It all went well from what I have been told and will be on again today and Friday this week, for details see my last post. I'm only laughing about not going myself yesterday as I know I will do there very soon..... and you?
(It was snowing when the photo was taken, but sadly that is not clear)

Saturday 27 November 2010

Urgent, Pro Life Vigil At London Abortuary


"Here at The Good Counsel Network, we are intending to increase the weekday pro-life presence outside marie stopes abortuary, 108 Whitfield Street, W1T 5EA. The nearest tube stations are Great Portland Street and Warren Street. The week commencing Monday 29th November 2010, I will be there pavement counselling from 9am-1.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We hope to have prayer supporters, counsellors and Priests to cover all of these times.

The Holy Father has asked all the faithful to have a Vigil of Prayer for Nascent Human Life, during the first week of Advent. As we prepare for the coming of Our Saviour’s birth, and as we meditate on Our Lord developing in the womb of Mary, and recall His vulnerability and how He was born in the humble dwelling of a stable, the flight from Herod’s tyranny to Egypt, and the putting to death of the new born Innocents, I invite you to come to the abortuary and pray. What a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child during Advent. Any turn around that happens outside an abortuary is due to God's grace granted through the peaceful prayerful witness of Priests and lay faithful.
If you can’t come for the whole four and half hours, I encourage you to do two hours.

Whatever time you can spare is much appreciated, and will help save many children, through God’s Grace from the tyrannical clutches of the new “Herod”, and save many Mums and Dads from anguish and despair.

If you are unable to come, due to infirmity or ill health, please find time even for a short while to pray, and fast if you are able, while we are there, so that hearts may be changed and despairing souls transformed and illuminated through the Merciful Heart of Christ.
If you can't stand for long periods of time, feel free to bring a fold up chair. If you are able to come for the whole of, or part of the vigil, please email me at info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk or call me on 02077231740. I look forward to seeing you there. Without your prayerful presence, Mothers may not choose life for their children."
I have taken this from the Good Counsel blog, if you can attend please contact them so they know when enough people will be there.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

"Genuflect, Genuflect, No, No, Not You My Lord!"


Having spent part of the morning before the Confirmations explaining to Nathanael, my three and a half year old son, how to greet a Bishop, I thought all would go well.

We waited for the last Candidates to have their photo taken with the Bishop, and then I asked, "My Lord, although he was not Confirmed today my son would like to have his photo taken if it is not too much trouble".

"Of course, of course" came the reply from Bishop Stack and then before you could say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Bishop Stack was down on one knee to have his photo taken with Nathanael!

(Note for members of my Family and any other pagans; When one meets a Catholic Bishop, one genuflects [goes down on one knee] and kisses the ring on his right hand.)

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Blogland Graveyard & Death Threats!

When I started blogging I noticed that there are a lot of 'dead' blogs out there, that have just stopped suddenly. Until now I had just thought that most of these bloggers had just run out of things to say, or their Mums had found out and put a stop to it(Go DJC, go!). But then I put up my post Old Rite Confirmations and received the following comment which I published.

Mac McLernon said...
I see you took advantage of my setting up a photo-shoot of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer... and you didn't come and say hallo.

I shall sulk.

However, it could have been much, much more serious. If you'd snapped me, I would have to hunt you down and kill you...

;-)


This put me thinking and I was amazed to find how many 'dead' blogs had a last post along the lines of "Here is a rare photo of Mulier Fortis" etc.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Old Rite Confirmations


Bishop Stack, very kindly Confirmed 39 Catholics today in the Old Rite, at St James, Spanish Place. One of whom was my nephew, Michael, son of Moira. I was privileged to be his Sponsor.

This is the third year that Bishop Stack has carried out these Confirmations, organised by The Latin Mass Society. God bless him, I say. Do drop him a line (lindamurphy@rcdow.org.uk) of thanks along with one to Vincent Archbishop Nichols (archbishop@rcdow.org.uk) for continuing this annual event.

Everyone was there, but it was nice to see the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, aka Translapine Redemptorists as I read their blog from time to time.

Friday 19 November 2010

The Wisdom Of Tolkien, Again


'Why? Why do the fools fly?' said Denethor. 'Better to burn sooner than late, for burn we must. Go back to your bonfire! And I? I will go now to my pyre. To my pyre! No tomb for Denethor and Faramir. No tomb! No long slow sleep of death embalmed. We will burn like the heathen kings before ever a ship sailed from the West. The West has failed. Go back and burn!'
(The Siege of Gondor, The Return of the King, JRR Tolkien)

With these few words, JRR Tolkien clearly shows us the folly of suicide, euthanasia and cremation all in one go! If it is not clear to you, then please read the whole of The Lord of the Rings (again I hope). Remember that while the Church may allow cremation, it does not recommend it! This old pagan ritual came back into practice in the early 1900's for those who did not want a Christian Burial.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Stay Home And Save Lives, This Thursday


And the people of Ninevah believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least…God saw their efforts to renounce their evil ways. And God relented about the disaster which He had threatened to bring on them, and He did not bring it.
(Jonah 3:5,10)

So there we have it. Thursday 18th November is a National Day of Prayer & Fasting for Life. I know this is a hard one for Hobbits, but please give it a go. In the two years that these Days have taken place the number of abortions in Wales & England have gone down!

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Society of St Pius X Priest Prays At Abortuary

Amongst a number of anonymous comments I received in light of my W.A.S. Alliance Attacks Holy Father post was a link to this;

"Supporters of Integrity and Action descended upon Marie Stopes London HQ in Whitfield Street during the afternoon of Saturday 16th October.

Fourteen I&A supporters led by a chaplain, Fr. Matthew Clifton, SSPX, arrived outside Marie Stopes House to find several courageous souls already stationed there as part of the international 40-Days-for-Life campaign.

These, and other, brave souls are maintaining a prayerful presence outside the Marie Stopes headquarters day and night for 40 days, ending on 31st October.

The unexpected arrival of our group during the 40-Days campaign was warmly welcomed and Fr. Clifton led everyone for a couple of hours in the singing of the rosary interspersed with some impressive polyphony from the assembled choir in between decades.

Many pro-life leaflets were handed-out, as always, and pavement counselors were on hand to speak with women on their way to the abortuary and to provide them with hope and information about practical help that is available to distressed mothers and their unborn children."

Friday 5 November 2010

Help End The Culture of Death


"Help end the Death Culture and the annul Killing of 200,000 children by abortion.

Saturday 13th November at 13:30 - 15:30

Join the Euro-Prolife Prayer Procession
Starting at Westminster Cathedral London and ending at Westminster Abbey

I hope you, your family and friends will join us for the 4th Euro-Prolife procession to be held on the Saturday 13th November from London's Westminster Cathedral to the Abbey.

Over the past 42 years Britain has industrialised and commercialised the mass killing of unborn children in their mother's wombs. Since 1968 over 7 million unborn children have been killed primarily funded by our state.

Abortion takes the life of an innocent child and hurts the mother and seriously damages the moral culture of our society.

Let us demonstrate with our presences that life is sacred and no one has the right to take a life, let along the life of innocent little ones.

I pray you could sacrifice this time on the 13th November to join us in prays for an end to this scourge of our time. "

Thursday 4 November 2010

Advent Silent Retreat


Starts 5pm on Friday 10th December 2010, ends 4pm on Sunday 12th December 2010. Theme: ‘St Joseph, a model of virtues’. Retreat Master: Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP. Prices (include £10 for the FSSP and the remainder for the Abbey, including 17.5% VAT): per person with full board accommodation: £116 for a single room; £92 for a shared room. Significant discounts granted on request by the Abbey for students, unemployed etc. Booking: please send a £20 deposit cheque made payable to FSSP ENGLAND to: FSSP Advent Retreat, 17, Eastern Avenue, Reading, Berks., RG1 5RU. Inquiries: malleray@fssp.org or by post.

Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form each of the 3 days (at 6pm on the Friday). Please specify any special requirements (diet, mobility). Location: Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 5TQ, England. Nearest railway station: Midgham. Abbey website: http://www.douaiabbey.org.uk/.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

'Ann Widdecombe' Prays At Abortuary


My 3 year old son watches Strictly Come Dancing (we do turn quite a bit of it off) and is supporting Ann Widdecombe. This is because she said, ‘I have no raunchy side. I told producers ‘what I wouldn’t show the Pope, I won’t show the audience. And I would show the Pope very little.’

He has named his little lamb Ann Widdecombe. When I told him we were going to the 'clinic' to pray for the babies again last Wednesday evening, he insisted that Ann wanted to come with us, and so she did!

I just kept thinking about Jesus the Lamb of God, lambs to the slaughter, etc.

There have been many silent 'heroes' of the 40 Days for Life, my beautiful Wife had the first slot last Wednesday, see her post, but she was also there at the end of the day when we went to pray with her before driving her home. I parked the car at the abortuary, we prayed, went for something to eat, came back for the car to find a Catholic there at 9.15pm on his own quietly praying the Rosary. We told him, "well done" and went home.

Monday 1 November 2010

Pro-Lifers 50, Pro-Death Demo 9....So We Won!


Yes, yes, yes, I know it is not about numbers when it comes to Pro-Life issues, we are right even when outnumbered, but it is nice never-the-less.

On Saturday there were 50 Pro-Lifers at maries stopes abortuary as part of the 40 Days for Life and 9 on the pro-death counter demo (other reports said it was only 8! but in all fairness I will use the higher figure reported to me). Unlike the mainstream media I will not be counting the unseen Legions of Darkness in the area as the Rosary soon puts them to flight.

Today's Daily Mail, amidst all of it's lies had to tell the truth about one of the Pro-Lifers (my niece in fact) being 'pretty'. See photo
And then to cap it all Cardiff City Football Club went top!

Saturday 30 October 2010

Urgent, Pro-Death Rally Today


"There is going to be an anti-life rally against 40 Days for Life at the abortuary in Whitfield St, London, W1T 5BE today 2-4pm. We need as many Pro-Life people there as we can. Please come and pray! God bless! Please pass on this text."

There, I have passed it on. If you cannot be there please pray that the 40 Days for Life continues to go well, today is day 39.
Photo of a Deacon and a Pro-Lifer praying as part of the 40 Days. Thanks to Good Counsel for the photo.

Bishop To Say Old Rite Mass In Most Precious Blood Cathedral


On Saturday 6th November at 2.00 pm The Rt Rev. John Arnold, Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster, will celebrate Pontifical High Mass of Requiem, followed by Absolutions at the Catafalque.

WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL of THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, Victoria St, London SW1.

Friday 29 October 2010

Pro-Life Vigil Saturday 30th October


PROCESSIONAL PRAYER VIGIL LED BY THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL AND WITH FULL POLICE CO-OPERATION

The next vigil at MARIE STOPES ABORTION CENTRE, WHITFIELD STREET, W1T 5BE, will be held:

ON 30TH OCTOBER, 2010.

FROM ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, 8 OGLE STREET, W1W 6HS

TIMES (APPROX.) ARE AS FOLLOWS:

9.00AM HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS AT ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHURCH
9.50AM PRAYERFUL AND PEACEFUL PROCESSION TO MARIE STOPES ABORTION CENTRE PROCESSING
WITH IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, HOLY ROSARY AND HYMNS
11.30AM RETURN PROCESSION WITH PRAYERS AND HYMNS
12.00PM BREAK FOR TEA AND GET TOGETHER. PLEASE BRING PACKED LUNCH

Directions: Tube – Goodge Street, Northern Line. From Stn. turn into Tottenham Street then right into Cleveland Street and cross over for Foley Street, then first on the right for Ogle Street.

PLEASE JOIN US – YOU REALLY DO MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.
AND PLEASE TRY TO BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE UNABLE TO JOIN THE PROCESSION VIGIL, PLEASE BE WITH US SPIRITUALLY.

THE HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS is an international pro-life group founded by Msgr. Philip Reilly of New York. Our main apostolate is prayer vigils at abortion facilities.

Our trained pavement counsellors are available to speak with those
who are considering abortion or to offer redemptive post-abortion help.

Five Cardinals and over 100 Bishops participate including: Bishops
Thomas McMahon, Brentwood, John Hines, Southwark, and
Arthur Roche, Leeds.

The spirituality is one of solidarity with Jesus: “Whatever you do for the least of these My brethren, you do for Me.” Matt.25:40

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
THE HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS
P.O. BOX 26601, LONDON, N14 7WH
Telephone: 020 8252 3109
E-mail: info@hgpi.co.uk
Web: http://www.hgpi.co.uk/

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Only 6,680 People Have Viewed This Video

I found this video on a blog by Claz, who says that it made her weep. It is very sad, but it is also very sad that only 6,680 people have seen it. I think that we need a lot more weeping now to avoid 'weeping and gnashing of teeth' later.
After you have seen it contact The Good Counsel Network and The Helpers of God's Precious Infants to see what you can do to help. Do let others know of this video.

43rd Year Of Shame


43 years ago today politicians in England passed the Abortion Act.

Please Pray & Fast for the end of abortion.

Please come and pray at an abortuary.

Monday 25 October 2010

Hacker Enters Ecumenical Diablog


I have hacked in to Ecumenical Diablogger's site to wish him a very happy birthday today! And to ask for some special birthday prayers from all his readers please. Many thanks!

Mrs Ecumenical Diablogger

Happy St Crispian's Day


Today is the 595th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. Immortalised by Henry V speech in Shakespeare's play;

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!
KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

(Sorry if that is a bit long for some of my younger readers, here is a video of it.)

I cannot help, but think of this speech when standing with the few, the happy few at a abortuary. So do not stay a-bed, but get ye to thy nearest abortuary and pray!

Friday 22 October 2010

Latin Mass Society Chaplain to Pray at Abortuary Today


Fr Andrew Southwell, Chaplain of the Latin Mass Society, will lead prayers today at marie stopes abortuary, 108 Whitfield St, London W1T 5BE . As part of the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil Father will lead the faithful in praying between 3 and 5pm . You are, of course, more than welcome to join him at that time, but if you are unable to do so you are welcome to come any day 8am to 8pm until the 31st October.

It is hoped that thie Vigil will continue on a regiular basis even after the 40 Days have ended, contact the Good Counsel Netowrk for details, info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk.

It can be said without a doubt that attending a Prayer Vigil at an abortuary will help save lives.

Thursday 21 October 2010

Old Rite Calendar


Tuesday 19 October 2010

St Raphael's (Pro-Life) Ball - At Credit Crunch Prices


The Good Counsel Network is organising a St Raphael's Credit Crunch Ball on Saturday 30th October 2010, with all the money raised going directly to saving more unborn lives. Please see the details at the bottom of this blog and why not join us in the pre-ball novena to St Raphael for happy meetings.

It's a credit crunch ball for the recession era, with great food - a two course meal - and live music. We've cut the price but not the quality of the food or entertainment.

Tickets: An amazing £40 per person, £70 for a couple, group of four £130, group of six £200.
Date: Saturday 30th October 2010
Time: Arrive at 7pm. Finish at 11pm
Location: St James' Spanish Place, Catholic Church Hall, 22 George St, London
Nearest tube: Baker St and Bond St stations.

Please let them know as soon as possible if you would like to come, and if anyone is coming with you, by email at info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk , by phone on 0207 723 1740, or by post to The Good Counsel Network, P.O. Box 46679, London, NW9 8ZT.
Please make cheques payable to 'Good Counsel Network'

They need to know by at least 27th October to book your ticket.

Monday 18 October 2010

Urgent; Please respond to UK government consultation seeking to promote abortion


I lifted this from John Smeaton's blog.

Paul Tully (pictured), SPUC's General Secretary, is appealing to pro-lifers in Britain and worldwide to participate on a UK government consultation - the clear aim of which is to promote abortion overseas. Paul writes:

The UK Department for International Development is promoting abortion in a new public consultation – please respond urgently, whether you're in the UK or abroad. The deadline for consultation responses is 20 October.

Please go to this page: http://consultation.dfid.gov.uk/maternalhealth2010/ then click the links in either or both of the boxes:
"People around the world: Take our survey" (This leads to a ‘surveymonkey’ online survey) and "Development partners: Have your say" (this will lead to a set of questions to which people can respond with comments – scroll to the bottom of the comments displayed to add your comment.)

If you can, please respond to both of these sets of questions.

As you will see, the issues of abortion and contraception dominate the approach to reproductive health in this consultation.

The consultation mentions some positive measures (like early breastfeeding) to reduce infant mortality, but does not mention measures that protect maternal health such as promoting marriage and stable families, continence and responsible sexual behaviour. Nor is there any effort to help people resist unsafe practices like pre-marital sex, promiscuity or prostitution. The survey also presumes that abortion can be “safe” for women – whereas it always carries risks.

Please respond to this consultation before Wednesday (20th October), and encourage others to do so too.

Further information that may be helpful in responding to the consultation:

A short briefing on maternal death and the Millennium Development Goals:
http://www.spuc.org.uk/campaigns/un/matmorbrief201008

A useful British Medical Journal article, pointing out that rising rates of maternal death in southern Africa are largely due to HIV: http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c5068.full (This article also cites Margaret Chan of WHO, saying that training midwives and improving healthcare facilities are the effective measures being taken to reduce maternal deaths.)

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynaecologists letter about maternal mortality, Millennium Development Goal 5 and human rights: http://www.c-fam.org/docLib/20091217_AAPLOG.pdf

A WHO article which does not distinguish between spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) and induced abortion, but suggests that maternal deaths due to abortion are overestimated in surveys where the data is of poor quality: http://centre.icddrb.org/images/WHO_Analysis_of_Causes_of_Maternal_Death_-_Khan_&_co..pdf

Saturday 16 October 2010

"Yn Lle Allol, Trestyl Trist", St Richard Gwyn


St. Richard Gwyn, a Welsh teacher and father of six children who was executed in 1584 for recusancy [refusal to attend Protestant services], looked upon the desecrated sanctuaries of Wales and remarked with sadness: "Yn lle allol; trestyl trist" (In place of an altar, there is a miserable table.) Tomorrow the 17th October is his Feast Day, so let us say Introibo ad altare Dei, once again.

Friday 15 October 2010

Blood Money Film in London


The 27th October is the anniversary of the abortion act being passed in London in 1967, so please pray & fast that day for the end of abortion, come and pray at marie stopes abortuary and then go to the cinema.

40 Days For Life have acquired the right to screen the UK Premiere of the film documentary Blood Money. This exclusive event will be on Wednesday 27th October at 6.30pm. Tickets will sell very fast for this event. Each ticket costs £10 and includes £15 worth of free resources including a book, booklet and free magazine as well as other free pro life resources, given at the event itself.

To reserve a ticket for this event, please email 40daysforlifelondon@gmail.com stating how many tickets you would like to reserve, your name and phone number. This reservation will only be confirmed after purchase of the ticket.

You can watch the trailer of this stunning and utterly inspiring film here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYaTywSDmls

Blood Money

As part of the 40 Days for Life London campaign of prayer, fasting, witness and outreach to end abortion in the UK, we are showing the UK premiere of a stunning and inspirational new documentary. With personal testimonies of women who have had abortions and personal testimonies of abortion clinic staff, the film brings home the reality of abortion and its effects on real people. It ends on a note of hope. The film will be preceeded by a short presentation by Robert Colquhoun, Campaign Director, 40 Days for Life, London. There will be opportunity for discussion after the film.

Wednesday 27th October 6:30pm

Coronet Cinema, Notting Hill, W11 3LB

Nearest Tube: Notting Hill

Tickets £10. Price includes £15 worth of resources. For tickets, call 07832 113614 or email 40daysforlifelondon@gmail.com

Thursday 14 October 2010

Hobbit Takes On Sauron, Marie Stopes


Further to my post Frodo Baggins To End Abortion and Paul Smeaton's (MC) comment, "Hobbits give presents to other people on their birthdays. What a wonderful present that would be! a few prayers for the unborn", I am very please to say that my niece did go to marie stopes abortuary to pray on her Birthday. No one took a photo that day, but here she is a few days ago. The 40 Days for Life is going very well, but could always use more support.

Monday 11 October 2010

W.A.S. Alliance Attacks Holy Father


Putting aside the main stream media for today, What A Strange (W.A.S.) Alliance came out to attack the Pope. Firstly there was Peter Tatchell et al demanding "homosexual rights" and more opium! The police said there were 5,000 of them, while 200,000 came to see the Pope.
[I have removed part of this post after a number of anonymous comments which said I was being 'disingenuous' etc to the Society of St Pius X. The reason that I have done this is that I do not wish to be an obstacle to any supporters of the SSPX, or to the Holy Father's endeavours to resolve things. Let us all continue to pray for the day when Deanery meetings will be enlivened by the presence of SSPX Priests!]

There was a crowd of Ian Paisley type protestants, singing very well outside Westminster Abbey on Friday night, but their booing was totally off key and impolite to say the least!

The British Christian Crusade newspaper (printed in New Zealand) was handed out at most events. They are Seventh Day Adventists, protestants who were so dishonest as to make the front cover of they paper look Catholic, whilst attacking the Church inside.

I didn't see the muslim demo, but Fr Finigan did and in fact both of these photos are from his blog.

Sorry to any other group that I have missed out!

So there you have it, like the orcs of Mordor these groups would not normally give each other the time of day, but when faced with a common enemy they 'unite' and attack. Be you Hobbit, Elf or the Vicar of Christ on Earth the orcs will attack you because you hold to what is true and good.

Saturday 9 October 2010

Siege Of Jericho......In Birmingham


Under the banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe

ACCOMPANY THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IN DAILY PUBLIC ROSARY PROCESSIONS IN EDGBASTON BIRMINGHAM TO END ABORTION

Monday 11th October to Sunday 17th October 2010

Priests and people praying the rosary are to process the Blessed Sacrament round the abortion centre at Arthur Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham 15 following the route Arthur Road, Carpenter Road and Ampton Road.

On the weekdays from Monday 11th October to Saturday 16th October inclusive we will start with Mass at the Oratory Church, Hagley Road, Edgbaston at 3pm and after travelling to Arthur Road Priests (one carrying the Blessed Sacrament unseen) and people will process once around the route. It will take about 20 minutes.

On Sunday 17th October 2010 we will start at Arthur Road (no Mass) at 2pm and process around the route seven times

An image of Our Lady of Guadalupe dedicated at the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico will be present.

PRAYER SUPPORT

We invite all who cannot attend to join us in prayer from their churches and homes or elsewhere, especially the old and the sick.

THE INTENTIONS

1. For a conversion of heart among the organisers and staff of the abortion centre and centres generally so that they and others may join the present movement to stop abortions world wide. They will know at first hand the distressing effects abortion has on women and the cruel death visited on the babies aborted.

2. To reinstate the Priesthood in the eyes of the people, one of God’s purposes at the original Siege of Jericho on which we model this prayer crusade.

For further information contact us on 0121-705-9317 or 0121-706-1973

Please tell your Priest friends and encourage them to come on one or more days

Friday 8 October 2010

Rosary Crusade of Reparation


The Rosary Crusade of Reparation, which is in it's Jubilee Year, takes place this year on Saturday, 16th October.

The Abbot of Farnborough, the Rt Rev Dom Cuthbert Brogan OSB, will lead this year's event.

The Procession starts at 1:45 PM on Saturday, 16th October outside Westminster Cathedral in Central London (nearest underground station is Victoria). The procession makes its way through Westminster and Knightsbridge to South Kensington, ending at the the Brompton Oratory (nearest Underground Station: South Kensington).

At the Oratory, following prayers and hymns, there will be Solemn Pontifical Benediction and an opportunity to enroll in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Do support this wonderful event in honour of Our Lady!

The photo is of last year's event.

If you would like to help, the organisers can also use some Stewards, Servers (please bring own Cassock & Cotta) and Flower Girls! Please let us know(Francis Carey (01494) 729223 – Mathias Menezes (020) 8764 0262 or 07950 384515). Please also pass the word, through emails, word of mouth etc. Let's get a good crowd for Our Lady!

Thursday 7 October 2010

Happy Feast of The Most Holy Rosary

Lepanto, by GK Chesterton

White founts falling in the Courts of the sun,
And the Soldan of Byzantium is smiling as they run;
There is laughter like the fountains in that face of all men feared,
It stirs the forest darkness, the darkness of his beard;
It curls the blood-red crescent, the crescent of his lips;
For the inmost sea of all the earth is shaken with his ships.
They have dared the white republics up the capes of Italy,
They have dashed the Adriatic round the Lion of the Sea,
And the Pope has cast his arms abroad for agony and loss,
And called the kings of Christendom for swords about the Cross.
The cold queen of England is looking in the glass;
The shadow of the Valois is yawning at the Mass;
From evening isles fantastical rings faint the Spanish gun,
And the Lord upon the Golden Horn is laughing in the sun.

Dim drums throbbing, in the hills half heard,
Where only on a nameless throne a crownless prince has stirred,
Where, risen from a doubtful seat and half attainted stall,
The last knight of Europe takes weapons from the wall,
The last and lingering troubadour to whom the bird has sung,
That once went singing southward when all the world was young.
In that enormous silence, tiny and unafraid,
Comes up along a winding road the noise of the Crusade.
Strong gongs groaning as the guns boom far,
Don John of Austria is going to the war,
Stiff flags straining in the night-blasts cold
In the gloom black-purple, in the glint old-gold,
Torchlight crimson on the copper kettle-drums,
Then the tuckets, then the trumpets, then the cannon, and he comes.
Don John laughing in the brave beard curled,
Spurning of his stirrups like the thrones of all the world,
Holding his head up for a flag of all the free.
Love-light of Spain--hurrah!
Death-light of Africa!
Don John of Austria
Is riding to the sea.

Mahound is in his paradise above the evening star,
(Don John of Austria is going to the war.)
He moves a mighty turban on the timeless houri's knees,
His turban that is woven of the sunsets and the seas.
He shakes the peacock gardens as he rises from his ease,
And he strides among the tree-tops and is taller than the trees;
And his voice through all the garden is a thunder sent to bring
Black Azrael and Ariel and Ammon on the wing.
Giants and the Genii,
Multiplex of wing and eye,
Whose strong obedience broke the sky
When Solomon was king.

They rush in red and purple from the red clouds of the morn,
From the temples where the yellow gods shut up their eyes in scorn;
They rise in green robes roaring from the green hells of the sea
Where fallen skies and evil hues and eyeless creatures be,
On them the sea-valves cluster and the grey sea-forests curl,
Splashed with a splendid sickness, the sickness of the pearl;
They swell in sapphire smoke out of the blue cracks of the ground,--
They gather and they wonder and give worship to Mahound.
And he saith, "Break up the mountains where the hermit-folk can hide,
And sift the red and silver sands lest bone of saint abide,
And chase the Giaours flying night and day, not giving rest,
For that which was our trouble comes again out of the west.
We have set the seal of Solomon on all things under sun,
Of knowledge and of sorrow and endurance of things done.
But a noise is in the mountains, in the mountains, and I know
The voice that shook our palaces--four hundred years ago:
It is he that saith not 'Kismet'; it is he that knows not Fate;
It is Richard, it is Raymond, it is Godfrey at the gate!
It is he whose loss is laughter when he counts the wager worth,
Put down your feet upon him, that our peace be on the earth."
For he heard drums groaning and he heard guns jar,
(Don John of Austria is going to the war.)
Sudden and still--hurrah!
Bolt from Iberia!
Don John of Austria
Is gone by Alcalar.

St. Michaels on his Mountain in the sea-roads of the north
(Don John of Austria is girt and going forth.)
Where the grey seas glitter and the sharp tides shift
And the sea-folk labour and the red sails lift.
He shakes his lance of iron and he claps his wings of stone;
The noise is gone through Normandy; the noise is gone alone;
The North is full of tangled things and texts and aching eyes,
And dead is all the innocence of anger and surprise,
And Christian killeth Christian in a narrow dusty room,
And Christian dreadeth Christ that hath a newer face of doom,
And Christian hateth Mary that God kissed in Galilee,--
But Don John of Austria is riding to the sea.
Don John calling through the blast and the eclipse
Crying with the trumpet, with the trumpet of his lips,
Trumpet that sayeth ha!
Domino gloria!
Don John of Austria
Is shouting to the ships.

King Philip's in his closet with the Fleece about his neck
(Don John of Austria is armed upon the deck.)
The walls are hung with velvet that is black and soft as sin,
And little dwarfs creep out of it and little dwarfs creep in.
He holds a crystal phial that has colours like the moon,
He touches, and it tingles, and he trembles very soon,
And his face is as a fungus of a leprous white and grey
Like plants in the high houses that are shuttered from the day,
And death is in the phial and the end of noble work,
But Don John of Austria has fired upon the Turk.
Don John's hunting, and his hounds have bayed--
Booms away past Italy the rumour of his raid.
Gun upon gun, ha! ha!
Gun upon gun, hurrah!
Don John of Austria
Has loosed the cannonade.

The Pope was in his chapel before day or battle broke,
(Don John of Austria is hidden in the smoke.)
The hidden room in man's house where God sits all the year,
The secret window whence the world looks small and very dear.
He sees as in a mirror on the monstrous twilight sea
The crescent of his cruel ships whose name is mystery;
They fling great shadows foe-wards, making Cross and Castle dark,
They veil the plumèd lions on the galleys of St. Mark;
And above the ships are palaces of brown, black-bearded chiefs,
And below the ships are prisons, where with multitudinous griefs,
Christian captives sick and sunless, all a labouring race repines
Like a race in sunken cities, like a nation in the mines.
They are lost like slaves that sweat, and in the skies of morning hung
The stair-ways of the tallest gods when tyranny was young.
They are countless, voiceless, hopeless as those fallen or fleeing on
Before the high Kings' horses in the granite of Babylon.
And many a one grows witless in his quiet room in hell
Where a yellow face looks inward through the lattice of his cell,
And he finds his God forgotten, and he seeks no more a sign--
(But Don John of Austria has burst the battle-line!)
Don John pounding from the slaughter-painted poop,
Purpling all the ocean like a bloody pirate's sloop,
Scarlet running over on the silvers and the golds,
Breaking of the hatches up and bursting of the holds,
Thronging of the thousands up that labour under sea
White for bliss and blind for sun and stunned for liberty.

Vivat Hispania!
Domino Gloria!
Don John of Austria
Has set his people free!

Cervantes on his galley sets the sword back in the sheath
(Don John of Austria rides homeward with a wreath.)
And he sees across a weary land a straggling road in Spain,
Up which a lean and foolish knight for ever rides in vain,
And he smiles, but not as Sultans smile, and settles back the blade....
(But Don John of Austria rides home from the Crusade.)

Ignatius Press sell a great book with notes and commentary on this poem.

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Father Michael Dunne To Offer Old Rite Mass


There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 8th October at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. Father Michael Dunne, PP of Bow will offer the Mass as Father Hayward, who normaly says this Mass is away.

This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network, a Catholic Pro-Life group with a great blog. Only a few of the faithful attend this monthly Mass, on each 2nd Friday of the month, so do come along.
Photo, Father Dunne is second from the right.

Monday 4 October 2010

Funeral Mass for Very Rev. James Canon Morrow


The eulogy delivered at Fr James Morrow's funeral Thursday 23rd September (Feast of St Padre Pio) by his Bishop, Rt Reverend Philip Tartaglia of Paisley. The photo is of Mass being offered for Father in the Good Counsel Network's Chapel in London, the at same time as his funeral was taking place in Scotland.
Fr Morrow Requiescat in Pace.

1. There were at least two great causes which characterised the priestly life of Father James Morrow, which I must acknowledge today at his Funeral Mass and for which we must thank God.

2. But before I do that, I want to acknowledge the simplicity and innocence of heart which characterised Father James. An anecdote will serve to illustrate what I mean. During his last few years, in the course of his pro-life work, Fr. James had established contact with a diocese in Uganda where he was helping to set up pro-life education. This initiative was much appreciated by the people and by the local clergy and bishop. He was so happy doing this because he felt that these people were very open to the pro-life message, and he would gladly have ended his life there.

3. Before one of his trips to Uganda, he came to discuss it with me. He was not in best of health and I enquired about what health provision there would be for him in Uganda, and what we should do for him if he fell ill, or, God forbid, died. Typically this was not a huge concern for him and he seemed surprised but pleased that I should take an interest in his personal welfare. What was important was the work he believed God had given him to do. He said if he died there, I should not go to any trouble to recover his body. He believed in the resurrection of the dead, he had put his faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, and that was all that mattered. He was completely at one with the faith of the Church articulated in today’s Gospel by Martha, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.” And professing that same faith today, we pray for the repose of the soul of Father James Morrow and commend him to God’s compassion and love. When he came back from Uganda, I saw him again and gently suggested that that was enough of trying to save the whole world. He obediently and happily accepted my guidance.

4. The first of the two causes which characterised Fr James priestly ministry was his nineteen year service to priestly formation at St Vincent’s College, Langbank, and at St Mary’s College, Blairs. During that time, he had the dubious privilege of teaching me at Langbank. I was in his Maths class. Since Maths was not my strongest subject, I guess I did not make so great an impression on him at that time! However, along with countless young junior seminarians in these years, I can testify to Father James’ total integrity as a priest and as a man, which was as innocent as it was unfeigned; his boundless enthusiasm for all aspects of seminary formation, whether in the classroom teaching Latin or Maths or Religious Education, or whether in other pursuits such as chess, publishing magazines, or joining in with sports; and his determination to help these young seminarians aspire to the best standards of Catholic living and spirituality. On behalf of the Catholic Church in Scotland, I thank God for Father James’ contribution to priestly formation and join many of his past pupils in acknowledging his uprightness and his many gifts and talents which were for him always his means of pleasing God and of doing his work.

5. I have already alluded to the second cause in Father James’ priestly life, and that is his commitment to the pro-life cause, which could be said to have been his life’s passion. It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of the pro-life’s cause to Father James. To say he was totally single-minded about it hardly does his commitment justice. He was consumed by this work. His passion for it won him many friends and admirers but may also have disconcerted others who kept their distance from him. His passion for the moral rightness of the cause even caused him to be arrested and to see the inside of a prison cell door. The words of the first reading today could be applied to James: “God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust.” There is no doubt that Father James gave total witness and obedience to the conviction of the Church that unborn human life is sacred from the moment of conception and cannot be suppressed by the will of others, and that any law which permits abortion is an offence against God and against the human rights of the unborn.

6. I feel sure that, when other things like personal eccentricities or petty foibles have been forgotten, what will stand out will be the fact that Father James was a priest who had an unswerving commitment to the pro-life cause, and we can be proud to say that this doughty campaigner for the protection of unborn human life was a priest of the Diocese of Paisley. It was in recognition of his service to the pro-life cause that I was happy to name Father Morrow an Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Paisley. And the presence at his Funeral Mass of four bishops, numerous priests and a substantial gathering of the faithful surely indicates that his witness is worthy of respect and admiration, and gives voice to an authentic and central part of the Church’s moral and social message.

7. A measure of Father James’ single-mindedness for the pro-life cause was his personal conviction that not just were all aborted babies in heaven (rather than in a state of limbo) but that the Pope should actually canonise them. I suggested to him that this may not be a viable proposition, but, undaunted, he sent his treatise on the subject to the Vatican, where I am sure it was received with interest. In my own heart, I am sure - and I suspect you agree - that babies whose lives were prematurely terminated in the womb are indeed in the loving embrace of the Father. They are the Holy Innocents of the technological age. I pray that this countless host of little angels will welcome into heaven a man who dedicated his life to their defence, Father James Morrow. May he rest in peace!

St. Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley, 23rd September 2010

Saturday 2 October 2010

The Holy Father's Most Important Words On His Visit To Britain


After the unveiling and blessing of a mosaic of David, and after the greeting of the Bishop of Wrexham, SE Bishop Edwin Regan on behalf of the delegation of the faithful of Wales, the Holy Father spoke the following words.

Dear Bishop Regan,

Thank you for your very warm greeting on behalf of the faithful of Wales. I am happy to have this opportunity to honour the nation and its ancient Christian traditions by blessing a mosaic of Saint David, the Patron Saint of the Welsh people, and by lighting the candle of the statue of Our Lady of Cardigan.

Saint David was one of the great saints of the sixth century, that golden age of saints and missionaries in these isles, and he was thus a founder of the Christian culture which lies at the root of modern Europe. David’s preaching was simple yet profound: his dying words to his monks were, "Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things". It is the little things that reveal our love for the one who loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19) and that bind people into a community of faith, love and service. May Saint David’s message, in all its simplicity and richness, continue to resound in Wales today, drawing the hearts of its people to renewed love for Christ and His Church.

Through the ages the Welsh people have been distinguished for their devotion to the Mother of God; this is evidenced by the innumerable places in Wales called "Llanfair" – Mary’s Church. As I prepare to light the candle held by Our Lady, I pray that she will continue to intercede with her Son for all the men and women of Wales. May the light of Christ continue to guide their steps and shape the life and culture of the nation.

Sadly, it was not possible for me to come to Wales during this visit. But I trust that this beautiful statue, which now returns to the National Shrine of Our Lady in Cardigan, will be a lasting reminder of the Pope’s deep love for the Welsh people, and of his constant closeness, both in prayer and in the communion of the Church.

Bendith Duw ar bobol Cymr! God bless the people of Wales!

Friday 1 October 2010

Old Rite Mass Live On Television


There will be an Old Rite Sung Mass live on EWTN on Saturday 2nd October, from 1pm-3pm. You can watch it on Sky 589 or on the internet at http://www.ewtn.co.uk/

Thursday 30 September 2010

Baptist Pastor Does Some Good!


I copied this from the Good Counsel Network's Blog, Maria Stops Abortion.


"London based Baptist Pastor, Mike Gilbart Smith has written to Marie Stopes International in response to their TV Advert and the controversy surrounding it. In a brilliant letter he asked them the 20 questions that they apparantly cannot answer, since his letter in May he received an acknowledgement and a promise of a full response, but he is still waiting as far as I can see from his blog, http://lovingchurch.blogspot.com/search?q=marie+stopes
I am printing the whole of his letter here, since sometimes readers don't/can't follow links through and anyway it really cuts to the heart of the matter.


When you have read it, and are reminded of the awfulness of what Marie Stopes and other abortionists do, don't forget to do something positive and sign yourself up for some slots with www.40daysforlife.com/london or if you are not in London, contact http://www.hgpi.co.uk/ to find your nearest abortuary vigil of prayer.


Dear Tony,
I’m writing as a pastor of a church who is going to be addressing the issue of abortion in my teaching and in some upcoming articles in the light of your recent advertising. I want to make sure that I would not be misrepresenting you in any way at all, though I should make clear to you that I do believe that abortion, and particularly providing abortion is immoral.
However, I also want to be as courteous as I can with those with whom I disagree. I do not want to assume bad motivation for what you are doing. I understand the arguments of wanting to provide “safe” (obviously for the mother and not the baby) abortion when your fear is that if “safe” abortion were not provided, then back street abortion would inevitably be sought. The compassion you show to mothers I believe to be genuine, but misplaced.
I do happen to agree with what I heard a Marie Stopes spokesperson say when she was hoping that there would be a removing of the taboo about speaking about abortion. I too hope that this taboo will be removed so that there can be an honest public debate about abortion.
To contribute to this debate I hope to write some articles about abortion and about Marie Stopes in particular. There is much information on your website, but there were some questions that I didn’t find answers to, which I would be very grateful if you’d answer.
I must also be clear that intend to distribute your answers.
If you would rather meet in person to have a face to face conversation, I would also be very glad to do that.
(I will use the term “mother” for the pregnant woman). Feel free to exchange the term for “Pregnant woman” if you would prefer that term, or to use another term of your choosing.
1) When speaking to a mother will you always make it clear exactly what help is available to mothers who decide to keep the baby.
2) What ongoing support do you offer to mothers who decide to keep the baby?
3) Do you always ask mothers if they are feeling pressurised into having abortions from others (e.g. boyfriends, husbands, parents, or the general expectations of society)?
(Several women whom I have spoken to who have had abortions have told me that they felt immense pressure that in a society where abortion is legal, there will be people telling them that having an abortion is “doing the right thing” and that it is irresponsible to have the baby.)
4) Do you always suggest to mothers that it is never irresponsible to carry a baby and give birth once they are pregnant?
5) I’ve noticed in your FAQ’s that in more than sixty questions there is a lot of information about abortion, but there is no information on the development of the foetus. Do you think that the developmental stage of the foetus should be a factor that a mother should be informed about in order to have adequate information in making a decision as to whether to have an abortion?
6) I understand that you must legally have a sonographic scan before an abortion is carried out. What details from that scan will you always communicate to the mother so that she might make a correctly informed decision?
a. Will you always tell the mother the estimated age of the foetus?
b. Will you always tell the mother what this corresponds to in terms of development?
c. Could you outline the detail that you would go into as to the development of the foetus, with the following being a suggestive rather than an exhaustive list?
i. Will you tell the mother whether there is a heartbeat?
ii. Will you tell the mother whether the child has a brain?
iii. Will you tell the mother whether the child has a limbs and fingers and fingernails?
iv. Will you tell the mother whether the child has ears eyes and a nose?
v. Will you tell the mother which internal organs of the child are functional?
vi. Will you tell the mother the gender of the foetus if that is discernable?
d. If you don’t volunteer that information do you always ask the mother if she would be interested in knowing the facts about the foetus’ development in order to help her make her decision?
7) Do you have a policy in training staff that they avoid the terms “baby” or “child” in reference to the foetus?
8) Do you have a policy encouraging staff to use the term “pregnancy” instead of “foetus” or an equivalent term that would point to the fact that there is an organism other than the mother involved in the pregnancy?
9) Do you have a position as an organisation about when a human embryo/foetus becomes a human being?
10) Do you think that it would be morally acceptable to provide abortion even if you believed the foetus was already a human being?
11) If infanticide were legalised in some country, would you offer that as a service?
12) What is the minimum time allowed for a proper counselling session to look through all possible options before going ahead with an abortion?
13) How much did the NHS pay you last year to carry out abortions?
14) Do you think that there is any conflict of interest in Marie Stopes providing advice on whether a mother should have an abortion when Marie Stopes is paid for providing abortions?
15) In order to get your email address I phoned the 0845 300 80 90 number. Will my call automatically be counted in your statistics as being from a woman who called for advice but didn’t receive an abortion?
16) If a woman calls your line twenty times, will they be “counted” on your statistics of the number of women you’ve helped once or twenty times?
17) If after an abortion, the baby (I assume we can now use this term without controversy as she is outside the womb) shows some signs of life, do you have a policy stating that the medical personnel present should act to resuscitate? Do you have a policy saying that they may not act to resuscitate?
18) Would you carry out an abortion if the stated reason given by the woman was that she wanted a boy, and this foetus is a girl?
19) If asked would you carry out a selective abortion in order to remove the healthy girl from the womb and leave the healthy boy in the womb?
20) In your five abortion clinics in China, what proportion of those who are aborted are girls?
Thank you so much for your willingness to answer these questions. In removing the taboo from conversation about abortion I trust that you are wanting honest, open and informed debate. I hope that you taking the time to answer these questions will add to the honesty and help to remove the taboo from the abortion conversation.
Perhaps if you want to add to the honesty of the debate you’d also be happy to post the answers you give on your own website?
Many thanks,
Sincerely,
Mike Gilbart-Smith "

Wednesday 29 September 2010

Papal Flags Descend On Abortuary


Not quite what the Home Office wanted, but 3 days after the Papal visit 40 Days for Life started in London. Catholics (and maybe a few protestants) are spending 40 days praying and counselling outside marie stopes house, which is now an abortuary. Help & support will be offered to the women going in by counsellors, while on the other side of the road the faithful will pray for them.

On Sunday after Mass we went there to pray, a young lady was there on her own at that moment. We said a Rosary and as we left someone else came to join her. Please come and pray there(108 Whitfield Street, Marylebone, London, W1T 5EA. Nearest tube station: Warren Street). People are there from 8am until 8pm every day and all night some days, check the schedule and please sign up.

If it is too far for you to travel (there was someone from Folkestone there on Monday) then please pray and fast for the success of this great venture.

Monday 27 September 2010

John Paul II Consoles 2 Cardiff City Supporters in Ninian Park


It was only when I started to support City that I found out that the Pope had come to Cardiff in 1982. The supporters were still singing fondly about his visit many years later and may still be for all I know, sadly due to some of the language the song is unprintable.

In the photo the Holy Father is consoling two City supporters, after predicting that Ninian Park would be pulled down before a Pope would visit Britain again. And so it was, Cardiff now have a new stadium across the road and houses now stand where Ninian Park once stood!

Pope Benedict XVI was so saddened by this move that he chose not to visit Wales and thus just went to Britain instead of Great Britain. But to show what a hard core Cardiff City supporter he is, he started his trip in Scotland on the Feast of Saint Ninian!

Saturday 25 September 2010

Fr Finigan Gives Benediction At Good Counsel


Sadly you cannot make out the yellow & white flowers on the Altar in honour of the Holy Father's visit to Britain. Nor for that matter can you see much of Father Finigan, but that is fine as we all know that it is all about Jesus.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Frodo Baggins To End Abortion


The 22nd September is Bilbo and Frodo Baggins Birthday, so Happy Birthday. Frodo looked at the great evil of his day in Middle Earth (see The Lord of The Rings, the books not the films) and set off to defeat it. He went into the battle against the Dark Lord Sauron and all his vast army by going into the heart of the dark land of Mordor, almost unarmed and with the army to support him being made up of Sam, his gardener!


And so today The 40 Days for Life has started in London, the heart of the dark land of Mordor. For the next 40 days little Hobbits will go to Marie Stopes house, now an abortion mill, and Pray, Fast and Counsel women so as to end abortion. So sign up on the website and do your bit, offer your Priest a lift and come even if you don't have a gardener!

Sunday 19 September 2010

Ecumenical Diablog in Hyde Park!


Photo of Hyde Park sent in by Declan. Coach to Brum at 2.30am!