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“I
will ask the Father, and he will send you another helper”
THE
PASTOR’S POST
This time of isolation has given us all plenty of time to think, which can go one of two ways. We can make positive decisions about how we manage our changed circumstances so that we don’t let this virulent virus take more of a toll than it should, or can we add to its damage by worrying what major changes will happen to the world, or at least our little part of it. Some of the phone calls we have been receiving at the office ask the questions for which there is no viable, immediate answer.
Questions like:
When will the Churches be open again?
What will happen if people get too used
to not coming to Church?
Why would God allow this to happen to
the world?
What is God trying to say to us through
this virus?
While the questions are understandable
they have no reasonable answer, since they require us to be able to foretell
the future, and as much as I have pretended to have that ability, I can only
speculate and try to offer words of hope. I do not believe that my God would
visit this virus on the world to teach us a lesson or punish us for some
world-wide misdemeanor. I do, however, believe that God is speaking loudly to
us at this time about our care for one another and making sure that we keep the
person of Jesus close to us at all times. We are asked to discover new ways of
being “church” even though we are not able to gather as a congregation.
Through all this time of isolation,
which I prefer to call ‘solitude’, there is so much about our nature that is
becoming clearer, particularly the way we notice the way people are relating to
one another and trying to reach out in support and finding new creative ways to
connect, when the old familiar ways have been removed.
We could do no better than to see how
Jesus prepared his apostles for the “new world’ they were going to live and
work in when he was no longer physically with them. Like us, they had to
discover new ways for new times. So he reminded them that they are the ones who
have already been instructed as to how best to cope. They had the lessons to
help them manage, even though they may have had to let go of some of the
securities that had become so familiar.
He said, “You are witnesses to this”.
Before leaving his disciples, Jesus commissioned them to preach the Gospel to
the whole world. It was no longer just about them. They had graduated from his
missionary school and we now asked to think beyond themselves and reach out
beyond their immediate comforts. Those early days must have surely given the
cause for concern. They no doubt felt as inadequate as we sometimes do. In
order to help them carry out that mission he promised to send them a new
resource, a new insight, a new way of being disciples - the Holy Spirit.
On Pentecost day he would fulfill that promise.
The task of preaching the Gospel to the
world now depends on us. We are Christ’s witnesses. It is both a privilege and
a daunting task. However, we are told we can rely on the help of the Holy
Spirit. But how are we supposed to witness?
There is the witness of words:
We witness by professing our faith, firstly to ourselves, reminding us what it
is that we believe, particularly in times of uncertainty. This includes
studying it, questioning it to see if it stands up to contradictions or
contrary opinions, explaining it and, on occasion, being prepared to defend it.
Have I ever implored the assistance of the Holy Spirit to guide me when I had
no idea how and where to go?
There is the witness of deeds:
We all know that actions speak louder than words. “Never recommend anything
unless you can provide a sample”, said Henry Thoreau, the 19th century American philosopher. In other words,
don’t tell me how to cope in this time of the pandemic, show me. Do I add the
stress of others’ lives by speaking of life’s problems or do I bring light to
the darkness of those problems.
There is the witness of one’s
life: The witness of a Christian life is more powerful than any
argument. The witness that the world finds most compelling is that of
concern for people and of charity towards the poor, the weak, and those who are
suffering. The generosity underlying this attitude and these actions stands in
marked contrast to human selfishness. It raises precise questions which lead to
God and the Gospel. A commitment to peace, to justice, to human rights, is a
witness to the Gospel.
Finally, there is the witness of
one’s death: This is not a witness asked of many, but the Church has
been built on the blood of the martyrs. They are people whose strength of
faith and conviction is truly inspiring. When forced to choose, which one of us
could say with Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury (d.1170) I am ready
to die for my Lord that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
Jesus has taken a great risk. He is
relying on his disciples (and now us) to ensure that his Gospel is preached and
lived. He needs us to witness his presence in the world, perhaps more now than
ever before as the world asks questions about why this is happening to us now.
To do this we must, like the disciples ‘stay in the city ‘ a while i.e. spend
time in a community of faith and prayer and wait this time out until we are
‘clothed with the power from on high’ – so that we might be ready to accept the
gift of the Holy Spirit which comes to us at Pentecost.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
(Image - Shutterstock licensed stock
vector ID: 645875977. The Descent of the Holy Spirit. Abstract artistic modern
digital colour sketch illustration. By Thoom)
MONTH
OF MARY
The month of May is traditionally the Month of Mary, the Blessed Mother
of Jesus and our heavenly mother. There are two major feasts dedicated to Mary
this month and next. The Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, Patroness of
Australia, (25th May), and the newly instituted commemoration of Mary the
Mother of the Church for the Monday after Pentecost Sunday, (June 1st) as well
as the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, (June 20th). Our Church has
always benefited from the prayers and motherly care of Mary and our nation
needs Our Lady’s care more than ever at this time.
A huge thank you to the students of St Kevin’s school who drew some
beautiful pictures in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary for this special month.
God bless.
GOD ABIDING WITH US AND IN US - The Gospel this weekend
Jesus asked the apostles to love him and to follow his commandments, for this is the way to have life. This is the way to experience the love of the Heavenly Father. There is really only one commandment, the single command to love. If we love Jesus, then we have love for one another. When we live the values and commands Jesus lived in his own life—humility, joy, peace, compassion and love —we are doing the will of the Father. It is also the Spirit of Truth who helps us to understand the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives even now and always.
Fr. Paul Kelly Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash
|
HEALTH AND GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS UPDATE (COVID-19) |
Here is the latest update from the
Archdiocese, as pertains to what we are able to do here in this Parish.
TO THE
PASTORS AND PEOPLE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE
In light of the Premier's announcement to ease
restrictions from 16 May and in consultation with local government and the
Episcopal Council, we have taken the decision to implement the following
protocols for churches and services in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.
These protocols will be in effect through to 12
June 2020 and are subject to change with any ongoing amendments to Queensland
Health guidelines.
Protocols that remain in place:
·
The
celebration of Mass continues to be suspended at this time.
·
Priests
will continue to celebrate Mass (the Mass for the people) on Sundays without a
congregation, with people able to follow Masses live-streamed from their parish
or from the Cathedral on Sundays and weekdays.
· No one is to enter a church, parish
building or Archdiocesan workplace if feeling ill.
Updates to existing protocols from 11:59 pm on 15
May (note
that in all cases, the rules of one person per 4 square metres, 1.5 metres
between people, and hygiene protocols remain paramount, they are an individual
and collective responsibility):
·
The limit
for the Masses for the people will increase to no more than 10 people in
attendance, which includes the camera operator if live-streaming.
·
Funerals
may be conducted with a maximum capacity of up to 20 people indoors and 30
people outdoors.
·
Weddings
may be conducted with a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.
·
Baptisms
have a maximum capacity of up to 10 people.
- [From Surfers Parish - Please note that the following section is
not being implemented here at this stage as logistics prevent it. We will
seek to implement the following stage at a later time when a greater
number of people are able to gather]
·
Churches,
which are in a position to do so, are allowed to open for private prayer for up
to 10 people at one time during specific hours as determined by each parish,
with the requirement for visitors to sanitise upon entry and exit.
o Occupancy of the space will need to be
monitored at all times by a designated marshal, who is not over 70 years of
age.
o The designated marshal is required to
record in writing the name, phone number and time of visit for each visitor as
protection to assist with contact tracing if necessary.
o Work Health and Safety will provide
cleaning protocols however, it is the responsibility of each parish to provide
cleaning supplies.
o It is understood that not all parishes
will have the capacity to maintain ongoing monitoring or hygiene protocols for
private prayer at this time.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most
Reverend Ken Howell
Auxiliary
Bishop
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS - A further note,
from Fr Paul:
As you
know, the Federal Government recently announced the beginning of easing of
restrictions from the 15th May 2020. This is following a three-step plan, of
which step one is presently being activated.
It is
important to note that this three-step plan is dependent on there not being any
major flare-ups of cases, and in the event of such unfortunate possibility,
these steps may be delayed or even possibly reversed partially or fully.
However,
we are hopeful that things progress as planned. Another important point is to
note that even at stage three, the number of people able to gather inside for a
church gathering will be 100, which is still well below the numbers we
regularly have on weekends. Stages one and two are even less than this, at 10
and 20 people plus social distancing.
Given
this, we are presently assuming that we may be one of the later groups to be
able to resume our normal schedules and possibly no earlier than June/July at
best. This may change, but we do want to caution against any jumping to
conclusions. Our Churches really fit into a different category from the three
proposed. It is almost as if there is needed a stage FOUR, which has yet to be
officially proposed.
We
understand the desire of everyone to return to the Masses and sacraments, but
we continue to cooperate with the policies developed to ensure the health and
wellbeing of everyone.
Presently, the Queensland Government has announced
the implementation of step one. There will be an easing of restrictions from
11:59 pm on the 15th May which will allow for gatherings of up to 10 people for
weddings, places of worship and religious ceremonies. Funerals will be
increased to a maximum capacity of 20 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.
So, for the time being, no public masses with congregations or gatherings in
church will be occurring except for funerals, weddings and some baptisms.
CURRENT
PARISH OPERATING PROTOCOL
Just a
reminder that, in line with health guidelines, the office is not open for
pop-in visits. The Parish has phone contact hours Monday to Friday 9 am
until 12 noon, where we will endeavour to answer the phone for any inquiries.
We are also contactable anytime via email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. In the case of emergencies,
there is also the same parish office number (with a button option to press for
emergency contact) for the on-call priest 24/7. The less face-to-face
contact in these times of pandemic, the quicker we hope this situation can return
to “normal.” The Parish phone number is 5572 5433.
|
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOP |
Two popular items sold in our Parish Piety Shops are the
-
Brown Scapular: Many Catholics love their Brown Scapular.
This scapular was given to Saint Simon Stock, the
first vicar general of the Carmelite order, by Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel said to St. Simon Stock, “Take this scapular, it shall
be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger and a pledge of peace. Whosoever
dies wearing this scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.” Today many wear a
brown scapular as a devotion to Mary and a sign of their trust in her promises
for salvation that she made to those who faithfully wear a brown scapular.
Green Scapular: The Green Scapular is known for bringing both
spiritual and physical healing to those who wear it. They typically invoke the
blessings of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and come with a Jubilee medal cross
of St. Benedict. The Jubilee medal cross of St. Benedict is the most
highly-indulged medal in the Catholic Church. For those that are especially in
need of healing, this could be the perfect scapular.
For inquiries regarding the Piety Shops at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s Churches please contact Pat by email svcoordinator40@gmail.com or give her a call on 0404 805 819
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
Peace can
be elusive—even when there isn't a global health-scare. How can we find peace?
Father Clifford Hennings, OFM, offers some tips on finding and keeping the
peace of mind that eludes us.
May Clifford's words bring you peace
|
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT |
Our faith sustains us through challenging times. Now, more than ever, your support is needed to help our Parish to continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you to support the Parish during this time of isolation, you can give via
http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au
We will continue to serve you through online
resources and webcasts. If you are able to continue to support us, we would be
most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit
card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you.
The spirit of generosity is alive in our parish. If you would like confirmation
of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at manager.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Yours faithfully,
Sonya
Slater, Parish Manager
|
FAITH AT HOME: Spiritual Nourishment |
- Six Ways to Pray from Six Great Saints. By
Gloria Hutchinson. Published by Franciscan Media.
- Prayer: Our Deepest Longing. By Ronald
Rolheiser. Published by Franciscan Media
GOSPEL
RESOURCES - Sixth Sunday of Easter: Readings,
Commentaries, & Prayers
In preparation for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. The resources can also be found on the Liturgy Brisbane website and will be updated each week.
In these unique times where our Sunday Masses have been suspended, you may wish to read the Sunday readings and associated commentaries at home.
This
resource is designed for families with young children and has been a joint
endeavour of Liturgy Brisbane and Evangelisation Brisbane. An extract from the
Sunday gospel is provided, along with some reflection questions, family
activities and a worksheet for children.
THE CATHOLIC LEADER
The Catholic Leader dated 17th May 2020 digital
edition is now available here
The Catholic Leader digital
edition is also available at https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19
The flipbook is downloadable in PDF and printable.
First, enter full-screen mode by clicking the ‘full-screen’ button in the centre
of the pages. Using the icons above the newspaper, you can select print or
download.
Alternatively, you can visit the website: https://catholicleader.com.au/
A HANDY RESOURCE FOR PRE-FUNERAL PREPARATION
(From our local Parish community)
We often receive requests from people
who would like to have peace of mind for themselves and their families by
pre-planning any funeral arrangements, so they can leave these instructions
with their other documents and know that their wishes for a Catholic ceremony
will be fulfilled. We have developed a new form that can be helpful for
people who want to pre-plan aspects of a future funeral. It can also be
used by people who are preparing for the imminent passing of a loved one, or
for preparing a funeral for a loved one who has passed away. Here at the
parish, we are happy to help out in the time of bereavement but this resource
is a great help for people to begin preparing. Naturally, the priest for a
funeral will be in contact with a bereaved family and help put all the plans
together at a time of loss. Please find this resource which may be very
helpful, especially in these times of isolation and social distancing, where it
is very difficult or impossible for people to gather to prepare for these
important events.
Here is the link: https://fs19.formsite.com/paulkelly/form7/index.html
Photo by Fabrice Nerfin on Unsplash
|
ONLINE PILGRIMAGE PROGRAM FOR CATHOLICS |
By David
Ryan. (Article from The Catholic Weekly here)
In the
midst of a global pandemic, the seeds of hope are stirring for innovations in
the living of the faith. For Brisbane Catholic Martin Brennan, who was
inspired by Pope Francis’ Easter message, this has manifested in the ‘Pentecost
Pilgrimage’ – an online pilgrimage of prayer resources open to faithful across
the world via Zoom.
The
pilgrimage is a way of circumventing the effects of COVID-19 on the faithful’s
access to the sacramental life so crucial to the tangible Catholic faith. The
Pentecost Pilgrimage was partly inspired by the Virtual Catholic Conference in
early April that gathered over 65, 000 Catholics internationally for 26 hours.
Over the
course of six weeks beginning on the weekend of Sunday 26th April until Sunday
31 May – Pentecost, pilgrims will enjoy over 20 talks, which run for 20
minutes, released every Wednesday and Sunday from internationally acclaimed
speakers including Dr Ralph Martin and Dr Mary Healy. Australian speakers
include Archbishop Julian Porteous of Hobart and Robert Falzon of menALIVE.
Pilgrims who register their
participation will have free access to all talks and pilgrims will be afforded
the opportunity to speak online with some of the speakers. It is not too
late to join.
Register now at www.pentecostpilgrimage.com
PRAYER
Our
prayers and thoughts go out to parishioners Yvonne & Tony Wienand whose
daughter passed away recently. May Patricia Briggs Wienand rest in the peace of
Christ and may consolation and strength be given to her family.
|
PLEASE PRAY |
IN OUR HEARTS AND
PRAYERS AT THIS TIME
FOR THOSE
WHO ARE SICK: All suffering from the effects of
Covid-19.
Also, the
following who are ill (not Covid-19): George & Margaret Cook, Baby Charbel
Raphael, Angela Duvnjak, Judy Dempsey, Monica Bailey, Rachel Raines, Savannah
Ayoub, Lisa Mangan, Colin Virtue, Ann Harris, Ann-Marie Loder, Angel Salvador,
Brian Woodgate, Kate Smith, Tricia Baumann, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard,
Kathy Kiely, Greg Sharah, Sr. Christine Chia, Kurt and Betty Hilleshiem, Judy
Ferraro, Ron Perry, Kim Parkes, Rosslyn Wallis, Jabour Haddad, Yvonne
Lofthouse, Maureen Murphy, Peter Walsh, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto,
Damian Callinan, Rosemary Wales, Peter Allsopp, Yvonne Campesi, Louis Couch,
Steve Wayt, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Peter O’Brien,
Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy.
RECENTLY
DECEASED: Brian
Elsmore, Patricia Briggs, Bryan James Telfer, Phillipa Hayes, Leo Barry Pearman, Jim Carroll,
Nicholas Braid, Yvonne Holt, Nic Angelucci.
ANNIVERSARY: John
McGrath, Maria Zervos, John Zervos. Veronica
Bond, Pat Rainbird, Gordon Lepp, Frank Glynn, Leonie
Kennedy, Sarah Rolfe, Barry Toomey, Joan McDonnell.
|
STAYING CONNECTED AND RESOURCES FOR PRAYER AT
HOME |
Home
Resources:
You can
visit the Stay
Connected page on
our website to find an extensive list of information and resources to help
during these times of isolation.
Below are quick links to enable you to
stay in touch with our Parish and help you celebrate Mass from home:
Liturgy
for you at Home (produced by SPP): https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Weekly
Homily (produced by SPP): https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com
Surfers
Paradise Parish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surferscatholic/
Breaking
Parish News (SPP Blog): https://news-parish.blogspot.com/
Livestream
Catholic Mass (from Brisbane Cathedral, usually
around 10 am): St Stephen’s Cathedral live webcast
Video on
Demand of Masses: https://www.youtube.com/user/CatholicBrisbane/videos
Mass for
You at Home (free-to-air TV):
Channel 10, Sundays 6:00 - 6:30 am and
on-demand at
https://10play.com.au/mass-for-you-at-home
also available on Foxtel 173 Aurora
Channel
LITANY OF COMPASSION FOR THE SICK
We pray
with special love and concern for all those who are ill or infirm, asking the
Lord for his consoling grace to
strengthen
the sick in times of trial.
R/ Lord,
be close to give your comfort.
◖ When pain
or distress is overwhelming: R/ Lord, be close to give your comfort.
◖ When the healing process goes slower than hoped: R/
◖ When
terrified by treatments or therapy: R/
◖ When it’s
hard to let go of long-held plans: R/
◖ When the
feeling of alienation arises: R/
◖ When worn
out and weary: R/
◖ When
troubled by impatience and negativity: R/
◖ When
loneliness adds to anxiety: R/
◖ When
sickness makes it difficult to communicate: R/
◖ When
discouragement or despondency sets in: R/
◖ When fear
makes it impossible to face the future: R/
◖ When the
ravages of disease attack self-esteem: R/
◖ When
anger and resentment assail: R/
◖ When beset
by worry or fretfulness: R/
◖ When it’s
hard to rely on others for care: R/
◖ When envy
arises toward those who are healthy: R/
◖ When
pessimism or cynicism holds sway: R/
◖ When
anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation: R/
◖ When
sickness is mistaken for punishment: R/
◖ When
loved ones are far away: R/
◖ When
sickness causes financial hardship that leads to worry or despair: R/
◖ When
afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for: R/
◖ When
weakness makes it impossible even to think: R/
◖ When
friends withdraw, fearful of disease: R/
◖ When
illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable: R/
◖ When
haunted by regret and the shame of past sins: R/
◖ When it’s
difficult to sleep: R/
◖ When there’s a loss of appetite: R/
◖ When
there’s resistance to necessary change: R/
◖ When
tempted by denial: R/
◖ When
nobody seems to understand: R/
◖ When
bound to home or when restricted in movement: R/
◖ When
listlessness and apathy threaten: R/
◖ When
medication seems to make things worse: R/
◖ When all
that’s needed is a caring touch: R/
◖ When it’s
impossible to maintain familiar routines: R/
◖ When it’s
hard to find the strength to go on: R/
◖ When it
becomes difficult to pray: R/
◖ When
suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear: R/
◖ When
death draws near R/
Closing
Prayer
Most
merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers,
tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm laid before him. We
place before you all those who are ill and in need of healing grace. May the
love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness
and restore them to health and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
(From https://us.magnificat.net/free) Prayer
Card Version Here (Image: Shutterstock licensed stock photo ID:
94641448. Calvary By WDG Photo)
LOOKING TO HISTORY FOR CHRISTIAN INSPIRATION
MAY 08,
2020: EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES (Retrieved from Zenti)
‘In the face of the wholesale death of
war, we are either struck dumb or cling to the Christ’s Cross’
Cardinal
Vincent Nichols of Westminster preached this homily at a special Thanksgiving
Mass to mark the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and the end
of World War Two in Europe.
Homily
I am not
old enough to remember VE Day! Many of you are! I just about remember that
exciting feeling when rationing of sweets ended and there was a steady supply
of butter. But the excitement of 8 May 1945 was too early for me.
Today
gives us all an opportunity to recall afresh the excitement of victory in the
enormous effort of that terrible war. Images of that excitement abound today,
and this Memorial Day will be rounded off by Her Majesty the Queen herself.
On Sunday
13 May 1945, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated here in this Cathedral by
Cardinal Griffin. He spoke of the pride in the armed forces, in the example set
by the King and Queen, in the leadership of Winston Churchill. He described the
war as a fight to the death against totalitarianism and added, I quote, “an
ugly word for an ugly thing which means that the State lays claim to the bodies
and souls of its citizens, usurping the place of God”. That ugliness we saw in
its fullness particularly in the “ghastly truth of the concentration camps.”
Ronnie
Knox, that great preacher, pointed the way in which we were to thank God. I
quote: “Thank God not so much because our enemies have been humiliated because
one more warning has been pasted up on the notice-board of history against the
drunkard’s dream of world-conquest.” It was a time of great rejoicing indeed.
But there was also much sorrow in that rejoicing: so many not coming home; so
many lost lives at home; so much destruction. Sense had to be made of all the
death and suffering: lives were taken and many lives given.
In the
prayers of those days, as in these days too, the reality and cost of
self-sacrifice are central. Indeed, the ultimate prayer we have been given, the
prayer of the Mass, has at this heart the act of self-sacrifice: the mystery of
the Word of God in our flesh, offering himself in sacrifice for our freedom.
In the
face of the ugly and wholesale death of war, we are either struck dumb or we
cling to the Cross of Christ. He alone gives death and suffering a new and
redemptive dimension. He gave of himself that we might live. So too did so
many.
In his
Godhead Jesus has victory over death; in his humanity, he gives us a share in
that victory, such that we, can our turn, can make an offering of our suffering
and even of life itself. No wonder the words of the hymn Abide with me strike
such a deep chord in our land. “Hold thou thy Cross before my closing eyes… in
life, in death, O Lord, abide with me”. This, too, we remember today with profound
thankfulness.
There was
another sense in the hearts of many on that day in May seventy-five years ago.
They knew that huge challenges lay ahead. Social order and society had to be
rebuilt, not just here but in so many other countries, too. New dangers stalked
the world: poverty, long-term unemployment, rancour, and discord which had to
be overcome if a true peace, always more than the absence of war, was to be
constructed.
History
tells us that in the post-war years some great achievements emerged from dialogue
and mutual effort. A need was recognized for more than a renewed economy. A
renewal of spirit, a renewal of identity, a renewal of values and personal
moral vision was needed to replace the deconstruction of so much in the
brutality of warfare. The vision of faith, the Christian faith, played a
crucial part in that effort, notably in the construction of a renewed system of
education. Similarly, the NHS emerged, and social renewal in housing and
welfare. It was a time of building, houses, and souls. That too must be part of
our reflection today, and part of our thanksgiving.
Now we are
living through our own crisis. Today we work hard for victory over this
devastating virus. Today we see the patterns of self-sacrifice emerge again
from the depths of the human soul. Today we begin to glimpse the immensity of
the task that lies ahead, with poverty, unemployment, vast movements of
vulnerable people just some of the challenges we face. We too need all our
resources to meet these challenges and refashion a society that is intent on
ignoring no-one, no matter how weak.
In these
weeks we are working together to ensure that no-one, no matter how weak, is
left without the medical care they need in this pandemic. That pattern and
intent can truly be a model, a pointer, for the society we want to fashion anew
in our day. Through our politics, through our business and enterprise, through
our education, through our families, through our faith we can fashion a society
focussed on and dedicated to the common good, a good from which no one,
absolutely no one, is excluded.
Victory in
Europe, 8 May 1945, was a marvellous moment. The war continued in the Far East
until September. But it was a moment of such invigorating joy that we do well
to remember and celebrate it in thanksgiving and prayer. May God bless all
those who won for us that victory. May God bless us all in our present
struggle. May God and the light that He alone can give, always be our guide and
our strength. Amen.
Cardinal
Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
Cardinal Vincent Nichols - Bishops'
Conference Of England And Wales
POPE’S HOMILY: JESUS, OUR
CONSOLER
MAY 08, 2020. By Borah Castellano Lubov. Via Zenit
news.
Jesus is our consoler.
Today, May 8th, Pope Francis gave this advice to
those watching his private daily Mass at his residence Casa Santa Marta,
reported Vatican News.
In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on today’s
Gospel, where Jesus consoled the disciples when they had become melancholy upon
learning from the Lord, that one of them would betray Him.
Consolation, the Argentinian Pontiff observed, can
come in different forms: genuine, formal, or even inauthentic.
But Jesus’s way of consoling us in times of
difficulty, he clarified, is different, as it takes three forms: nearness,
truth and hope.
Jesus’ consolation, he underscored, is never
distant, but always close.
When Jesus consoles, He does not use empty words.
He says to us “I am here; I am with you.” The force of His presence and His
closeness speaks to us even though it is silent.
Reflecting on truth, Pope Francis remarked that the
Gospel passage demonstrates that Jesus did not hide the truth from His
disciples.
Jesus spoke the truth gently, without seeking to
hurt His disciples. Jesus, the Jesuit Pope expressed, speaks the truth because
he is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”
Turning to hope, Jesus consoled His disciples and
restored their hope.
Francis reminded that Jesus said: “Do not let your
hearts be troubled. In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling places. I am
going to prepare a place for you,” (Jn. 14:2).
Jesus, the Holy Father also reassured, goes ahead
of us to open the doors of heaven for all of us.
“As Jesus reassures His disciples that He would
come back to take them with Him,” the Pontiff noted, “so He will come back to
take us. Jesus does not promise that we will not suffer but rather that when we
do, he will be close to us to console us.”
Francis acknowledged that it is “not easy to allow
ourselves to be consoled by the Lord.” In bad times, he noted, we may become
angry with God and we do not allow Him to console us.
Pope Francis concluded, praying: Pope Francis
prayed that we might allow ourselves to be consoled by the Lord. His
consolation “is nearness, He is truth, and He opens the doors of hope”.
The Masses in Francis’ chapel normally welcome a
small group of faithful, but due to recent measures taken by the Vatican, are
now being kept private, without their participation. The Holy Week and Easter
celebrations in the Vatican were also done without the presence of the faithful
but were able to be watched via streaming.
It was announced at the start of the lockdowns in
Italy that the Pope would have these Masses, in this period, be available to
all the world’s faithful, via streaming on Vatican Media, on weekdays, at 7 am
Rome time, (3 pm Queensland time), along with his weekly Angelus and General
Audiences.
On May 4th, the country entered its so-called
‘Phase 2′, where it will slowly relax some of the lockdown restrictions.
Public Masses in Italy with the faithful will
resume on Monday, May 18th, according to a statement of the Italian Bishops’
Conference. There will continue to be various safety measures in place, in
order to protect the faithful.
In Italy where nearly 30,000 people have died from
COVID19, public Masses are still prohibited. To date, in the Vatican, there
have been twelve cases of coronavirus in the Vatican, confirmed a recent
statement from the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.
The Vatican Museums are closed, along with the
Vatican’s other similar museums. There have also been various guidelines
implemented throughout the Vatican, to prevent the spread of the virus.
For anyone interested, the Pope’s Masses at Santa
Marta can be watched live and can be watched afterwards on Vatican YouTube.
Below is a link to today’s Mass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC-wB2gLpzM
Copyright: Vatican Media
A note from Archbishop Mark
2020
continues to conjure up topsy-turvy situations. Just as autumn is upon us the
Government appears ready to ease some of the COVID19 restrictions, which will
prompt a spring-like rush to get out and about. Whilst it’s hard to predict
what the world will look like after coronavirus, there is one constant thread
we’ll be able to trace back pre and post the pandemic - the generosity of the
human spirit. As recent events prove, just try and put us in a box and it still
seeps out in countless different ways. This edition of The Good News is infused
with a similar spirit: stories of those thankful for even the smallest signs of
God’s grace or still prepared to do their bit in spite of the changed
circumstances.
A note from Archbishop Mark
2020 continues to conjure up topsy-turvy situations. Just as autumn is upon us the Government appears ready to ease some of the COVID19 restrictions, which will prompt a spring-like rush to get out and about. Whilst it’s hard to predict what the world will look like after coronavirus, there is one constant thread we’ll be able to trace back pre and post the pandemic - the generosity of the human spirit. As recent events prove, just try and put us in a box and it still seeps out in countless different ways. This edition of The Good News is infused with a similar spirit: stories of those thankful for even the smallest signs of God’s grace or still prepared to do their bit in spite of the changed circumstances.
During National Volunteer Week, Jeanette Ayre is certainly among those worth celebrating. The Kangaroo Point East Brisbane parishioner is using technology to continue touching people’s lives with music. Read Jeanette’s story here.
St Augustine’s College students brave the shave and raise much-needed funds for a charity dear to them. Read more.
We have a God who has got our back and will always be there to journey with us along the way.
Watch Fr Chukwudi's homily on our YouTube channel.
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