MILESTONES:

As you well know I reach a significant milestone in my life this weekend and thank you for all the greetings and good wishes. When, over fifteen years ago, I was invited to serve the parishes of Bishop Eton and St Mary’s Woolton, I could not have imagined a more rewarding opportunity in the latter part of my life to live my Redemptorist vocation. Over the last 62 years since Andrew Burns and I went to Perth to begin our training the world and the Church have changed dramatically. Our ways parted after ordination, Andrew going to South Africa for 35 years, before returning to the London Province, whereas all my appointments have been in Britain. Both of us have been engaged in a variety of ministries and been entrusted with responsibility in the governance of the Congregation. Likewise, both of us look back in gratitude that our ministries have been enriched by being part of a worldwide Congregation, which enabled us to travel, study and work with confrères from other parts of the world. The visitation of the Province by our General Council at the moment is providing us with a further opportunity to contribute to the conversation which seeks to discern how best to respond to all the challenges confronting society and the Church at this present time. In my report on behalf of the Provincial Council, I suggested that we use the recurring theme of the Book of Revelation, which calls upon the early Churches in Asia Minor, “to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church.” We all acknowledge that answers may not be readily available, but I must say that the conversations we have had to date have proved refreshingly honest and helpful. Please do continue to pray for us and for yourselves that we will all remain patient and faithful with one another. Next Friday, Brother Michael, Fr Anthony Cassidy, Andrew and I will be in London for the final part of the visitation with Fr General himself. Fr Michael Henesy is staying behind and will offer the usual midday Mass that day.