WHAT A WEEKEND!

I must confess that I was not quite ready for the roller-coaster few days that accompanied my birthday last weekend. Firstly, I wish to thank you for the seeming avalanche of cards, gifts and good wishes that descended on me. Usually at Christmas and on special occasions, I make a point of hanging up in my room all the cards I receive, but this was just not possible, not least because of the size of many of the cards. However, as some of you may have seen on my recorded message, I did clear the table and place many of them there as well as on top of the bookcases. Last weekend I commented on the fact that the past fifteen years have offered me some of the most rewarding years of my ministry as a priest: indeed more than I could possibly have dreamt up, so, once again, thank you.

Among the unexpected joys of last weekend was the chance to see a live football match after so many years of simply being an armchair supporter and what a match it was as Sunderland pushed Manchester City all the way in an eight-goal thriller. Naturally, I would have preferred it had the spoils been shared, but you couldn’t leave disappointed after such an exhibition of attacking football from both sides: hopefully, it augurs well for the rest of Sunderland’s season.

The assemblies in Bishop Eton and Carleton House Schools on Monday have provided me with more joyful and emotional memories and more reasons to be nostalgic in the future. As I read through all the children’s greetings and indeed looked at Bridie’s sensational cakes, I could not help but wonder whether people will remember me more for my passion for Sunderland’s football team than the love of the Lord! No, I am happy that the message is more that we all need to live a balanced life, including our prayer, our work and our recreation, and, like you, I will try to continue to live my life accordingly.