Prayer

A REFLECTION FOR VOCATIONS’ SUNDAY

FROM THE ARCHDIOCESAN VOCATIONS DIRECTOR

In our Gospel last Sunday, we were invited to reflect on the powerful encounter between the Lord and St Peter by the lake shore. Through this encounter Peter is reminded of his call to be “a fisher of men”. At this time Simon says, “leave me Lord I am a sinful man” and by the light of a charcoal fire in the courtyard of the high priest’s house he denies ever knowing Jesus. Here, by another charcoal fire, he is offered an experience of the merciful love of the Father so that, his past denial and abandonment of Jesus, no longer would have power over him. Peter is to be forgiven, strengthened and encouraged so that through love of God perfected in him, and knowing himself restored, he might in turn encourage and strengthen his brothers. 

After the unexpected death of Pope Francis, many commentators reflected on his pontificate and the significance of his preaching and teaching. Above all the Year of Mercy stood out as an example of his deep appreciation of the merciful love of God for us, as he commented that the Church was a field hospital for sinners rather than a hotel for saints. Many believe this deep faith in the merciful love the Father came from a powerful and personal experience of God’s forgiveness in his own life. His funeral gave the Catholics around the world an opportunity to intercede for the remission of his sins pray as well as to give thanks to God for the positive ways he guided and inspired the Church. For the ways he was a Good Shepherd.

Read more: A Reflection for Vocations' Sunday

THE POPE VIDEO MAY 2025

This video features words from Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and St Pope John Paul II

POPE FRANCIS TEACHING US TO WALK TOGETHER

Redemptorist Publications have published  a reflection on Pope Francis by  Dominic Robinson SJ the Parish Priest of Farm Street Church and the Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Diocese of Westminster.  You can read it by clicking here

THE SYNODAL LEGACY OF POPE FRANCIS

POPE FRANCIS - A THANKYOU FROM THE WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK

PRAYER FOR POPE FRANCIS                                      

O God, faithful rewarder of souls,
grant that your departed servant Pope Francis,
whom you made successor of Peter
and shepherd of your Church,
may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.

ARCHBISHOP MALCOLM'S EASTER MESSAGE

Happy Easter! Archbishop Malcolm has written a short Easter message. You can find a text version by clicking here

Alternately you may watch the mesage below.

WHAT IS THE EASTER TRIDUUM?

PAPAL PRAYER INTENTION APRIL 2025

JUBILEE PRAYER 2025

Father in heaven may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, awaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of the new heaven and the new earth.

When, with the powers of evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures

of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever. Amen.