A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - I hope you’re keeping well and safe

The reports that we’re getting about the increasing rate of Covid infections is quite alarming. We really do need everyone to take all the necessary precautions, otherwise the implications are quite worrying.

However, today is a lovely feast - the Birthday of Our Lady. It gives us reason to reflect more deeply on Mary’s role within our prayer and devotions. I thought that in celebration we might read the last few lines of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem The Blessed Virgin compared to the Air we Breathe
Be thou then, O thou dear

Mother, my atmosphere;

My happier world, wherein

To wend and meet no sin;

Above me, round me lie

Fronting my froward eye

With sweet and scarless sky;

Stir in my ears, speak there

Of God’s love, O live air,

Of patience, penance, prayer:

World-mothering air, air wild,

Wound with thee, in thee isled,

Fold home, fast fold thy child.

In celebration, you might want to pick up your rosary today - as well as an extra scoop of ice cream, or an extra slice of apple pie

Please remember Kay and her family in your prayers

St Joseph, comfort of the sorrowful, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John