A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - I hope you’re managing to stay reasonably warm.

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes - designated by the Church as a World Day of Prayer for the Sick.

Lourdes is a unique place and holds many special memories for so many people, myself included.

In his letter to mark the 29th Day of Prayer, Pope Francis said: "Dear brothers and sisters, the commandment of love that Jesus left to his disciples is also kept in our relationship with the sick. A society is all the more human to the degree that it cares effectively for its most frail and suffering members, in a spirit of fraternal love. Let us strive to achieve this goal, so that no one will feel alone, excluded or abandoned.

"To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Infirm, I entrust the sick, healthcare workers and all those who generously assist our suffering brothers and sisters. From the Grotto of Lourdes and her many other shrines throughout the world, may she sustain our faith and hope, and help us care for one another with fraternal love. To each and all, I cordially impart my blessing."

This World Day of the Sick especially, let us pray for the many people in our parish and around our diocese facing ill health and sickness due to Coronavirus and other long-term health conditions. As we move through the pandemic, may we not forget the lessons we have learned about our care for others, about building community and remaining connected with those facing sickness and disability.

St Joseph, hope of the sick, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John