Posted on: 28/02/2021
Dear Friends
Good morning - blessings for this feast day of St David.
We have no doubt all spent time in North Wales for family holidays - Abergele, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Snowdonia and so on.wonderful scenery and beaches. Good memories for sure
I held a special place in the memory of Gerald Manley Hopkins, jesuit priest, pastor and poet.
And so.. this is one of those memories:
In the Valley of the Elwy
I remember a house where all were good
To me, God knows, deserving no such thing:
Comforting smell breathed at very entering,
Fetched fresh, as I suppose, off some sweet wood.
That cordial air made those kind people a hood
All over, as a bevy of eggs the mothering wing
Will, or mild nights the new morsels of Spring:
Why, it seemed of course; seemed of right it should.
Lovely the woods, waters, meadows, combes, vales,
All the air things wear that build this world of Wales;
Only the inmate does not correspond:
God, lover of souls, swaying considerate scales,
Complete thy creature dear O where it fails,
Being mighty a master, being a father and fond.
It evokes memories not only of North Wales but also of those times when we have enjoyed hospitality and friendship, and all in the comforting sense of the presence of God, the presence of sheer goodness in people and nature.
If you’re out in the countryside enjoy the new daffodils and, if you’re cooking, maybe the odd leek or two - but forget Saturday’s rugby!
St Joseph, pray for us
Every blessing
Fr John
Posted: 16 February 2024
Our Parish Facebook page is now live. Please encourage your friends, family, and other parishioners to like and follow the page.
Posted: 27 January 2024
The next "Come and See" meeting for those enquiring about a vocation to the priesthood will be taking place on Saturday 17th February at St Winifred's, Heaton Mersey.
Posted: 27 January 2024
Sr Joan is holding a series of talks/conversations on the psalms – so much a part of our prayer and liturgy – at Lancashire Martyrs.