CATENA No.1090 - AUGUST 2020 The Magazine of the Catenian Association - £2 Stella Maris () is an agency of the . Despite the immense challenges posed by Covid-19, Stella Maris remains as active as possible, here in the UK and overseas. Please visit our website, Facebook site and other social media feeds to stay up to date with our activities. Also, we would urge you to look at our Centenary website: https://centenary.stellamaris.org.uk/ When your Circle is able to meet again, if you would like a speaker from Stella Maris, please contact us. If you are able to support us, through prayer or fi nancially, we would be most grateful. For donations or any offers of help please contact: In England and Wales [email protected] In Scotland [email protected]

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2 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 EDITORIAL WELCOME Head Office Contact The Catenian Association ‘May God protect us from gloomy saints.’ 2nd Floor — Saint Teresa of Avila 1 Park House Station Square Coventry CV1 2FL Tel: 02476 224533 Fax: 02476 224544 [email protected]

Magazine Contact James Power Editor Beck House 77a King Street, Knutsford Cheshire WA16 6DX Mob: 07590 851 183 [email protected] [email protected] Tatton Park, Knutsford Notes for Contributors Many Catenians have contacted me recently and described how they have used the past few months to reflect on the direction of their life. Contributions for publication are to Some good friends have told me quietly, how under the pressure of be sent directly to the Editor by email: solitude, their enthusiasm for certain things has taken a hit. [email protected] All distribution queries to Head Office, The word ‘enthusiasm’ has its root in the Greek word enthousiasmos, from Coventry. enthous, meaning ‘possessed by a god, inspired’. I have no claims to answers, Please contact the Editor if you have but I can certainly observe a change in outlook and a heartfelt search of my any questions about an article you own to find time to walk early in the morning, just when the birdsong starts. have sent in. The deadline for the next edition is the I live near a large park which was closed for several months. While the gates first of the month prior to publication. were shut, the deer claimed back their space, but it was still a surprise to see When sending photographs via email a newborn fawn right next to the path. I nearly fell into the lake while doing please ensure that they are saved at my David Attenborough impression, trying not to disturb the deer. I knew I had 300dpi and as maximum quality JPEGs. witnessed something special that would normally be concealed because of all Please notify changes of address and the bustle and noise. Brothers’ deaths through Circle Secretary to Head Office, Coventry. My dad was a lifelong rebel and unless he was talking about music, he rarely Magazine published by Catenian got enthusiastic. He would also describe grace in his own way; he said that Publications Ltd. it can be found in a busy street, in company or even in the solitude of a box room. If I am honest, I am not sure I ever understood him fully, but there have been times recently when I have had a shift in perspective. I know friends who Help the have lost everything they hold dear in the past few months. At the same time, Environment I have personally experienced totally new situations and witnessed kindness Your magazine wrapper is easy that I will remember for the rest of my life. to recycle so please consider the environment. Please note, Catena is put together by a small but dedicated team. Due to the wider impact Do you know, Catena’s printers of coronavirus some of the articles due to be published this month have been held back to are winners of the Environmental the next edition. Please get in touch with any questions about articles you have sent in. We appreciate your support for Catena as we move through the next few weeks and months. Company of the Year Award. Please do contact us if you know a Catenian with an interesting job, hobby or a charity interest. They use sustainably sourced If you have a gifted parish priest or friend who can write a reflection for Catena please get in touch. paper and vegetable-based inks. We are always delighted to receive letters and articles from family members of Catenians who bring so much to the Catenian Association. Catena thrives on the stories you send in. Please send articles, photos or any questions by email, whenever possible: [email protected]

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4 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 16 08

06-07 18-19 30 A First for the West News Roundup Classified

08-11 20-21 31-32 Coping During Covid-19 The Story of Letters St Mary Mackillop 12-13 33 The Big Switch 22-23 Milestones Angel of the Amazon 14 34-41 Prayer in Times 24-26 Around the Circles of Hardship The Final Word 42-47 15 27 In Memoriam The Time it Rained Shared Funding Scheme on my Parade 47 28-29 Seeking Employment 16-17 Remembering Aid to the Church in Need St Teresa of Calcutta

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 5 FEATURE A FIRST FOR THE WEST Province 20 director appointed chairman of Central Council

Liwara Circle Brother and Province 20 director In 1991, Ralph took voluntary redundancy and enjoyed Ralph Fitzpatrick was appointed chairman of the working with Liana in their Amway business. Then he started work for Acctser (now Classic Information Central Council of the Catenian Association on Systems), which he and a colleague bought and expanded 19 June, the first Catenian to hold this position into an international software development company from a Western Australian Circle. specialising in accounting software for exploration, mining and oil companies. Ralph joined the Association in 1995 when he was in his While working, Ralph was involved in All Saints Catholic mid-40s. During the ensuing 25 years he has held a variety Church in Greenwood, serving as a committee member of positions in Liwara Circle, Province 20 and the Catenian and chairman of the parish council and the finance committee. Association. His current roles include director of Province 20, vice president of the Australian National Council, After 21 years in public service and 21 years working in and director of The Catenian Association Ltd, Catena software design and development, he retired in 2014. Publications Ltd, and Catenian Association Australia Ltd. In 1970, while at university, he met Liana. They married Ralph was born in 1949 in Perth, and has lived in in 1972 and lived in South Perth for a year before buying Western Australia (WA) all his life. His parents met in a house in Duncraig where they have lived for 47 years. Malaysia: Ron was a prisoner of war in Singapore during They have two sons, Tony and Alan. the Second World War and Tine spent the war years in His mother and father nurtured Ralph’s love of hockey, Penang. In 1947, a couple of months after they married, which he has passed on to Tony and Alan. Injuries and they migrated to WA. Ralph is their second child of four. work put an end to his playing days in 2004 and now he Their home was always filled with people – it was the enjoys watching his sons and grandsons play. ‘go to’ place for visitors from Malaysia. The family grew when Alan married Jill and Tony married Ralph attended Holy Family School in Como, then Maria. Ralph is a doting grandad to Xavier, Evan and Christian Brothers College in Perth. He studied at the Ryan: they enjoy fishing, playing cards and just spending University of Western Australia for a Bachelor of Science time together. degree, majoring in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Computation. In recent years, Ralph has taken up golf and plays (not He later studied for a Bachelor of Commerce degree, very well) twice a week if possible. In 2019 Ralph and majoring in Accounting. On leaving university, Ralph took Liana attended the Great Britain National Catenian Golf up a position in public service and spent 21 years working Week in Oxford, which they thoroughly enjoyed. through the ranks to the position of assistant director Ralph and Liana like to visit all Province 20 Circles of state IT. at least once each year and attend Catenian events whenever possible.

6 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 In 2006, when Mike O’Malley led the Grand President’s Ralph has recently been re-elected director of tour of Western Australia, Ralph and Liana were introduced Province 20 for a further three years, so is likely to be to the wider Catenian world and it marked the beginning involved for at least five years to come on the Australian of their involvement in Catenian events nationally and National Council and Central Council. internationally. They have been involved in five Grand Liana and Ralph wholeheartedly recommend membership Presidents’ tours to Australia, plus one tour of the of the Association to anyone considering joining. Ralph is President of the Great Britain National Council in 2018. mindful of the advice he was given by a friend when he They have attended all six Australian conferences and asked if he had heard of the Catenians. He said: “Ralph, nine international conferences; the first for the 100-year just join. It will be the best decision you ever make,” celebrations in Manchester in 2008. They espouse the and – apart from marrying Liana of course – it was! benefits of attending local, provincial and international events and visiting Catenians when travelling. The Catenian friendships they have made are strong and extend all around Australia, Great Britain, India and Malta. Their friendships and face-to-face meetings make it easier when Ralph attends meetings to discuss Catenian issues via phone, email, Skype or Zoom.

Applicants should email Head Office their wish to apply and Appointment of New Trustee will then be sent an information pack and the necessary The Catenian Bursary Fund Ltd is owned and managed application forms, which must be returned by 1 September on behalf of the Catenian Association Limited, in accordance 2020. Candidates must be available for interview, either with the rules of Companies House and the Charity physically or electronically, which will be scheduled to be Commissioners, by a Board of Trustees / Directors appointed held during week commencing Monday 28 September 2020. by the Catenian Central Council. The name of the candidate selected is then passed to the Catenian Central Council for appointment. The new Trustees Every year a proportion of those Trustees retire by will be appointed for an extendable 3-year term, joining the rotation, and there is a current vacancy for a new Trustee. Board at its meeting on 10 November 2020. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified Catenian Brothers and the widows, wives and daughters of Trustees are all unpaid volunteers, though the Fund does Catenian Brothers, worldwide, who wish to apply to serve reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. However, the as a Trustee. Applicants must demonstrate what relevant personal rewards are great, for not only will you be doing a experience and special skills they would bring to the Board; great service for the Association, but you will also be offering and demonstrate that they are able to commit to join the real, practical and vital help to develop and support Catholic Trustees during UK normal business hours at their meetings, youth, and our faith, throughout the world. either physically or electronically. They should also be able For an information pack and application forms to demonstrate their personal commitment to the Fund, please contact the Bursary Fund Administrator: and to have ready and familiar-user access to up-to-date [email protected] computer facilities.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 7 FEATURE COPING DURING COVID-19 Missing the grandchildren

The challenges of life under lockdown, adhering to social distancing measures, and generally John Ross, getting by during a global pandemic have been Knutsford Circle myriad. But one of the hardest things to endure How have you kept in touch with your has been the absence of family and friends. family during lockdown? We decided to self-lockdown on 13 March, a little earlier Catena spoke to Catenians who are than most, in some part due to the concern of our family, grandparents to find out how they’ve fared knowing that at our ages we could be more vulnerable to during these unprecedented times. Covid-19. Indeed, we were soon exchanging greetings with our children and grandchildren over the garden wall. “Have you got Covid, grandpa?” my six-year-old grandchild asked. “No, I haven’t, Caspar,” I replied. “Have you?” Our exchanges over the wall continued and only recently have we enjoyed conversations in our garden, keeping social distance. Our nine local grandchildren have long been used to keeping away from hugs and kisses. We are blessed with five offspring families, including 17 grandchildren, and like most families, we have become used to WhatsApp, Zoom and other online exchanges, including now playing online chess. We are sure there will be some beneficial spin-off from these restrictions.

8 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 How challenging has it been not being able to see some of your children and grandchildren in person? Peter and Andrea Callaghan, In our case this hasn’t been a problem, since many of them live locally, and of course the older grandchildren who work Brooklands Circle in far-flung places – London, Switzerland and Japan – How have you kept in touch with your family have kept in touch online as usual. during lockdown? Our son lives in Oxford so, unfortunately, we haven’t seen What have you missed the most? Hugs and kisses, playing games, family gatherings for him or his family (his wife Amelia and two daughters, Greta birthdays and family events, going to Mass together, and and Ingrid) for four months, but we Facetime regularly. even shopping with them. After Annmarie died, we had more dealings with her four daughters. During the coronavirus, we have been lucky Have the past few months changed your to keep in touch with all four by Facetime. family priorities in any way? Yes, most certainly. It has quickly become clear to all that The eldest, Amy, and the third, Lucy, live quite nearby and we will not be here forever. I think all the members of our did most of our shopping, so when the weather was good, family have realised that and focused minds on not taking we were able to sit in the garden at safe distances. everything for granted. We all have little foibles and funny What have you missed the most? ways, but that difference between us is to be celebrated The greatest thing we have missed is seeing our first and enjoyed in this fast-changing world. great-grandson, Oliver, who was born in May, and his Where would we have been without electronic mother Hannah, Annmarie’s youngest. It has taken 53 communications? Our electronic devices, Zoom and years for another boy to be born in the Callaghan family! other virtual means of getting together and keeping supply Have the past few months changed your chains to support our wellbeing, have been remarkable. family priorities in any way? A new normal is developing and we should make it work During the last few months our priorities have slightly to bring our families and friends closer together. changed and we have realised how much we love and That is an important priority. miss all our family, especially contact with hugs and kisses. How much are you looking forward We have great news as in September and October we are to seeing your family again? expecting two more great-grandchildren from Elizabeth and It will be wonderful to go into their homes and gardens Lucy, both Annmarie’s daughters, so we hope to be able to again, enjoy a meal and a drink together and just talk about see all the family by then. We hope our son and family will the everyday things in our lives – mutual friends, holidays, be able to come and see us in August, and Elizabeth, who sporting activities, attending Mass at school or in church, lives in Andover, is coming next weekend. and enjoying other activities with them. Do you have any special plans for a family reunion? Do you have any special plans for a family reunion? I have a special birthday this year, which was to be Oh, yes, most certainly. We have forfeited a lot of time celebrated in September 2020, but we will have a great together. We have missed being together, and we look reunion in 2021. forward to expressing our joy at having come through these difficult times. Now we are hopeful that next year we will be able to celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary with all of our family.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 9 FEATURE

In the worst days of the pandemic, our children bought Laurence Grech, our food and delivered it to our home without entering. That’s how we managed to see our beloved grandchildren Mensija Circle, Malta (apart from video chats). Enjoying the company of our For those of us whose family mostly live in Malta, keeping grandchildren, was the thing we missed most during the in touch has not been difficult in the time of the Covid-19 worst days of the pandemic. Thank God, things are back restrictions. My wife Lilian and I, both in our early 70s, to (almost) normal now, and we have been enjoying fall under the vulnerable category, so we mostly stayed their company. at home, but we had almost daily telephone contact with We have all had to become accustomed to meeting our children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters. virtually. Mensija Circle and council meetings are still being With churches closed, the Church in Malta exempted held via Zoom, but we intend holding an open air event Catholics from the obligation of hearing Mass, but we have in August, with some restrictions in place, affording our managed to follow Mass on national TV every day; it is Brothers and their spouses the first opportunity to meet usually celebrated by the archbishop or his auxiliary and is face-to-face in months. We hope and pray that there will also streamed on Facebook and on the Church’s website. be no second wave, but we have to be prepared. Some parishes also broadcast Masses. Though we could receive Holy Communion in spirit, going to confession was Delduque Costa, more problematic. It was only recently, some three months after the first cases were reported, that the churches could Goa, India reopen, albeit with some restrictions. Body temperature is Christine and I are grandparents to six wonderful, taken on entrance, sanitiser must be used for hands, and naughty grandchildren, ranging from twenty to six years the wearing of masks or visors is compulsory. Individual in age. Lockdown was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, members of the congregation must keep two metres apart something I definitely would not like to go through again. – only members of the same family can stay together. Normally, 14 of us (including kids and grandkids) meet Each church has been given a maximum number of people every Sunday for lunch at the Mother house. That was allowed in, the highest number, to my knowledge, is 330 cut short and we had to satisfy ourselves with phone calls at the largest parish church on the island. For confession, and video calls. priest and penitent, divided by a screen, sit two metres Fortunately, lockdown was lifted after 45 days, albeit apart in a closed room and wear masks. However, with restrictions which allowed us to visit each other most other restrictions have been relaxed: all shops, with masks, social distancing and sans any hugging. restaurants, bars and cafés are now open, subject to But something was better than nothing. the wearing of masks in some cases and limited seating capacity in restaurants. Other gatherings, however, are Not being able to have the kiddos come and stay over, mostly restriction-free. meeting and just generally spending time with them was hard, but tougher still was to explain to them why. Family The airport was reopened on 1 July, with passengers has always been number one, and since more restrictions screened on arrival. At the time of writing (13 July), Malta have been lifted, we are looking forward to our get-together has had 674 cases of coronavirus, of which nine, have on grandparents day, after what seems like forever. been fatal. The vast majority have recovered, and the God willing, we will. number of active cases is now down to five.

10 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 What have you missed the most? Suhail Mansour, Not being able to play with the grandchildren, read them stories, tease them, or teach them about nature, including Nazareth Circle beekeeping. We have had a hard time with Covid-19 and we are still They are all members of the Southend-on-Sea Beekeepers suffering from the effects of social distancing. For me and Division, and the eldest have previously won prizes at the my wife Reem, it was very hard not to see and touch and Essex Honey Show for candles and educational posters. smell our first grandson. For two months it was forbidden There is no show this year due to the cursed virus! to exit from your home and we were only allowed to go out to buy food and not more than 500 metres. Have the past few months changed your family priorities in any way? My wife Reem is a biology teacher and she was teaching The lockdown has increased our desire to see all by Zoom from home. I had to close my business and am the members of our family on a more regular basis. without work. Absence makes the heart seek familial companionship, We have not been able to see my son, his wife or our and strengthens holy bonds. grandson for two months. We had planned to celebrate How much are you looking forward to seeing your Palm Sunday together, but we were not able to. My son family again? and his family celebrated Easter alone in the garden near We have already managed to see all members of the their house. We are now able to see them outside on family: some at our home in Rayleigh, Essex; others the street. at Helen’s house at Milford on Sea. Paul and Jane Abbott, The last time we enjoyed a full family reunion was at Christmas 2019, when all 20 of us crammed into our Southend-on-Sea Circle four-bedroomed Rayleigh house. It was very cosy! As is traditional, I cooked a 9kg Christmas turkey outside How have you kept in touch with your family on a charcoal barbecue. The Easter plan to barbecue during lockdown? a leg of lamb for the whole family was wrecked by We have kept in touch by telephone, video calls the coronavirus lockdown. and Zoom. It has been entertaining, but a little clinical. How challenging has it been not being able to see your children and grandchildren in person? The lack of proper physical contact has been very challenging. The technological methods of communication helped us to keep in touch, but we are bereft of familial intimacy: no hugs and kisses. Not being able to see them for the three months of lockdown proved very frustrating, particularly at Easter, as I had bought ten chocolate Easter bunnies. Happily, these have now been delivered, much to the delight of the grandchildren. AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 11 FEATURE THE BIG SWITCH A publishing project for the visually impaired

It all started with a creative writing group founded Prior to lockdown and social distancing, the group visited by Bill Cameron of City of Salford Circle. Now, places of local interest and inspiration such as Ordsall Hall, John Rylands Library and Elizabeth Gaskell’s house. despite the obstacles thrown up by Covid-19, Members are also encouraged to discover their hidden a collection of short stories in large print format talents by trying activities such as editing and proofreading, has been published for readers with visual which can lead to self-publishing. impairment. SWit’CH is not an exclusive club whose members read only to each other: they interact with people outside their Swinton-based creative writing group SWit’CH (Swinton meeting place. They have visited St Ann’s Hospice at Writers in t’Critchley Hub) has been meeting since March Little Hulton to read to patients and supplied stories 2015. Initially comprised of eight members, it has grown for a local church magazine. To mark their support of to a regular attendance of up to 12 at a physical meeting. Dementia Awareness Week, they gave readings during At present, a core group of eight take part in Wednesday a visit to the Humphrey Booth Day Centre in Swinton. Zoom meetings. Meanwhile, The Big Switch project was to self-publish Bill says: “There is a balanced mix of men and women in a collection of the SWit’CH writing group’s previously the group. Like the writers themselves, their writings have published short stories in large print format. The application a wonderful vim and vigour, showcasing everything from for a microgrant to Salford Community and Voluntary dry humour about army service to science fiction, from Services was successful and work started on the project private eyes to poems, rebellious teenagers to kitchen early in 2020. disasters and all stops in-between. Not surprisingly, the inspiration of local literary heroes Shelagh Delaney and Bill explains where the idea came from. Walter Greenwood can be seen in some works.” “The inspiration to produce a large print version came He adds: “Under normal circumstances, we meet every from our regular contact with Salford Talking Newspaper Wednesday in the community café of Age UK on Chorley for the Blind, where we regularly visit the studio and record Road. It is a social gathering, not a classroom. Our our own short stories for the monthly audio magazine members write for pleasure and fun – stories long and which is distributed on memory sticks to Salford residents short, scripts, anecdotes, articles, parodies and poems – with visual impairment. Additional Catenian involvement and spend a large part of the two-hour meeting chatting came through the generous efforts of the Circle in and drinking tea or coffee.” proofreading and critiquing the compilation.”

12 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 The finished result is designed for easy reading with a “We have a close liaison with Age UK’s Critchley font design developed by the RNIB. Eyestrain can become community hub in Swinton, the host of our weekly group uncomfortable with extended periods of reading long meeting, who were able to distribute more copies during works like novels, so the stories selected are short. their shopping support for isolated members of the Although the text is large, the book is a normal size, community. Salford Community Volunteer Service were so it is easy to handle. involved in the delivery of creative packs to 38 care homes in Salford and took The Big Switch with them.” Needless to say, the events of the past few months have proved challenging. In particular, Covid-19 lockdown has He continues: “Sales of our previously published books made distribution very difficult. So far, Bill has used his help to keep our head above water. Funding for The Big exercise ration and bike to distribute copies locally. But Switch means we can give it away free to Salford citizens he anticipates a need for more imaginative solutions when who should ask via our group e-mail address word gets around. [email protected]. We will do our best to find a way to deliver it, but it will be available at the Age UK He says: “The coronavirus lockdown kicked in after we community hub in Swinton once the doors open again had started, so when the printed book became available, and through local Age UK representatives. The book we did not have the outlets we had expected. Through is also available on Amazon and via book distributors, personal contacts, church notices and word of mouth, using ISBN 9798644090433, where sales would earn we got a handful to the targeted readership. us a small royalty.”

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 13 FEATURE PRAYER IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP A short guide by Dundee and Perth Circle’s newest member, Reverend Len Moir, touches this moment in time

Whilst frantic shoppers were stockpiling food Launching his book via Zoom in May, he reflected: and toilet rolls, one clergyman realised that there “The Covid-19 lockdown is teaching us all a lot about ourselves. We are restricted in our movements and our are people across the nation with a very different contact with others, conditions already familiar to those kind of hunger. in our communities who are sick or housebound. The Reverend Len Moir, a permanent deacon in the “We have seen heroic acts of support by friends and diocese of Dunkeld, has published a short book, Prayer neighbours, NHS workers, care home workers and all in Times of Hardship, offering support to those who who have continued to provide important services at have found recent months a struggle. this time.” Deacon Moir said: “Either on their daily exercise, or in the A mountaineer and long-distance runner, Len is all too isolation of their own homes, most people have had much aware of the impact that the current restrictions are having more time for thinking: about friends and family, the wider on people’s lives. He has bagged all Scotland’s Munros world, and how the future will look. Covid-19 has spread and run several marathons. In normal times he meets not only physical pain, but mental and spiritual anguish too. regularly with friends. A keen musician, Len is also a long-serving member of the Dundee Cecilian Choir, with “Places where people worship, or pop in to say a prayer, whom he has taken part in many music tours. He sorely have been closed. Those with no church connections may misses all these activities, as well as his visits to the sick be searching for a deeper understanding.” and housebound. He added: “We will each have a unique take on these The success of the support materials led to the production events, whether we have a faith or not. We may wonder of Prayer at Times of Hardship. The 32-page publication how others are coping. This concern is a part of our human takes a straightforward, practical look at the practice of condition.” personal prayer. A son of the manse, Len was born in Aberdeen, but the “Who knew – with our meetings cancelled for the family moved to Perth during World War II with his father’s foreseeable future – that Deacon Len was going to support appointment to St Leonard-in-the-Fields. Len returned to us so ably with his new book?” says Andrew Mitchell, Aberdeen to study Psychology, English and Law before secretary of Dundee and Perth Circle, who published working in primary education in Dundee for 40 years. the book and provided many of the photos. He was headteacher at Whitfield Primary School, before becoming an advisor in primary education. Len’s book, price £5, is available at www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/shop, by email to After the death of his wife and his retirement from teaching, [email protected] or you may call Len trained and was ordained to the permanent diaconate 07806 789791. You may wish to arrange a collection in 2014 – a role that allows him to assist the priest, preach point, otherwise please allow an extra £1.50 for the Word and conduct baptisms, weddings and funerals. post and packing. While working in the parish of St John the Baptist’s, Perth, Len developed a popular series of faith sharing pamphlets for use with house groups and in schools. His love of scripture is rooted in the services conducted by his father, and from his time in the Boy’s Brigade. As a deacon, he continues his learning, primarily in Ignatian spirituality, and he has completed the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius at St Beuno’s College in North Wales.

14 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 FEATURE THE TIME IT RAINED ON MY PARADE Fundraising for heroes

“Have I told you about the time . . .” This 1:10 scale model introduces the book.

“Amen to that Sergeant.”

In the lockdown of ‘Ancient Britons’, a Catenian A story from the late Simon Trafford OSB, has produced a coffee table book of short stories Ampleforth monk and ex-Guards officer behind his model soldier collection, in aid of Gow commanded 2nd Battalion Scots Guards in a two military charities. dusty, fly-ridden camp in Africa. Delayed en route, the Rob Thompson from North Yorkshire knew that his Guards arrived to find the ‘best’ huts already taken. family would not want eight display cases full of a lifetime’s Not happy, Gow chanced upon a sergeant whom military modelling, so decided to bequeath a book instead. he ordered to prepare a Kirk for Sunday worship. It Rained on my Parade focuses on the rich vein of military The sergeant hadn’t a clue but decided not to seek anecdotes, customs and traditions depicted by the figures, clarification from a disgruntled CO. Crashing into a showing the models and the author’s cartoons, and is hut of new recruits, he bellowed: “Stand up the Wee designed to entertain rather than as a detailed reference. Frees!” The youngest guardsman sprang to attention Subjects include: A little light gardening; Want to join and was promptly ordered to ‘sort it’, warning that the the Yeomanry? (That’ll be £60,000 please); The perils Colonel would inspect that evening. The recruit simply of purple, pink and walking out with a sailor; Two great swept out the hut and set up the table for the Bible. pension schemes; The terror of Tobermory; Beware The sergeant’s religious experience was films with souvenir-hunting nurses, Welsh womenfolk and candles, pews, stained glass and buckets of smoke; over-enthusiastic laundresses; and The importance this Free Church of Scotland minimalism would not of always listening to your wife! As an ex-journalist, impress his CO. Worried, he acquired a tin of paint the author solemnly guarantees that the stories are and daubed on the end wall in huge, bright red letters, accurate – within the constraints of entertainment. ‘Scotland Forever’. The still disgruntled CO hit the roof. The 52-page, A4-size book has a run of just 100. “Good grief, sergeant, this is a Kirk, man! Get it fixed Production costs are covered within the 25 needed for and I’ll see it in the morning.” Now desperate, family, so 100% of donations from the remaining 75 will the sergeant deployed his initiative. go to Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion (the Next day, after a convivial evening in the mess, a donor’s choice). The suggested donation is £10, plus £2.50 more gruntled CO was delighted to see the slogan for P&P. For further details, please contact Rob at appropriately modified. [email protected] AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 15 FEATURE AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED Helping those struggling to live out their faith

ACN staff and volunteers receive a cheque from members of Ashton-under-Lyne Circle, May 2017 A Sister in Argentina visits the elderly and isolated

“I displayed a small selection of liturgical objects While ACN staff and project partners are always delighted damaged by Daesh (ISIS) during its occupation to offer support to any Circle interested in working with the charity, they also are quick to point out individual of Iraq’s Nineveh Plains. The deep respect and Catenians who have worked for them over the years. reverence shown by the Catenians and their Many have served as area secretaries, front-facing wives was a very moving sight – and just what staff who make appeals and give talks in parishes throughout mainland UK. To mention but one, Tony I’ve come to expect from the members of this Stevens of Wolverhampton Circle, who appealed for wonderful organisation.” ACN for 17 years following his retirement. With the support of his wife, Tessa, he promoted ACN in the These are the words of Dr Caroline Hull, the community archdiocese of Birmingham, speaking in 112 parishes, outreach manager of Aid to the Church in Need UK (ACN), some several times over. Tony says: “The support of the the international Catholic charity supporting the Church parish priests and their congregations was superb, both wherever Christians suffer from poverty, persecution or financially and in prayer. The deprivation and persecution pastoral need. Her words refer to an event she attended that our fellow Christians suffer for their faith is both as a guest of Preston Circle, whose Brothers donated appalling and inspiring.” Tony’s own Circle now prays at towards ACN’s work in Iraq. One of a growing number every meeting for those suffering so greatly for what we of Catenian Circles around the country supporting the in the UK take for granted – practising our faith. suffering Church through ACN, Preston Circle fundraised to help Iraq’s ancient Christian communities rebuild their In 2019, ACN funded over 5,200 projects in 139 countries. homes, villages and lives after more than three years of The charity supports thousands of clergy and religious occupation by ISIS. with grants to provide transport, buildings and basic subsistence to allow them to carry out their crucial In recent years, ACN has been the grateful recipient of pastoral work in schools, orphanages and parishes. thousands of pounds raised by numerous Circles and ACN has provided funding for one in seven of the world’s earmarked for ACN’s work in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere. 115,382 Catholic seminarians. Every 23 seconds a Many Brothers and wives will have visited ACN’s stall at Mass is celebrated by a priest whose stipend has been the annual conferences in 2018 and 2019, where staff offered by an ACN benefactor. As the organisation were able to offer their thanks in person and to share more also provides a huge portion of critical emergency information about the thousands of projects that the charity relief to persecuted Christians in hotspots such as supports each year. Iraq, Syria, Pakistan and Nigeria, it is easy to understand why it is seen as a lifeline by struggling Christian communities the world over. 16 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 ACN supports priests around the world

Andrea Sinnott, ACN parish rep for St Clare’s, Preston, Tom McAuley Children from Armenia, Georgia and Russia and Caroline Hull at Preston Circle’s attend an ACN-supported summer camp in 2019 dinner dance, March 2019

Chalice destroyed Food distribution to Syrian refugees at Destroyed Catholic by Daesh (ISIS) St Georges Haouch al Omara, Lebanon church in Mozambique

2020 has brought many generous donations by loyal Now more than ever, the suffering Church needs your help. benefactors, but there is no denying that the current Please visit the website to join our mailing list or sign up Covid-19 pandemic is taking its toll. ACN remains to our e-newsletter. Find out more about how you can give incredibly grateful to all of the Circles and individual hope to Christians who struggle every day to live out their Brothers who support the suffering Church. Caroline Hull faith at www.acnuk.org knows that she can rely on the Catenians for help: “ACN Circles or individual Brothers can contact Caroline owes everything to its benefactors and we know that many at [email protected] or on 07815 538425. of these are Catenians. Thank you very much for your support; I would be delighted to hear from any Circles interested in working with us to help the suffering and A special thanks to ACN/JericoChimeno persecuted Church.” for the photographs

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 17 FEATURE NEWS ROUNDUP Brought to you in partnership with The Tablet

The 15-hour global e-pilgrimage will bring together millions General News of people from all over the world through television, Cardinal Deplores “Lamentable” Change to Hagia Sophia radio and social networks. Under the tagline of ‘hope and The Archbishop of Westminster is among the church solidarity’ it will take place over 15 hours in ten languages. leaders who have added their voice to those protesting EU Politicians and Religious Leaders Demand at the change to the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Reinstatement of Religious Envoy Earlier, Pope Francis said he was “very saddened” or Calls are growing for the European Union to reinstate “pained”, about Turkey’s planned reconversion of Istanbul’s its special envoy on religious freedom, after the post was Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque. Other church abolished by the new Brussels Commission under Ursula leaders have also criticised the decision. Von Der Leyen. “In some countries, religious oppression In a joint statement, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the has now reached the level of genocide,” said Cardinal Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and the other Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, president of presidents of Churches Together in England said they too COMECE, which represents the EU’s Catholic Bishops were “saddened” at the decision of the Turkish government Conferences. “Vulnerable religious minorities and groups to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. They are at risk, and the EU must continue campaigning for said: “For a long period of time Hagia Sophia has been a religious freedom, with its own representative included.” unique centre symbolising a co-existence of people of faith. Archbishop Urges Equal Rights for Women at Synods It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, as a place where Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, head of the French the rich history of Istanbul is told visually, can be a living Bishops’ Conference, has said religious women should be example of religious tolerance and respect. The decision allowed to vote in Vatican synods and that in the future, to alter the status quo in this way is a powerful, symbolic popes could be advised by a group of cardinals that change that is lamentable and painful for many people also include women. In a long interview with the monthly of faith the world over.” Noosphère, Moulins-Beaufort said the Church “cannot act Cardinal Calls for End to Refugee Benefits Bar as if human beings are minors who must be held by the Cardinal Vincent Nichols has called for the Home Office hand”, when most lay people are well educated and have to suspend rules that mean some asylum seekers and actively chosen to live Catholic lives. “The voice of all refugees have no recourse to public funds such as baptised , from the moment they try to live in a housing support, as charities warned that thousands Christian way, should be able to count as much as face being made homeless in the wake of the pandemic. that of the clergy,” he said. Cardinal Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, told Polish Bishop Urges Priests to Respect Local Tradition BBC’s Newsnight: “This is an exceptional time. This is a The Polish bishop in charge of Polish missions in Britain time in which the pandemic might be fading, but its impact and other countries has warned of continuing problems is not – in fact, its impact is unfolding. I think, as the prime in cooperating with local dioceses, and urged priests and minister said, the roll of thunder is beginning, and in these parishes to ensure they “respect and accept local tradition”. circumstances, when there’s a downpour, you can’t just simply push people out.” “In our pastoral service for Poles abroad, what’s most important is openness to others and to new challenges,” Lourdes to Hold First Virtual Pilgrimage said Bishop Wieslaw Lechowicz, a Tarnow auxiliary. “We The International Sanctuary of Lourdes is to hold its first seek to uphold our Polish identity, Polish traditions and ever global online pilgrimage. With the world-famous patriotic spirit. But we are also in a foreign environment, shrine closed for the first time in its 162-year history as often alien in culture, and the question of integrating with a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, on 16 July, Lourdes the milieux in which Poles live and with the local Church will mark the anniversary of the 18th and last apparition is proving difficult.” He added: “We must respect and of the Virgin Mary by an international ‘e-pilgrimage’ at accept local tradition, while simultaneously making sure the Grotto of the Apparitions. that traditions linked to Polish religiousness are also Normally the shrine attracts more than 21,000 pilgrims upheld and passed on.” from the UK alone each year, and three million from around the world. Nearly 100,000 volunteers are usually involved, welcoming the pilgrims who include more than 50,000 sick and disabled people.

18 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Welcoming the guidance, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said The Pope parishes would work diligently to observe the new norms to Pope Backs Calls for Global Ceasefire ensure people can attend Mass safely. He reminded those Pope Francis has backed a UN initiative for a global intending to attend Mass that the use of masks is “strongly ceasefire in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In remarks recommended for indoor settings”. following his Angelus address on 5 July, the Pope praised Vatican Diplomat Warns of Post-Covid Inequalities the “commendable” initiative, which he said “would allow the peace and security essential to providing humanitarian A top Vatican diplomat has warned the closure of schools assistance”. during the coronavirus crisis will deepen injustices and inequalities, and urged government action to compensate for the loss of classes by 90 per cent of children worldwide. Coronavirus “This pandemic has highlighted fragilities and fractures in Church Leaders Welcome Increase on Cap of 50 our societies – we have noted its broad impact on schools Irish church leaders have welcomed the government’s and academic institutions,” said Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, new guidance on indoor gatherings of more than 50 the Holy See’s permanent observer to the United Nations people in places of worship, but it will involve separating and other international organisations. worshippers into zones of 50 within churches. The cabinet committee on Covid-19 announced that churches whose size allow for a capacity greater than 50 with social All stories have been reproduced by distancing, can now accommodate larger congregations kind permission of The Tablet. if certain criteria are met.

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SINCE 1840

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 19 FEATURE THE STORY OF ST MARY MACKILLOP Monica Cavanagh, congregational leader of St Joseph, tells Catena about the life of the first Australian saint

From the age of 16, Mary assumed financial responsibility for her family, as a governess, a clerk for Sands and Kenny, and as a teacher in Portland. In 1866, greatly inspired by Father Julian Woods, Mary opened the first St Joseph’s School in a disused stable in Penola. In 1867, Mary took her first vows in Adelaide. Bishop Sheil approved the Rule for the new Congregation of Sisters, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Other young women soon came to join her. Together, they opened schools for working-class children in the poorer parts of the cities and in isolated towns and communities across the newly emerging colonies of Australia. With the help of the Sisters, other centres of care were established, such as orphanages, refuges and Houses of Providence for the destitute, lonely and sick. Mary MacKillop brought hope and love to those considered least in the Australian colonies during this period. Throughout her life, Mary faced many painful experiences, including excommunication in September 1871. In 1883 the affairs of the institute were investigated by Bishop Reynolds of Adelaide. False accusations were made and yet Mary believed that in the end all would be well. Some of the bishops of her time felt that the Congregation should be under the control of each local bishop. In order to sustain a sense of unity and common purpose in mission, Mary envisioned a Congregation over which the congregational leader would have responsibility for its day-to-day affairs and the appointment of Sisters to their local communities. In fact, Rome had given approval to On 15 January 1842, Mary MacKillop was such a style of leadership for the Congregation. born of Scottish immigrant parents, Alexander This caused conflict with some of the bishops. In Brisbane, it meant the withdrawal of the Sisters from the diocese. MacKillop and Flora MacDonald, in Fitzroy, In Bathurst, it led to the establishment of a diocesan form Melbourne. of the Sisters of St Joseph. In these difficult times, Mary Mary was the eldest of eight children. She was well refused to attack those who undermined her work. She educated by her father, who had spent some years was always ready to forgive those who had wronged her. studying for the priesthood in Rome and Scotland. Throughout her life she suffered ill health. She died on Through his own choosing, he did not continue to 8 August 1909 at Mount Street, North Sydney, where she ordination. Due to Alexander’s inability to hold down is now buried. On 19 January 1995, she was beatified a permanent job, the family was often without a home by Pope John Paul II in Sydney and on 17 October 2010 of their own, depending on relatives and friends to she was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. assist where they could.

20 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Saint Mary MacKillop’s holiness is marked by her deep love, her courage in the face of adversity, her willingness to forgive those who harmed her, her compassionate Patron Saint for response to those who were in trouble and her constant trust in the God who walked the journey with her. One of Australian Catenians her outstanding qualities was her strong leadership, both The Australian National Council and the Sisters within the Church and beyond. of Saint Joseph have agreed that their foundress and Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross The cross was her constant companion, where she (MacKillop), should become a patron saint of the found the strength and courage to respond with hope Association in Australia. and compassion to the many demands that being the founder of a new demanded. Prior to the restrictions imposed on everyday activities by the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the intent Her life continues to inspire people around the world to formally consummate this during the Association’s in living faithfully the Gospel call to love. Sydney conference Mass. With this not possible, the formal ceremony will now form part of a pre-recorded Mass which will go to air on YouTube just before 6pm AEST (the time has been chosen as it is within waking hours for most Catenians across the world) on her feast day, Saturday 8 August. The Mass, which will be that of her Solemnity, will be celebrated in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel (North Sydney), where she is buried. Details of how to connect with this Mass will be made available once it has been recorded. John Secker Secretary Australian National Council

Mary MacKillop Chapel in North Sydney, which holds MacKillop’s tomb

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 21 FEATURE ANGEL OF THE AMAZON The life of Sister Dorothy Stang

As Brendan explains, this was “an exposition of creation spirituality, a concept which had been developing in the Americas for over 60 years, particularly in Brazil, where the Church was well aware of value of the Amazonian forests and the danger to the world of its exploitation”. He adds: “I was reminded of the life and work of Sister Dorothy Stang, who said: ‘The death of the forests is the end of our lives.’” In the 1960s, the Brazilian government gave land rights to tens of thousands of poor people on the land bordering the Trans-Amazonian Highway, so they could establish small farms. The Catholic bishops in Latin America set up the Pastoral Land Commission to provide educational, social, physical and spiritual assistance to poor farmers. In response to their plea, Sister Dorothy joined a group of US Notre Dame de Namur nuns who volunteered to go to Brazil. Their task was to act as catechists, teachers and community workers. Known to her friends as Dot, It was an evening in 2010 when Brendan Berry, she became a naturalised Brazilian. president of Glasgow Circle, first came across Working there for more than 40 years, Sister Dorothy the story of Sister Dorothy Stang. travelled daily across a vast parish in the state of Pará by car, canoe and mule. An easily recognisable figure, she “Unable to sleep, I turned on the TV and watched a sometimes dressed in Bermuda shorts and a red baseball documentary. I missed who it was about. I gathered that cap. Often she would wear a top with ‘Save the forests’ a group of English students had travelled to Brazil to printed on it. meet this cheery person called Dorothy, who seemed so enthusiastic about protecting the forest. She was working Over the years, violence flared between the farmers with the poor farmers and had a price on her head. At the and the landowners. According to reports at the time, end of the programme, it came as a shock to realise she crooks and multinationals began to use the courts to was not only a nun but she had actually been assassinated try to dispossess the farmers, using false documents. some years earlier.” And so Sister Dorothy returned to the US where she took a Law degree. On her return, she was so effective Later, Brendan shared his feelings with members of his at winning appeals and refuting false claims in court that church choir, “two of whom were Notre Dame de Namur she was given the Humanitarian of the Year Award by nuns who immediately told me they knew all about her the Brazilian Bar Association 2004. and what a marvellous person she was”. But a syndicate was formed by landowners who wished Meanwhile, in 2019, Pope Francis produced his encyclical to be rid of her. A price was put on her head. She was Laudato Si: ‘A true ecological approach must integrate warned of the threat and guaranteed police protection. questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.’ In 2005, hired gunmen, working for landowners, torched a village and drove off the families. On 12 February, as the police were unavailable, she asked her driver to take her to the gunmen. Aware of the danger, Sister Dorothy told him to stay behind while she went on ahead to meet the men. He witnessed everything from a hiding place as Sister Dorothy took out her Bible and opened it at the Beatitudes.

22 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 She tried to encourage them to change their behaviour, So, what can Catenians can learn from the life of Sister explaining the importance of the phrase ‘blessed are the Dorothy? peacemakers’. They listened to her for a short time then “Dorothy’s example calls us to accept our responsibility to one of them became impatient, told her to be quiet and improve the lives of others,” says Brendan. “As Catenians, shot her several times. She was 73 years old. While her we are required to have a global vision. In our prayer to the killers were caught and jailed, only one of the landowners Holy Spirit, we ask that through us, ‘You may renew the involved was charged. Subsequently, his 30-year sentence face of the Earth’.” was revoked. Sister Dorothy was awarded the United Nations Order of Merit posthumously. A TV documentary was made by a group of English students who travelled from England to meet Sister Brendan says: “She had those special qualities of Dorothy. Excerpts can be seen on YouTube. Search intelligence, adaptability, enthusiasm, perseverance and for: The Student, The Nun and The Amazon. bravery, which encourages others to follow her example. She saw religious, social, political and environmental issues as interdependent.”

New Members List Paul Affleck, Epping Forest Norm Carter, Darling Range Vins Corda, Mumbai Malad Ivan Fadeyev, London, Charterhouse Ronald Furtado, Andheri Giles Game, West London Robert Gordon, New Forest Paulino Gracias Flor, Margao Alex Millar, City Of Leeds Kevin Mosey, Darling Range Tony Murphy, Lytham St Annes Joseph N’Doro, Bedford Brentwood Brother’s Agnel F A Pires Lobo, Mapusa Francis Rodrigues, Mumbai Malad Virtual Enrolment Benito Saldanha, Mumbai Malad Jim Stead, Huddersfield Brentwood Circle officially welcomed new member, Samuel Uwechue, Wembley Norbert Eschle at a recent Zoom meeting; a first for the Essex-based Circle. Arriving in the UK from Germany just before the turn of the millennium, Norbert brought with him a keen interest in technology and computing, which led him to complete his university education in Scotland before settling in Brentwood. An IT architect, working as an enterprise data architect ADVERTISE for a general insurance company, Norbert is married to Lea and has two children, Philip and Anna. In his spare time, he is an avid glider pilot, has participated in a few HERE competitions and is currently working towards his flight [email protected] instructor rating. When he is not working on IT systems or spending time at the airfield, Norbert enjoys picking up his guitar and playing the odd tune.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 23 MISCELLANY THE FINAL WORD

Cartoon by Tom Morris, Cardiff Circle. For more information please see: www.tomverse.uk

Jokes Quotes about the

How does a penguin build its house? Height of Summer Igloos it together. And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves What happened when someone trod on the grape? growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, It let out a little whine. I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning If two vegans get in a fight, is it still considered a beef? over again with the summer. What do rabbits at the North Pole eat? ― F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby Iceberg lettuce. I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three Guess who I bumped into on my way to get summer days – three such days with you I could fill my glasses fixed? with more delight than fifty common years could ever Everybody. contain. ― John Keats, Bright Star: Love Letters and Poems of Two prisoners escaped today. One is seven feet tall, John Keats to Fanny Brawne the other four foot three. The police are looking high and low for them. What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America

24 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Pub Quiz Quick Crossword

1. Only two countries in the world have a flag that is square-shaped. One is the Vatican City, but what is the other? 2. Hamilton has become one of the biggest musical theatre shows of all time since it debuted in 2015 – but what is the name of the acclaimed star who wrote it? 3. Name the current UK home secretary. 4. In 2017 the Best Picture Oscar winner was erroneously announced as La La Land. Which film actually won the award? 5. The highest peak in Europe is in which country? 6. Which Shakespeare play includes the famous stage direction ‘Exit pursued by a bear’? 7. Which iconic English rock band are responsible for the 1967 hit song Waterloo Sunset? 8. In which year was the popular video game Fortnite first released? 9. Which vegetable forms the base of a Compiled by David Bates, Colchester Circle traditional moussaka? Across 10. How many hearts does an octopus have? 7/8 Continental confection (6,6) 11. In which airport is the iconic opening scene 9 Norse God (4) of Love Actually set? 10 Lets know (8) 12. Which two Newcastle footballers were sent off 11 Long eventful journey (7) in a Premier League match for fighting each other? 13 Fish basket (5) 15 Sever pain (5) 13. What is the periodic symbol for the element Lead? 17 Decade of Flower Power (7) 14. What is the name of the actor who played Carlton 20 Not fit for purpose (8) Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? 21 Trip (4) 15. Which English singer broke Michael Jackson’s 22 At once (6) record as the youngest artist to win six or more 23 Hopeless (6) Grammy Awards in one night? 16. Which river flows through Paris? Down 1 Came ashore (6) 17. Who wrote All the Young Dudes that became a hit 2 An indication (4) for Mott the Hoople? 3 Cut containing water (7) 18. What is reported to be one of the most expensive 4 Notices (5) cuts of beef steak? 5 Deserve all you get (3,3,2) 19. And where does the cow typically originate from? 6 Gentle wind (6) 12 Informal group entertainment (8) 20. What year was the Great Fire of London? 14 Film houses (7) Answers on page 32 16 Aristocracy (6) 18 Intertwine (6) 19 Superior monk (5) 21 Southwest Pacific country (4)

Answers on page 26

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 25 MISCELLANY

Across Catena Challenge 8 Not a struggling organisation (4) 9 Eaten at the seaside, and after sweet, clean your teeth (10) 10 Come with team to travel here (6) 11 Designs small boats (8) 12 Dwarf right away paid for crossing the bridge (4) 13 Generally an outlet away from the High Street (6,4) 17 Forbids sheep sounds (4) 18 Higher sort of cut that could lay you out flat (5) 19 Mad Kris takes a chance (4) 20 If you are knocking here and enter there’s no chance of a return (6,4) 22 Twosomes not having quiet voices (4) 23 A group of musicians perform the first set then leaves (8) 27 Setback for sliced ham pies without additive (6) 28 Spy Rebecca working in this region? (10) 29 Sell back type of clubs (4)

Down 1 A coffee cat involved in close contact, not recommended these days (4,2,4) 2 Was Argo’s illness pointless, but upsetting Compiled by David Bates, Colchester Circle for our cousins? (8) 3 Best place for one of the pack’s nights out (3,2,5) 4 Where the responsibility lies (4) 5 Sort of character (4) 6 Notices found in horologists’ windows (6) Catenian Sudoku 1 7 Is the French man one? (4) 14 Small copy (5) 15 Pure matter used to magnify sound (3,7) 16 You can see this past student is capable of being waited on (10) 19 Given another task as singer is recast (8) 21 Flower’s transport in song (6) 24 Horses sound like hounds (4) 25 Kiln almost produces week-end meal (4) 26 Strangely it’s only by standing you get one in the Commons (4)

Answers on page 32

Quick Crossword Solutions Across 7/8 Danish Pastry, 9 Odin, 10 Notifies, 11 Odyssey, 13 Creel, 15 Agony, 17 Sixties, 20 Unusable, 21 Fall, 22 Pronto, 23 Abject Sudoku puzzle kindly created by Des Boksan-Cullen © Catenian Publications Limited. Answers on page 32 Down 1 Landed, 2 Sign, 3 Channel, 4 Spots, 5 Ask for it, 6 Breeze, 12 Singsong, 14 Cinemas, 16 Gentry, If you have a budding comedian or poet in your 18 Enlace, 19 Abbot, 21 Fiji Circle please contact Catena and send in your ideas for this section of the magazine.

26 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 MEMBERSHIP SHARED FUNDING SCHEME Declan O’Farrell explains GBNC’s new membership initiative

For budget purposes, GBNC will limit its outlay to £12 per head in 2020/21, about £80,000. Matched with Circles and Provinces, that’s a total outlay of £160,000 for approved projects. Whilst GBNC funds are capped, Circle and provincial spend are at their discretion, so the total could be even greater. How do Circles access this support? I would expect most Circles to work through their provincial membership work groups, as Provinces have oversight of the wellbeing and vitality of the Circles in their area and know the priorities. Although Circles are the building blocks, we remain one association, and Provinces are in the best position to assess the best opportunities as well as knowing their Brothers in difficulty or need because their Circle is in difficulty or need. Retention is a priority and that means Circles as well as members. GB National Council has agreed to launch a Will Provinces run the scheme then? new scheme to encourage collaboration between Provinces are a key link in the chain as they have the primary responsibility for their area, but the scheme Circle, provincial and national Councils to attract is voluntary and will only succeed where all the parties new membership. Declan O’Farrell has been the involved are committed and signed up to initiatives. prime architect of the new scheme, which since Signing up means getting involved in the plan and committing Circle and/or provincial resources and funds September 2019, has been discussed, improved before asking GBNC for support. Provincial treasurers will and agreed by GBNC. Catena asked Declan to be asked to manage the money on behalf of the Circles explain the scheme. and Province. From experience in my own Province, the best results come from initiatives that share resources What is the purpose of the scheme? and talents, especially when larger Circles can provide We want to maximise cooperation and collaboration help to smaller ones. between Circles, Provinces and GBNC. Budgets are allocated at all three levels and Brothers try to make So, is there an expected format to initiatives? progress each year with new initiatives. But progress has Certainly not! The scheme allows for applicants to been patchy and, overall, membership numbers are still form their own combinations. They could be individual slowly declining, Circles are becoming less active and Circles, a combination of Circles, Circles and Province there have been some closures. It makes sense to share working together, or a combination of Provinces. GBNC our talents and knowledge and GBNC wants to show work groups could be called upon to provide help. its commitment to support new initiatives by sharing There are no barriers to shared working. the investment costs. The application form is as simple as can be managed – What size of investment are we talking about? just one page. Sign-off is required from the Circle, That will depend on the number and size of the initiatives! the Province and the director. But, basically, it will be a 50:50 share. GBNC will put up When does the scheme launch? half the funds, Circles and Provinces the other half. The scheme will be presented to meetings of provincial Because the Covid-19 pandemic has effectively shut down membership officers at the end of July. That will be the all activity this year, and we don’t know yet when we might launch date. start up again, it’s likely that the current year’s financial outlay will not be excessive.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 27 FEATURE REMEMBERING ST TERESA OF CALCUTTA Bill Lethorn, London Northern Heights Circle, reminisces about a very special meeting

Bill and his family with Mother Teresa

My cousin Cecilia was born in Hazaribagh, When Cecilia knew that we were planning to visit India and India, the town that I consider home, in Calcutta, the city of my birth, she wrote to Mother Teresa and I received a letter inviting us to visit her. the 1940s. She grew up to become one In April 1992, I went to India with Ellen and my two of Mother Teresa’s first nuns. sons, Timothy and Francis. We visited my old school, Many years later she took seriously ill and Mother St George’s College, Mussoorie, in the Himalayas, Teresa brought her back to her parents in Golders Green, and then we travelled to Calcutta. north London, saying to her mother: “Cecilia has given Mother Teresa’s house was only about 100 yards from my God and me loyal service for 17 years, working with poor father’s grave and after visiting the grave, 46 years after people who desperately needed help. Now that she is ill, the last time, we crossed the road and knocked on Mother I return her to you to get her well and to live a normal life.” Teresa’s door. Cecilia was released from her vows and after she The door was opened by a nun, and as soon as we recovered from her illness, she married and lived in mentioned our names and that I was Cecilia’s cousin, Stanmore, Middlesex. Whenever Mother Teresa came she welcomed us warmly into the house. As we were to London, she would stay with her. looking around, Mother Teresa came out to welcome us. Whenever we visited Cecilia in Stanmore, I was thrilled to sit on the same seat that Mother Teresa used to sit on during her visits.

28 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Shrine to Mother Teresa

A prayer signed by Saint Teresa Cecilia as a young girl

She took us into her bedroom and we chatted for about About two years after her death, I visited Calcutta again, 20 minutes. She asked how Cecilia was and what we were with my daughter Caroline RIP, son Francis and cousin planning to do in Calcutta. She was a tiny lady – about 4 Sandra. We visited the convent and as soon as we foot 8 inches – and was barefoot, so we could see that she mentioned Cecilia’s name, we were made most welcome. had arthritis in her toes. They invited us to return on Sunday morning for Mass, She would have liked to take us round the hospital for which we did. There must have been almost 100 nuns the sick and lame, but at that time there was a contagious who, in true Indian fashion, all sat on the ground, but illness in the hospital, so we were not able to visit. they quickly pulled up four chairs for us. All around the convent were notices banning photographs, After Mass, we were taken into the library where all records but Mother Teresa saw that I had a camera and allowed and books of Mother Teresa are kept and then back into us to take two photos. She gave us many small prayers, her old bedroom, which had been turned into a shrine for all signed, and told us to visit the nuns’ chapel at the her. We sat for a short while beside the shrine and took rear of the house – and to visit again next time we were a couple of photos. in Calcutta. Mother Teresa was, indeed, a saint of our time. She Mother Teresa died in 1997 and we watched her funeral was canonised on 4 September 2016, just 19 years on television. The service was at the church of St Thomas after she died. in Calcutta, next to Loreto Convent, where Mother Teresa became a nun prior to forming her own community. As it happens, it is also the church I was baptised in.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 29 CLASSIFIED

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30 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 LETTERS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR When sending letters to appear in Catena please contact the Editor (not Head Office):James Power, Beck House, 77a King Street, Knutsford WA16 6DX. Tel: 07590 851183 Email: [email protected]

We were never intended to compete with The Real Chatter in Church the parish priest and his organisation as Presence Sir, I read the article from Francis McNally some sort of upper class. When I joined, (July Catena) with sympathetic interest, helping the parish priest was an unspoken rule! Sir, Phil Harris’ article in June Catena on because a few years ago I wrote about the In any second spring for the Catenians, the casual disrespect shown to the Blessed same subject in our parish magazine – now we must stick to our original purpose and Sacrament in our churches touched a cord. defunct. I wrote that God had shared the not encroach on parish life. If we duplicate As he says, some parishioners behave as privilege of fatherhood with me and five the role of the parish, we only weaken the if they are in the pub or the supermarket. children with eight grandchildren. I was priest’s influence. Heaven knows he’s lost I have even seen people standing in the sure that it would give Him joy when His a lot in recent years. We don’t want to aisle before the start of Mass, gossiping children came to visit His house, just as it add to his difficult situation. with their backs to the tabernacle. did me when mine turned up to see me; Sometimes the hubbub continues until furthermore, it would be weird if they did after the priest has reached the altar and Michael Hurd not exchange their love to each other and starts up again at the end of Mass before Sutton Coldfield Circle spoke only to me. he has reached the sacristy. Like Phil’s parish priest, few priests seem to see it So I saw no reason why God’s children in as a problem or are concerned to do God’s house should avoid relating to each Post-Covid anything about it. other in friendship, so long as it did not distract from the word of the Lord and the Catenianism I am lucky to be able to attend a Missa sacred mysteries of the Mass. Sir, The survey regarding the future Cantata in the Extraordinary Form every of the Association doesn’t appear to Sunday, with a congregation of around 150, My article did of course bring criticism get us anywhere. I recall 20 years ago including many young children. The silence from those who had been brought up to compiling a Circle return for Project 2008, before Mass begins is absolute; you could maintain respectful silence in the presence which didn’t bring about the fundamental hear the proverbial pin drop. Respect for the of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament changes necessary for the survival of the Blessed Sacrament is taught to the children in the tabernacle. Their attitude is very Association. in their homes, by their parents; no action commendable but should not overrule by the priest is needed. During Mass the the good that is flowing around them. I have been listening to the Rethink Essays altar servers (usually eight or ten) perform on Radio 4; these come from a wide range their duties with dignity and reverence; Louis Hannett of thinkers, including the Pope. The aim is when the priest brings the Blessed County of Gloucester Circle to consider how society will or could look Sacrament from the altar to distribute Holy at the end of this pandemic. The general Communion it is moving to see the row view is that things will be very different, and of young heads all bow in unison as he Questionnaire we have an opportunity to make necessary goes past them. It is the same at the end changes. The historian Niall Ferguson of Mass: after the prayer for the Queen Results made the point in his essay that weak and the Salve Regina, the congregation Sir, Reading the results of the questionnaire organisations will not survive, but strong stands until the procession reaches the left me with the feeling that we are ones, that remain relevant and can adapt sacristy and then files out of the church in very unclear about the purpose of our to the new circumstances, will. silence. And it is not only in my own parish; Association. We can look at the Catenians in the wherever I have attended a Mass in the Most of us in the Catenian Association same light. If it continues to stagnate, the Extraordinary Form it has always been have, or have had, two personas: our Association will not survive. The introduction the same. business character and our private family to the survey results even recognises that persona. Each is very different: one is there are fewer Circles now than when they started the survey, yet we carry on Philip Goddard powerful, one is submissive and amenable. regardless. Are we still rearranging the The City of London Circle Part of the attraction of reading a biography is learning about the back story and private deck chairs while the ship is sinking? Now life of the subject! When you delve into is the time for radical thinking about what people’s lives it is surprising how different the Association needs to be in a post-Covid these two personas can be. world. What that will be I am not certain, but one thing I am certain of is that unless we The Catenian Association was established change, there will be no Catenians in the to feed Catholicism into the business lives not too distant future. of the members. The family private life of Catholics had long been served by the parish regime, set up by the dioceses. Tom Ash Bromley Circle

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 31 LETTERS

A Reunion Sudoku Solution 1 Letter of Sir, The article A Reunion in the July Catena the Month: brought back memories to me, too. I joined Warrington Circle in 1964. Visiting was much Employment more popular in those days and I met Joe Sir, As the UK slowly emerges from Cox many times and remember him well. months of lockdown, we are about to I was, until recently, a very poor attendee witness a period of much change in the of my Circle, because of my age and some workplace. Although the unemployment disabilities. However, lockdown and Zoom rate remained at 3.9 percent in the three have changed that! months to April 2020, the government coronavirus job retention scheme has been helping to fund employee wages. Brian Crangle The number of people on company Stratford-upon-Avon Circle payrolls fell by 1.7% in May, and job vacancies dropped a record 476k between March and May (-342k on To Change or the previous quarter). Many businesses are carrying out radical Not to Change Sir, I am sure I am not the only Brother Catena Challenge reviews of their organisations, working Solutions practices and processes – and their who enjoys Catena magazine with its staffing level requirements. colourful, light-hearted articles showing Across the organisation at its best. Trading Economics forecasts the level 8 NATO, 9 Candyfloss, 10 Mexico, of unemployment to rise from 3.9 percent At the same time, I am sure that many 11 Sketches, 12 Toll, 13 Corner shop, to around 7 percent in quarters 3 and 4 Brothers are tired of the articles and letters 17 Bars, 18 Upper, 19 Risk, of this year. Many independent observers discussing reorganisation or changes 20 Death’s door, 22 Airs, believe this forecast to be to membership rules, which dull a bright 23 Abandons, 27 Mishap, very conservative. publication. 28 Cyberspace, 29 Golf I suspect some of our Association In the June issue, under Opinion, a whole members are aware of vacancies in their page was used, arriving at the same Down own fields of activity, or via their network conclusion that we have heard many times. 1 Face to face, 2 Gorillas, of contacts. Many of our retired members To say that change is a good thing but are 3 Ace of clubs, 4 Onus, 5 Type, we better staying as we are, seems to be may still have contacts from their working 6 Clocks, 7 Isle, 14 Repro, a well voiced opinion that will get us lives who are able to let them know of job 15 Ear trumpet, 16 Observable, nowhere. Instead of viewing Lions Clubs vacancies. So, what can we do to help 19 Reassign, 21 Tandem, as an example we do not wish to follow, our Brothers and their younger family 24 Bays, 25 Oast, 26 Seat members who will sadly find themselves we should look at them more closely: seeking job opportunities over the next we could learn something. few months? I was president of a Lions Club which had One idea might be to allow free 15 members, two of which were women, advertising of job vacancies in Catena and in one year we raised nearly £5,000 pounds for charity, helping a food bank Pub Quiz magazine. I am unable to forecast the Answers which is still running in the present crisis. take-up, but I believe we should seriously 1. Switzerland consider providing this facility for our We could look at another rule they have, Brothers and family members in need. which is a democratic form of voting and 2. Lin Manuel Miranda We could restrict entries to a set number open discussion on all issues. To move 3. Priti Patel of words (the ‘Seeking Opportunities’ our organisation forward, we have to 4. Moonlight section of the magazine restricts each move away from the medieval system of 5. Russia (Mount Elbrus) entry to 40 words) and perhaps we could decision-making. Making decisions which 6. A Winter’s Tale call the section ‘Offering Opportunities’ affect every Brother at local or national level 7. The Kinks (I’m sure someone could come up with should be done with open discussion and 8. 2017 voted on. Making decisions behind closed a suitable name and format). 9. Aubergine I would appreciate feedback on this idea doors then telling professional people what has been decided is not the way forward. 10. Three and we are aiming to start this project in 11. Heathrow Airport Catena in the coming months. If you do With modern technology, any questionnaire 12. Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer know of any vacancies, please join the can be analysed in minutes. We cannot move LinkedIn Catenian group if you are not forward in any direction successfully until 13. Pb already a member, and post details of we know exactly what every Brother wants 14. Alfonso Ribeiro any vacancies there! to do to improve this priceless organisation. 15. Adele Looking at where we are before we look 16. River Seine ahead could be worth considering. 17. David Bowie Peter Western 18. Wagyu Preston Circle 19. Japan Paul Sapwell 20. 1666 Cardiff Circle

32 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 MILESTONES 80 YEARS OF SERVICE IN WESTON-SUPER-MARE Just before lockdown, two Brothers were presented with 40-year scrolls by director Stephen Lake

Joe and Ann Duddy Enrolling in February 1980 Bill and Sheila Hampton

In 1980, six new members were enrolled Bill Hampton on the same night, but only Joe Duddy and Bill and Sheila Hampton, both of Birmingham heritage, Bill Hampton have stayed the course. put down their roots in Clevedon in 1974. Bill was a mechanical engineer, initially working in the motor industry. Joe Duddy The Catenians promised wider friendships and social Joe and Ann Duddy arrived in Clevedon from their native events, which appealed to Bill and Sheila. Fortunately, northeast in the early 1970s, although it was not until this was the time when many activities organised by the 1979 that Joe felt the Catenian hand on his collar. Both Circle focused on growing families – at that time a great Joe and Ann thought that joining the Catenians would match for the Hamptons. be a good way to meet and socialise with a larger group of fellow Catholics.In February 1980, Joe was enrolled In February 1980, Bill was enrolled into into Weston-super-Mare Circle. Chris Simpson was Circle Weston-super-Mare Circle. The sponsors were, again, president at that time and Joe’s sponsors were Bill Healing Bert McBride and Bill Healing. and Bert McBride. Bill has served Weston-super-Mare Circle with distinction, Joe was a busy teacher and governor. Despite the having undertaken three terms as Circle president and demands on his time, Joe rarely missed a Circle meeting. three years as membership officer. He was also provincial councillor for some seven years. Joe has given great service to the Circle, becoming president twice, secretary and also a long-term member Bill’s contribution is remarkable, given his commitments of the Circle Council. Ann and Joe have been exemplary outside of the Catenians. He travelled widely for his work, supporters of Circle events and Joe made regular visits and a huge chunk of his spare time was taken up with to other Circles in Province. serving his local parish. Joe has a quiet and patient manner but his opinion is His loyalty and commitment to the Circle has continued greatly valued by his fellow Brothers. unabated, even though in more recent times his life has been blighted by ill health. Bill has shown immense Despite losing his sight, Joe, supported by Ann, has shown courage in attending Circle meetings and other events. tremendous courage, continuing to make the most of life and attending Circle meetings. Typical of Joe, after his sight loss, he worked as a volunteer for four years, teaching technology to other people coping with impaired vision.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 33 AROUND THE CIRCLES BYTE SIZE DINING Reigate’s hail and farewell

Province 19’s Reigate Circle ensured that The beginning of Charles’ term of office coincided with technology, goodwill and plenty of pre-planning the introduction of lockdown and he and our Council were keen to try and ensure that as many of our events would meant that this year’s hail and farewell went take place as possible. When Charles first raised the ahead nearly as normal. We ‘hailed’ our new possibility of Hail and Farewell taking place remotely via president, Charles Hyatt and his wife Helen, the internet, many of us were sceptical as to whether it could be achieved. Charles is a man up for a challenge. and said ‘farewell’ to Gerry O’Dwyer and his We started slowly by holding our March Council, AGM wife, Jane. and April meeting on Zoom (including visitors) and that worked very well; its success made us realise that Hail In May, more than 30 Brothers and their wives sat down and Farewell was possible. A further Circle meeting in in their homes to a three-course meal with drinks before May with even more visitors, including Brothers from South and after, speeches and plenty of conversation. The dress Africa and Australia, showed us that the technology could code was smart casual and this ensured a range of garb work on a larger scale. The challenge was now set – from black tie, university rowing jackets, to suits and hail and farewell for 22 May. open-necked shirts. We did not stipulate a menu, so Brothers and wives chose their own meal. We were Charles, vice president David Thorp, treasurer Neal delighted to be joined by our oldest Brother, John Sullivan and secretary Mark Allanson set about the Warren and his daughter Helen from Florida. Did we challenge with Catenian vigour. Over the weeks we set up defy the lockdown or did our wonderful Reigate Manor test meetings utilising Zoom and in particular its breakout Hotel make special arrangements? Neither was the case. room facility.

34 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 We were able to design a model that enabled Brothers and visitors to log in and be in a single screen with everyone else – this element we referred to as ‘meeting in the bar for drinks’ (as we would have done at the Reigate Manor). It was soon apparent that some Brothers had utilised other aspects of Zoom and had placed themselves in ornate dining rooms, with one Brother and his wife for a time in the Sistine Chapel. After 15 minutes, Brothers were allocated a breakout room, essentially mimicking a dining table with five or six other couples for the starter course. After this we reconvened jointly before being allocated another group for our main course and Lockdown life for Watford ladies again later another group for dessert. After dessert we had our normal speeches of welcome and farewell and presentations of flowers to Helen and Jane and a tankard Watford Ladies Zoom In to Gerry as outgoing president. In order for this to work, Cathy Kleiser of Watford Circle reports on a recent flowers had been delivered to Charles and Gerry that ladies’ night with a difference. afternoon as well as a dummy tankard box to Charles and the real one to Gerry. These were handed over “It was three months since we’d met and we were by slight of camera after the speeches. Finally, we closed due to meet in June, but as we were in lockdown, in the ‘bar’ all together with some Brothers staying there Zoom seemed worth a try,” Cathy told Catena. until 1am chatting with friends and enjoying a few “Fifteen of us had a very enjoyable evening with two small ones. hours of chat covering unusual subjects such as how Neal took on the role of mission control for the night and were we coping, did we have online food deliveries managed all the technology, joiners and leavers, and room and were we washing our food when it arrived? allocation with great aplomb while still trying to ensure that We then worked across the Zoom boxes and each he too was able to enjoy the night. The event exceeded had a chance to say how things had changed for us. all our expectations. It is safe to say that this model will “We then decided to meet once a month, rather be used again by Reigate Circle. In being able to host than every three months, until normality resumes. this meeting, Reigate were able to keep one of the key We have now had our second get together, which fundraising events for our president’s charity – this year proved to be successful as the first. This time one the William Wates Foundation – with Brothers and wives of us played the guitar and we sang along. Who making voluntary contributions to the charity as they would knows what we will do in the future? have done normally. “I would thoroughly recommend this to the ladies of What did we learn? Firstly: it can be done – you can have other Circles as a way of keeping in touch and being a great social night remotely. Planning is everything and able to offer help if it is needed.” to get to the event taking place we had many run-throughs of the technology. Testing in real time during our Circle meeting in May enabled us to check out the breakout room function, and finally, goodwill from all ensured that the event was well supported. Gerry O’Dwyer

The Hills are Alive Australia’s Blue Mountains are a special place in autumn as these recent photos taken by the daughter of Manley’s Terry Hayes prove. One of the photos was taken in Terry’s Mount Victoria garden, which is looking simply glorious right now. “We are so fortunate that such wonderful scenery exists so close to Sydney,” said Terry, “but no prizes The Three Sisters for guessing who gets to rake up all of those leaves.” A blaze of glory in at Katoomba on a Terry Hayes’ garden magical autumn day

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 35 AROUND THE CIRCLES VIRTUAL MASS FROM WALSINGHAM HOUSE Billericay Circle’s president’s Sunday

Although Billericay’s original plans for president’s Sunday has to be shelved due to coronavirus, Circle members were still able to participate in a virtual Mass, celebrated by Father Dominic Howarth at Walsingham House. Walsingham House is a Catholic retreat centre, funded by voluntary donations. As well as confirmation and school residential and day retreats, it offers day retreats for adult Billericay Circle parish groups. Established in Chingford more than celebrates Mass online 30 years ago, it was the home of the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Canvey Island from 1995 to 2017. The special feast day Mass was celebrated in June and “We’re mindful that in this present climate, the services transmitted live via YouTube. After Mass, Catenians were provided by Walsingham House have been seriously invited to stay on for a virtual social gathering. curtailed. As a consequence, this wonderful centre will fall short of its fundraising target this year by £25,000 and to “Walsingham House has become a significant factor in help reduce the financial strain and show our support, we the religious development of our youth,” said Billericay’s would like to encourage Brothers to make a donation.” Ray Keilthy. “We would like to thank Father Dominic for arranging the Mass. Any Catenians wishing to donate to Walsingham House should go to www.BCYS.net/donate

36 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 LONDON CHARTERHOUSE CENTENARY Record Catenian attendance on Zoom for a special celebration

London Charterhouse Catenians celebrated The meeting included the presentation of anniversary a wonderful centenary meeting with 107 Brothers scrolls by Eddie O’Donnell, first to Pat Chick, who is no longer able to attend meetings, even via Zoom. The scroll attending from 58 Circles. was presented to his nephew, Mark Chick, also a member This was a Catenian meeting record on Zoom. Physical of Charterhouse Circle. meetings have had up to several hundred attending, Then the Circle itself received a centenary scroll from including Charterhouse’s own 1000th meeting in 2003. Eddie O’Donnell, delivered to Charterhouse’s president, The meeting was preceded by Mass celebrated by the David Northey. London Universities chaplain, Father Stephen Wang Both scrolls, of course, were delivered virtually over (whose father is Luton Circle’s Kin Wang), streamed live Zoom. But they were much appreciated. via Zoom from the chapel of the Chaplaincy in Gower Street. Father Stephen is also vocations director of London Charterhouse Brothers were all smartly dressed the diocese of Westminster. He was assisted with with specially commissioned bow ties to match the Circle’s the readings by a student resident at The Chaplaincy. blue and yellow striped tie. Catenians from Bangladesh, India and South Africa The meeting ended with a recital of the seldom heard attended the meeting, along with Brothers from across Catenian hymn, wonderfully sung by Charterhouse’s vice the UK, from Truro to Hastings to Edinburgh. There were president, Richard Rivas. about a dozen provincial directors along with GB national A truly memorable evening to celebrate London president, Eddie O’Donnell. Charterhouse’s centenary.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 37 AROUND THE CIRCLES CELEBRATING A CENTURY Congratulating Jeanne Higgins, widow of Chesterfield Circle

He constructed a number of houses and Jeanne’s birthday photograph shows her seated proudly at the front door of one of these homes, in which she has lived for more than 70 years. She recalls: “I have very few relatives left in Belgium now, but I did visit three years ago. I knew then that it would be my last visit. We left a lovely big house in Belgium and my mother wasn’t happy at first with our council-owned house (with concrete floors!) but later we moved into one of the houses that my father had built.” It was at Sheffield Teacher Training College that Jeanne met her future husband, John, in 1939. After John returned home in 1944, after working as a meteorological officer in the RAF in West Africa, they married, moving to Chesterfield for the birth of their two sons, in 1946 and 1951 respectively. For more than 20 years, Jeanne taught at St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Infant School, retiring in 1977, the same year as her husband, who was also a teacher. Together, the couple started Chesterfield Circle’s pub lunch. With John’s meticulous planning, Jeanne proudly boasts that in all the years they organised the lunch, they were able to discover a different venue every month (always preceded by a comprehensive reconnoitre, of course). The pub lunch is still in operation today and Jeanne enjoys being part of it. The couple loved to travel and spend time with their family, Jeanne Higgins, wife of the late John Higgins, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1994. who was a stalwart member of Chesterfield Unfortunately, John died in 1995. Circle, has celebrated her 100th birthday. As for Jeanne’s milestone birthday, the big day coincided Born in Ypres on 29 May 1920, Jeanne has lived a with the national lockdown to guard against Covid-19. long and happy life. Her father was English and a colour However, a number of Chesterfield Brothers, together sergeant in the Sherwood Foresters during the First World with a handful of friends and neighbours were, at a War. He met her mother, a war refugee, when he was sensible distance, able to share a glass of champagne, in Belgium at the close of the war. The wider family ran birthday cake and sing a resounding Happy Birthday. an English tea shop which catered for visitors who came Thanks should go to Jeanne’s carers, who assist her to live to view the battlefields and the war graves. Meanwhile, independently, for their efforts in organising a safe outdoor Jeanne’s father obtained a position with the War Graves celebration. Commission overseeing many of the graves around Ypres, and his construction skills allowed him to be part Jeanne thinks that working for so many years with children of the supervision team which built the Menin Gate, with and, in later life, cherishing her memories of time spent the family providing accommodation for two of the chief as an infant teacher, have kept her young. She goes on engineers. Her father also built a number of houses, to say how much she values her carers. She discloses that a school and a church in Ypres. the carers have said: “We like coming to help because you are so cheerful.” According to Jeanne, they always have Jeanne moved to the UK in 1930 aged ten. When she “a joke and a bit of fun”. was 12 years old, her family moved to Chesterfield where her father was involved in building an extension to the Many congratulations to Jeanne from Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Circle and friends.

38 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 AROUND THE CIRCLES

Post-lockdown Dinner Valletta Circle in Malta celebrated in style when they organised their first dinner following lockdown. The meeting was attended by 60 Brothers and wives. Guests of honour included the three newly inducted Brothers and their wives: Stanley and Margaret Sullivan, Anthony and Anna Rossi and George and Josephine Bonello. Joe and Helga Ellul and Peter and Jennifer Zammit, who will be joining the Circle during their August meeting, also attended the dinner. In a short speech after the dinner, president Edwin Azzopardi welcomed the three new Brothers and the two prospective Brothers. He also thanked everyone who helped to make the evening such a memorable one.

Walk to Work Covid-style Manley Circle’s Romano Di Donato has shared some Rebecca and Michael Music celebrate photos of his daily Covid-19 walk to work in the city. with Lyn and Michael McMahon It looks like it was a perfect day for a walk; sunny with not much foot traffic and an incredible view from the bridge. Lockdown Wedding Rebecca McMahon, the youngest daughter of Manley Brother, Michael, recently got married to her fiancé Michael Music, and although it wasn’t quite the grand celebration they had planned, they still enjoyed a very special day. The ceremony, which was a Plan B because of the pandemic, took place in May in the McMahon’s front yard on a beautiful sunny day. Graeme Olley, Camille Benony, Father Colin Mason, Joe Metcalfe, Father Isidore Nnam Di Obi The ceremony was attended only by immediate family members who practised appropriate social distancing by spreading around the front yard to watch the couple tie Supporting Vocations the knot. After the ceremony, there was a brief afternoon In July a cheque for £4,450 was presented to tea with a low-key cake cutting to celebrate the day! Father Colin Mason, vocations director for Clifton diocese. The couple’s honeymoon plans for a holiday in Croatia Swindon Catenians raised this sum over two years, under had to be cancelled but they plan on having a the presidencies of Joe Metcalfe and Graeme Olley. recommitment ceremony and a more formal reception for their wider families and friends later in the year The cheque was presented by Swindon president Camille at the Novotel in Manly. Benony, witnessed by Father Isidore Nnam Di Obi, priest at Holy Family Church in Swindon. The lovely background belongs to president Colin Coupland of Cirencester Circle.

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 39 AROUND THE CIRCLES AUSSIES VISIT SOUTHAMPTON CIRCLE Overcoming the time difference

The meeting began with prayers for Jim Shine of Southampton Circle, who passed away recently. Jim was a great friend to everyone in the Circle, a kind and gentle man and a well-loved Brother. He was looking forward to this meeting, so it was fitting that we had so many Brothers attending who were able to join us in our prayers for him. We were privileged to welcome David Arundale (GB national vice president) and Ralph Fitzpatrick (chair of Central Council of the Association and vice president of the Australian National Council). David Arundale, as Trustee of the Benevolent Fund, spoke about the current uptake of the Fund by Brothers in need who have been affected by Covid-19. Bob Hussey also Southampton Circle has taken advantage of joined the meeting and, as chair of the Bursary Fund, gave Zoom to visit Circles around the Catenian world. a summary of the current status of the Fund and provided a moving example of how help has been given to a young One of our visits was to Sydney, where it was disadvantaged Catholic. mentioned that Australian Brothers have been At the end of the meeting we all joined in the loyal toast. unable to attend meetings in the UK due to The Southampton president made a short presentation the time difference (seven hours in Perth, to give visitors some insight into our Circle, ending with west Australia, and nine hours in Sydney, a virtual tour of Southampton. The final part of the tour included an area to the east of Southampton known as east Australia). Spike Island. The unfortunate history of this area involved The only option was to hold a UK meeting in the morning, chaining convicts to a spike before they were deported so we asked the members of Southampton Circle and to Australia. found enough support to enable us to go ahead. This was a unique event for Southampton Circle and one Invitations were duly sent out to Brothers from seven we will remember for a long time. Many visitors remarked Circles around Sydney and four Circles around Perth. afterwards how much they appreciated being able to There was also a good response from GB, with meet their international Brothers in such numbers. It is a 16 Circles joining us to welcome our Australian friends. remarkable reflection on the Catenian brotherhood that we can link up with Brothers from around the world and In total there were 18 Brothers from overseas and 21 instantly find friendship. Brothers visiting from GB, in addition to our Southampton Brothers. One of our visitors was a hybrid, living in Australia, yet secretary of Sunningdale and Ascot Circle. Interesting Facts Another, Eugene Das, is a member of Parramatta Circle • The distance between the east and west coasts of in Sydney, as well as being founder president of Australia (2,500 miles) is greater than the diameter Andheri Circle in Mumbai, India. In spite of protests, of the moon (2,159 miles). Peter Daniels from Guernsey was not counted as an overseas visitor! • Eugene Das of Andheri Circle in Mumbai, who is a joint member of Parramatta Circle in Sydney, is actually 1,786 miles closer to Southampton than Sydney. • There are only three major roads connecting Western Australia to the rest of Australia.

40 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Papal Honour for Peter Exeter Circle president Peter McGauley has been A family celebration for John Stapleton’s 90th awarded the Papal Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. It was presented by Bishop Mark O’Toole of Plymouth in March. The award is the highest medal Big Birthday Celebrations that can be awarded by the Pope and is conferred for distinguished service to the Church. Big congratulations to Manley Circle’s John Stapleton on the joyous occasion of his Peter, who joined the Catenian Association in 1981, 90th birthday, which fell on 20 May. John has been recognised for his work in the diocese, celebrated with his family and enjoyed a delicious his parish and the wider community. He recently cake made by his daughters Lisa and Jane. stood down as a diocesan trustee after 11 years and remains on its finance committee. Peter is also a founder president of the local St Vincent de Paul and recently set up a local charity in Sidmouth, where he serves as a trustee. A parishioner of 30 years standing, Peter is a reader and eucharistic minister. Along with his wife Jill and daughter Emma, Peter has served the Church in all aspects with absolute devotion supported by a strong, tangible faith. This prestigious award is richly deserved and celebrated by all of Peter’s fellow parishioners and those in the wider family of the Church. The Bishop presented the award at the end of a crowded Sunday Mass to much applause, after which the congregation repaired to the church hall for prosecco and to enjoy the delicious cake made by Jill, complete with the Episcopal coat of arms in icing. After the cake was cut, Peter made a short Souvenir from the Australian Visit speech of thanks. The following day was Exeter Circle’s ladies’ night where vice president Graham One of our visitors, Graham Short, president Liverton paid an additional tribute. of Harbourside North Circle in Sydney, is an architect and artist. He has produced a beautiful souvenir calendar Peter said: “I was completely overcome when our of some of his sketches of buildings and churches in parish priest, Father Paul Cummins asked to speak and around Sydney. If you would like an electronic to me during a parish event. I presumed it was to do copy, Graham is happy for you to contact him by with parish finance, but he told me that Pope Francis email at [email protected] had awarded me the Papal Cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, for services to the Church and the Pope. I was completely overcome at such a prestigious honour being given to me and became quite emotional. I have been very fortunate in all my endeavours to have been fully supported by my wife, Jill, who in my view shares the award.”

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 41 IN MEMORIAM

BRIAN SCOBEY Never one to shirk a challenge in Very much a family man, he disliked the retirement, Brian took an accountancy frequent, lengthy separations from his Brian was born on course at Colchester Institute and qualified loved ones whilst away on army duty. Pets 14 August 1932 in as a member of the Association of Taxation were important to him; there were always Tankersley, Yorkshire. Technicians. He was awarded the cup for pets of some sort or other around. He once His father was a being the top student on the course. bought a pet kid goat which of course was railwayman and much Brian was a loving husband to Irene, a named Billy! of Brian’s early life proud father to Susan, Adele and Judith, His time in the army ended in 1971 and was spent moving and a loving grandfather and great he joined Crosrol Engineers as supplies around Norfolk and grandfather. manager in Halifax. After their closure he Suffolk before he was quickly employed by Microvitec in a finally settled in Sadly, in later years, Brian developed similar logistics role until his retirement in Colchester. Parkinson’s disease. He continued to attend Circle meetings regularly until he 1994. He made many long-term friends With these frequent moves, Brian changed was confined to his home with an additional during his working career, who remained schools regularly. He finished his education heart condition. Irene looked after him in regular contact for the rest of his life. as a boarder at Paston Grammar School, faithfully until a fall put him into hospital. Bill joined Halifax Circle in 1974, becoming North Walsham – Admiral Lord Nelson’s Sadly, he was never able to return home. president in 1981/82 and later chamberlain old school. He died peacefully in a nursing home on and membership officer. He enjoyed a In 1948, Brian joined British Rail as a Sunday 8 March. happy and successful membership and station clerk at Mistley, Essex and in 1950 Because of Covid-19, there was no will be particularly remembered for his he was called to do his national service Requiem Mass; just a short graveside meticulous organisation of Halifax Circle’s in the Royal Air Force. He served most of service attended by close family. A monthly luncheon club and many Christmas his time at Abu Sueir, Egypt. Brian would memorial service for Brian will be held dinners. Along with a number of Halifax tell his friends how, when demobilisation when the churches are able to reopen. Brothers, he transferred to Huddersfield beckoned, he hitchhiked his way back to Circle in March 2011. the United Kingdom by plane. While in the Throughout their retirement, Bill and RAF he completed his station master’s May he rest in peace Ruth travelled widely and enjoyed being exam through a correspondence course. physically active. However, by 2017, On returning to the UK, he was appointed WILLIAM HALWOTH CHANDLER Bill’s health had started to deteriorate district relief station master at London Bill was born in and on 25 February 2020 he passed Liverpool Street. Grimsby in 1929, away. He is survived by his wife Ruth, two In 1954, Brian met Irene at a dance in the second child to daughters, four grandchildren and five Dovercourt and they were married at William and Elizabeth great-grandchildren, along with many close St Paul’s Church, Parkeston in 1956. Chandler. (Halwoth is friends. It is hoped everyone will be able Shortly afterwards they moved to a longstanding family to join a memorial service to celebrate Doncaster, where Brian was relief station name.) His family had Bill’s life when the coronavirus pandemic master for a time. a keen association has passed. In 1958 he was appointed as a with the sea: his father, port controller management trainee and he progressed May he rest in peace to become freight and operations manager for the North Sea Fishing Port, was awarded an OBE for his services during on British Railway’s board. In this post he NOEL SWEENEY travelled extensively overseas, including World War II. to America, Spain and India. In 1941, at the age of 12, Bill was Noel was born on By this time his family had moved back to evacuated separately from his sister Mavis 26 December 1943 Colchester and in 1987 he converted to further north where, possibly influenced by to Joseph and Catholicism at a Mass held in the Chapel his foster parents, he converted from the Josephine Sweeney of Our Lady of Mercy. Coincidentally, Church of England to become a Roman of Corrigeen, Tulsk, this happened to be the annual Mass for Catholic. He later declared this felt just County Roscommon Colchester Circle’s deceased Brothers. right, showing his strength of conviction in Ireland; he was Brian joined Colchester Circle the and determination to pursue his own ideals. the second of eight children. Noel’s early following year. At the end of the war, he rejoined his family, years were spent who had moved to Blackpool. He started Brian proved to be a dedicated Catenian on the family farm before he started his work as an electrical apprentice, which and rarely missed a meeting. He served education as a boarder at Summerhill was not well paid, so two years later he as treasurer and registrar for several years College, County Sligo. and was well-liked in the Circle. He was in joined the Royal Engineers and spent 23 his element telling tales of his exploits with years in the Army, rising through the ranks Noel met his wife Carmel at a dance in British Rail overseas. His Catholic faith to become a senior non-commissioned Roosky, County Roscommon and they was dear to him and if a Brother could be officer (NCO) serving in Germany, Korea, married on 19 July 1965. In 1972, together described as faithful, steadfast and true, Singapore, Malaya and Belgium. with their two eldest daughters, Charmaine and Aisling, they moved to England, a it was Brian. While serving in Germany, he met his wife, decision they never regretted. Ruth. They were married in 1950 and had two daughters, Yvonne and Jacqueline.

42 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 While living in Birmingham, Noel met He is greatly missed by his loving wife Joe and Marie continued to live an old friend who gave him a job on a Carmel, his daughters Charmaine, Aisling, independently until both were in their 90s, building site. Noel soon realised he was Blaithin and Sinead, his 12 grandchildren but a small stroke finally forced a move for much better with a pen than a shovel, (Cillian, Daniel, Damien, Caolan, Taryn, both of them to a local nursing home. and in 1974 he formed Chasetown Civil Ruarc, Tully, Meara, Isla, Alannah, Cassie Joe Ryan was a cheery character, full Engineering Ltd. Noel later became the and Orla), sons-in-law Euan, Tony and Dan, of life and friendship. He enjoyed a long chairman of Tara Developments which his daughter Charmaine’s partner Anthony, and happy marriage with Marie and they incorporates Chasetown Civil, residential and grandson Cillian’s fiancé Clare, as well were blessed with supportive children, property developers Cameron and Gallier as his many friends. grandchildren and great grandchildren. Homes, and affordable housing specialist, The Catenian Association, Streetly Circle Keon Homes. May he rest in peace in particular, were indeed fortunate to Noel and Carmel went on to have three have such a Brother. more children: their only son Oisin (who JOE RYAN sadly died in 2008 aged 35), and daughters May he rest in peace Blaithin and Sinead. It was with great sadness that Streetly Noel had time for others and supported JEREMIAH KELLY charities and good causes, both in the Circle learned of the UK and Ireland: he helped to fund the death of Joe Ryan on Jerry was born on 13 new centre for Sense in Birmingham, 25 April 2020. June 1949 in London and supported his much-loved Derby Joseph Francis Ryan and after a long illness County Football Club’s academy. He was was born on 15 June he passed away in the especially keen on supporting the English 1927 in Wigan, the Isabel Hospice on 5 College in Rome Archives Appeal and only boy in a family May after contracting helping to repair and renovate church of four. The family Covid-19. buildings and presbyteries, including moved to Standish shortly afterwards. As a proud member his local parish church of St Joseph’s in He attended St Marie’s School which was of the Catenian Burntwood, which was rebuilt. In 2019, run by nuns, but left in 1941 at the age of Association for Noel was given the great honour of the 14 to start work at an ammunitions factory. over 35 years, Jerry served as president title of the Order of St Gregory, one of the He attended the local technical college, three times and as secretary for Northern five papal knighthoods, bestowed upon was a member of the Air Training Corps Heights Circle, and served a further term him by the Catholic Church, which he was and was called up in 1945 into the Corps of as president for Highgate Circle. During immensely proud of. Archbishop Longley Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers his years in the Association he made many performed the investiture at St Joseph’s. (REME). He trained as a paratrooper and good friends and was a regular visitor to Noel and his friend Tony Stanley responded his first posting was in Palestine during the other Circles in the Province. He would to a presentation at St Joseph’s church post-war troubles. always support other Circles and he and joined Walsall Circle in January 2013. He left the army after three years, enjoyed the brotherhood and more recently Noel thoroughly enjoyed the many outings joined ICI Metals as a draughtsman and the help both Circles gave him and Jenny he went on with his fellow Catenians; attended Manchester College to study as his health deteriorated. and Province 6’s February weekends in Mechanical Engineering. Rugby was a Jerry attended St Joseph’s Bunhill Row Bournemouth. passion: he was captain of Wigan Rugby Junior School and then went to Bishop Walsall Circle used to meet at the Village Club and had trials for the county team, Gifford Secondary School in Kings Cross. Hotel near Junction 10 of the M6; Noel but Lancashire already had an England On leaving school he started work at detested that junction with a vengeance so international as scrum half. Robert Porter Beer Company in the Tony would drive. Noel drove when Walsall It was through rugby that Joe met Marie. accounts department, but after a while Circle moved to Druid’s Heath Golf Club, They were married in 1955 and had three he decided to go into the electrical trade, Aldridge, so Tony could have a drink – children: Paul, Beth and John. In 1960 the joining a small local company. Later, with another example of Noel’s generosity. family moved to Birmingham where Joe a friend, he started an electrical business called Wholesale Electrical Mart. He had In the early days of Chasetown Civil, joined IMI. He progressed to run the many good years there and met his wife Noel went to buy two vans at an auction heavy components division until 1986, Jenny when she purchased a hair dryer! but bought Princess Anne’s Rolls Royce when he reluctantly retired due to The team told her that Jerry was available instead! Noel was fiercely Irish and health issues. but her reply was: “If I get that desperate, missed the last Bournemouth weekend Joe was active in his parish church of Holy I’ll come back!” Well, the rest is history. to attend the Irish rugby match in Ireland; Trinity, Sutton Coldfield: he ran the cub They recently celebrated their golden unfortunately, Ireland lost. scout football team and for over 20 years volunteered at the local Cheshire Home. wedding anniversary although, sadly, Jerry Noel died suddenly on 1 April 2020, on the was unable to participate as he was very ill. 12th anniversary of his son Oisin’s death. By this time he had joined Streetly Catenians, where he held numerous After their marriage they moved to Wood offices and, with Marie, built up a wide Green and started a family. Jerry was circle of friends. They were a very popular involved with the Church in many roles. couple and rarely missed events – Joe He was a school governor for the diocese would always be smiling and cheery with of Westminster, supporting two or three his broad Lancashire accent, toasting the schools for over 15 years. Queen and the Duke of Lancaster. AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 43 IN MEMORIAM

His Catholic faith was a moral compass David attended St Mary’s College, London A memorial service will be offered in the and a cornerstone of his life. He enjoyed for a degree in Maths and Physics. He future when his many friends will be able serving the Church through the schools in enjoyed all sports and represented the to meet and say goodbye to a good friend whatever areas his knowledge was most University at rugby. in a satisfactory manner. beneficial. After university, David joined Lucas Goodbye old friend; your commitment to Jenny and Jerry went on to have Industries where he remained until his family, church and Catenians will not be five children and, in due course, ten retirement in 1993. His speciality was fuel forgotten. grandchildren completed the family. When injection for diesel engines, so he worked they retired, they moved to Welwyn Garden with several car manufacturers while May he rest in peace City to be near two of their children and diesel cars were being developed. One only a short distance from the others. of these cooperations led him to accept PETER CHURLEY During his illness, Jerry was supported an assignment in South Korea in 1990, by the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn Garden accompanied by his wife. He worked here City of Leeds Circle City. They were there to help both Jerry with companies such as Hyundai in Busan. was sad to hear of and Jenny during a time of great anxiety In 1966, David married Elizabeth and the death of Peter, exacerbated by the Covid-19 outbreak. The they had three sons, making their home in who died on 12 March NHS, GPs, Marie Curie nurses and Isabel Harefield. When he transferred to Lucas 2020. Hospice deserve great thanks for all they Gillingham, the family moved to Maidstone. Peter was born in did for Jerry and his family, as without them In 1970 Elizabeth was diagnosed with Leeds in 1927 and things would have been very different. diabetes and later with Huntington’s went to school there. Jerry’s health deteriorated due to diabetes disease and in 1979 she sadly passed In 1939 he was in the and heart failure and over the last few away. David was a strong supporter of the first group of children years he had to pull back from Circle Huntington’s charity, especially as one of evacuated from Leeds to Ilkley. Very soon, meetings and Catenian functions, which his sons has also been diagnosed with most of the children were cycling home upset him greatly, as he missed all his the disease. at weekends. When he was 16, Peter friends, other members and visitors from 1988/89 was a momentous time for David joined the Royal Marines but missed active other Circles. as he became president of Maidstone service. He then attended officer school in Dartmoor and became an education Sadly, due to the restrictions of Covid-19, Circle, but more importantly, married instructor in Deal. only close family were able to be at Jerry’s Ann Connors, a widow of the Circle. graveside. A celebration of his life with all Their celebrations at Allington Castle were Peter married Margaret in 1961. They had his family, friends and Catenians will take well supported by Maidstone Catenians. four children – Clare, Judith, Kate and place later in the year when we can all David became president again in 1994/95 Michael – and also, for a time, fostered gather to remember him and enjoy each and 2001/02. babies. They spent many years helping other’s company once again. In 2000 David and Ann moved to others in difficulties. They were active Westgate-on-Sea but David continued his members of the St Vincent de Paul Society commitment to Maidstone Circle, attending (SVP); Peter was a founder and driver of May he rest in peace all meetings, no matter what the weather or the Leeds SVP St Jude’s Furniture Store, how long the drive. He eventually became and eventually became national president DAVID SHUFFLEBOTHAM a joint member with Ramsgate Circle in of the Society. Margaret died in 2008. David was born on 27 2013. He was president and provincial Following an English degree at Leeds February 1943 in Leek, councillor several times at Ramsgate University, Peter became a librarian and to Joan and Jack. and fought hard to try and prevent the eventually a secondary school teacher. Mum was a nurse and Circle handing back its charter. David was He spent most of his career at St Thomas Dad was in the RAF; president of Province 7 in 1998/99 and for Aquinas Catholic Grammar School and, following David they his provincial weekend returned to the Leek when the schools were reorganised in the had two daughters. area, basing his weekend at Buxton. It was late 1970s, at Cardinal Heenan Catholic David attended a a splendid weekend, remembered for all High School as head of sixth form. local Catholic primary the right reasons to this day. Peter joined City of Leeds Circle in October school run by nuns. David was a committed Catholic and 2012. He was a regular attendee at He passed his 11+ and went to St Joseph’s served the Church at every opportunity. Circle events, accompanied by Liz Rowe, College, run by Christian Brothers. At his parish in Birchington he was senior whose father was a founder member of David became an altar server at the age altar server and he helped to organise the Wetherby Circle. Liz and Peter became of eight, serving two 8am Masses every parish 200 Club. He also ran the clergy close companions and the family are very week, along with a school Mass and church retirement fund and was the parish gift aid grateful to Liz. benediction. He was allowed out early each officer. He was awarded the Silver Medal Peter was good company. As Michael, his day to ring the Angelus. So, David had a of the Guild of St Stephen for long service. son, said at his funeral: “He was always very Catholic upbringing, both in school In 2000 David was diagnosed with COPD cheerful or super cheerful – he could and at home. and diabetes. Complications with his always lift your spirits.” diabetes finally brought him down on 18 April 2020. His funeral on 4 May was during the pandemic so there was no congregation.

44 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Peter’s funeral was held at The Assumption He acted as trustee and treasurer of the They had two adopted children. Mary used Church, West Park, Leeds, where he was Farnham Institute Charity, Brightwells to say: “We chose you; we weren’t given you.” one of the first eucharistic ministers. Gostrey Centre, the Bourne Children and After qualifying as a solicitor, John served The Circle hopes that the family will be able Youth Initiative and was also a trustee at three years’ national service in the army. to arrange a Memorial Mass for Peter once Farnham Maltings, a creative arts centre. On his return he began to practise law as normality returns. As an only child, Andy loved his family life. a junior partner with Shuttleworth, Dallas He married Liz, after they met at Bristol and Crombleholme, a well-established local University. They have a son, Simon; a solicitors’ practice with a lovely Dickensian May he rest in peace daughter, Lucy; and grandchildren Luke ring to its name. He had a particular interest and Gemma, of whom Andy was in helping clients through separation or ANDY OWEN very proud. divorce, and this interest was to occupy both his and Mary’s charitable lives. After Andy was someone Andy was a popular, gregarious man, who years of successful practice, he went on you wanted to be always had a story to tell. He kept lifelong to become a highly-respected district judge. with: always cheery, friendships from all stages of his interesting, stoic, life and had a prodigious memory for Most of John and Mary’s free time was never complaining names and faces, usually finding a devoted to working as counsellors for Marriage Care, formerly the Catholic and always up for connection somewhere, somehow. Marriage Advisory Service. He was heavily a chat. He was an Many benefited from his kindness and involved in the selection and training of active member of the numerous offspring of friends enjoyed counsellors across the country and became Guildford Catenians work experience in his office. for over 30 years, national president. He always showed An extract from Ode to Owen including six as secretary. deep understanding and care. For all this by Laurence Treeby work he was honoured to become a Knight He was educated at Prior Park College, AJ is a tiger in everything he does of St Gregory. John was also a founding Bath and Bristol University. After training We don’t know how he fits it in trustee of the local hospice, St Catherine’s, as an accountant, he joined the British His life is just a buzz instrumental in helping the hospice to become Aircraft Corporation (BAC), Bristol as a reality. He was a strong supporter of He’s here, there, he’s everywhere finance director at an exciting time during the Society for the Protection of Unborn the construction of Concorde and its He doesn’t seem to rest Children. rollout in 1969. In all he does he gives his full At home John was a great cook and a In 1977 the family moved to Farnham and With humour, fun and skill – no bull. capable organist. John and Mary could let Andy became managing director of CI de He will be greatly missed by his family their hair down too: at any party or dance Rougement, a Lloyds underwriting agency, and many friends. they were always the best jivers and great commuting regularly until his retirement. fun to be with. Andy enjoyed a full life. He was a May he rest in peace John was a good, influential, charitable keen sportsman, playing hockey for man, and his life was well-lived. Bristol University, West Gloucester and Basingstoke, where he served as JOHN TURNER president. He was an active member of Preston South Circle May they rest in peace The Bourne Club, playing tennis, squash was saddened to and table tennis, and a valued member of hear of the death of PAUL KAMM the management committee. He also found John Turner in May Kirby Muxloe Circle was saddened by the time for golf at Blacknest and Farnham from coronavirus, death of Paul Kamm after a long illness, Golf Clubs. within weeks of the endured with great fortitude, on 9 March. death of his wife Mary. Andy’s other great interest was music. He was a founder Paul had been a dedicated member of He was a member of the Farnham and member of the Circle Kirby Muxloe Circle since 2005 and served Bourne Choral Society for 40 years and at in 1967, and the last on two occasions as president; he was times the treasurer. He was also in the Odd time most Brothers also one of the joint Circle presidents for Fellows Male Voice Choir for many years saw them was at the Circle’s golden a number of years. Paul spent a period as and treasurer of the Farnham Youth Choir. jubilee celebration at the top table when he Circle treasurer and was a long-time and Throughout his life, Andy valued the received his 50-year scroll. valued member of Council. He was a great foundation of love he had received at Prior supporter of Circle activities and will be John was born to Margaret and Wilfred in long remembered for his contributions to Park College: it was his second family. 1934, the first of three siblings. “He was He continued a very active involvement, after-dinner entertainment and particularly always the older brother, full of wisdom to the annual dinners. including 47 years on the Prior Park Alumni and advice,” reflects his brother, Monsignor Committee, many as chairman, and a long Aidan. Like many local Catenians of his Paul will be remembered for his spell as a school governor. generation, he attended Preston Catholic friendliness, his generosity and for his wry After his retirement, Andy delighted in College, then went on to London Univeristy sense of humour. He will be greatly missed. immersing himself in the Farnham scene. to study Law. At that time, he began his courtship with May he rest in peace Mary (though he had admired her from afar as he watched netball at Winckley Square Convent School next door just a few years earlier). AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 45 IN MEMORIAM

PAUL EDWARDS the Freedom of the City of London in London beckoned and Jim found an 1992 as a member of the Guild of Water opening with a firm of accountants in the Paul was born in Nottingham and attended Conservators. At this time he was with the City. This decided his career path and he The Becket School. He was one of three National Rivers Authority after the water qualified as an accountant. Eventually he children, with a brother, Michael, and sister, authorities were privatised. In his role as moved to the public sector and climbed the Mary. A keen sportsman, he played cricket flood defence manager for Wales, he once ladder, retiring as a chief accountant with for Nottingham Catholics and golf more demonstrated his commitment to British Telecom. After retirement, he set up at Chesterfield Golf Club. He married working on behalf of wider society. a private practice from home in Ruislip. Jenny in 1952 and had three children: Outside work, Terence volunteered on In his thirties, Jim met Mary at the wedding Jane, Neil and Philip. behalf of his local communities as a of a mutual friend. Mary was undertaking He was employed by Halifax Building member of the Round Table/41 Club, a postgraduate course, plying between Society in Nottingham, Leeds (Garforth) as well as Probus. In June 2003 he joined London and Dublin. After some time, they and Chesterfield. In 1980 he moved Abergavenny Circle. He was president became engaged and married at The to Bristol to open a Halifax branch on in 2007/08 for Abergavenny’s Church of the Assumption, Warwick Street, Whiteladies Road, Clifton. 40th anniversary, and from 2011 to 2014 London. They settled in Ruislip and had He was a keen walker, and became a he was provincial councillor. In 2015 he two sons. walking leader with HF Holidays, leading transferred to Kenilworth Circle. The family became involved with activities walks in Derbyshire, Devon, Cornwall In retirement, Terence and Diana took the at The Church of The Sacred Heart, and the Yorkshire Dales. opportunity to travel abroad, despite his Ruislip, and Jim got a tap on the shoulder He became a member of the Catenians dislike of flying, and he showed his typical which led to his joining the Catenians. He in Bristol, where he held office as president, stoicism on long hauls to Canada and other admired the ethos, enjoyed Circle meetings and was also a member of Bristol destinations. He loved to read about history and events, and valued the membership Severnside Rotary Club. and politics and enjoyed outdoor life, being and prayers. He served as president of Paul had a keen sense of humour, a keen walker. West Middlesex Circle for a year. and enjoyed fun and laughter. He was a loving father who set high Jim responded to a request from the standards for his sons but also displayed parish priest to help set up a branch of the pride he felt as they each developed The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ). May he rest in peace their own lives, careers and families. The purpose was to promote friendship TERENCE WIDNALL Terence will also be remembered by and understanding between the two everyone who knew him for his dry wit communities, which had been eroded Terence (Terry to and humour. following the Second World War. Jim found his many friends), this a very interesting project and was born in Rugby on pleased to participate. During the 50th May he rest in peace 28 September 1941 Jubilee year of the CCJ, Jim and Mary to Anne and Frank were delighted to receive an unexpected Widnall, was brother JAMES SHERIDAN invitation from the patron, Her Majesty to Michael, Barbara Jim was born in the Queen, to a reception at St James’s and Tricia. He was Templemore, County Palace. This was followed by a similar educated at Lawrence Tipperary on 31 event at 10 Downing Street. Sherriff School, Rugby August 1930. His In 2003, Jim and Mary retired to rural and the High School for Boys, Hereford, mother, Ellen, died Ireland where they enjoyed many years. where he was head boy. In Hereford, he when he was five Old age began to take its toll and a heart met his wife of nearly 55 years, Diana. months old so his condition led to his death, aged 89, at They had three sons, James, Stephen and father, Michael, took Wexford hospital on 23 March. He rests in Mark, and five grandchildren, Christopher, him to live on the Crosstown cemetery, Wexford. No proper Katy, Alex, Sophie and Eleanor. They all family farm under the funeral was allowed because miss their kind and loving husband, father watchful eye of his grandmother. of coronavirus restrictions. and grandfather. Jim enjoyed life on the farm and had Jim had a warm, outgoing personality, was As a civil engineer with a degree from happy memories of his childhood. He was a true gentleman, an affectionate husband Birmingham University, Terence saw his an imaginative child who saw ‘tongues and father, and is greatly missed by his role as one of building things to improve in trees, books in the running brooks, loving wife and sons, Donal and Rory. society as a whole, in a way that was sermons in stones and good in everything’ understated and never showy. These (As You Like It). He attended the local were principles he followed throughout primary school, then the Christian Brothers May he rest in peace his career. He worked on the first ever secondary school, where the curriculum municipal sewage system in Jersey, was taught in Irish. Aged 14, he was sent and later for the Cwmbran New Town to a boarding school in Leicester, where Development Corporation and the Welsh he flourished under the tutelage of Dutch Water Authority. priests of The Sacred Heart Fathers. He became a fellow of the Institution of Philosophy was his favourite subject. It was Civil Engineers, and was awarded hoped he might aspire to the seminary but Jim did not consider this his vocation.

46 CATENA • AUGUST 2020 Please keep the following deceased Brothers and their families in your prayers

2019 20 Ron Kelly 08 Peter Colleran November New Forest Circle Como Circle 30 Paul Monks May 11 John Corcoran Cork Circle 30 Peter Harris Dublin Circle 2020 South Bucks Circle 11 Emeric Fonseca March June Darling Range Circle 28 Mike McDermott 01 Malcolm Mancey-Jones 12 William Ritchie Woking and District Circle Westmorland Circle Weybridge Circle April 03 Roger Bramley 13 Bob Barron 09 Frank Cookson Cirencester, South Cotswolds Circle Longridge Circle Sutton Coldfield Circle 03 Howard Watson 28 Jim Steven 11 Douglas Wilson Billericay Circle Wokingham - Berks Circle Sutton Coldfield Circle 06 John Hennessy 29 Paul Turnbull Wokingham - Berks Circle Wembley Circle

May we remind contributors that obituaries should not exceed 600 words. This is to allow as many obituaries to be included as possible. Please send obituaries by email, as contributions sent by post can be difficult to process and check. [email protected] May we remind all contributors to ensure obituaries have been checked with family members before sending to Catena. Please do not send photos of great sentimental value through the post.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Son of Catenian (50) MBA, MAAT, CP, dp (GDPR) IOSH. Experienced senior business manager seeking employment in Lancashire / northwest. Skilled in financial, operational, Good News Stories strategic, project, data protection employee management. • Liam Kane, who was helped with summer work by a Highly motivated and dedicated individual seeking a new member in Cornwall a few months ago (the subject of an challenge. S/0120/06 article in Catena), has obtained university sponsorship Catenian (51) certified PRINCE2 project manager. from the same source. Non-practising solicitor. Former tax senior manager with KPMG and Deloitte working on incentive schemes, UK and • Samantha Anne Parkes, the granddaughter of a multinational. Subsequently consultant advising high-profile member of Poole Circle, has received an offer of help campaigns on strategy and governance. Based in and mentoring from the daughter of a Catenian. West Midlands but willing to relocate. B/0420/06 Catenian (49) Doctoral researcher with MSc Information Systems, Qualified ITIL instructor foundation and intermediate The Catenian Association Group on / PRINCE2 Instructor / service management / Networking / LinkedIn, the business-oriented Satellite / desktop support / operations management. Seeking social networking site, exists position as IT manager, business analysis, data analysis, to assist Brothers and family IT operations manager, project manager. B/0420/19 members in need of careers advice or employment Catenian solicitor, compliance officer. Numerate, thorough. opportunities. Finance and business problem solver in largest law firm and The Group provides careers and investment banks plus innovation/IP start-ups. Making things employment related networking simple, simply making things happen. Total business solutions. opportunities for Brothers and, Certainty of results; speed; cost. B/0820/02 through them, family members. Daughter of Catenian (22) recent Business Studies BSc Membership of the Group is closed graduate with a professional placement year abroad. Searching and unlisted, i.e. by approval only. roles in the charity sector. Marketing experience gained through The Group needs more members in internship with Viking Cruises marketing department in Sydney, order to achieve its purpose. Brothers Australia. Based in Kent. D/0820/18 are urged to open a LinkedIn account, and to include in their profile as much Son of Catenian (21) recent history graduate from King’s relevant information as possible College, London (2:1 predicted). Interested in legal training regarding personal qualifications, contracts, the civil service, and tax audit / accountancy. skills and career experience. Experience in teaching Mathematics at secondary school Brothers with a LinkedIn account level. Seeking full time employment in Solihull / Birmingham. can email me if they wish to join S/0820/06 the Group, and I will send them an invitation. Daughter of Catenian (22) B.E in software engineering (Information Technology) from Athlone Institute of Technology, Peter Western 01995 643101 Ireland, seeks full time employment in the marketing and [email protected] sales / business field D/0820/364

AUGUST 2020 • CATENA 47 Look forward to your next adventure With our full 2021 collection now on sale

Book a holiday with Riviera Travel and they will give 10% of the total cost back to YOUR Catenian Circle in U R commission* PR ISE Book with complete confi dence

A sense of wonder A sense of calm A sense of wellbeing

● Truly authentic travel experiences ● COVID19 cancellation cover ● Your health and safety is our priority ● The very best hand-crafted holidays as standard ● Travel insurance that covers COVID19 ● Amend your booking for free as standard

From sailing through sun-kissed wine regions in the South of France to unforgettable Arctic expeditions, Riviera Travel offers an incredible range of European and worldwide escorted tours, plus luxury ocean and river cruises. Discover destinations to suit everyone’s taste and budget, whether travelling as a group or as an individual.

For a free brochure, to check availability or to book:

Go online at rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 248304 and mention your Catenian Circle at the time of booking.

R For group holidays or general enquiries about the commission scheme, i 0 ve 2 r C 20 email [email protected] ruises March

Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP. ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Your Catenian circle must be mentioned at the time of booking or within 24hrs if an online booking. *Some elements are not commissionable, including room/travel upgrades and supplements, insurance premiums and bookings made through a third party (to include travel agents, online booking sites or any dedicated media partner departures) and any bookings where the Catenian Circle name was not mentioned at the time of b o o k i n g. A co m m is si o n i nvo i ce w i l l b e r e q u e s te d f ro m t h e C i rc le v ia a n e m a i l to t h e le a d n a m e o n t h e b o o k i n g , i n t h e m o n t h fo l low i n g t h a t of t h e d e p a r t u r e . Pay m e n t m a d e to yo u r C i rc le , for all that travel, within 28 days of receipt of invoice.

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