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q Mass and prayer .org.uk. in coronavirus times Photo: Mazur/cbcew Together alone we seek spiritual

communion as coronavi  rus spreads    by Alison Rebello blessed sacrament and devotions live communion with Pope Francis as he ou r churches for the Easter Triduum, able, we pray for safety and protection. streamed at 5pm each afternoon. performed the extraordinary Urbi et staff at the Ushaw visitor centre in For those who have died from coron- FROM the day our priests were Other churches live streaming Masses, orbi papal blessing, granting a plenary Durham have called on us to sit in our avirus we pray they rest peacefully with forced to close their church doors and daily prayer and reflection and adoration indulgence to the faithful whilst re- homes or stand on our doorsteps, bal- You. celebrate Mass without people pres- of the blessed sacrament include St minding us that Christ is our hope and conies or in our gardens at 10am on For those who have lost loved ones, ent, the clergy and the faithful have Charles’, Gosforth; St Teresa’s, Heaton; our anchor. Easter Sunday and sing the joyful we pray for comfort in their grief. rushed to ensure those less fortunate St Mary’s, Hexham; St Paul’s, Cramling- Two days later, thousands joined to hymns Jesus Christ is Risen Today and For all who experience fear or anxiety, were cared for. ton; St Mary’s, Forest Hall; St Edward’s make an act of rededication as part of Thine be the Glory as an acclamation of we pray for peace of mind and spirit. As the world grapples with the COVID- Church, Whitley Bay; St Mary’s, Sun- the Rededication of England as Our Christ’s resurrection. For affected families who are facing 19 pandemic our diocese is united in derland; Stockton Family Parish; St Lady’s Dowry. We are asked to telephone our friends difficult decisions between food on the prayer for those affected by the virus Mary’s, Newton Aycliffe; St Thomas of Priests and deacons, along with the and loved ones and ask them to join us. table or public safety, we pray for poli- worldwide, for NHS workers and for all Canterbury, Billingham; St Cuthbert’s, SVP, have urged people to keep in con- In Durham, The Parish of the Durham cies that recognise their plight. who are isolated and vulnerable. Chester-le-Street; St Bede, Sacriston, and tact with the vulnerable and all who Martyrs has asked people to join them For our brothers and sisters around the Stories detailing acts of kindness trav- St Augustine’s, Darlington. may need assistance so that no-one in in spirit, to light a candle on Palm Sun- world, we pray for shared solidarity. elled between partnerships by phone, Some parishioners are using Zoom, our diocese is left without help. day and say this prayer, kindly adapted For public officials and decision-mak- email and social media. Skype, WhatsApp and church Facebook Mother General of the Little Sisters of by staff and students at St Leonard’s ers, we pray for wisdom and guidance. Mass was concelebrated by Bishop groups to maintain contact and to pray the Poor has also appealed to families School: Father, during this time may your Robert, Fr Michael McCoy and Fr Peter together. to say the Rosary together for all af- For all who have contracted coron- Church be a sign of hope and love to all. Stoddart and live streamed on St Mary’s On Friday, March 27, 11 million peo- fected by coronavirus. avirus, we pray for care and healing. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant YouTube channel, with adoration of the ple tuned in to be joined in universal Although we will not stand together in For those who are particularly vulner- healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.

THE annual Celebration of Wareing, the diocesan co-or- ples taking part in diocesan mar- MBE is Marriage Mass was due to be dinator for marriage and fam- riage preparation – but sadly, celebrated by Bishop Robert ily life. due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at St Mary’s Cathedral at 11am Bishop Robert had invited it is likely that this Mass will not Linda’s on Saturday, May 16, to give each parish community to be go ahead. thanks for the sacrament of represented by married couples Please turn to page 10 for just marriage, writes Deacon Rob of all ages – and engaged cou- more information. Jericho 10x2_Layout 1 23/01/2014 17:47 Page 1 reward

     q Much-loved ACORN GARDENING Monkwearmouth parishioner SERVICE Linda Longstaff All Gardening Work Undertaken JERICHO recently enjoyed throughout the North East Combines the Contemplative life with a very special Jericho Benedictines day out at SAVE £££’s on 5x2 an active apostolate Bucking ham l TidyAco upsrn ga lrd Treeening Work l Palace with her Planting6 xl2 Gravelling l to the destitute. family where Hedges Cut or Removed Vocation information from: Bro. Patrick, she received The Jericho Society an MBE for “We don’t cut corners - just hedges” many years ‘Mater Salvatoris’ of hard work and FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL Harelaw Farm, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire PA10 2PY dedication. Well ROBERT ON Tel: 01505 614669 done Linda! 0191-2747580 or [email protected] Turn to page 07950548305 10 to read all about it. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 2 NEWS April 2020 Listen! Our Year of the Word retreat by Shawn Miranda and Dame Werburg Welch. Owing to illness, the artist was unable to complete the work and the tapes- Nina McAninly tries languished in their unfinished form for many years until the project was revived and fi- IN CONJUNCTION with the dedication of 2020 nally completed last year. This gave us a unique as The Year of the Word by the Catholic Bishops opportunity to view the works before they would Conference of England and Wales, the diocese eventually be shipped to Kenya. of Hexham and Newcastle organised a retreat to Some of the participants also took the opportu- Stanbrook Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in nity to engage the nuns in one-to-one conversa- Wass, Yorkshire. tion which gave them a unique window into the The theme of the retreat was Listen and its aim religious life that is not often known to the was to help young adults establish a deeper rela- Catholic laity. tionship with Christ through greater reflection of Aside from our engagement in prayer and his word in the sacred scriptures. study, we had numerous opportunities to have Sister Laurentia, one of the Benedictine nuns great fun through the sharing of food and song from Stanbrook Abbey, served as our spiritual di- and playing games. rector throughout the retreat. Some of the participants enjoyed a leisurely We were taught the traditional monastic practice walk in the woodland areas surrounding the of the Lectio Divina, a technique of reflective read- abbey whilst others visited the ruins of Byland ing of a passage of scripture, and were told that this Abbey, a Cistercian monastery originally simple practice could be used to perceive the mes- founded in 1135. sage God intended for us to receive from his word. The retreat proved a worthwhile experience for Crucially, we had learned that there was a pro- all the participants in helping develop a deeper found difference between an empty reading of the relationship with Christ through the scriptures. passages of the bible and a deep and reflective en- We learnt that even in those moments where we gagement with the passages to truly listen to God’s no longer feel close to God, we can reconnect voice in our lives. with Him through reading and listening to His As part of our stay in Stanbrook Abbey we had word. the privilege of joining the Benedictine Sisters in Equally, by sharing His word with others we their daily praying of the Divine Office. are helping God’s spirit reach more people and These are a set of prayers originally developed by spread His love. As God breathed life into Adam, q St Benedict of Nursia and evolved over the centuries, he does the same to us through His word, and we Getting together heeding the call of Psalm 119 to praise God seven should let His word stay with us, reflect upon it for a photo with times a day. The recitation of the prayers, together and let it guide our thoughts. By doing this we the Sisters outside with the chanting of the psalms, was a very mean- can become closer to God and give him the the abbey on a ingful experience for all of us in bringing us to closer power to direct our lives. blustery day, union with God and with our Catholic brothers and We take this opportunity to thank the Sisters of above, and the sisters who had lived through ages past. Stanbrook Abbey for their gracious hospitality striking abbey, Participants were also treated to a viewing of and spiritual direction. left, which can masterfully-crafted tapestries depicting the stations It is our hope that this retreat will be the first of just be seen, of the cross. many activities organised by the diocese for the nestled in the The work was originally commissioned to be spiritual renewal and strengthening of young Yorkshire given to a church in Molo Kenya using designs by adult Catholics of Hexham and Newcastle. countryside.

Divine Mercy 18x4

q Some of the Elect with Bishop Robert after the service. Photo: Iain Gelston. rcdhn.org.uk Rite of Election 2020

ON THE first Sunday in Lent – He told the congregation that the March 1 – the Rite of Election took people who had decided to become place in St Mary’s Cathedral, New- members of the Church at Easter, castle. through the Sacraments of Initiation The candidates and catechumens – baptism, confirmation and eu- who have been on their Journey of charist – had been chosen by God, Faith course since September – the who had called them, and were to be Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults known as the Elect. programme – were presented to After processing to meet the bishop Bishop Robert Byrne by their spon- and shake hands with him, 143 of the sors and godparents and were sup- Elect wrote their names in the Book ported by their families and friends. of the Elect. Fr Adrian Dixon preached the hom- They were then photographed with ily and spoke of the many choices him at the end of a joyful and grace- made throughout life. filled ceremony. www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 3 Pastoral and spiritual support is at hand COVID-19 is a very real threat which is causing many organisations many difficulties. It is also a developing situation which means constant change. Here Fr Adrian Tuckwell, Episcopal Vicar for Caritas, provides a summary of support available...

DURING this difficult time many are of- on what it means for our spiritual well-being centrate on residential services; fering their time and energy to help our and salvation if we can’t fulfil our ‘Easter Du- l SVP Blackfriars and Deaf Centre, Newcas- more vulnerable parishioners. Parishes ties’. You can view the video at rcdhn.org.uk; tle, have closed, but offer a telephone service should compile a list of these offers of help l Magnificat is providing complimentary ac- to help people as best they can. You can con- and link them, with permission, to those in cess to its resources during this time. Find tact them on 0191 2616027; the community who are in need. Some of them at us.magnificat.net/free; l The diocesan Justice and Peace Refugee our parishes have outreach groups, SVP, l Clicktopray.org is the home of the Pope’s Project has closed temporarily. No food do- Legion of Mary and others offering help. Worldwide Prayer Network; nations can be received, but the project is COVID Mutual Aid groups consisting of l The Benedictine Monks of Ampleforth searching for ways to help its destitute clients. people who want to do all they can to support Abbey live stream their daily Monastic Office If you would like to make a donation, the de- their own local communities are springing up and Conventual Mass. This can be found at tails are: HSBC DHN DESTITUTE ASY- across the country. ampleforth.org.uk/abbey/; LUM FUND. Sort code: 40-34-18. Account Find out more at covidmutualaid.org. They l Torch offers a new homily each week, writ- number: 52854058. It is truly grateful for the are happy to receive offers of help and to help ten by the Dominican friars; kind support you have offered and looks for- out people in need. Most of the individual l Christian Art Today gives a reflection of ward to the day when it can reopen. groups use Facebook, so you would need to each day’s gospel, told through art. It is run be signed up to gain access. by a seminarian of the diocese; A prayer for when Mass cannot be If you have any updates about things hap- l Lent in Isolation is releasing a daily reflec- celebrated publicly, prepared by the pening locally, please contact me at tion for the remainder of Lent. They include Bishops’ Conference [email protected]. Updates will be the readings from Holy Mass, spiritual guid- Act of spiritual communion: My Jesus, I be- posted at rcdhn.org.uk. ance from a priest and a lead act of spiritual lieve that you are present in this Holy Sacra- communion; ment of the altar. I love you above all things Mass online l Sr Catherine Wybourne, a Benedictine nun and I passionately desire to receive you into l Private Masses will continue to be offered of Holy Trinity Monastery in Herefordshire, my soul. Since I cannot now receive you with several churches in the diocese live continues to share reflections on her blog; sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul streaming them. The full list can be found at l Thinking Faith, the online Journal of the so that I may unite myself wholly to you now rcdhn.org.uk; British Jesuits; and forever. l Vatican News live streams Pope Francis’ l Heaven’s Road Catholic online radio; Amen. 6am Mass at Casa Santa Marta every day on l Fr Lawrence Lew OP uploads daily reflec- Facebook and YouTube; tive photos to his Flickr account; A prayer for health from the Liturgy l The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham live l Catholic Voices is running weekly webinars Office streams its 12 noon Mass; each Monday to share inspiring wisdom and Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ l The Dominican friars of GodzDogz at stories; behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside Blackfriars, Oxford, are streaming Mass l The Casting Fire blog by Fr Rajiv Michael, me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and every day at 7.30am and on Saturdays at a priest at Westminster Cathedral. restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above 8.30am on their YouTube Channel. me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ Local organisations in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth Other resources to explore online l All PACE groups are suspended at St Cuth- of friend and stranger. q Bishop Robert celebrates Mass at St Mary’s l Cardinal Nichols has shared his thoughts bert’s Care to allow the organisation to con- Amen. Cathedral, Newcastle.

Discovering churchservices.tv Buckfast Abbey Trust Registered Charity number 232497 by Tom and Maureen Hoban We changed our allegiance and found another church – this one cho- TWO weeks ago we read on the sen as it was close to the London flat diocesan website that live Masses rented by one of our family. from many locations were What a difference. It has a beautiful streamed on Churchservices.tv interior, a single fixed camera span- Since then we have ‘attended’ Mass ning the altar and great sound trans- in Ireland and throughout England. mission. ‘List‘Listen,‘Listeenn,, The list of venues is quite long, but The parish priest, his curate and the hopefully our own churches will be reader all have good voices, and Fr open again before it is exhausted. explained there were three celebrat- Early in our travels we visited a large ing the Mass as they lived in the same RRulule of St Benedictedict church with a number of camera posi- house. mymy soonn’’ tions. It was fine, but lacked ‘warmth’. We did note, however, that that they It was very surprising that when we were keeping to at least the recom- were expecting to be invited to make mended distance apart. a spiritual communion, there was a A warm invitation was extended to voiceover requesting that as it was not all who shared in the Mass to make a possible to take a collection perhaps spiritual communion. It is an experi- viewers would like to make a donation ence we are happy to share during Buckfast using a link on the parish website. this time of lockdown. Abbey Can you help St Cuthbert’s Care? 18x4 DEAR Northern Cross readers, I am appealing for your support. You may know that at St Cuthbert’s Care we provide frontline registered care provision for the most vulnerable people in our region. Almost all of our services are residential homes where our residents live with us permanently, with 24-hour support from our staff teams. We must remain open and our teams are www.buckfast.org.uk/vocation unable to work from home. Due to the q Moira [email protected] coronavirus outbreak we may experience Ashman. unprecedented numbers of staff unable to work for weeks at a time. If you feel you may be able to help, in I am calling upon any person who re- any way possible, please may I ask that mains well and healthy to consider volun- you contact my colleague, Nicola Milne, God calls to us constantly, longing to guide those who yearn for life and desire teering for us, or possibly even becoming at [email protected] to employed on a short-term basis, should register your interest. You can also ring her to see good days into the way of peace. The Rule of Saint Benedict helps us to this be a preference. on 0191 2424809 or 07824 452885. hear God’s voice, in the Holy Scriptures, in the sacred liturgy and in our brothers Support may be required across all dis- These are the most challenging of times ciplines of care within all functions: care, for us all. in community. If you are a single man longing to live your Catholic faith in a way nursing, food preparation, cooking, laun- Any offers of support would be most which brings great joy as it demands the best of you, consider whether God is dry work, housekeeping and cleaning, ad- deeply appreciated. calling you to be a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey. ministration and IT support, indoor Thank you and stay safe. activities with residents and gardening Please reach out to us, and we will do all we can to help you. and maintenance. The list of support is Moira Ashman wide-ranging. CEO, St Cuthbert’s Care Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 4 NEWS April 2020 CAPNE event teaches us to speak up for those who don’t have a voice

by Mary Hughes Hannah Davison from St Peter’s gave a much-needed opportunity to re- Church concluded the first part of the flect and bring the light of God’s power programme by reading the poem into our situation so all of us might raise MORE than 270 people of all ages Refugees by Brian Bilston which clev- our voices to ‘speak truth’. gathered at St Peter’s Church, erly invites us to turn our thoughts up- During the final part of the afternoon Gateshead, for the North East’s side down and think about things we invited those who represented Church Action on Poverty Sunday differently! ‘power’ and ‘influence’ – Ian Mearns held on February 23. A range of speakers from the local MP, Ian Stevenson from Gateshead The theme of the day was Speaking area highlighted the real crisis of Council and Fr Adrian Tuckwell, vicar Truth to Power. poverty that is all around us and, by for Caritas and representing Bishop Many of those in attendance repre- using their authentic voices, called Robert Byrne for our diocese – to re- sented local churches and communities those listening to action. spond to what they had heard. q Top to or were from charities doing vital work The work of two local initiatives was It was absolutely appropriate that the bottom: Ollie in our region – including the Bensham shared by those engaged in running event took place in Gateshead ahead of Batchelor Food Co-op, Joe’s Place and Oasis them. Joe’s Place, one of these, is a the launch of Gateshead Poverty Truth and a guest Community Housing. drop-in community café which offers a Commission on March 5. from the We were also very pleased to wel- welcome for the homeless and for those CAPNE had hosted a meeting focus- Bensham come Gateshead member of Parliament who are struggling in a variety of ways. ing on poverty in Gateshead over a year Food Co-op. Ian Mearns, and members of Gateshead The other is the Bensham Food Co- earlier and this had turned out to be a Lucy Council. op, an organisation which provides huge catalyst in the formation of an Zwolinska The opening address was made by food, support and friendship for asylum Outreach Group in two Gateshead tells those in Rev Hugh Sperring from the Wesley seekers, refugees and local people liv- churches: Corpus Christi and St Peter’s. attendance Memorial Methodist Church. ing in poverty. The group was delighted to host this about the He inspired the gathering with the In each case someone with experience year’s Church Action on Poverty Sun- work of the prayer that God would bless us with of poverty shared their story and the day, especially since it was an opportu- Gateshead “enough foolishness to believe that we truth of their situation in a powerful nity to raise awareness and to establish Poverty can make a difference in the world” and way. connections in order to bring people to- Truth “to do what others claim cannot be Oasis Community Housing also gether to work for change. Commission. done”. shared the reality of homelessness in CAPNE meets at 2pm on the last Fri- Ian Mearns Pat Devlin, from Church Action on Gateshead and how they are helping the day of each month at the Mercy Hub, St MP with Poverty North East (CAPNE), ex- situation. Mary’s Cathedral, opposite Central Sta- young plained the group’s aims and activities, They have recently been able to open tion. people then Lucy Zwolinska from the a 24-hour facility for those living on the All are welcome to come along and who are Gateshead Poverty Truth Commission streets. find out more – although these meetings completing spoke about the commission’s work. A short liturgy introduced by Fr Keith will not be held while the current coro- the Pope Lucy also shared a video featuring Walker, and led by young people partic- navirus self isloating measures are in John Paul II some real-life stories. ipating in the Pope John Paul II Award, place. Award. A marvellous new minibus for St COULD Columba’s church by Colin Finlay transported refugee and asylum GOD BE seekers on cultural/familiarisation THE Eagle has flown, but the Lion trips; allowed the local primary school has landed! pupils and their teachers to travel to CALLING This is not a secret phrase to be events that would have been eco- 10 x 1 found in a Cold War novel, but a nomically impossible to get to, and parishioner’s summary of a big event took parishioners to many special Fr YOUChristo pTOher at St Columba’s, Wallsend, last events around the diocese. month. It even carried our parish pilgrimage Warren For many years we have benefited group all the way to Iona – what an SERVE AS A from the use of a parish minibus. adventure that was! Sadly, after 11 years of stalwart However, thanks to generous be- service, the Eagle – our tough old quests and donations from former Iveco – reached a point where it passengers and parishioners over the PRIEST? needed to be replaced. years, the parish took delivery of a Diocesan Over the years it proved to be a new minibus – the Lion – on March 6. valuable asset in parish work and pri- Fr David Smith blessed our new bus q The Lion has Director of mary school events, providing more after Mass on Sunday, and we prayed landed – or, in Vocations: than 5,000 passenger journeys to in his blessing that our new bus will other words, our Mass and making hundreds of adven- continue the outreach and support new minibus has Fr Andrew ture journeys for young people, in- work of its predecessors and be en- arrived, above! Fr CHRISTOPHER WARREN cluding family groups, beavers/cubs/ joyed by all sorts of groups in the Fr Smith blesses Downie scouts, confirmation and retreat groups parish. the bus, surrounded 0191( 01207 273 502196 3903 and those going to the youth camp. Our thanks go to all our kind bene- by altar servers On other occasions it helped us to factors and to the volunteer drivers from St Columba’s [email protected] move furniture for parishioners and and support team who keep the bus church, Wallsend, goods for fundraising events. It also running and available. left. www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 5 Mini Vinnies are forging friendships The Word of God conference LIVING Theology 2020 with The New- man Association invites you to join us at The Bar Convent, York, for our The Word of God – hearing and responding conference on July 11 and 12. Highlights will include the following speakers: l Fr Philip Harrison SJ – Reading the Scriptures; l Dr George Herring – Authority in the Early Church; l Fr Martin Poulsom SDB – Catholic Social Teaching; l Fr Henry Wansbrough OSB – The Dead Sea Scrolls; l Dr Ally Kateusz – Women in the Early Church. The cost of the conference is £70 for the weekend or £40 for one day (students half price) including lunches and refreshments. For further details about the conference and to book call 01642 645732, email [email protected] or visit jesuit.org.uk/living-theology-york-2020. q The Mini Vinnies group from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Primary School, Billingham, attended a coffee morning at Under the auspices of the Jesuits. Holy Rosary Church in February and enjoyed meeting and talking to the parishioners. Members of the group would like to Registered Charity No. 230165 thank everyone for making them feel so welcome. “We’re looking forward to our next visit,” said Mrs Lowe. Jen’s dedicated service is recognised with a papal blessing by Deacon David Smith

MANY thanks are due to Bishop Robert for arranging a papal bless- ing for Jen Green, a parishioner of The Sacred Heart and St Cuthbert’s parish, Amble. Jen has been coming into what is now HMP Northumberland at Acklington, near Morpeth, for more than 20 years to provide musical accompaniment to the Saturday morning Masses as well as services of word and communion. q Jen Green Over this incredible period of service with Fr Paul Jen hasn’t just brought her talent but Douthwaite, also biscuits and cakes, Easter and q Samantha Pariser presents Jen Green with the papal blessing. and Deacon Christmas cards and a constant source David. of support and good cheer to the resi- dents who very much appreciate her edged makes a serious contribution to JoanMarsh:Layout 1 18/10/2017 09:15 AM Page 1 presence. the day-to-day running of the prison The papal blessing was presented to and towards the wellbeing and rehabil- Jen by Samantha Pariser, director of itation of the residents. HMP Northumberland in the presence Deacon David would also like to take Joan Marsh JOE WALSH TOURS of Fr Paul Douthwaite, national the opportunity to thank the priests, Chiropodist PILGRIMAGES 2020 Catholic chaplain for prisons; Phil deacons and musicians of the area who Longhurst, managing chaplain, and give up their time on Saturday morn- Podiatrist Deacon David Smith, Catholic chap- ings for this most worthwhile ministry B.Sc. (Hons) Pod., M.Ch.S., MEDJUGORJE £ lain at HMP Northumberland. to those who are often overlooked by HPC Registered, 12 & 19 MAY & 2 JUNE | 7 NIGHTS During her presentation Ms Pariser society. £645 thanked Jen and the volunteers within If anyone would like to be involved, P.O.M.S Cert., LA Enhanced From Manchester pps the chaplaincy and prison establish- in any way, please contact Deacon 10 Dx B2 B disclosure. » Direct return flights to Croatia » Breakfast10 & xevening 2 meal served daily ment whose presence she acknowl- David at HMP Northumberland. 1st floor » Staying near JoeM Wid-aTlysnhe Activity Centre JoaSt.n James’s Mar churchsh Jarrow NE32 3QW » Full religious programme (Next to Jarrow Community Centre) » Guided tour of the Shrine, Hill of Apparitions and climbC hto iMt.ro Krizevacpod ist DO YOU have a partnership Telephone: 0191 489 0690 ORGANISE YOUR GROUP PILGRIMAGE! story you’d like to share? • Corn and Callus removal / reduction • Nail cut & filed • Treatment of verruca » Direct flights from various airports in the UK If so, please email your story to Bistro » Special incentives for group bookings based • Nail and skin infections • Wax therapy on group numbers editor.norcross@ btconnect.com, Romano and all conditions affecting the foot. » Free promotional materials to assist your tours including a good quality picture, 63 Front Street,5x1 Cleadon • Biomechanical examinations » Fully licenced and bonded Tour Operator if you have one. Please include Village, Sunderland for your full financial protection  0191-519 1747 also carried out. Romano’s Ristoranté Italiano GLASGOW: 0141 530 5060 | LIVERPOOL: 0151 909 2871 a contact number so we can call Mobile / Home Visits Mediterranean Village, www.joewalshtours.co.uk | [email protected] you if necessary. Metro Centre Tel: 07804 793 869 Email: [email protected] Licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, TO 052 and TA 0689 in compliance  0191-460 7146 with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Package Regulation 2018. www.joanmarshpodiatry.co.uk Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 6 LETTERS April 2020

$ . : , , Garabandal, Only God Knows An update from 1R   $$BUIPMJD OFXTQBOFXTQBQFSBQFS GPS UIF EJPDFEJPDFTFFTF PG ))FYIBN  /FXDBTUMFXDBTUUMF  2FWREHU   S  ¼ ¼  is available to view for free Minsteracres         THE COVID-19 pandemic has brought bandal, Only God Knows, can be viewed DARK clouds have gathered over our world about an immense health crisis. free of charge in English and Spanish on BECAUSE the safety and wellbeing of our community, this Lent. The suffering endured by so many fam- the film’s official webpage, which can be staff, volunteers, retreatants and parishioners, is what The deadly threat posed by coronavirus is ever- ilies these days will also leave scars on a found at garabandalthemovie.com. matters most to us, particularly during this challenging present. It has claimed lives and threatens coura- psychological and emotional level: many Garabandal, Only God Knows, came time, Minsteracres has cancelled all scheduled retreat geous NHS workers who strive to save those people are having to face near-death situ- into existence to bear a message of hope activities until April 30. affected. ations entirely alone, others are unable to to all humanity – in these times it is more We are closely monitoring the latest developments with It has separated us from our families and friends, accompany their loved ones. necessary than ever. the COVID-19 outbreak and will keep you updated via our placed fear in our hearts and minds, disrupted our The list of sorrows continues to grow Now, more than ever, our homes must website.  

   daily routines.  Following the guidance of the RC Bishops of England   daily. become true domestic churches that learn Our churches have closed an d the obligation to The Garabandal movie had already pre- from Our Lady of Sorrows to contemplate and Wales, daily prayer and Mass will continue in the com- attend Sunday Mass temporarily suspended. miered in 29 countries when the coron- the mystery of Jesus’ passion, death and munity chapel, but this unfortunately won’t be open to the Our concern has grown for the elderly and is o- avirus reached Europe. Further screenings resurrection. public. All our measures are in line with the official advice lated, and for our priests and deacons, particularly were planned in March and April but the May she extend her blessing upon you from Public Health England, with whom we continue to those who are vulnerable and may have been ex- theatres have closed so that is no longer and your family in this time of need. work closely. While many of the measures may not be posed to the virus as well as those at a hig her risk possible. God bless. highly visible to parishioners or visitors to the retreat cen- of complications. We would like to announce that from tre, rest assured they are in place and following medical, Yet there have been so many acts of kindness, April 3 (the Friday before Holy Week) Sister Miriam clinically-driven advice. and throughout the diocese people have reported through to Easter Sunday, April 12, Gara- Mater Spei English On behalf of Minsteracres team, we would like to thank that everyone ha s don  e their best to ensure no- you for your patience and support at this difficult time. Let us continue to keep one another in our prayers. one is left without help or offers of assistance. We have been encouraged to make an act of spiritual communion at home, and to continue to Fr Jeroen Hoogland CP fast, pray, read the Gospels and to give alms, as Experiencing isolation Rector, Minsteracres we should at this time. We face a Holy Week and an Easter like no oth- ers in living memory. Confined to our homes, we cannot come to- as a potential grace gether, to stand in our churches this Holy Week, or to attend the Easter Vigils on Holy Saturday, or DURING these difficult days, I thought pots and pans, as Our Holy Mother testi- Mass on Easter Sunday. readers might like to see an extract fies! The challenge is to accept the need As Cardinal Nichols said in his recent address, from an email I received from a to master our interiority. the obligation to our Easter Duties – to go to con- Carmelite who lives overseas. “This will be done differently depending fession and receive holy communion – is removed It said: “Social distancing, isolation and on whether we live alone or in a restless from us, but he added: “We can make an Act of other containment measures to slow down house, but a pathway is possible. Perfect Contrition to express our deep sorrow at the spread of the COVID-19 virus can be “So let’s try to turn the constraints of our sins against the goodness of God.” deeply unsettling: how can we live in a confinement into an opportunity for We can be together, in spirit, this Holy Week and confined space within our own homes? growth in contemplation. Easter. “Here, the spiritual tradition of Carmel “Here are ideas to help you through this comes to our rescue. period of confinement. “It could help us to experience this crisis l Experience Lent following the rhythm not only as a problem but also as an op- of the online Carmelite retreats: the cur- portunity, as an amazing grace that we can rent online retreat with St John of the receive. Cross; “St Teresa of Avila founded her first l Read the writings of Carmelite saints; NORTHERN CROSS monastery of Discalced Carmelites…to l Deepen your mental prayer, silent 2020 AGM create a free space protected from outside prayer, through videos, podcasts, etc. intrusions in order to lead a life centred “When Europe was torn apart by the THE board of directors of the on the presence of God. Wars of Religion, St Teresa of Avila “This is what Carmel is all about: expe- wrote: ‘The world is all in flames…this is Northern Cross would like to riencing the intensity of God’s presence not the time to be discussing with God announce that, due to the ...within a limited space. matters that have little importance’ (Way COVID-19 pandemic the 2020 “Of course, this isn’t easy and it takes of Perfection 1.5). time to get used to this limited space. “We’re bringing that cry up to date. May Annual General Meeting will be “However, St Teresa can help us in her this time of confinement give us the grace held as a telephone conference writings by showing us the importance of to come closer to God and to love our at 11am on Thursday, April 23, recollection: to discover there the pres- neighbour better. ence of God is hidden in our hearts; to ex- “We’re in communion with you!” rather than a meeting at St perience that where we are, we can live Anne’s parish hall, 43 Welbeck with God. Name and address supplied Avenue, Darlington, DL1 2DR. “God is even found in the middle of the By email

The next edition of Northern Cross Special Easter verses will be available to buy on Sunday, May 3, 2020. HARTLEPOOL born poet Dominic Betrayal, torture and crucifixion Windram kindly shares two of his Easter And the hard-wrought yet tender re- The Northern Cross is the Catholic newspaper for the verses with Northern Cross readers. demption? diocese of Hexham and Newcastle & was granted a Papal Blessing on September 11, 1965. A Matter of Perception Spring Awakening It is a not-for-profit company & registered charity. Can we still perceive the first murmur- The light is slowly expanding Registered at Companies House No. 6067775. ings After winter’s prolonged shadowy reign. Charity Commission No. 1118066. Of Easter’s teeming, violet agenda: The perfumed aroma of hyacinths VAT Reg No. 472 0189 55. Circulation: 5,000. Pouring through the cracks of this sti- Floats on the fresh April breeze. Editor: Emma Little fling world? Rose pink and snow white blossoms are Advertising enquiries: Or have we been conditioned to accept scattered; 07446 128433 or [email protected] The surface gloss of lesser festivals? All over expectant avenues and streets. There are many trivial distractions Vibrant tulips are sprouting profusely. Website: northerncross.org.uk That feed the secular imagination. And there are violet strewn blessings Registered Office: St Anne’s Presbytery, Can we still perceive spring ‘s fresh To spring’s prodigious Muse. 43 Welbeck Avenue, Darlington DL1 2DR. plethora Rejoice in Easter time of redemption; Office: (9am-2pm): 01325 464008 Of lush colours blossoming all around? After the heartrending sorrows of Lent. Head of Admin & Finance: Claire Robson Can we still embrace this Life’s deeper Spring’s subtle awakening brings: Please email your admin & finance enquiries to: realms: New lifeblood for the ancient ritual; [email protected] The profound things of ultimate con- Vital wine to uplift the sovereign spirit; Subscriptions: 01325 464008 cern? And warm, transforming communion Can we still brave the wintry heart of After the time honoured, solemn cere- darkness: mony. Northern Cross Board Board Chairman: Fr Dennis Tindall Vice Chairman: Paul Baker Company Secretary: Tom Atkinson NORTHERN CROSS welcomes letters for publication. In order to allow as many letters as possible to be used, Directors: Fr Dennis Tindall, Thomas Mackin, please try to restrict the length to 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit contributions without reference Tom Atkinson,Tom Hoban, David Relton, Philip Smith in order to reduce their length or to correct grammatical or punctuation errors. Please send to: Northern Cross Finance: Tom Atkinson. Operations: Tom Hoban Letters, St Anne’s Presbytery, 43 Welbeck Avenue, Darlington DL1 2DR or [email protected] Subscriptions Secretary: Claire Robson www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 7 Fr Dave celebrates his golden jubilee and 50 remarkable years PRIESTS from across the diocese, He left just before taking his simple parishioners past and present, plus vows, coming back to our diocese under family and friends gathered at St the wing of Bishop Hugh Lindsay. He Peter’s Church, Low Fell, for a special spent time covering for a variety of parish Mass to mark 50 years since the ordi- priests when they were on holiday before nation of Fr Dave Tanner, JCL. being moved to North Shields. There was a joyful atmosphere as all Fr Dave spent the next 11 years as a who attended gave thanks for a priest who lodger at St Cuthbert’s school, Newcastle. has been a real help to so many facing dif- In that time, he practised Canon Law for ficulty, and who has moved in and out of the Marriage Tribunal, and assisted those the diocese but always returned home to enduring often painful, difficult times. the North East. He then moved to Northumberland and Fr Dave was born into a loving family spent more than a decade there, and after in Benwell, Newcastle, in 1946, one of some time became a parish priest again, five children. He attended the Junior Sem- supporting the rural community. inary at Ushaw from the age of just 11 and In 2018, Fr Dave retired to St Peter’s was ordained a priest on February 21, Low Fell in September 2018. Thanks 1970 at Ushaw College,before going on were given for the support given to Fr to the English College in Rome to study Dave from Fr Keith Walker, parish priest Canon Law for two years, where he at St Peter’s church. gained his licence. He returned to Eng- Prayers and thanks are due for the land, and spent a period in Gateshead. At nurses, doctors and carers who helped Fr that time, social injustice was rife and Dave through illness. “slum clearances” were being carried out. Christine Frazer wrote a moving, hu- Then Fr Dave was called back to Rome, morous and loving poem as a tribute to Fr as the Vatican had requested him for their Dave, which was shared at the celebra- Diplomatic Corps. This service to the tion. It ended: “Dave, you’ve been in our Warm welcome for Church was a great honour, but Fr Dave lives for so many years, you’ve been a Fa- felt the calling to return to England, where ther in so many senses of the word – only a special guest he became a Cistercian brother and spent those you have touched know. two years at Caldey Island – a place “We celebrate now, your 50 years – Ad BISHOP Robert Byrne CO was delighted to in- where monks have lived since Celtic Multos Annos.” troduce Professor Eamon Duffy, Emeritus Pro- times. With thanks to Christine Frazer. q Frs Dennis Tindall and Dave Tanner. fessor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge, at a special guest lec- turer hosted by Holy Name Church, Jesmond, on Saturday, February 29, writes Catherine Hearne. The lecture, titled John Henry Newman – A Very World Book Day with a difference at St John’s Brief History, explored the complexity of Newman’s thinking on authority and freedom and its relevance by Ian Lamming for the Church today. Professor Duffy signed copies of his book of the A POWERFUL message was same name at a special reception in Holy Name sent to students on World parish hall after the lecture. Book Day when every mem- The organisers of the event would like to thank ber of staff at St John’s Professor Duffy, Bishop Robert, Pauline Books and School and Sixth Form Col- Media, Newcastle, and Durham University’s Centre lege wore black T-shirts for Catholic Studies for their support. sporting the words: “In a world where you can be any- thing…be kind”. Learning Resource Centre Manager Linzi Heads said: “World Book Day celebrates Students get reading for pleasure and the many benefits of reading, not just to help with academic together to reflect progress but the positive im- pact reading has on mental health and wellbeing. q Everyone at St John’s wore special T-shirts on World Book Day. on the Holocaust “We wanted teaching and non-teaching staff to share this be anything you want to be! community around them.” Share a Story initiative. LOCAL primary and secondary schools joined St positive message with all of our “In a world where people Head teacher Lisa Byron Throughout the day, lessons Michael’s Catholic Academy, Billingham, to mark students and I thought World are sometimes unkind to one added: “It is our Lenten mes- began with an extract of Roald Holocaust Memorial Week with events organised by Book Day was a perfect oppor- another, often through social sage to be kind in a world Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter. assistant head teacher Marc Scott, chaplain Rebecca tunity to do this. media, the message to be kind where everyone is very busy By the end of the day the Leighton and the RE department on behalf of the “Reading is an amazing ad- is a salutary reminder to us and often self-absorbed.” school had shared 1,400 sto- diocese. venture because you can go all – and it’s also one which our The Catholic academy also ries and everyone in the school Embracing the theme Stand Together, Our Lady of the anywhere you want to go and students can take out into the joined the World Book Day had listened to the entire story. Most Holy Rosary, St Joseph’s, St Gregory’s and High Clarence primary schools experienced the Anne Frank workshop and visited the academy’s chapel creating but- terflies containing their own prayers. Diane Taylor, a teaching assistant from St Gregory’s, Stockton, said: “The visit allowed everyone to reflect on Leadership in how one human can treat another and created a thought- provoking discussion during our journey back to school.” Secondary students from Carmel College, Our Lady today’s society and St Bede’s, Ingleby Manor and Northfield schools enjoyed the performance of the student-penned song To- by Marc Besford ing from governance to grassroots gether We Stand by the academy’s choir and musicians. – is done by young people. Tarah Gow, the visiting head of geography from In- YCW national president The organisation fosters a be- gleby Manor, said: “It was a wonderful morning and has THE Young Christian Work- lief that young people are the had a huge impact on our students.” ers movement exists to support best to serve, educate and repre- young people and to be to be sent other young people by call- led by young people. ing them into groups, forming We believe that there is a terri- and training them as leaders of 8 9 3 7 5 4 2 1 6 ble contradiction between what their own reality. SOLUTION 1 2 7 3 6 9 8 5 4 we believe to be the value and YCW founder Cardinal Joseph potential of young people and Cardijn said: “Each young 4 6 5 1 8 2 3 9 7 worker is worth more than all the FOR SU 6 1 9 8 4 5 7 3 2 what many young people expe- rience in society which often ex- gold in the world because they DOKU 5 3 2 9 7 6 1 4 8 ploits or disregards their dignity, are sons and daughters of God.” 7 4 8 2 1 3 9 6 5 purpose and value. What he means by this is that FROM 9 5 1 4 2 7 6 8 3 The YCW is organised by each young person is precious PAGE 28 2 8 4 6 3 1 5 7 9 young people, for young people because they belong to God. 3 7 6 5 9 8 4 2 1 and amongst young people, mean- He also said: “Give me leaders q Marc addresses a Youth Leadership Day group in Westminster. ing the whole organisation – rang- and I will raise the world.” Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 8 COMMENT April 2020

A personal view by GERRY LOUGHRAN Trying to see things in proportion while under house arrest by coronavirus

MOST foreign correspondents, at A friend of mine, a self-employed camp, Ravensbruck, sisters Corrie and an oratorio, Gesu al Calvaria, from the some point in their careers, experi- cleaner, told me how she worked one Betsy ten Boome, committed Chris- perspective of Jesus himself. It repre- ence a period of involuntary inactiv- day a week for an elderly man living tians both, and, like Brandsma, from sents Christ’s final desire to believe in ity when they are unable to report alone. Last week he asked if she could Holland. Corrie survived but Betsy did humanity. He can die with joy if men events, write stories or file their dis- come every day, offering to match not. Before she died, Betsy told her can shed a single tear of repentance for patches. This is because they are whatever earnings she would lose. She sister: “There is no pit so deep that their sins: being detained by men with guns. would not have to work, he said, just God is not deeper still.” If every penitent heart As I write this nobody is pointing a have a coffee. They could sit two me- How comforting those words must would render me but one repentant firearm at me, but looking wistfully at tres apart and chat. have sounded to Corrie. How Father X tear, people outside jogging, heading for the My friend explained this was really would have loved to hear them. how contented would I die! shops or exercising their dogs, I feel a not possible as she had family, respon- I read his story recently. I have for- If every loving soul in man contrite distinct connection with unhappy, sibilities. When she left, there were gotten his name but he was arrested by would render me one sign of love, long-ago experiences in Jordan and tears in the old man’s eyes. terrorists in Africa and held against his then all the heavy grief that grips my Yemen. So why am I whingeing when I re- will before eventually being released. heart I am again under arrest, but my cap- ceive streams of emails, frequent A sympathetic reporter asked if he had would melt away. tor this time is coronavirus or rather the phone calls, friendly inquiries from felt comforted by his faith. The priest threat of it. neighbours? When there are millions in replied that he had not felt the presence A LITTLE BOY goes up to get a bless- I am bored, uneasy, distracted, miss- the same predicament as myself (and of God during his ordeal. ing and as the priest raises his hand to ing my daily Nonagram and cross- odds-on not half so grumpy)? When I How awful that must have been. bless him, the boy gives him a high- word, sleeping badly, embarrassed know that eventually this interregnum Saint Mother Teresa confessed to feel- five. because friends and family are offering will come to an end? ing no presence of God during the last Another little boy goes up for a bless- to shop for me and desperate to stretch Real imprisonment is a different mat- half of her life, just “silence and empti- ing. He is wearing devil’s horns. Oh my legs and breathe fresh air. ter, a solitariness with no end in sight, ness.” Who knows why a loyal priest dear! Fire, smoke, brimstone, screams Listlessly leafing through an old mis- combined with contempt from captors, and a saintly nun should suffer this from outraged demons? Not so. The sionary magazine, I come across an ar- abuse or plain torture. way. priest smiles and imparts a blessing ticle that begins: “Several years ago an Priests in the Soviet Gulag knew all q Gerry Loughran. But that surely is imprisonment of a and the child of God races back to his elderly woman was found dead in her about that, often suffering the horrors kind that makes our present tribula- mum. apartment. Stuck on the screen of her of Moscow’s Lubyanka prison (“Never tions appear of very little consequence. television was a note: ‘Goodbye, my raise your eyes,” they were told) then pion, John Gerard, northerners, south- l Newcastle-born Gerry is a friend! You are the only one who transferred to work camps in Siberia erners, Welshmen. Heroes by the A THOUGHT FOR LENT. Christ’s retired foreign correspondent. talked to me.’ It was her final act be- for terms of ten, 15, 20-plus years. score. Passion in religious drama is nearly al- You can contact him at fore she committed suicide.” We had our own jailed heroes when Closer to our own time, how many ways narrated from the point of view [email protected] That old lady died of loneliness, a sad the Church was persecuted under years were suffered in total by those of his blessed mother, Peter, John, and painful condition which I suspect Henry and Elizabeth, many suffering imprisoned during World War II? They Joseph of Arimathea or Mary Magda- The views in this article do not neces- is endured by many more people than dreadful deaths after time behind bars included Father Titus Brandsma, the lene. sarily reflect those of Northern Cross we ever imagine. Folks just up the …Fisher and More, two Margarets – Dutch Carmelite in Dachau I men- However, the Czech composer, Jan or of the diocese of Hexham & New- street and round the corner. Clitherow and Ward, Edmund Cam- tioned last month, and in another Nazi Dismas Zelenka (1670-1745), wrote castle. Beyond Hexham and Newcastle… the news in brief

LIKE national governments of France’s bishops are in per cent of Latino Catholics religious settings, “self- ture without priests. activists shouting “Traitor” in worldwide, the Catholic isolation. believed Trump was “honest” regulation does not work,” reference to the priest’s later Church has instituted seri- The auxiliary Bishop of Chur or “morally upstanding.” argued lawyer Richard A CENTURIES-OLD human rejection of the Sandinista ous measures to counter in Switzerland, Marian Ele- Scorer before the Inde- skeleton has been found leadership. coronavirus. ganti, said in a video that the THE bell at Shrewsbury pendent Inquiry into Child hidden inside the wall of a Churches have been closed virus was “God’s punishment” Cathedral has been re- Sexual Abuse in UK. church in Folkestone, Kent. TWO potential looters were in many countries and for a faithless world. stored and named John Mr Scorer said that the Carbon-dating of teeth and caught in Notre Dame Masses suspended. Bap- He was criticised sharply by Henry in tribute to John Catholic and Anglican bone samples suggested the Cathedral in Paris hours tisms and weddings are his Swiss colleagues. Henry Newman, England’s Churches had been forced to person lived and died in the after the coronavirus lock- widely banned, but funerals newest saint. admit there was a problem. seventh century. down in France began. have been allowed by some SEPARATE surveys on atti- Bishop Mark Davies of The Methodist Church had Researchers and historians Police said the pair was hierarchies for congregations tudes towards Pope Fran- Shrewsbury explained that been asked to take part in the judged it highly probable that found drunk and hiding under of fewer than 100. cis and President Donald he was prompted to name inquiry, along with Jehovah’s the remains are those of tarpaulins with a small stock Holy Week liturgical cele- Trump have shown that the bell after Newman be- Witnesses, Baptists, repre- Saint Eanswythe, a Kentish of stones which could be sold brations at the Vatican will most British Catholics love cause it was installed in the sentatives of Islam, Judaism, princess who became a nun on the black market. take place without the pres- the pope while American 1850s, the decade when the Sikhism, Hinduism and Bud- in her teens. The cathedral is undergoing ence of the public, usually Catholics are divided about Church’s outstanding convert dhism.The inquiry’s latest restoration after a disastrous numbered in tens of thou- Trump. from Anglicanism preached hearing was postponed after ERNESTO Cardenal, a Nica- fire last April. sands. The ceremonies will A sounding of 2,000 his famous sermon on “the one day because of coron- raguan priest, poet and rev- be live streamed and carried Catholics – part of the project second spring, the rebirth of avirus. olutionary politician, died TWO nurses denied jobs as on radio and television. called Roman Catholics in English Catholicism.” on March 1 in Managua, Spain’s bishops, too, can- Britain – demonstrated that AN ANONYMOUS survey aged 95. midwives in Sweden be- celled traditional Holy Week the Pope was popular with THE Archdiocese of Krak- of 1,500 Catholics in the Cardenal became world fa- cause of their refusal to processions. both practising and non-prac- ow, Poland, has opened Diocese of Killala, Ireland, mous in 1983 when television perform abortions have The Catholic and Orthodox tising Catholics, particularly the cause for the beatifica- showed that 85 per cent pictures showed Pope John been refused a legal appeal Churches in Greece in- young people. tion of the parents of Pope support the idea of married Paul II wagging his finger at to the European Court of structed worshippers not to More than three-quarters of St John Paul II, Karol and priests. the kneeling priest and telling Human Rights. kiss doorway icons and the young, Mass-going Catholics Emilia Wojtyla. Asked if men who left the him to quit his post as a min- Elinor Grimmark from Swe- Church in Slovakia said the gave the pope a “good” or Having received Vatican ap- priesthood to marry should ister in the rebel Sandinista den and Linda Steen, a Nor- sacrament of reconciliation “excellent” rating on ten is- proval, Archbishop Marek Je- be allowed to return to active government. wegian, argued that the should be administered only sues ranging from upholding draszewksi signed an edict ministry, 81 per cent said yes. The pope, then on an offi- denial of employment be- if transparent film is fixed Church teaching to address- approving the cause on Support for women dea- cial visit to Nicaragua, sus- cause of their anti-abortion across the confessional grille. ing the needs of the poor. March 2. cons registered at 80 per pended Cardenal from the stance was an illegal breach Many pilgrimages to Lour- The Trump poll showed that This followed endorsement cent, while 69 per cent priesthood, but he was re- of their human rights. des have been cancelled and 60 per cent-plus of white of the proposal by the Polish backed women priests. cently reinstated by Pope The European Court re- all public masses at the American Catholics consid- bishops’ conference in Octo- The consultation was part of Francis. fused to take up the nurses’ shrine called off. ered their president intelligent ber 2019. a three-year ‘listening process’ Controversial to the end, case and found instead that In Italy, several priests have and agreed with him on many designed to prepare Killala, in Cardenal’s Requiem Mass the Swedish authorities had died from the virus and a third issues, while fewer than 30 WHEN it comes to abuse in the west of Ireland, for a fu- was barracked by Sandinista acted lawfully. www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 9 New hymn offers comfort to all in these dark days

q Fr Dominic Robinson and Fr Dushan Croos with some of the young adult activists who had planned to go to the climate conference in Assisi. Jesuits divest from fossil fuels THE Jesuits in Britain have an- “All our institutions need to re- energy and a shift away from fos- q From left, Matt Papa, Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and nounced they are divesting spond to this ecological crisis and sil fuel sources.” Matt Merker. from companies which extract take bold action to reduce energy Jesuit Missions is calling on the fossil fuels. use and switch to renewable UK government to take urgent ac- RENOWNED hymn writers Keith and resurrection from the dead is central to The announcement is linked to sources. tion to reduce emissions and to Kristyn Getty have collaborated with Christian faith. By his resurrection Christ their £400 million worth of invest- “Large-scale investors should be encourage other nations to follow musicians Matt Boswell, Jordan Kau- conquered sin and death and now offers ment which is used to finance doing everything possible to help its lead, especially in the lead up flin, Matt Merker and Matt Papa to forgiveness and eternal life to all who good works and projects in the UK avert the severe consequences to the crucial UN climate talks compose a new work – Christ our hope turn from sin and trust in Him. and worldwide and makes them that could result if adequate (COP26) scheduled to take place in life and death. “Therefore, we want to equip churches the country’s largest Catholic reli- measures are not taken.” in Glasgow in November. The hymn reminds Christians through- to sing about the resurrection. gious order to join the global di- The decision aligns the Jesuits in James Buchanan, divestment out the world of the hope that can be “The resurrection transforms the way vestment movement. Britain with a global movement of campaigner at Christian climate found in Christ’s death and resurrection. we live every day and provides unshak- Fr Damian Howard SJ, the divesting institutions with a com- change charity Operation Noah, Keith and Kristyn are encouraging peo- able hope in Jesus.” provincial superior of the British bined value of more than $14 tril- said: “This significant decision ple to sing it at home to promote a feeling Jesuits, said: “Climate change is lion in assets under management, taken by the Jesuits in Britain to of belonging during these difficult times. l Northern Cross reproduces the lyrics the most pressing challenge the up from a starting point of $50 bil- divest from fossil fuel companies Keith – who is best known for writing below with kind permission of Keith world faces as climate disasters lion just five years ago. is the latest in a growing trend of the hymn In Christ Alone with Stuart Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, wreak more and more destruction, Efa Ravelonantoandro, pro- religious institutions leading the Townend – said: “The reality of Jesus’ Matt Merker and Matt Papa. hitting poorer countries the hard- grammes officer of the Centre So- way in shifting investments out of est – despite them having done ciale Arrupe in Madagascar which fossil fuels and investing in the the least to cause them. is supported by Jesuit Missions, clean technologies of the future. “The decision to divest is princi- said: “Southern Madagascar is Of the total of more than 1,100 or- Christ our hope in life and death pally a response to the clear moral now too hot so we’re seeing more ganisations contributing to the imperative of acting to safeguard internal migration and with it a rise global divestment movement, 352 our planet for future generations in crime and a lack of jobs. More are faith-based institutions.” What is our hope in life and death? at a time when scientific evidence frequent and severe flooding Operation Noah is working with Christ alone, Christ alone. is mounting that we are facing a across the country has increased the World Council of Churches, the What is our only confidence? grave climate emergency. diseases among the population. Global Catholic Climate Movement That our souls to him belong. “What happens to the climate “The Centre Arrupe is directly af- and others to invite Churches, reli- Who holds our days within his hand? and the environment will have im- fected because the medical clinic gious orders and faith organisa- What comes, apart from his plications for us all. That’s why we has been flooded. We do have tions around the world to participate command? need to act together to protect the lots of rivers in Madagascar, but in a major global divestment an- And what will keep us to the end? conditions for human life. I am we are not generating enough re- nouncement due last month, but The love of Christ, in which we stand. glad that the Jesuits can con- newable energy. We need more postponed to November due to the tribute to that joint effort. investment in cleaner, renewable COVID-19 pandemic. O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal; O sing hallelujah! Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death. What truth can calm the troubled A soul? Justice & Peace God is good, God is good. Peter Dunn SolicFriendlyitors Family Refugee Project Where is his grace and goodness And what reward will heaven bring? 5x2 Service Charity Number 1143450 known? Everlasting life with him. 2 SUMMERHILL GROVE, In our great Redeemer’s blood. There we will rise to meet the Lord, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE4 6EE Who holds our faith when fears Then sin and death will be destroyed, Residential and Commercial Conveyancing l Family arise? And we will feast in endless joy, Who stands above the stormy trial? When Christ is ours forevermore. and Matrimonial l All Business Transactions l Temporary closure of the Refugee Who sends the waves that bring us Employment l Wills and Probate l Civil Litigation ProjectJu -s notic efood & P donationseace can nigh ©2020 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / 10x2 Unto the shore, the rock of Christ? Messenger Hymns / Jordan Kauflin Music / 20 Athenaeum Street Sunderland SR1 1DH now be received. If you would Matthew Merker Music / Getty Music Hymns 16 North Terrace Seaham SR7 7EU like to make a financial donation, Unto the grave, what shall we sing? and Songs (ASCAP) / Love Your Enemies BVA New Logo:8708 BVA Letterheads 2 “Christ, he lives; Christ, he lives!” Publishing/ adm at MusicServices.org. Tel: (0191) 568 9000 please make a bank transfer to Email: enquiries @peterdunn.co.uk HSBC DHN DESTITUTE ASYLUM FUND Sort code: 40-34-18 Account no: 52854058 DO YOU have a partnership story ery Car ov e a Abortion Recovery ec n you’d like to share? R d H If you do, please email your story to n Arch THANKS TO ALL OUR o e Care Helpline i l [email protected], t p r l SUPPORTERS. PLEASE 4xi 3 o n including a good-quality picture, if you b e 0845 603 8501 A CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING have one. Please include a contact Free Confidential Counselling - WE NEED YOU number so we can call you if necessary. A RCH ( Formerly B.V.A. Foundation) Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 10 NEWS April 2020 Linda’s dedication is rewarded with an MBE by Mary Palmer everyone in all the parishes across Sun- and Alzheimer’s. derland. Linda learnt makaton and sign lan- LINDA Longstaff is well known – and “It was a surreal experience – wonder- guage as a way to communicate with her loved – across Sunderland and the ful, but humbling. daughter, Charlotte, who was also well- Monkwearmouth partnership thanks “We arrived at Buckingham Palace loved in Sunderland. to her work as a hospital chaplain for and, after passing through all the secu- Charlotte had severe learning disabili- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS rity including guards, soldiers and ties after contracting meningitis as a baby, Foundation Trust and with various beefeaters, found ourselves on this great but lived a full and happy life, longer than other community projects. big red carpet. doctors predicted largely due to the love Linda has also worked in churches and “The red carpet ran up these fabulous and support of her family. schools across the city, teaching sign stairs with shining brass – the biggest Linda and Dick shared fond memories language with music and dance as part stairs you’ve ever seen in your life. It was of the joy and love of life that Charlotte of the group she founded – Signed with here that my family was beckoned one had – and shared with the whole family. Love. way and I was taken another by myself.” Linda added: “It was Charlotte that I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Before the ceremony Linda and the 65 taught me how to love.” Linda and her husband Dick who joined other award recipients had plenty of The couple have two other daughters, me for a coffee and a chat about her time to chat to one another. Linda met who accompanied them to the palace. MBE for outstanding community serv- others being awarded for their services Dick said: “From where we sat, we ice. to midwifery, nursing, medical research could see that Princess Anne’s face was Linda said: “Receiving an MBE from and music. so animated and interested when she Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace is They also received instruction on was talking to Linda. We couldn’t wait something I never have even dreamed greeting a member of the royal family. to find out what they were talking about! of. Linda explained: “They told us not to We have received some official photo- “Since I’ve returned to work I’ve been worry, as we would be meeting Princess graphs from outside the palace, and look amazed by how happy everyone is for Anne – and she always does her home- forward to the others of Linda and me. As I left the hospital the other day a work! Although they’d said this, I was Princess Anne. man up a ladder shouted congratulations so impressed with how much Princess “Linda’s award has given joy to every- down to me! Anne knew. one who knows her, but also friends of “It’s really been wonderful to share the “She said: ‘Tell me, Linda, about your friends of friends, too! Everyone is so experience with colleagues, patients, work with people with Alzheimer’s and excited and so proud. Everyone else can friends and family who are so excited to how your work with sign language fits see how deserving Linda is, but for her hear about it. into this.’ I was amazed she would re- it’s totally puzzling as to why she would “I’d like to thank everyone at Sunder- member these things about me, and be nominated for doing something she’s land Royal Hospital and all the staff every single recipient.” always just done.” who’ve supported all of the chaplaincy Linda also runs group therapy ses- Congratulations Linda – and many work and therapies we offer, as well as sions, including for those with dementia prayers for your continued ministry! q Linda and her husband Dick proudly hold her MBE.

Celebrating marriage and love in the family

by Deacon Rob Wareing

OUR diocese had planned to hold a special Mass celebrated by Bishop

Robert in St Mary’s Cathedral on Saturday, May 16, to give thanks for marriage and family life. Celebration of Marriage Its theme was to be Love in the fam- ily – a reference to Pope Francis’ Ex- hortation, Amoris Lætitia, The Joy of Love. We we were particularly keen to hear MaLrroiavgee i na ntdh eF aFmaimlyi lLyi fe from married couples celebrating an anniversary in 2020 – from one year to 70 years and beyond. We had q Deacon Rob Wareing. 1St8x Mary’s4 Cathedral, Newcastle asked that they, or their families, email me at [email protected] Our diocese, in collaboration with Saturday 16 May 2020 or phone or text me on 0784 1530991, Marriage Care, is also very keen to re- so that a certificate of appreciation of cruit more married couples – either 11.00am their married life could be made avail- newly married or those who have able at the entrance of the cathedral been married for some years – to be- before Mass. come volunteer facilitators to provide Everyone is welcome Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it our vital, interesting and interactive is likely that this Mass will be can- marriage preparation days. celled, sadly. If you would be interested in doing But if you would have liked to attend, this, please get in touch with me for I would encourage you to contact me more information – and to find out in one of the ways listed above. what would be involved.

Future Focus – TONY ATKINSON the North CHURCH SOUND Tyneside SEND Free Advice - Help - Leaflets - Quotes Careers Fair – ToCONTACTny Atk USin NOWson For Sound System Service and Upgrades which was to Radio6x Mic2 re-tunes – Loop Systems have been held Free AdviCe - Free QUOTATiONS Established 1983 on Wednesday, riNG US NOW! April 29, has MOBiLe: 07831 275511 : OFFiCe: 01325 374790 Principal Celebrant: Bishop Robert Byrne CO or e-mail: [email protected] been cancelled This event may be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. TONY ATKiNSON ASSOCiATeS LTd. due to the Please check rcdhn.org.uk for updates LIMEKILN HOUSE, NR. COVID-19 PIERCEBRIDGE, DARLINGTON, COUNTY DURHAM DL2 3UJ pandemic. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk April 2020 NEWS 11 Hugging a saint, firm faith and friendship: the diary of a first-time Camino pilgrim

by Douglas Lamb newspaper column. Our journey was significant to us and THE Camino de Santiago looked to the welcoming Spanish dignitaries. We be a great adventure and a challenge were aware that we – as an organised for celebrities on a recent TV series. group – were the first English pilgrims It certainly was for me this Lent. to walk the Camino from Durham (Fin- My journey began at an information chale Priory) since the time of Henry evening at St Cuthbert’s Church, North VIII. Shields, which was led by Kevin and We walked the 131km – or 81.4 miles Heather of Explore4All. – from Ferrol to Santiago de Com- I signed up on the spot, hoping to re- postela over six days, averaging almost turn home at peace, having completed 22km daily through rain, some hail and a physically challenging and spiritually warm and sunny spells. uplifting experience – and perhaps I enjoyed the tasty, hearty fresh food stronger and less uncertain about the fu- along the way – bread, cheese, toma- ture. toes, two types of tortilla, prawns and My training walks began in December mackerel. One of our pilgrims ate octo- and lasted for 12 weeks, often for three pus and razor clams. to four hours walking in heavy rain, hail Some of the soups and meals served showers and strong winds. in the hotels and the local cafés were I had never done this type of activity delicious – as were the pastries and before. cakes. I am a reasonably fit and healthy 67- The Spanish people we met on the year-old man with no major health is- route were welcoming, responding to sues, but I found the Camino’s uphill our “Hola!” with “Buen Camino” or a walks challenging. I didn’t expect them smile and a wave. to be easy and they certainly weren’t! We followed hand-painted yellow ar- Our group of 14 pilgrims left Newcas- rows and saw a variety of Horreos – tle for Spain on March 1. We were very small windowless barns that store corn, fortunate that Fr Michael Hickey came raised off the floor to protect the cobs along with us to provide daily prayer, from damp and mice. q Fr Michael Hickey and the pilgrims. evening Mass and spiritual guidance – As an artist I enjoyed seeing the an- as well as good companionship and cient, traditional and contemporary art- friendship. works on the journey. I reflected on what life must have covered in scaffolding and sheets. year will be! After three flights and a coach trip I use geometric forms and primary been like for medieval pilgrims facing We entered through a side door and I The giant swinging incense holder from Coruna, we arrived at our hotel in colours in my own art practice and was hardships and dangers including food glimpsed one of the awesome twisted will be a sight to behold. Ferrol. struck by the use of similar designs and and water shortages as well as danger golden columns of the nave, then lined We shared prayer, Mass, fellowship, The next day we were given a warm colours – such as the striking modern from thieves and bandits. up behind pilgrims to follow the custom friendship and laughter and I felt ac- welcome by the local mayor at the shell design of the blue and yellow Modern pilgrims face fewer trials. I of ‘hugging’ a saint. cepted. quayside near the Camino stone starting Camino tile on stone roadside markers, experienced physical problems includ- I walked up stone steps to a small I made a lot of new friends, returning point. walls, telephone posts and paths. ing lower back pain, blisters, soreness opening then went into a room that sits home joyful and peaceful with my trust Fortunately Kevin, a very good Span- Cristobal met us on the medieval trail from a corn, and a swollen ankle. behind the head and shoulders of the and faith in God much stronger. ish speaker, translated for us, as did our and gave a knowledgeable and passion- I had a real sense of relief and giant figure of St James. I will also treasure the mementos of Spanish guide, Cristina, who regularly ate talk on the importance of the path- achievement when we reached Santiago I paused for a short time, said a prayer the walk to Santiago de Compostela – a met with us along the way. ways to Spanish history, tradition and on Saturday, March 7. and ‘hugged’ the saint. stamped Catedral de Santiago passport The first of many group photos was culture. My back and left foot hurt, but my The cathedral has a holy door which and official certificate. The certificate is taken by local officials. It was inspiring to know we followed spirits were high. pilgrims can only enter during a holy in Latin and refers to me as Douglasium We also met Cristobal, a journalist in the footsteps of medieval and mod- The cathedral is a magnificent Ro- year, like 2021, when the Feast of St Lamb. friend of Kevin’s, who wrote regular ern pilgrims, trudging on each pathway manesque structure which is undergo- James – July 25 – falls on a Sunday. l Douglas Lamb is a parishioner at St updates about our progress for his with forests and fields on both sides. ing major refurbishment and was I can imagine how spectacular next Teresa’s, Heaton, Newcastle.

Another new home for church’s cruxifix

THIS beautiful crucifix stood inside the church of St John the Baptist, Annitsford, from the 1900s to the 1980s, when it was repositioned in the porch by Fr Austin Tomaney, writes Monica Mills. Thanks to Fr Richard Harriott, it has now been resited once again – this time to the cemetery where it is on view to all entering the church and acts as a wonderful sign of witness to passing mo- torists and those on buses. The crucifix was made and do- nated by parishioner Joseph Sim- mons, whose wife, Abigail, taught in the village school. There were four Simmons chil- dren – Jack, who was head teacher at Our Lady and St Ed- Here’s looking at you, Fr Richard mund school, Backworth; Thomas, who was killed in a ALAN Nixon, a parishioner of St hobby, often done in the evening. World War Two bomber raid; Bill, John the Baptist, Annitsford, used He and his wife, Kath, have two who served on the altar for many his artistic talent recently to paint sons. Their much-loved disabled years and Molly, who sang in the parish priest Fr Richard Harriott, daughter died last year. choir. writes Monica Mills. The couple also care for their dis- Thanks to lifelong parishioner For Alan – who served in the RAF abled foster children and run a char- Austin Todd, 86, for providing the police for 22 years – painting is a ity for disabled children. parish history. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 12 NEWS April 2020

q Thousands of Catholics joined protests organised by the Make Poverty History movement in its 2005 launch year. The Spirit of Jubilee – what can we do?

Last month’s article on God’s ‘year of favour’ – the jubilee – described the release of slaves and rest for the land. Here Cathy Marshall considers the cancellation of debts and restoration of land, houses and property q Children in the Muthari THE jubilee laws prefigure many of The spirit of the jubilee Valley, the principles of Catholic Social Why should the jubilee and its laws Nairobi Teaching, including human dignity, matter to us today? hungrily care for the environment, universal Contrasting its rules with today’s await destination of created goods and the lifestyles is quite sobering, but there are lunch – option for the poor. They make it an immense number of things we can the money very clear that when God designs a do to live by its spirit. poorer society, it doesn’t look anything like At the beginning of his public life countries ours! (Luke 4:18-21), Jesus told the people in put aside his local synagogue that Isaiah’s words for debt Recall of debts (61:1-2) about the “year of the Lord’s repayment Every seventh year – and in the ju- favour” were being fulfilled in their exceeds bilee year – all debts were to be remit- presence. what is ted (Deut. 15:1-6, 7-11). The reason What Jesus meant is that from then allocated given was so that “there will be no poor on, every day was to be considered in for social among you” (Deut. 15:4). jubilee terms. services In biblical times, debt bondage was Followers of Jesus are called on to and common because when people fell into “bring good news to the poor,…pro- disaster poverty, the only way of getting back on claim release of captives,…recovery of relief. their feet was often to sell themselves sight to the blind, and…let the op- Photo: Ray into slavery. pressed go free” – to combat evil and Buchanan This was to last seven years (Ex. 21:2- work for the common good in every 6). way they can. Northcott calls this theory deeply debts written off, while the poorest of and publicised the movement world- The poor could also become hired or Or: “Now is the acceptable time; now flawed. the poor are held accountable for every wide. bound labourers, to be freed in the ju- is the day of salvation” as St Paul says Today many countries have crippling penny. Some offshoots are still in existence bilee year (Lev. 25:39). in 2 Corinthians 6:2. debts which were incurred through To make matters worse, as Carlos H. around the world. But God makes it very plain that he Fr Chris Hughes notes that when the colonial exploitation, selfish acts by Abesamis points out in A Primer of the These include The Jubilee Debt Cam- does not will either slavery or other four major themes of the jubilee are dictators, embezzlement of loan money Biblical Jubilee, the interest rates on paign – jubileedebt.org.uk, Make forms of bondage because of debt. taken as a whole, their meaning be- intended for development, or actions borrowed funds are so high that the Poverty History and Christians Against God also tells his people that they comes obvious. They were intended to carried out by private companies with- amounts poorer nations have repaid add Poverty, all of which are concerned with should not view the needy and those in challenge unjust social structures and out the knowledge or consent of the up to many times more than the original the cancellation of debt. debt with hostility (Deut. 15:9). He re- periodically level the playing field. people. capital – with no end of their debt in The latter offers debt counselling peatedly reminds us that we should give Today, sadly, we lack any formal In 1923 the concept of ‘odious debt’ sight. through local churches – find out more to those in need out of the bounty that mechanisms to tackle huge inequalities was first broached. In richer nations many people are liv- at capuk.org. he has given to us: “I therefore com- among citizens or nations. This legal theory holds that national ing close to poverty and depend on pay- It is not too early to start planning a mand you, open your hand to the poor debts incurred by despotic governments day loan companies like Wonga, which similar movement for the next ordinary and needy neighbour in your land” The great debt disaster should not be accepted as valid. Instead, charge exceedingly high rates of inter- Church jubilee in 2025. (Deut. 15:11). The global debt crisis reminds us we the indebtedness should be considered est. Christians and others can get in touch need to achieve a more level playing a personal one by the despot in question Wonga has gone into administration, with the organisations listed right now Restoration of land, houses and prop- field as whole countries are caught up – a position analogous to contracts but numerous other similar companies to help with grassroots planning. erty in a vicious cycle of unpayable debt. signed under coercion. still exist. Other examples of what we can do to The jubilee regulations also limited Tragically, the amounts that poorer Unfortunately, despite a long history live the spirit of the jubilee, in an at- the sale of land and ensured its contin- countries must put aside for debt repay- and widespread support, this concept is Jubilee 2000 and beyond tempt to achieve a more level playing uing fair distribution among all the fam- ment exceeds what is allocated for ed- not recognised in international law. The Catholic Church also celebrates a field, include the following: ilies of Israel (Lev. 25:13, 25-38). ucation, housing and social services. Most developed nations have mecha- jubilee every 25 years, although this l Campaign for justice and equality; Land was not to be owned in perpetu- They never escape poverty. nisms whereby individuals can have often has a spiritual focus. l Raise awareness of social problems; ity. As Michael Northcott states in his debts cancelled by declaring bank- The Church’s Great Jubilee of 2000 l Develop increased vigilance; God reminded his people that in his book Life After Debt: “The human and ruptcy. However, a similar lifeline has was the main inspiration for an interna- l Support existing programmes; eyes, all of us are aliens and tenants environmental costs of the great debt not been extended to the poorest na- tional coalition of more than 40 coun- l Be willing to act when we see some- (Lev. 25:23); the Lord is the true disaster have been incalculable…The tions. tries. thing that needs righting; landowner. United Nations Children’s Fund esti- This is particularly troubling because The aim of this movement was the l Encourage our governments to sup- The jubilee laws also provided that mates that in one year half a million many European countries, including the cancellation of all third world debt. It port the option for the poor. every 50 years land and houses that had children died because of the burden of United Kingdom, were only able to re- did not meet its goal, but did have an An interesting question arises: Would been lost by their original owners debt interest and repayment...tens of cover and reconstruct their societies impact on poverty and economic policy. we view our own debts differently if, in through poverty or debt were to be re- millions died from preventable dis- after World War II because hundreds of Sustained support from Christians and praying the Our Father, we used the ver- stored to them or their descendants. eases, malnutrition or drinking contam- millions of pounds of unpayable debt others led to the cancellation of more sion in Matthew 6:9: “Forgive us our These laws ensured that succeeding inated water.” were cancelled by North American than $100 billion of debt in 35 of the debts as we forgive our debtors?” generations did not suffer forever from The theories of the British economist bankers. world’s poorest countries. the misfortunes of their parents or John Maynard Keynes are at the heart We now have obscene situations such Its success was helped by the actions l For more information on Catholic grandparents. They were also designed of this unacceptable situation. as billionaire Donald Trump’s claiming of numerous well-known musicians and Social Teaching, please contact Louise to minimise the impact of debt Keynes argued that public debt was bankruptcy six times on some of his entertainers including U2, Quincy Jones Harrison at maryalicelouise@outlook. bondage. good for the economy and society. business ventures and having those and Bob Geldorf, who gave concerts com. www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 13 Kumi’s great work continues

Northern Cross readers have generously supported the Kumi Community Foundation, Uganda, set up by medic Elspeth Robinson, from Darlington. In late March, Elspeth returned from Africa and here reports on her work as well as offers thanks for your messages of goodwill and donations

LAST year I met Fr Martin Wambeo, a aged to hold outreach clinics for his people on artificial legs, paraplegics would benefit from a Ugandan priest whose parish was in Kyere, a two occasions. tricycle and brain damaged children could at- couple of hours drive from Kumi in eastern Last year, we managed to screen about 300 tend rehabilitation in Kumi Hospital with spe- Uganda. people for disability, eye and dental problems cial seating made in the orthopaedic workshop. He was standing in for Fr Tony Cornforth at St in one day. Parents living in extreme poverty could rest Mary’s RC Church in Newton Aycliffe and he This year, on February 20, we returned to help assured that their children in need of or- almost fell backwards when I greeted him with those with eye problems and disabilities. thopaedic surgery would not have hospital bills “Yoga Noi” which is “Greetings” in the Ateso On arrival we sat down for breakfast in Fr to settle. The KCF would cover the costs for all language. Martin’s new house then started the clinics in these families who show great gratitude for our We have since formed a strong link and, al- his church. support. though he has been moved to a new parish in Everyone who queued up – from mothers with We visited schools where we have children re- Amuria, which is quite far north, we have man- their children to the elderly with their aging ceiving education, including three blind chil- bodies – was assessed. dren – Betty, Grace and Lazarus; Agnes who An eight-year-old boy called Shadrak, who suffers from arthrogryposis and also received a was born with osteogenesis imperfecta – brittle wheelchair; Faith, who was born with brittle bones – had been given a wheelchair from the bones and fractured her arms and legs during Wheels for the World team. birth, and Moses, who has a syndrome which He looked glum but, on seeing a balloon, he has stunted his growth and who is incontinent, soon interacted with other children, and before an issue which he manages by using a surgical too long was pushing his wheelchair with his glove instead of a catheter. arms. Fundraising continues. We hope to raise Wheels for the World had distributed more enough funds to reduce the waiting lists for am- than 140 wheelchairs in Kumi Hospital two putees and post-polio paraplegics, to fund or- weeks earlier. thopaedic and plastic surgeries for children and In total we saw 247 people and all were helped generally to help others to help themselves. in some way. COVID-19 has reached Uganda, a fact which People were carried in having travelled for has caused the hospital extreme concern – as it many hours on the back of trucks. has to all others, I’m sure – due to the complete Many arrived by motorcycle taxi while moth- lack of facilities to control infection. ers without transport carried their children on I have asked our team to buy soap to be dis- their backs. tributed to the patients but this may not be pos- By the end of the day we witnessed very many sible because all markets have been closed, as with smiling faces wheeling themselves out have the schools. while others walked out with their newly-ac- The hospital has requested infrared thermome- quired crutches or sticks. ters, but they are not available in Uganda and Mothers no longer had to carry their children DHL is not delivering due to an absence of and we watched some return home with the flights. wheelchair strapped to the back of the motor- Please pray for them, and for all those bike and mother and child sitting between the throughout the world who have no appropriate chair and the driver. medical facilities such as our NHS, which gives Christine, a girl with spina bifida, and a 20- us such a wonderful service. q A good- year-old young man called Wilson who had q A mother humoured fallen from a mango tree and was paralysed l For more information please visit:Facebook carries her plea from from the waist down, were admitted to the ward @kumicommunityfoundationuganda; child to the Ugandan with severe pressure sores. Their hospital bills throughtheroof.org/international-mission/ clinic, above, priest would be settled by the Wheels for the World wheels-for-the-world or kumicommunityfoundation. while many – Fr Martin, team and the Kumi Community Foundation. co.uk. like the boy, above. Once the team had left the Kumi team contin- If you would like to make a donation to left – travelled Young ued with our fieldwork, during which time we our fundraising efforts please contact me at miles to patient were joined by Dutch and German medical stu- [email protected], or call the receive help Shadrack dents who are based in Kumi Hospital for their Northern Cross office and leave a contact and waited in his new internship. number. We are registered with the Charity patiently until wheelchair, Babies with malnutrition needed hospital ad- Commission and can claim 25 per cent Gift they were right. mission for treatment, amputees would be given Aid from tax-paying donors. seen.

Youth Village welcomes School of Evangelisation retreat

by Alison Rebello selves for how to overcome sinful- ness of the children. ness and lead holier lives. During the four days a team of FAITH took centre stage as 83 Daily adoration also formed part 13 young speakers shared stories youngsters aged between nine of the experience, which helped of how God can work if we wel- and 16 took part in the four-day many children to get closer to God. come him into our hearts. School of Evangelisation re- Priests from our diocese cele- The teenage group was led by treat held at Emmaus Youth Vil- brated Masses for the children Amy Sales and the younger group lage, Consett, during February and the organisers. was led by Silbi Kuriakose. half-term. Celebrating the opening day Ethan Binu from English Martyrs The retreat – which was organ- Holy Mass Fr Saji Thottathil asked Church, Newcastle, was deeply ised by Anointing Fire Catholic the children to be a beacon of light touched by the Holy Spirit and Ministries, Newcastle – welcomed as the visible sign of Christ in our shared that joy in a testimony dur- children from our diocese as well communities. ing Fr Shaun O’Neill’s farewell as those from Birmingham, Hull, Fr Chris Hughes celebrated the Mass the day after the retreat. Manchester, Middlesbrough, Dar- Mass on the second day, encour- A special adoration for the inten- lington, Northallerton, East York- aging retreatants to follow Christ tions of the retreat was organised shire and Chesterfield. and praising the organisers for by AFCM Newcastle. Parents of A number of participants said this initiative. retreatants took turns to pray be- they felt the presence of the Holy On the penultimate day, Fr fore the blessed sacrament at the Spirit during the retreat and gave Alexander Ligori celebrated the chapel in the Youth Village for 12 testimony to this. Holy Mass, during which he hours each on the first three days During the retreat participants fo- shared stories of hope and stead- and two hours on the final day. cussed on prayer life, purity, the fast love in Christ, while Fr They also attended a one-hour re- importance of sacraments, how to Michael Hickey’s Sunday Mass treat on how to help the children follow Christ, the sacrament of asked the children to remain continue daily prayer together at reconciliation and social media grounded in Jesus. home. management. Fr John Ulaganathan, Fr Ligori As a follow up, the children have All retreatants were given guid- and Fr Hughes made themselves been divided into three Skype ance on how to make detailed available to listen to confession prayer groups and will pray to- q Silbi Kuriakose talks to one of the groups. confession and prepare them- and were moved by the prepared- gether on Sundays. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross 14 NEWS April 2020 April 2020 NEWS 15

ABOVE: The team of volunteers from the chaplaincy and across the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle pictured in St Mary’s church. BELOW: Fr Marc Lyden-Smith and Mary Palmer from Sunderland University Chaplaincy. BOTTOM: Rebecca Leighton and Michael Thompson led music throughout the time of Adoration. Photos: Frank Sverha. MatchFever in March helped football fans and many others experience a moment of peace and prayer

A HOME game for Sunderland AFC means before the Blessed Sacrament, and stay for a was a sales pitch or collection, and did a double take a moment to sit and just “be”. once inside they lit a candle for someone they many supporters walk directly past St Mary’s moment of peace if they wished. take when they realised there was no catch – it Volunteers and parishioners also took the op- knew who had died recently. I think it shows from the city centre to the Stadium of Light. A team of around 20 volunteers was made up was just a simple welcome. portunity to spend some time in adoration to that there is still a great desire and inquisitive- How many of these people have walked past of Sunderland University students, members of Some people came into church for the first pray in particular for all we met in the city. ness, especially amongst young people, about at every home game, but never stepped foot the Youth Ministry Team and helpers from all time or after a long time away. By the end of the afternoon there were more the divine and a simple act of faith.” q ABOVE: Ingelise in the church? over our diocese, including Whitley Bay in the Some didn’t hesitate and had an intention on than 60 tealights lit before the altar, and plenty Regular churchgoers also found it encourag- McNulty and MatchFever was a great opportunity for us to north and Hartlepool in the south. their hearts – a loved one or specific situation – more had been taken home by passersby. We ing to see the church in action. Fr Stephen Watson share our faith, in a simple but active way by Volunteers gathered for Mass with St Mary’s while others took the candle and prayer card may never know the effect of the invitation to Mary added: “One man, who’d seen the volun- joined us for the inviting them to do so. parish before sharing lunch and a team briefing. home to light there. pray or the simple smile and hello we offered. teers in the city centre, said to us when he reached event. LEFT, Just like NightFever, ReachOut or other sim- Between 12pm and 3pm, when the Sunder- People who came in were welcomed into a Mary Palmer, assistant chaplain at Sunderland the church: “You’re all doing a great job!” BELOW and ilar events, the idea behind MatchFever was land match started, pairs of volunteers waited warm church with the Blessed Sacrament ex- Catholic Chaplaincy, said: “One thing that stuck “I have to agree! We couldn’t have done it BELOW LEFT: simple. Pairs of students outside the church and in the city centre, offer- posed on the altar and a growing collection of me and gave me great hope was the number of without such a great team of volunteers giving took to the streets Although the church is always open and wel- ing people a tea light, prayer card and a warm candles at the foot of the altar. younger people who came in, intrigued to see up their Saturday. comes anyone, at MatchFever we made an extra to share their welcome to light the candle in church for their Rebecca Leighton and Michael Thompson inside and asking the university students who “It was also a great opportunity for people faith and invite effort to reach out and invite passersby into own intention. both provided beautiful reflective background the saints in the windows were. from across the diocese to get together. We look church to light a candle for their own intentions passersby into Some people were a bit wary, presuming it music, so that visitors could feel comfortable to “One young girl asked her family to go in, and forward to similar events in other cities, too.” the church.

q RIGHT: Prayer cards and tea lights were offered to passersby. LEFT: The group gathered before the Blessed Sacrament to say prayers for everyone they had met during the day. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 16 NEWS April 2020 SMILES OF THE MONTH

If you’re in need of cheering up this month, make sure to read the paper from cover to cover and you’ll find reasons to be optimistic. The smiling faces in our pictures have, so why not find their photos to read the stories behind their smiles...

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q A display of Zimbabwean musical instruments, traditional fabrics and a map of the country, above. Ecumenical leaders from various churches leading part of the service, right. Do not be afraid to act on God’s word

by Alison Rebello in unison for the challenges the people of after, was taken from John 5:2-9. Zimbabwe face in their everyday lives. Everyone present was asked to silently re- NORTH Tyneside Mayor Norma Red- The church was decorated to represent flect and write down commitments to support fearn OBE joined 50 women – and a few Zimbabwe, which means ‘house of stones.’ local communities with actions of love, men – from the Benton Churches Together At the entrance to the church was a display peace and reconciliation. group at St Aidan’s RC Church, Benton, of musical instruments from Zimbabwe, in- The theme song: Rise! Take Your Mat and to mark the World Day of Prayer, a fe- cluding a marimba, drums, tambourine and Walk was sung and everyone was asked to male-led global ecumenical movement. hand rattles, while at the altar the ladies from move on the spot. Every year the service is written by a dif- the Churches Together group had arranged a Three ladies wearing red, white and yellow ferent country. table with fabrics in the colours of the Zim- scarves came forward and read three state- This year it was prepared by the Christian babwean flag (green, yellow, red, black and ments, then asked the gathered congregation women of Zimbabwe, who called on us all white) to symbolise unity. for words of commitment. This was followed to: “Rise! Take your mat and walk”. Items including beadwork, a reed basket, by an offering during which the notes people A song of the same name – with inspiring sweet potatoes, wheat and rice were dis- had written were placed alongside the offer- lyrics and uplifting music – was composed played in a separate table near the altar. ings made. by Sylvia Marowa. The World Day of Prayer Zimbabwe art- The service concluded with a prayer of The Benton Churches Together group work specially designed by renowned Zim- thanksgiving and intercession, benediction which participated in the special day in- babwean artist Nonhlanhla Mathe was and a closing song. cluded parishioners from the Church of Eng- displayed around the church. All participants were given a sisal plait land’s St Bartholomew’s Church; St Mary of Three ladies from different churches took made specially by Carole Lee from the host the Rosary RC Church, Forest Hall; the turn to light the red (representing love), white church. Church of England’s St John’s Church in (representing peace) and yellow (represent- Tea and refreshments were served at the Killingworth; St Andrew’s United Methodist ing reconciliation) candles, as the service church hall, giving people time to make new Church, Longbenton; Longbenton Methodist commenced. friends. Church, and West Moore Methodist Church Prayer of praise, a hymn, a prayer of con- Next year’s theme – Build on a Strong – along with the hosts from St Aidan’s RC fession and a letter from the women of Zim- Foundation – focusses on Vanuatu, then in Church in Benton. babwe were read by ladies from different 2022 England, Wales and Northern Ireland More than 120 countries took part in this churches. will be leading the World Day of Prayer with q Carole Lee from St Aidan’s Church, who led the year’s World Day of Prayer service, praying The bible reading, which followed there- the theme: I know the plans I have for you. prayer service.

q A view of the participating ladies in the World Day of Prayer, above. Gifts displayed at the altar during the World Day of Prayer service, right. The coloured sisal plaits given to participants to be used as bookmarks in remembrance of the day. Photos: Alison Rebello. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 18 NEWS April 2020 Corona speak: getting a handle on the pandemic perspectives Where were you when you heard it first? That could be the Church quiz question in years to come as we remember the year the nation got a dispensation from attending Mass on Sunday without asking for one. Sitting at the computer screen typing would be the answer from JOHN BAILEY, looking at historical comparisons as he ponders what it all means for us now – then ends with a quotation from 6th Century BC China...

THERE is only one topic on every- with 60,000 people, is now empty. quarantine the entire village for 14 one’s lips: the virus – and for Millions of people now follow the months in order to save the rest of the Catholics the astounding decision to pope’s private chapel Mass on TV or nation from the plague. suspend all public Masses and re- online at 7am each day, or listen to it on It started with a flea-invested bundle move the obligation for the faithful to the radio. of cloth and estimates vary from half to attend Mass on Sunday or Holy day Pope Francis’ decision to livestream three-quarters of the village dying. But of Obligation “until further notice”. the liturgy was also described by the 273 deaths by plague are recorded in We’re asked as good, obedient lay Vatican as “unprecedented”. Eyam’s parish church, whose rector – people to accept this unrequested dis- the Revd William Mompesson – led the pensation from an obligation many THE CHURCH of England an- self-imposed quarantine with Puritan have fulfilled, often against the odds, nounced its restrictions before the leader Thomas Stanley. all their lives for as long as memory Catholic Bishops. The London Blitz and widespread serves. The Column liked the honesty of this bombing of British cities during WW2 It doesn’t come easy. statement from Durham Cathedral’s didn’t stop public Mass or churchgoing. Nor any easier to accept the rationale precentor, Canon Michael Hampel, being explained in daily government commenting on the decision of the An- THE Column would love to know press conferences. glican archbishops of Canterbury and what you think – we sense a sea- First question, therefore, for That Was York to suspend public worship: “This change under way, not just in Britain Then – has it ever happened before? is very sad news and we feel greatly but the world. Not in living memory is an easy first re- conflicted, but we know that, by fol- Perhaps the most profound reflection sponse...but what is the Church per- lowing this clear instruction, we will may be to acknowledge that each of us spective? play our part in stemming the flow of will see this strange situation in a dif- coronavirus.” ferent and individual way, but we’re Before the lockdown. These days millions listen to or watch Pope UNPRECEDENTED – that was the being asked to respect each other’s take Francis celebrate Mass in his private chapel. Photo: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk word the spokesman for Scottish EACH day the Column has paused on it. Bishops chose to describe the deci- to reflect on any sensible conclusion Is it too big a hope that capitalism and That talk was given on April 3, 2015. crops up regularly in Sister Stan’s Gar- sion to cease all public celebrations of about the way to proceed with ordi- socialism come together for the com- Five years later, we’re not closer to dening the Soul. Mass until further notice. Next day nary life. mon good? achieving the global co-operation A recent offering ran: the Bishops of England and Wales The ability to comment and offer Is that what chancellor Rishi Sunak needed to defeat coronavirus. “Hope is about attending fully, to be took a similar decision. some perspective worth reading is was signalling with that unprecedented without cleverness. They were following government ad- pushed further out of reach by each new move for state funds to meet 80 per cent CHUCKLE CORNER today turns to To be open to all things and to do vice and guidelines on large groups of measure. Yet, everyone needs some of the nation’s wage bill? the letters page of The Guardian on nothing.” people meeting together. yardstick to measure all that has been Now there is something to hope for, March 18 and reader Margaret Har- The Column openly confesses to Extraordinary advice, extraordinary happening in our name and interest. perhaps. ris from Isleworth, London. being guilty of failing the first two of times. Perspectives from history? If you need an illustration on why the Margaret writes: “If I knew how to get those notions, and has a ready default Chancellor Rishi Sunak used a similar The Column looked up accounts of way we live needs to change, call up a there, I’d move to Ambridge. No sign or for the others, particularly the last. phrase repeatedly when revealing that the Spanish ’flu that reportedly infected brilliant TED talk by Catholic billion- mention in The Archers of any coron- Plenty there then to mull over while the state would step in to cover work- 500 million people worldwide from aire Bill Gates. avirus yet.” coping with cabin fever before we’re ers’ wages because of the health crisis. 1918-1920 – at the end of the First He made a compelling case for germ- back in May. “Unprecedented measures for unprece- World War – and possibly left 50 to 100 games to replace nuclear wargames and SO, where to end? With hope, of dented times” he said. million people dead. put medicine on a war-footing to beat course. l If you would like to contribute to Lourdes closed for the first time since There is also the poignant 17th cen- the Ebola epidemic. Part of his evi- We choose a thought for the day TWT or contact John Bailey, please the apparitions in 1858. tury story of Eyam in Derbyshire, dence was the same WW1 Spanish ’flu favourite called Lao Tzu, a 6th century email [email protected] or St Peter’s Square, normally crowded whose population heroically agreed to we quote above. BC Chinese philosopher and writer who call 01429 264577.

BACK NUMBERS – April 1990

A LOOK back at issues of Northern Cross from 30 years ago. This month, some items of news in the diocese in April 1990.

THE big talking point today is for St Patrick’s Day, was leading under-13 race was Karen Riley from COVID-19 and the reactions world- the cheering for Ireland’s hopes in St Joseph’s, Hebburn. First in the wide to the pandemic. Thirty years the World Cup 30 years ago. boys under-13 was Keiron Rout- ago, the Bishops of England and His striking picture on page one in ledge from St Aidan’s, Sunderland, Wales were responding to emer- April’s Northern Cross directed the who led home 84 runners. Are these gencies in Ethiopia and the Sudan. reader to a St Patrick’s Day special 40-somethings still running? Cardinal Basil Hume had launched as well as the international football to a joint Disasters Emergency Commit- come that summer. Daniel must be A DELIGHTFUL story from 30 tee appeal to get food and medicine in his early 30s now. We wonder how years ago is the perfect way to urgently into the famine-hit Tigray re- he spent St Patrick’s Day this year? sign out this month. gion of Ethiopia and the bishops were It reminds us of late colleague renewing the appeal for money to IT WAS a case of the soaraway Bernadette Lawson. avoid “huge loss of life and very much Cross country race completing its She was striving to give up smok- For sale: someone’s more suffering”. second year in 1990. ing to help husband Gerry, also now In Juba, a town cut off from food sup- Up, up and up, reported former deceased, and was encouraged by a plies, ringed by minefields and subject Sunderland St Aidan’s teacher Mike No Smoking Day, reported Cuthbert football treasure! to repeated shelling, life had become Winter, chief marshal of the Northern Bede. That Wednesday, on her way “a crucible of despair” for 300,000 Cross Paper Chase. home from proofreading the North- A TRUE Toon fan might recog- “NUFC team 1969, Fairs Cup”, people. It triggered another Bishops’ The number of complete teams ern Cross, Bernadette spotted a nise the era of this team strip. with no photographer’s name or appeal to the UN and World Council who took part (39) was up. The num- tramp. She stopped him, emptied her The photograph, mounted on studio title to credit the copyright. of Churches through Cafod to avoid ber of runners taking part was up at handbag of cigarettes and presented card, was donated to an Oxfam Can any reader help with a the loss of 2,000,000 lives in Sudan. 328, and the number of schools (16) the man with her lighter. The man shop in Newcastle where writer Al- name check on the squad of 17 supporting the event was also up. thought that Christmas had arrived ison Rebello regularly helps out. players and manager or team DANIEL Moore, wearing the green First home among 60 girls in the early! There is only the caption: coach? www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross YOUTH April 2020 19

Proud moments at Pope John Paul II Awards ceremony

ON SUNDAY, March 1, the diocese cel- the diocese. the reflections: ebrated the fourth presentation cere- Bishop Robert said: “The great things “I have enjoyed participating in this mony for the Pope John Paul II the youth of our diocese are doing, their award because it has made a link between Awards. great commitment to their faith and to hu- normal life and my faith, which I had pre- During an afternoon which recognised manity is a clear sign of hope for us all.” viously kept quite separate.” and celebrated the work and commitment Two musical, prayerful highlights were “It is important for youth to be involved of the participants, 83 young people re- provided by the worship choir from Our in helping with Mass and being a voice ceived medals from Bishop Robert and Lady and St Bede’s, Stockton, which was for the bishop to let him know what hap- certificates from Tony Lawless, director led by Megan Daily. The quality of the pens at a local level.” of Youth Ministry. singing and passion with which it was de- “My faith is submitting to God in the As well as giving out gold, silver and livered was inspirational. most consciously sincere manner and bronze awards, a Papal Cross was This was the first time the Hilton Hotel viewing the sublime universe surround- awarded to Bethany Dobson. in Gateshead was the venue for the cere- ing me as the masterpiece of a transcen- Three award recipients – Praneeth mony and it seems to have gone down dent artist.” D’Silva, Jheter Dagdag and Chloe Gal- well. The staff in the Hilton could not “During my 20 weeks I felt like I was lagher – were interviewed by Gap Year have been more accommodating – we finally a member of the Church, no longer team member Josie Shilcock. They spoke plan to use it again next year. made to feel like I was just another per- about their experiences of taking part in All of those participating in the awards son to warm a seat – moving in and out the award as well as the impact their work complete a reflection/presentation about of church as if I was never really there.” had had on them, their parish and the their experience and how the work relates “In some ways it has shaped me to be local community. to being part of a worshipping commu- less judgemental because standing at the Some 350 people attended the cere- nity. doorway and greeting people into church q Bishop Robert with some of the Youth Ministry Team, award mony to support those receiving awards What follows is a small sample of the you find many walks of life come to seek recipients and guests, top. Above, from left, Josie Shilcock with and celebrate the hope for the future of honest and inspirational words found in the face of God.” Praneeth D’Silva, Jheter Dagdag and Chloe Gallagher.

q Bishop Robert presents Bethany Dobson with a Papal Cross, right. Our Lady and St Bede’s School choir, left. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 20 NEWS April 2020 St John’s is simply outstanding

by Ian Lamming graded one, leading to an overall judgement of outstanding. STUDENTS and teachers have The inspection team highlighted St been hailed as outstanding after John’s strong Catholic ethos and out- coming under the scrutiny of dioce- standing levels of teaching. san inspectors. The report said: “St John’s is an all- St John’s School and Sixth Form embracing community. Support for College, Bishop Auckland, has been each other is tangible. Staff are su- given grade ones across the board in perb role models for students. The an outstanding report by inspectors school promotes the Bishop’s vision from the diocese of Hexham and for education through policy, practice Newcastle. and initiatives.” Inspectors reviewed all aspects of Headteacher Lisa Byron added: life in the school, from the warm and “We are thrilled and delighted the in- welcoming atmosphere of its recep- spectors have recognised how special tion to the high standards and expec- our learning community is. tations in lessons. “It is a testament to the hard work The charitable work of students and and commitment of our students, the staff was recognised as one of the expertise and dedication of our staff school’s many strengths, forging as it and the continuous support of our does positive working relationships parents and carers that we have been with primaries, parishes and the able to create a learning environment wider community. in which everyone can flourish. The inspectors assessed the extent “Praise and recognition are always to which students contributed to most welcome and inspire us all in school life, how well leaders per- our relentless pursuit to provide the formed and the academy’s overall ef- very best education we can for all of q Celebrating success – head teacher Lisa Byron, left, and RE department KS3 co-ordinator Eileen Urwin, fectiveness. All categories were our students.” right, with students. Michael is a role model for us all by David Swindells ST Cuthbert’s Catholic High School student Michael Ndiweni was recently awarded the Chronicle Champi- ons Young Role Model award for 2019 The nomination was completed by Michael’s head of house, form tutor and sports leader coach. Chronicle Champions awards recognise those who make the region great, with readers nominating the selfless peo- ple in their community who make a difference. Michael, 16, from Throckley, was nominated due to his exceptional attitude both in and out of school, and was commended for showing incredible dignity and compas- sion. Always leading by example and consistently helping oth- ers, Michael embodies the ethos of St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School: Faith. Leadership. Learning. Younger students look up to Michael for advice and guid- ance and everyone agrees he is a perfect example of what young men at St Cuthbert’s High School in Newcastle should aim to become. Despite balancing a hectic training schedule for Newcas- tle United Football Club’s U16 academy and his school work, Michael continues to find time to help others. Awards evening puts the His self-confidence has grown through his work as form captain where he often leads assemblies and discussions among his peers. spotlight on a year’s Congratulations, Michael! worth of achievements STUDENTS from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, Newcas- tle, lined up on their annual awards evening to speak to the Mini Vinnies lead school’s fundraising for CAFOD guest of honour, Professor Chris Day, vice-chancellor and president of Newcastle University, writes David Swindells. ON ASH Wednesday, Prof Day inspired the young men with a superb speech and con- four of the Year 6 Mini gratulated them on their achievements over the previous aca- Vinnies at Our Lady of demic year. The audience was treated to music performed by the Most Holy Rosary students. School, Billingham, led a whole school assem- bly during which they introduced CAFOD’s Lent Appeal, writes Mrs Lowe. They did a fantastic job of explaining how they were going to turn con- cern into action by hold- ing a sport’s themed non-uniform day to raise money for this appeal and help to turn the tide of en- vironmental devastation, including deforestation in South America. �������� ����� ������ � ���� ���� ��������� ��

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���� ������� worker, street sweeper, trad�e��� s�w���e�e�p�er� �f�o��r ��I�sli�n��g�t�on Council ������ ������� ��� ���� ����� ����� ��� ��������� ���� ��� �� ��������� ����� ���� ������� ��� �� ��� ������ ���� ��� ��� ����� ��� unionist, anti-apartheid ac�-����a�n�d� �ra�n� �a� �p�r�o��je�c� t ��p�r�oviding ac- ������� ��� ���� ���� �� ���� ��� �������� ��� tivist and domestic carer, commodation, support and life ������ ���� ��� ��� ��� ���� ��������� � ������������ ��� ��������� ���� �� �������� ������� ��� ��� ��� ���� ��� friend of Catholics and othe�r��� ��sk�i�l�ls� �f�o�r� y�o�u��n�g� h�o��m�e�less people. ����� ����� ������� ���� ��� � �������� ��� �� ��������� ��� ���� ���� ����� �� ������ �� ��� ������ ��� ��� ���� ���� �� �������� �� �� Christians living with HIV and In the 1980s his home was the ����� ���� ��� ��� � ��� AIDS, Passionist Provincial �–���to�p� s�ec�r�et �d�ro�p address for mail ���� ������� ��� ����� ������ �������� ��� ������ � ��������� ���� ����� ������ ��� �� ��� ���������� �� ��� ������ ��� �� and finally, a good neighbour for the South Africa Defence and ��� � ��������� ��������� �� ������ ���������� ������� ������ ������� �� �� �������� to all in Byker, Newcastle. �� ���A� i��d� F�u�n�d�.� �� ���� �� ��������� ������� ����� ��� �� ������ ��� ��������� �������� ���� ����� �������� He was also a passionate, deter�-�� ��J��o�h��n� b�e�c�am��e� a� �l�o�c�a� l union or- �������� ��� ��� ��������� ����� ���� ���� �� ��������� ��� ��� ���� �� ����� ��� mined and radically propheti�c�����g�a��n�i�s�er�,� ne�g�o��ti�a�t�i�n�g�� o� n behalf of ��� ���� �� ����� ������ ��� ��� ������� ����� �� �� ����� ��������� �� ��� ���� ����� ������ � presence who inspired and chal�-����h�is� �c�o�ll�e�a�g�ue�s� �w�ith�� local man- ������� � �� ���������� ������ ��� ���� ��� �������� �� ��� ������� lenged many of those he encoun�-��� �ag��e�m��e�n� t, and was involved in the ������ ���� ��� ��� ���� ������� ��� ��� �������� ��� ������ ������� ��� ������� ��� ������ �� �� ���� ����� ��� ��� �� ����������� �������� tered. �����m��i�n�er�s�’� �y�e�a�r-�lo�n�g�� c��o�nfrontation ������� � ������� ��� ���� ����� ����� �� ���� ��� �� Fr John’s faith fired in him a with the Conservative govern- ������� ��� ���� � ����� ������ ������� ��� ��� ���� �� ��� ����� ���������� ���� ����� ��� ����� � ���� �������� ���� ������ ����� ��� ���� ������ ����� ����� �� ����� total commitment to the God o�f� ��m� e��n�t.������� ���� ��� ���� ���� �� ��������� �� �� � ������� �� ���������� �������� ��� ��� ��� ���� justice, present for, with, among�������H��e� m� �o�v��e�d� �to� �w��o�rk� �as a carer in ����� ����� � �� ������ ���� ���� � ������� ���� ����� � �� and in the poor. ��� ��a�n� �I�s�l�in��g�t�on�� C��o�u�n�c�i�l residential ������� ������ ��� �� �������� �� ������ ��� ��� ������ ���� ��� �� ��� Baptised Peter John, he wa�s�� ��h�o�m��e�, t�h�e�n� �a�s� �a� �h�om� e carer for ������� ������ ������� ��� �� ���� �� ��� ������� ������ � ����� ��� ������ ����� ������� ������ ������ ���� ��� ���� ��� ���� ������� ��� ���� born into a Catholic family in�����p�e�o�pl�e�� w��i�th�� H��I�V� �a�n�d� AIDS, until ����� �� ���� � �� � ������� �������������������� Blyth. ��� ��� ����� ������������� � ������ ��� ��� ��� ��� ����� ���� � ������ ���� �th��e� �l�o��c�a�l� a�u�t�h�o�r�it�y� �m�ade him re- ��������� ��� �� ���� ���� ������� �������� ��������� ��� ���� John’s father was a miner, bu�t�����d��u�n�da�n��t.� � ������ �� ��� ������ ��� ��� ����� � ���� ��� ���� ���� ����� �� �� ������ ��������� ����� ��� ��� he followed a different path to ar�t ���� �J�oh��n� �w� �as� �i�n�v�o��l�ve�d�� with LGBT � � �� ����� ���� � �������� � ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ������� ����� ��� ������ ������ ���� school, working as a designer be�-�� ��C�a�t�h�o�li�c�s� �a�n�d� o��n� t�h�e� �rota for cel- �� �� ����� ��� ��� ����������� ��� �� ���� � �� fore joining the Passionists in hi�s���� e��b�r�a�t�in��g� �t�h� e�� �S�o�h�o� �M� asses. He ������ ���� ��� �� ���� ������ �� �� ��� ������� �� ������ ���� ��� �� ��� ���� �� ���� ������ �� ��� ����� ��� ��� ������ ���� 20s. ���� ��a�l�s�o� �w�o�r�k��e�d� �w� �it�h� ��the charity �������� ������ �� ���� ������ ��� ��� ��������� ������� John was influenced by Pas- Catholic Aids Prevention and ���� �� ������ �� ���������� �� ��� �������� ��� ��� ���� ��� � ����� ������������ ���� ����� q Westminster Cathedral’s altar during Lent. ���� ������ ��� ����� ���� ����� ��� ����� �� ��� ���� �� ���� �������� �� ���� sionist Fr Austin Smith CP, wh�o���S�u�pp�o�rt�. � ��� ��� ��� ���� ����� ��� ������� �� �� ������� �������� ��� �� �������� �� responded to the call for an ‘op�-��� ��Jo��h�n� m��o�v�e�d� t�o B��y�k��er to be near ��� ������ �������� ���� ��� ��� ������� �� �������� �� ����� � � tion for the poor’ emanating from����h��is� m���ot�h�e��r� in� �h�er� �f�in�a�l years at St ���� ��� ��� �� ������ ��� �������� ������ ���� ��� �� ����� �������� ��� ���� ��� q ����� �� ��� ���� ���� ���� �� the Second Vatican Council, lib�-�����J�os�e�p�h’�s� �ca�re�� h�om���e� and, against Fr John Sherrington. ��� �������� �� �� ��� ������ ����� ��������� ��� �� ������ eration theology and the French his own inclination, was elected St Alphonsus’ prayer ���� ���� ��� �������� �� ����� ��� ���������� �� �� ��������� �� ���� ����� ���� �� ����� ����� ��� ����� ������� ���� � ���� ���������� ��� ���� ��� ������� �� ����������� ������ ��� �� �������� ���� ������ ���� ��� �� ��� ������� ���� ��� ��� ������� wo�r�k�e�r�-p�ri�e�s�t �m��o�v�e�m� �e�n�t�.� ��� ���� P�a�s�s� io�n�is�t� P�r�o�v�i�n��cia��l in 2009. nosed with Parkinson’s disease at need, then spent some time in the ����� ��� ������ ���� ����� ��� �������� ��� ��������� ���� ��� ������ �� ���� ���� �� ��� �� ���� ���������� � �� ������ ��������� � �� A��u�s�t�in�� ���a��n�d� �� �F��r� ��N� i�c��hola�s���� ��H��e� �i�n��it�i��at�ed� �w�hat can be de- the age of 66. RVI in Newcastle. MY JESUS, I believe that you are present in this holy ���� � ������ ������ ��� ��������� ��� ��������� ����� ������� � �� �������� �� ���� ������� ��� ������� Po�st�l�eth�w��a�it�e� ��C��P� f�o�u��nde�d� th�e ��s�c�ri�be�d� a�s �a� ne�w� �w�a�y – a group He continued to be a faithful He was later cared for at St sacrament of the altar. ������� ������ ��� ��� ��� ���������� �� �� ��� ����� ������ �������� ���� ������� ��������� ��� ������� ���� ������� ��� ������ Pa�s�s�io�n�is�t� �I�n�n�e�r �C��i�t�y� �M�i�s�s�ion �– ��o�pe�n� t�o �a�ll �w��ho� �s�ha�r�e the desire presence and a good friend to Joseph’s, where he had previously ��� �� ��������� ���� ������ I love you above all things and I passionately desire to ���� ������� ��� ������ ������ ���� ��������� ���� �������� ����� ���� ������ ��� �� ���� ��� ��� IC�M�� �–�� a�n��d �i�n� �1�9�7�1� t�h�ey� �m��oved���� �t�o ��k�ee�p� ��a�l�i�v�e� t�he�� m��e�m� ory of the members of the diocesan refugee given chaplaincy support, and died receive you into my soul. �������� ��� �� ���������� � ��� ���������� �� �� �������� ����� ������ ��������� ��� ��������� ���� ��� ������ ����� ��� ���� �� ���� ���� ��� �� ����� ���� ���� ���� ������ ��� ������ �������� �� �� ����� �������� ����� ������� ��� ����� ���� ���� �� ����������� � �� �� ��� ������� �� ��� ������� to �T�o�x��tet�h�, �Li�v��er�p�o�o�l�.� ����� ��� �P��a�s�s�i�on by their commitment to and asylum drop-in centre. there after a rapid decline. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come ������ ���� ��� ��� �� ��� ������� �� �� ���� �� �� ���� �� �������� � �� ������ ���� ��� ��� ����� ��� �� �������� �� ����� ���� J�o�h�n� a��n�d� M�ic�h�a�e�l B��o�l�d� �s�ta� rted����t�h�e�� cr��u�c�if��ie�d� �o��n�e�s� �o�f today, as John found himself the benefi- His requiem Mass was held at spiritually into my soul, so that I may unite myself wholly ��� ���� ����� �������� ����� ������ ������ ��� ���� ������� ��������� ���� ������������ ��������� an �I�C�M�� ��c�ou��n�t�erp��a�r�t� �in�� L�o��n�don�,����w�e�l�l a�s� �th��e� �C��ru�c�ifie��d� One. ciary of the same home care he Minsteracres on February 19. to you now and forever. ��� ������ ��� �� ����� ����� ��� ����������� �� �� ���� ��� �� ����� �� �� ������ ��� � ���������� ����� ����� ��� ���� ���� ������� �� ���� ��� fol�lo��w��ing the lead of the worker�- ���� �F�o�u�r� �ye�a��rs� �l�at�e�r �J�o�h�n was diag- had given others in their hour of May he rest in peace. Amen. ������� ��� ��� ��� ������ ��� ����������� ���� ������� ���������� � ��� ����� ��� ���� �� ��� ��� ���� ����� ����� ��� ���� �� ���� ��� ������� ��� ����� ����� �� ���������� ��� ����� �� ���� ��� ��� � �� ��� ������� ��� ����� ���� ������ ���� ��� ��� ����� ����� ������� ������������ ��� ��� ���� �� ���� ���� �� ���� ������ �������� �� � ����� ��� ���������� �� ����� ����������� ����� �� ������� �� ���� ������ ������� ������ ��� ���� ������ ������ ��� ����� ��� ���� ���� �� ��� ������� ��� ����� �� ������ �� ��� ������ ���� ����� ����� �� ��� ���������� �� ���� ��� ���� ��� ������� �� ������ ����� �������� ����� ��� � ��� ������ ��� �������� ���� ���� ��������� ���������� ���� ��� ����� ������� �� ���� � ����� �� ���� �� �������� ��� ��������� ������� ��� ������ �� ������� ��� ������� ��� ��� ����� �� ���� ���� �� ������ ���� ��� �� ������ ���� �� ������� �� ���� ���� ������ ���� ���� �� �C�elebrate your loved one’s life with an ��� ��������� ������� �� ��� ��� ������ �� �������� ���������� ��� ��� ��� ������ ���� ���� ������� ���� ���� ��� ���� ��� ���� ������ ���� �� ���� ���� �� ���� ��� ������ �� Obituary: �������� ����� ������� �� ���� ��������� �� ���� ����� ��� ��������� �������� � �� ���� ��� ����� ���� ������ � ���� ���� ���� ��� ���� ����� �o��b�i�t�u�ar�y�� t�r�i�b�u�te� �in� t�h�e� No��r�t�h�e�rn� �C�ro�s�s�.���� �� �� �� ������� ������ ��� ����� ����� ���� ��� ������ ���� ��� �� ���� �� ����� ����� �� ���� ����� ����� �W��r�i�te� �t�o� �t�he�� �e�d�i�t�o���r, �e�n�clo�s�i�n�g�� a�� g�o�o� �d����� ����������� �� ������� �� ��� �������� ���� ���� ��� ��� ��� ��� ���� ������ ��� ������ ���� ��� �� ���� ������ �� ����� ��� �� ������� ���� ���� ���� ���� ��� ���� ���� ����� ��� ��� ���������� �� �������� �� ���� ���������� ��� ���� �� ��� ������������� ���� �������� ������� ��� �� ��� ���� �� ����� ������� �q�u��a�l�i�ty� �p�h�o�t�o��g�ra��p��h� w��her�e�� p��o�s�s�i�ble��.����� ������ ���� �������� �� ��� ��� ����� ������� ��� � ����� �� ��� ���� �� ���������� ���� � ���� ���������� � �� ���� ���� ���� �������� �A��d��d�r�e�s� s��e�s� �o�n� �P�a�g�e�� 6��. ����� �� ���� ����� �������� �� ����� ������� ���������� �� ������ ���� ��� �� ����� �� ����� ��� ��� �� ���� ����� ����� Anne Rignold Boyd ����� ������� ������� ��� ���� ����� ��� ���� �� �� ����� ��������� ��������������� ������ ���� ��� ������ �� ����� ����� ��� ��� ������� January 1939 – March 2020 ��� �� ���� ���� ��� ��� ��� ��� ���� ������ �� ���� ����� � �� ������� ����������� �������������������� ������ ���� ��� ��� ����� ��� �� �� ������� �� ������� A LITTLE bit of South Shields Teresa’s nuns in Kolkata in 1972. got to know each other well. an end we heard Estelle White’s ��� �� ����� ���� ������� �� ��� ��� ���� �� ���� �� �����5x2��� TP��������� Bardgett appeared at a funeral in Single- She had already run a Ryder- She went back to India to run a hymn. ����������������� ���� ��� �������� ������������������������� ton, New South Wales, on Thurs- Cheshire home called Raphael in mobile TB clinic then returned to I had sent her my biography of ����� ��� ������ ������ �� ���� ��� �� ������� ��� ������� day, March 19, when we heard Dehra Dun. Australia to marry Phillip, a fellow Estelle and she would tell me ��������� ����� � �� ������ ����� Oh, the love of my Lord towards Just before Anne, a trained nurse, Australian whom she had met on whenever she heard that hymn in ������ ���� ���� ������� �� ������� ���� �� �� ��������������������������� ���� ����� �� ��� ������� �� ��� ��� ������� �� ��� ��� �� l �� � the end of Mass. arrived we had had to deal with an Australia Day in London. Australia. ����� ��� ��� ������������ �� ����� ��� ���������������������������� The Mass was live streamed Australian drug addict, so when I Over the years we met more Anne came to the North East sev- ����� ������� ��� ��������� ������� ��� ������� ���� �� l from St Patrick’s church, Singel- heard Anne’s voice I wondered if often than I expected. eral times. She and Phillip partic- ��������� �������� � ��� ����� �������� ton, the town where Anne and we had another one on our hands: Last year I went to see her when ularly enjoyed the company of Fr ����� ������� ���� ���� ��� ����� ���� ���� �� Phillip Boyd had raised their sons, ������ ������ ����� ����� ������������������� mercifully not. she was diagnosed with pancreatic Colin Carr, who had been born not �� ������� ���� ���������� l Tom and Damian. Anne came to London that sum- cancer. She faced her death far from Dehra Dun. ��� �������� ������ �� ��� ��� � ������ ������ ����� � ��� ����������� �� ����� ���� ������ ��� ��� ��������������������������������� Anne and I had met in the chil- mer to do a TB course. My parents serenely. May she rest in peace. ����� �� ����� ����� ��������� ������� ��������������������������� dren’s home run by Mother had a pub in the same road so we As Anne’s funeral Mass came to Veronica Whitty �� � �������� ��������� ��� ��� �� ��� ������� ��� ����������������������� ������������� �� �� ��������� ������� ���� ����� ������ ���� ���������� ������ ���� ���� ��� Jacob Conroy & Son “They looked after my father like one of their ���� ��� ��� ���� ���� �Independent���� Family� �Funeral� Directors offering a own. I can't recommend them highly enough.” ���� ��� ��� ��complete�� and� �caring� Funeral� Service 3x4 Victoria House PRIVATE7 CHAPELx3 Jaco OFb C RESTonro y– ALL DENOMINATIONS CARED FOR – MEMORIAL Faithfully Serving the Catholic Community STONES ARRANGED

MORPETH: 01670 515521 : [email protected] Fenwick House, 8 Manchester Street, Morpeth NE61 1BH Hartlepool business Awards Winner 2006 Golden Charter Regional Funeral Planner GUIDEPOST: Telephone 01670 821 281 3x4 Joel Kerr of The Year 2011 Epworth House, 2 High Street, Guide Post, Choppington NE62 5QY HARTLEPOOL 191 YORK ROAD FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS • 01429 269000 PRE-PAYMENT FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE Your families are the heart of our business www.joelkerrfunerals.co.uk Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 22 PRAYERS April 2020 Coronavirus – one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced WE PRAY with the pope each But Christian love, prayer, laughter month, sharing his specific inten- and friendship have not been can- tion for the challenges that face hu- celled. manity and the church’s mission, The compassion of the heart of writes David Stewart SJ. Christ for all of creation – that’s not During Holy Week and the Easter cancelled. triduum, our prayer will be focussed Solidarity, a pillar of Catholic So- on the coronavirus epidemic. cial Teaching, is not cancelled. The pope had already selected an We are concerned for the most vul- intention for this month: “that those nerable, who are also often the least suffering from addiction may be able to speak up. helped and accompanied”. We are not separate – we ARE each When our hearts are open to the other. possibility of prayer, then we can be As this situation has unfolded, we open to all that humanity experi- have seen and heard of extraordinary ences. acts of human kindness. Each of We can all be apostles of prayer. these speaks of hope. There is nothing in human experi- St Ignatius invites us into the ex- ence that cannot be the topic or sub- tremes of the Passion in solidarity stance of our prayer. Nothing is with Christ. Holy Week. Good Fri- strange or alien to God. day. The Stations of the Cross. Some of us will hesitate. Praying with the unexpected St Ignatius knew this, and so sug- Sometimes we have to adapt. gested that we pray for this grace: to Are we annoyed because an en- pray to be sorrowful with Christ sor- forced change is inconvenient? rowful, for anguish with Christ in an- Are we open to remembering that guish, for tears and deep grief others, too, are affected? because of what Christ endures for Do we hear the call to look out for me, for us. others, for the common good? Unify your prayer with Christ’s, for Most of us – if we are truthful – he unifies his with yours. probably experience a mix of both re- Keep looking for the face of Jesus You, salvation of the Roman peo- actions in ourselves. in all of this; turn to His blessed ple, know what we need and we trust As we look over each day, towards mother with our heartfelt prayers, for that you will provide for those needs the end of each day, asking God’s her prayers are heartfelt too. so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and Holy Spirit to shed its gentle light on In our hearts, our souls, will well up celebration may return after this mo- our day, we will recognise when we that spring of living water, welling up ment of trial. have been closed in on ourselves. to resurrection and eternal life. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to We should take a few moments conform ourselves to the will of the of reflection, in the Ignatian tradition, Prayer to Our Lady Father and to do what Jesus tells us. in what is sometimes called the Daily Pope Francis composed this prayer He took our sufferings on himself Examen. to Mary, referring to her by the and took up our sorrows to bring us, As with every tragic situation, we Roman title of Mother of Divine through the cross, to the joy of the must remember the importance of Love. resurrection. discerning well and praying well, so Let’s pray it with him and share it We seek refuge under your protec- that the bad spirit has fewer opportu- with anyone who would like to pray tion, O Holy Mother of God. nities to lead us down a pathway of it too. Amen. despair and hopeless. There has been a lot of fear – but O Mary, you shine continuously l The Pope Video is an official fear is not from God. along our journey as a sign of salva- global initiative to disseminate the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. It The darkness that we’re living tion and hope. q is carried out by the Pope’s World- Catholics watched the extraordinary Urbi et orbi papal address, through will make us hesitate – what We entrust ourselves to you, health above, online last month. At Westminster Cathedral, top, one use is prayer or religion? of the sick, who at the cross were wide Prayer Network (Apostleship of woman prays near the pietà while another lights a candle during Churches closing down, events and near to the pain of Jesus, keeping Prayer). To find out more about it, the last public Mass. even Masses cancelled. your faith firm. log on to thepopevideo.org. Photos: Mazur/ cbcew.org.uk.

Celebrate your loved one’s life with an obituary 10x4 Watsons tribute in the OF SUNDERLAND Northern 10x2 Cross. Write to the John G. Hogg Editor, enclosing a good-quality AÊTraditionÊ photograph where ofÊTrust possible. Chapels of Rest at... Hendon You’ll find 0191 514 7012 Pallion Farringdon Gateshead Whickham Dunston Newcastle our contact 0191 514 2744 0191 511 0028 0191 477 1484 0191 488 7700 0191 460 8629 0191 281 3903 details 0191 477 1484 Dedicated 24 Hour Service to all areas on page 6. www.johnghogg.co.uk www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 PETITIONS 23

HOLY FATHER’S PRAY- WE PRAY for the soul of ER INTENTION FOR Franca Warrington. May APRIL:Universal prayer she rest in peace and per- intention – freedom from Prayers & petual light shine upon her. addiction. PLEASE PRAY FOR We pray that those suffer- THE PRISONERS who ing from addiction may be are alone and have no-one helped and accompanied. Petitions to talk to. We pray that the WE PRAY for Bishop Holy Spirit will heal them Robert Byrne, the 14th WELCOME to Prayers and Petitions – a Northern and comfort them. God, in Bishop of the diocese of His divine mercy, loves Hexham and Newcastle. Cross free service to readers. Please feel able to each one of them as His May the Lord guide him participate in our open prayers, published here in children. Make them and may our people support the hope that our readers will peruse them and add aware, too, of their own him and continue to make personal dignity whose him feel welcome. their prayers to yours and ours for the purpose in life is to love WE PRAY for all of those improvement asked for in the published petition. and be loved by God and affected by coronavirus. Write out your prayers or petitions and send others. We pray that they will re- them to: Prayers and Petitions, Northern Cross, St PRAY for the good health cover from their illness and of retired Bishop Seamus also for the continued care Anne’s Presbytery, 43 Welbeck Avenue, Darlington Cunningham. provided by NHS workers, DL1 2DR. No payment is required, but please add WE THANK GOD for family members and others. your name and address to show your good intent. those retired priests of our PLEASE PRAY for the diocese who forgo their health and wellbeing of all Names and addresses need not be published well-earned rest to come of the priests in our diocese (unless you wish them to be), but initials are and say Mass in many q for the month ahead. generally a requirement. parishes. Lord, give them Blind and partially-sighted passengers prepare to board one of the new buses in Newcastle. PLEASE PRAY for A petition may be continued for more than one strength and stamina to Robert, Brian, John, continue their valuable Michael, Alan and David. month, but you will need to indicate if it should ministry to your people. JS. May their hearts continue continue and supply a telephone number so the PLEASE PRAY for the Talking buses wheeled to be healed. topicality of the prayer can be checked. soul of Andrew Longworth, WE PRAY for the poor 1978-2018. May he rest in and the lonely in our dio- peace. Amen. out across the North East cese, who have few people appreciation of the sacred and for those who are strug- PLEASE PRAY for help to turn to for comfort. duty to which you have gling with mental health for all who are lonely, un- BLIND and partially-sighted people lessly difficult for blind and partially- PRAYERS PLEASE for called them. problems in our diocese. well or are afraid or trou- in the region have welcomed a new sighted people using this essential Teresa, her family and all We give thanks for the in- WE PRAY for young bled in mind. Pray too that fleet of 18 talking buses. form of transport. those who care for her. valuable work of all those Michael, who is growing we will be aware of people Bus company Stagecoach has been “Audio announcements on busses WE PRAY for the contin- who contribute to the effi- stronger every day. For that who need help and do what working with charities the Royal Na- make a real difference to travellers with uing work of the Little Sis- cient running of our we give thanks. we can for them. tional Institute of Blind People, Guide vision impairment, enabling them to ters of the Poor in schools; support staff, WE PRAY for the soul of PRAYERS PLEASE for Dogs and Newcastle Vision Support travel independently with confidence. Newcastle. kitchen staff, maintenance Mary, a good friend to all. those at sea and for the good to improve the accessibility of their “We’re thrilled Stagecoach has intro- PLEASE PRAY for the staff, governors and chap- May she rest in peace and works of the Apostleship of services. duced these new talking buses to their sick and the elderly, partic- lains. may perpetual light shine the Sea and its chaplains. Together they created plans to intro- fleet and hope other bus providers ularly those who are parted We thank them for their upon her. HEXHAM AND NEW- duce buses with audio systems which take the opportunity to follow suit.” from their families or hard work and dedication WE PRAY for peaceful CASTLE DIOCESAN announce the next stops for passen- David Sharp, commercial manager friends at this time. and we pray that they may and thriving diocesan part- P A R T N E R S H I P gers so that people with vision impair- for Stagecoach North East, said: “I am WE PRAY for all of those continue to work in support nerships for the rest of the PRAYER: God of all cre- ment don’t have to rely on asking delighted that our latest bus arrivals working in the hospices in of our schools. year. ation, you have constantly other people or the driver for guid- feature such state-of-the-art technol- our diocese, whose love Thank you for all those PLEASE PRAY for the poured out your Spirit upon ance. ogy, including low emission Euro VI and tenderness counter the who lead our Catholic souls of our dearly de- our diocese and kindled a Lewis Winton, the RNIB’s regional engines, large rear destination suffering of so many. schools. May they be peo- parted. May perpetual light light which has spread campaigns officer, said: “For people screens and audio visual next stop WE PRAY for all those ple of integrity so that they shine upon them. throughout the world. who can’t drive, including those regis- announcements with scrolling LED being helped by the St Vin- can be witnesses as well as PRAYERS PLEASE for Lord Jesus, you gathered tered sight impaired, public buses re- displays. cent de Paul Society in our teachers. all of the patients in hospi- disciples to yourself to ally are a lifeline. “A great deal of work has gone into diocese and around the We pray that the schools tals and care homes in the learn from you and to “They enable people to get to work, making the next stop announcements world. they lead will become diocese of Hexham and model their lives on you. meet family and friends, take part in as clear and as informative as possi- WE PRAY for the dedi- places where our young Newcastle. Your Holy Spirit empow- everyday leisure activities and remain ble, and we are extremely grateful to cated service of those in our people can experience your We pray for those who ered them to continue your independent. the RNIB for taking the time and effort diocese who are helping to love in their lives. have no-one to visit them work in the world. “However, the uncertainty of whether to experience them in a live environ- run food banks for those in Thank you for our and for those who have no- Come upon us, Holy you’ve got the right bus, where you ment and offering valuable feedback need. We pray that people Catholic schools. Help us one to talk to during the long Spirit, deepen the faith you are on your journey or when your stop as to how they may be improved continue to kindly donate to to pray without ceasing, to days and nights. We also invite us to share and in- is coming up makes bus travel need- going forward.” these good causes and give work without wavering and pray for all of the nurses, spire us to become faithful their time to help when they to give without grudging in doctors and healthcare witnesses. can. order to ensure the future of workers who give them care Help each one of us to use FATHER, thank you for all Catholic education for all and love. We pray for their the gifts you give us to nur- those men and women who of our children. continued good health and ture one another, to serve Celebrate your loved one’s life with an obituary have given their talents to We make this prayer thank them for the difficult the world and to live in har- tribute in the Northern Cross. educating our young peo- through your Son, Jesus work they do. mony with the whole of ple. Christ, our teacher and our WE PRAY for the soul of creation. Write to the editor, enclosing a good-quality Through the challenges Lord. Amen. Jimmy Crook. May he rest All of this we ask in the photograph where possible. they encounter each day, WE PRAY for the work of in peace and perpetual light name of Our Lord Jesus lead them to an ever deeper all those at The Road Centre shine upon him. Christ. Amen. Our contact details are on page 6.

OK, so we’re A little reminder better at A LITTLE reminder of feasts and days o f special prayer during COMING April. removing 10x3 bad10 adsx1 than April 2: St Francis of Paola, April 17: EASTER FRIDAY SOON Northern Cross Office hermit April 18: EASTER SATURDAY making good April 4: St Isidore, bishop and April 19 SECOND SUNDAY OF Let our readers ASA doctor of the Church EASTER Q14ones. 5x2 Classified Ad mono 13/9/05 11: April 5: PALM SUNDAY OF April 20-April 22: WEEKDAYS know of key events THE PASSION OF THE LORD OF EASTER such as fundraisers, The Advertising April 6: MONDAY OF HOLY April 23: St George, martyr and WEEK patron of England – solemnity concerts and sports What’s Standards April 7: TUESDAY OF HOLY April 24: St Adalbert, bishop and days, plus term AuthorityOK, so we’re better WEEK martyr Telephoneat removing bad ads April 8: WEDNESDAY OF HOLY April 25: St Mark, evangelist – dates WEEK feast happening 0207402222than making good ones. April 9: MAUNDY THURSDAY April 26: THIRD SUNDAY OF Contact Claire www.asa.org.uk April 10: GOOD FRIDAY EASTER The Advertising Standards Authority April 11: HOLY SATURDAY April 28: St Louis Marie Grignion Robson on Telephone 020 7492 2222 www.asa.org.uk April 12: EASTER SUNDAY de Montfort, priest each month April 13: EASTER MONDAY April 29: St Catherine of Siena, 01325 464 008 April 14: EASTER TUESDAY virgin, doctor of the Church and or norcross@ April 15: EASTER WEDNES- patron of Europe – feast at your school? DAY April 30: St Pius V, pope, btconnect.com to Keeping advertising April 16: EASTER THURSDAY religious book your space standards high Q14 5x2 Classified Ad mono Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 24 ADVERTISEMENT April 2020

EMERGENCY APPEAL TO SUPPORT CARE HOME STAFF AND RESIDENTS The Little Sisters of the Poor have launched a vital fundraising appeal, in response to the increasing pressures faced by St Joseph’s Care Home during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are a charity committed to providing safe accommodation and professional care for vulnerable older people, and in these unprecedented times, our staff and volunteers are going above and beyond to make sure that this high quality care continues.

However, due to the recent Government restrictions, St Joseph’s Care Home in Newcastle has been forced to implement emergency measures to aid efforts to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, along with residential visitations, this also includes cancelling charity events and collections which has had a massive impact on the donations we rely on to help with our increasing running costs.

We are appealing for your crucial support at this uncertain time, to help us safeguard our Homes and meet the ever-evolving needs of our Sisters, staff and residents. Your crucial donations will enable us to purchase extra essential Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, sanitising gel, eye protection, face masks, safety clothing and chemical cleaning products to ensure we can continue to comply with all health and safety regulations.

All donations, no matter what size, will be very gratefully received and will make a real difference to the lives of our vulnerable elderly residents. Cheques made payable to ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ or PPE supplies can be sent to; St Joseph’s Home, Westmoreland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7QA. Alternatively, you can make a secure, online donation, by visiting; littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk/donate-here/. Thank you so much www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 CLUBS 25 Club delegates and officers play catch-up on cancelled meeting THE March meeting of the National celling of our meeting, he advised that Association of Catholic Clubs was the ABC has also suspended their cancelled due to the COVID-19 out- meetings,” Gary reported. break – and October’s national in- Rochdale Catholic Club also had to door games in Rochdale will not go postpone its March AGM, but most ahead. club constitutions provide for an 18- National secretary Gary Livett said he month period to stage AGMs. had little correspondence to report, but He also felt the government decisions had intended to discuss the future of on the deferment of VAT payments and Chester-le-Street Catholic Club which help with wage bills would help clubs had appeared in a recent Facebook to survive. Many might use the down post. time to work on DIY projects to club “Financially there have been no major premises. changes,” said the secretary who dou- bles as treasurer, other than the receipt LINDISFARNE Social Club has an- of £1,000 from LWC Teesside, the beer nounced its secretary, Bob Train, and drinks supplier which sponsored the has had to step down because of ill- 2018 indoor games at Hartlepool. ness. Happier days – club delegates outside North Shields Catholic Club two years ago. The March Gary also holds a supply of the Janu- Elected in his place is Nigel Huscroft, clubs association meeting had to be cancelled to comply with coronavirus isolation rules. ary ABC bulletin from the Alliance of a Lib-Dem councillor on North Tyne- British Clubs. Any club which would like side Council. a copy can email [email protected] to Bob has agreed to remain a member request one. of the club’s management committee ABC chairman Eddie Charnley from while the handover to Nigel takes Coronavirus closures Manchester had mailed his report but place. The club also has a new chair- it hadn’t reached the secretary. man after Joe Taylor resigned to cope are a ‘hammer blow’ to “On speaking to him about the can- with an urgent family illness. clubs – but there’s a BENEDICTINE CATHOLIC SOCIAL CENTRE ray of hope from Heaton GLENLUCE DRIVE, CRAMLINGTON. TEL. 01670 - 714694 Benedictine Catholic Club by Clubs Editor was very quiet by comparison to to survive.” CONCERT ROOM other weeks.” Secretary-treasurer Livett was san- 6x3 MEETINGS of the National asso- At North Shields, secretary Tom guine about the future: “To me, this ciation of Catholic clubs always Turner said the shutdown meant 12 now enforced closure could be the CLOSED UNTIL open and close with a prayer. or 14 parties had to be disappointed death knell for some of the smaller, No doubt delegates to the March as well as a monthly pensioners’ struggling Catholic Clubs, along gathering at North Shields would Tuesday entertainment, weekly with other outlets, companies in the FURTHER NOTICE have prayed for the safekeeping of Thursday bingo nights, a VE Day supply chain, micro-pubs and micro- all clubgoers from the approaching anniversary party in April and even breweries. virus infection. a children’s Easter egg party on “That is the same for all NACC They had no idea, however, the Easter Sunday. delegates, club members and family virus threat would cancel the spring “All the eggs are bought,” Tom re- and friends. It is a major upheaval meeting or that the prayer would ported…with the afterthought: and life-changing situation, but we widen to include the safekeeping of “They all have a July best-before all must be strong, stay safe and look clubs themselves. date on them!” after each other. Hebburn Iona Club The virus poses probably the great- The club’s committee will review “I always say a prayer for the asso- est threat ever faced by clubland. the situation monthly but had al- ciation and the clubs at Mass each The notice posted on Wallsend’s ready decided to support staff weekend, but now with no more Closed due to the COVID-19 Lindisfarne Social Club’s website throughout the closedown – a deci- Masses, they will still be in my succinctly sums up the general state sion made easier by the Chancellor’s thoughts when I spend some quiet pandemic. Please call the of play. It reads: “Important message later announcement to meet 80 per reflection time sitting at home.” Tyneside Irish Club to all members. Due to the unprece- cent of all staff wages. It was left to Heaton St Teresa’s club or check dented situation we now face with Beer and drinks stocks had been Catholic Club in Newcastle to sound 7x3 the COVID-19 virus and the govern- another concern, but secretary Tom’s the ray of hope in a depressing sto- northerncross.org.uk ment’s recent guidelines, the com- predecessor Joe Cartwright con- ryline. mittee has taken the decision to close firmed North Shields committee’s Secretary Brian Dale revealed the or Facebook the club until further notice. Signed: immediate reaction to Prime Minis- club was on the verge on closing its Secretary N J Huscroft.” ter Johnson’s closure order. A free- doors for good a few months ago for updates Hebburn Iona Social Club said: drinks night was declared, word when the management committee “Due to the government’s announce- spread rapidly, and it became a very decided to sell the space upstairs to Station Road, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear NE31 1PN ment this evening, the club will be busy night. Said Joe: “It was like an be developed as two apartments. www.hebburniona.co.uk - e mail [email protected] (0191 483 2773 shut from tomorrow until further no- old-style New Year’s Eve!” That provided homes for two fam- tice. Brian Marsh, sports and social sec- ilies and funds to enable the club to “Any bookings made for the con- retary at Lindisfarne Social Club refurbish the ground floor. cert room over the next few weeks, said he was upset that the funeral re- Brian said adopting pub-style and for however long this lasts, will ception of a club member of more décor and fitting clear-glass win- obviously not be able to go ahead. than 40 years’ standing was thrown dows – doing away with the old We wish all our members and guests into confusion for the Monday fol- frosted glass – had transformed the Tyneside Irish Centre the best of health through this in- lowing the closedown. club, its revenue and its fortunes. credibly difficult period and we look Mothers’ Day meals in Lindis- The student population and local 43 GALLOWGATE, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE1 4SG forward to welcoming everyone farne’s restaurant – “stowed out last residents suddenly began using the back when we are able to do so.” year and fully booked this time” – club, leading to Brian’s thoughts that At South Shields Catholic Club had taken a crushing blow, Brian re- this might be the way forward for Closed due to the COVID-19 secretary Michael Sleightholme out- ported, but the kitchen team had had clubland to re-invent itself. lined the scene for Clubs Cross at the the forethought the previous Sunday Brian said the fortunes of the club pandemic. Please call the start of the second day of shutdown. to announce a home delivery service were really improving over four or Hebburn Iona Club He said: “We will be holding for Sunday dinners if restrictions five months, including employing club or check weekly committee and staff meet- closed the restaurant. two more staff during the stew- 7x3 ings to let staff know about their pay. President Docherty didn’t want to ardess’ illness – but that was before We have had no contact from sound a gloomy note about the fu- the national shutdown. northerncross.org.uk HMRC or the local authority about ture. He said: “I want to wish all “It’s a hammer blow really,” he how to apply for or implement the fi- clubs the best of luck and ask them said, before adding he hoped the or Facebook nancial help measures mentioned in to keep safe and healthy – we’ll club would be able to offer a take- the press. come through this. It’s going to be a out service of two-pint jugs of beer for updates “Our concert room, normally well long and hard time. Let’s hope this like in the old days. supported by people who would be is not the end of clubland. We need To help stock control, the final www.tynesideirishcentre.com classed in the vulnerable age group, the revenue coming in at some point night’s bar offered beer at £1 a pint. Northern Cross www.northerncross.org.uk 26 CLASSIFIED April 2020

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Love, 3832165 Mum and Dad Four Kitchen Chairs, Black PERSONAL messages and announcements are Chrome. Collection only. M A S O N S BAG: Nike shoulder- BAILEY: a very happy £60. Whickham 0191 bag, black, suitable for birthday on April 23, Thea. IRONSTONE. Green welcomed from readers. These will be listed under 4885062 Chartreuse Jug. Excellent student, unwanted gift, Loves you lots and we half price £10 – Chapel hope it will be a memorable classified headings each month. Pre-payment at the rate Condition £10. Durham 0191 R A L E I G H 3832165 Park 0191-267 1061 day for you in the present of 28p a word, inclusive of VAT, is requested. But an ELECTRIC BIKE. Nine lockdown alert. Fifteen months old. Offers nearest M A S O N S BOOKS on film ways to celebrate at home invoice can be sent to advertisers if requested in advance. £400. Tel 07557006987 IRONSTONE. Mandalay stars and television alone with Mum and Dad Particularly welcome will be any acknowledgements, Red oval dish. Excellent personalitiies. 50 maybe! Love from Nana LLADRO porcelain, condition £10. Durham 0191 hardback books in dust and Poppa announcements of births, deaths and marriages, public 2 pieces, with box, as 3832165 covers and in very good notices, thanksgivings and intercessions. new. £75 Gateshead VINTAGE UKULELE, condition, All different 01914693473 green with cover. Excellent biographies. £10. Boldon Wedding anniversary – 0191 5361746 CREAM RUG, never condition, cost £35 will Staffordshire. – Maureen, 2011 Leo Dillon AIR COMPRESOR. accept £25. Tel Hartlepool Patrick, John, Dorothy used. £10 Gateshead APRIL Stanley 24ltr Air 01429 273876 CHILD’S BED: light MCCABE, Joe and (Dot) and Catherine Compressor 1.5HP electric. 01914693473 wood bed for a small (Kate) 1982 Lily Mirley TECHNICS GN3 Valerie – congratulations Brand new with lots of BROWN LEATHER organ child, purchased at Ikea, on your 22nd anniversary 2002 George Heron tools. Light and compact, high back Georgian chair. spares or repair, £75 – includes mattress, £35 – on April 18. It will certainly oil free lubrication. £60. Blackhall 0191 5863970 Jarrow 0191-421 5261 Clergy of Hexham & 2008 Bill Allinson Good condition. £95. be a little different this Newcastle Diocese Boldon 0191 5194952 Blackhall 01915181341 year and memorable for 2011 Betty Wilcox LARGE JUICER never Please pray for the been used, £10 – Blackhall COMMUNION-1: the way you coped with WEDDING OUTFIT. DINING CHAIRS. 6 full length dresses, white the coronavirus alert. We repose of the souls of 2011 Kath Monaghan Pink wedding outfit, as 0191 5863970 the priests of Hexham & folding dining chairs with with delicate detail on gather you still have the 2012 Pauline Mahoney new. Size 18. Beautiful upholstered seats. Will both, sizes age 7 and Newcastle Diocese whose ¾ Jacket embroidered FISH KNIVES and forks video recording of the separate. Hartlepool 01429 in a gift box. £10 Sunderland 10. Purchase price £130 wedding in St Cuthbert’s anniversaries occur this 2014 Kevin Rowntree lapels. Straight dress, short month. 295261 0191 5657144 each will accept £50 at Chester-le-Street. Will 2016 Cath Butler sleeves, length 44”. £40. each – Rothbury 01669- there be a screening when Wallsend. 0191 2629087. HEADBOARD, double ORGAN: Technics EN4 622903 life returns to normal after MAY size, ranch style solid manual organ. Excellent Covid-19? Love, Maureen REMEMBER in 1986 Len Woodley SINGLE REMOTE light wood, as new £20. condition. £195, Collection COMMUNION-2: and JohnB your prayers those CONTROL BED. Blackhall 0191 5871552 only, Peterlee 0191 5866250 first Holy Communion priests of Hexham 2003 Sheila Crowther Remote control rising bed, dress, worn twice, also & Newcastle Diocese 2009 Joan Wilson approx. 95cm x 195cm. INDESIT washer, good COFFEE TABLE. G head dress and veil, whose anniversaries are Very little use. £195 ono. plan coffee table, 4ft6in with excellent condition, cost 2011 Terence Wynn working order. Collection In Memoriam this month April 1: Rev Hartlepool collection. only £45. Peterlee glass top. £40, collection over £100, will accept £50 Francis Duffy; April 2: Rev 2016 Gloria Hughes Contact 01642 647425 07510992013 only, Peterlee 01915866250 – New Silksworth 0191- John Duggan, Rev Joseph 523 5847 Connolly; April 6: Rev 2016 Pat Stott RISE AND RECLINE SINGLE DIVAN with BUTLER WICKER CHAIRS. teak headboard. £45, Francis McKenna; April 8: 2017 Barbara Gray CHAIR. Good condition. 3 wicker chairs, cushions CYCLE PARTS: Canon Thomas Murray, Brown fabric. Hartlepool collection only, Peterlee 0191 large box of assorted with loose zipped covers. 5866250 Catherine Margaret. Rev Henry Higgins; April 2018 Brian Nicholls Collection. Contact 01642 Suitable for conservatory. cycle parts, £25. Stanley. Grateful memories 9: Rev Richard Crawford; Latest Roll of Honour is 647425 Excellent condition, £30 FILING CABINET, 0770- 897 1757 of Cath, of Hartlepool April 10: Rev Henry Mackin, available from the each, willing to separate. 4 drawer metal grey. £60, DECORATING and Jersey. On April 17, her COLLECTION of Canon John Bell; April 11: Northern Cross office Bishop Auckland 01388 collection only, Peterlee 0191 LADDERS £35 - 01207 birthday, and on April 23, Rev Joseph McLeary; April on 01325 464008 brass objects. Kettle, small 309350. 5866250 her fourth anniversary. Love milk can, 2 small plates, 231566 15: Rev Paul Harrison; LAMPS: Standing lamp bears, believes, hopes and 4 candlesticks (2 large MASSAGER, Infra- DINING ROOM: endures. Love never ends. April 16: Rev William and 2 matching table lamps, Meagher; April 17: Rev 2 small ) £40. Willington red hand held massager, mahogany suite, six Cath’s Mum and Family Items for Sale 01388746412 brass stands with cream James Keyy, Rev Arthur ideal for Aches and pains. and pinkfringe. Excellent chairs, good condition. Wills, Rev James McKenny, As new £ 5. Blackhall 191 condition. £70.00, collection £25 – Gateshead. 0191- BUTLER, Cath, on ERCOL occasional 5871552 492 2833 or 0798-327 Rev Thomas McCormack; l Northern Cross accepts table. Dark wood. Excellent only, Peterlee 0191 5866250 April 23, 2016 – first April 19: Rev Christopher 9086 management board no liability for the reliability condition. £45. Willington MICRO electronic CLOCK RADIO/ Rice; April 21: Rev Francis of goods offered for sale. 01388746412 ELECTRIC WOK: secretary in the 1980s Rice; April 23: Rev Daniel fitness belt. Boxed as new ipod/iphone dock system. £5. Blackhall 0191 5871552 Excellent condition from new £17 01388-815271 revival of Northern Cross Keane, Rev Osmund E L E C T R I C 3 CAMERA and still a treasured Curry; April 24: Rev Austin John Lewis £20. Consett EXERCISE BIKE: MASSAGE CUSHION TRIPODS. £25.00 each SLIM SHAPE face and 01207502950 memory among friends Pickering: April 26: Rev or all 3 for £60.00 ono body toner. Boxed as new racing cycle type, and colleagues at the unused £15. Blackhall Martin McBrien; April 27: 0191 5871552 Blackhall 0191 5864173 £5. Blackhall 0191 5871552 COPPER Indirect assembled, excellent paper. RIP – Maureen Canon Thomas Gaughan, Cylinder water tank, 117ltrs. condition, never and JohnB Rev Denis O’Kane, Rev ELECTRIC STEAM C E L E S T R O N LADIES GOLF Nearly New £100. Collection used. Complete with KELLY, Rosaline, on Lawrence Jones; April 29: CLEANER with BINOCULARS 25x70. SHOES Etonic Lite , size Only. Esh 0191 3730699 instructions. £80. April 11 – remembered Rev Michael O’Herlihy; April attachements, floor, £60.00 ono Blackhall 0191 5 , never used. £40. Whitley Gosforth. – 0191-213 fondly by all your surviving 30: Mgr Martin Campbell. kitchen, bathroom etc. 5864173 Bay 0191 2529915. KIRBY CLEANER full 2065 or 0795-667 4928. May they rest in peace. £20. Blackhall 0191 set of tools, including The F I R E P L A C E : pals at Northern Cross A C O U S T I C S who still benefit from 5871552 ACUTER GRAND handy butler set, the spray surround, solid wood, £50 VISTA spotting scopy, GUITAR. Fender 60/nat. unit etc. Brand New, still ono – Felling 0191-441 your past generosity to Excellent condition, rarely the paper. The crossword Roll of Honour NATHAN coffee Brand new. 22-67 x 100m, boxed, never used Free for 2064 table. Good condition. includes carry case. used. £60. Whitley Bay collection. Blackhall 0191 competition isn’t quite the 0191 2529915. FRAME-TENT: four- same without that faithful £25. Blackhall 0191 £120.00 ono. Blackhall 5863970. berth, including inner 0191 5864173 Irish entry. RIP – Maureen PLEASE RE- 5871552 KIPLING BAG. Black tent, good quality £95 – and JohnB MEMBER the following CITROEN SPACE bag with monkey cross body. EDWARDIAN SETTEE, Sunderland 0191-528 ANTLER shopping/ drop end settee in need of 6675 NEENAN, Marjorie in your prayers travel trolley bag, black/ SAVER spare wheel & Many storage features. tyre. T125/85 R16. Never Very good condition. Blyth upholstery, £100, collection GARDEN: wood and Dorema on April 6, 2009, MARCH red. Good condition. £10. only. 07530 755659. aged 92. The head of Blackhall 0191 5871552 used. £25.00 ono. Blackhall 07548595157 iron furniture, large table, our family for so many 1958 Bishop Joseph 0191 5864173 four chairs and umbrella. McCormack PORTMERION. 6 DIAMONIQUE BOOKSHELVES. Jarrow. 0191-421 5261 years, your grace and EARRINGS. Sparkling dignity live on, along 1997 Frank Brennan cups, 6 saucers, teapot, AFTERNOON TEA Polished solid wood LADY’S JACKET: milk jug, sugar basin. SET. 6 cups & saucers, 6 diamonique ½ ct each stud bookshelves, 46” x 12” x brand new Mountain with happy memories of earrings, sterling silver, family and church life in 2004 Fr Adrian Dowling Pomona Fruit salad tea plates, Teapot, sugar 11/4” Now down to £10. Range purple jacket, size design. As new. £50. basin, milk jug. White with boxed. Very good condition. Blackhall 07788456740 12/14, chest 40-42in, £20. Burntwood, Chasetown 2008 Bishop Kevin Blyth 07548595157 and later Chase Terrace in Dunn Blackhall 0191 5871552 pink rosebud design. New Hetton-le-Hole. 0191-526 DINNER SERVICE, 1769 BIBLE. New with Tea & Breakfast with serving HERE’S your own easy-to-complete form to write out your CROSS CLASSIFIED Hebrew, Greek and dishes. Over 40 pieces some LIGHT LADDERS £ advertisements. WRITE one word in each box then send it to CROSS CLASSIFIED, English translations. Blyth still boxed. New condition. 20 - 01207 231566 07548595157 Northern Cross Office, St Anne’s Presbytery, 43 Welbeck Avenue, Darlington DL1 2DR. £25. Blackhall 0191 5871552 MASSAGER: Shiatsu Tel: 01325 464008. PEARL EARRINGS. electric massager, fits in SLIDING MIRROR Please make cheques/PO payable to NORTHERN CROSS and put your address on the back Genuine 9ct gold pearl chair or on bed, ideal for earrings with butterfly DOORS x3. Size 90” back and neck problems, studs. Very good condition. x 30” wide. £80. Hetton etc. Boxed as new, £10 1st line £1.40 Blyth 07548595157 01915269774 – Blackhall Colliery 0191- 587 1552 WILLOW TREE. CLARKE TOOLS, 2nd line £2.80 Angels of Miracles Bandsaw, drillstand, bench ORGAN: Yamaha ornament. 3 angels holding grinder, woodwork vice, Portatone PSR-340 with 3rd line £4.20 hands with te lite centre. angle grinder stand £70. floppy disc, excellent Boxed, very good condition. 01207 290297 condition £90 – Newcastle 0191-273 1600 4th line Blyth 07548595157 £5.60 ROCKING HORSE, full ORGAN MUSIC: PEARL NECKLACE. size £500. 01207 290297 organ music available, Jaqueline Kennedy single 5th line £7.00 PINE DRESSING various classical and rope made by Camrose & modern, 8 books. Kross to Kennedy family TABLE 6 drawers. £60. 6th line £8.40 Stockton 07930471519 Kenneth Baker Plus, exact specifications, blue 3 Stave Baroque & & white stone fastening in CANE conservatory suite. Romantic Sorts. Available 7th line £9.80 metal box, flocked as all her Light coloured cane two to view. £30 – Alnwick jewellery was. Very good seater settee and two chairs. 01665-602884 www.northerncross.org.uk Northern Cross April 2020 NEWS 27

q Sign of our times – a woman wearing protective gloves lights a candle at Westminster Cathedral, above. Photo: Mazur/cbcew.org.uk Christ healing the sick – a detail from the 5th century mosaic in the Church of Saint Apollinare Nuovo, in Ravenna, right. Photo: Fr Lawrence Lew O.P. We should turn to scripture for enlightenment and encouragement

by Halina Holman Many years ago I received a word reward.” Mark 9:41. from the Lord which was: “What will Today the unthinkable was announced. No Let us give others real water, the I HAVE written many encourage- you do when the churches are closed services in churches…yes, unthinkable, yet it water of life. I recall too, the words of ments – and I hope too that I have and the tabernacles empty?” is happening. St Pio: “Pray, pray, pray – hope and encouraged many through the It was meant as a forewarning and a do not worry.” Grace of God – but now I find I challenge. Many years ago I received a word from the As we approach Easter and we suf- need encouragement myself. Others have had similar words. Lord which was: “What will you do when the fer the loss of communality, which we Yet I must write what is in my heart, Over the years I have received many churches are closed and the tabernacles take for granted, maybe the Lord’s because if we write only when the sun such messages and always found an- Prayer will come to our rescue. is shining, how will we cope when the other way to explain them – shortages empty?” We must remember the loving heart sun is dimmed and diminished? of priests, a loss of faith...but never did Over the years I have received many such of Our Mother who will intercede for We are in a time of increasing strug- I imagine it would be a virus and a need messages and always found another way to us if we but allow her to do so with gle. All over the world people are to protect that would have the faithful our trust in her maternal protection. dealing with either poverty, wars, deprived of the eucharist and Mass. explain them – shortages of priests, a loss of She was, after all, at the foot of the domination or conflict. I also could not envisage that the faith...but never did I imagine it would be a cross and held her beloved son in her People are being killed all over the leaders of the Church would comply virus and a need to protect that would have the arms. I conclude with a psalm many of us globe with little redress – and yes, we with such a request, seemingly to pro- faithful deprived of the eucharist and Mass. have another danger: coronavirus. tect us from a virus. know, as it is deeply consoling: We are told that its effects are mild for The words that come to me now are: The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not most, save those who are older and/or “And what does it gain a man if he We either believe that the Lord is a unfailing love and His wonderful want have underlying health conditions. We gains the whole world but suffers the redeemer or that He is not. deeds for mankind”. Psalm 107: 19-21. He makes me down to lie are told it will pass – eventually. Yet loss of his own soul?” (Mark 8: 35-37). We either believe that He can heal This is a time not for hiding but for In pastures green. country after country is either closing I have found it difficult enough to us and the nation or that He can’t. prayer and supplication. It is a time He leadeth me the quiet waters by. its borders or making emergency pro- comply with the already imposed re- We either believe in the resurrection for us to be able to pray together…if My soul He doth restore again vision to combat this threat. strictions – no handshakes, isolation, and eternal life – or we do not. necessary, six feet apart and smiling. And me to walk doth make Fear has been growing and there is no receiving the Precious Blood from For those who do not believe, they It is a time to proclaim that the Lord Within the paths of righteousness a general feeling of both apprehension the chalice, and the manner of receiv- have made their choice. But surely, will release us from our misery. E’en for His own name’s sake. and of being overwhelmed. Stockpil- ing Holy Communion – but never for those who profess to believe and Our shepherds, too, need our Yea, though I walk in death’s dark ing abounds, while generosity still ex- would I have believed that Mass for have not yet affirmed this in their prayers so that they may continue to vale, ists, but there is much self-interest the people would be stopped. hearts, this is a time of choice and witness to God’s love for us and our Yet will I fear no ill. being manifested. Many have died over the centuries commitment. love of Him. For thou art with me, Of course there are real difficulties in order to maintain faith – martyrs, As we approach the deepening of We must pray that they have the And thy rod and staff me comfort and dangers, but there are other forms of this and other lands. this darkness we must depend on the courage to lead us and not bow still. of illness infinitely more dangerous We know that once people leave the Word of the Lord. This is the Year of merely to temporal needs. My table thou hast furnished for us. fold, for whatever reason, it is hard to the Word – The God who speaks. We Isn’t it strange how we admire those In presence of my foes, On an early morning television bring them back. Many have already must listen to those precious words who have made a sacrifice for others My head Thou dost with oil anoint, newscast a doctor gave advice on how left and others are leaving in fear, and let them sink into our hearts and yet somehow do not think it ever ap- And my cup overflows to sustain people for a few months of leaving a remnant. spirits to give us fresh hope. plies to us? We are the lights in a bro- Goodness and Mercy all of my life, isolation or short-term illness. Jesus came to heal. (Matt.15: 29- We must not let the forces of the ken world, or we should be. A martyr Shall surely follow me, He said that as well as our bodies we 31). The gospel abounds with histo- world defeat us with fear and gloom. is no more than a witness to the truth. And in God’s house for evermore, must take care of our minds and ries of healing – of miracles of grace, It is in moments such as these that our Not only must we witness, but we My dwelling place shall be. hearts. of healing of minds and hearts as well faith is tested and grace abounds. must trust that we will defeat the He had some practical tips, but the as bodies. Let us look at some of these words sources of darkness and despair. l Halina Holman is a member of The interviewer said, actually unexpect- He showed that He can heal either which we must live out, and proclaim In all that is happening in the world Host Apostolate, an association of lay edly, “and our souls…there is help sin or illness or failure and bring to others who feel alone and lost. around us we must remember charity faithful led by married and single peo- there”. about transformation. “Do not let your hearts be troubled” and joy. ple who wish to lead a life of prayer, In these times words from the Lord We are now in Lent, leading to the Matt 11: 28-30. We can all do something for our evangelisation and formation in the come from unexpected sources. celebration of a rising, a conquering “They cried to the Lord and He neighbour in whatever way – practi- pursuit of a life of holiness, faithful to Today the unthinkable was an- of death and a rising to new life. saved them from their distress and cally or spiritually. the Gospel and teaching of the nounced. Surely this is a time when hope sent out His word and healed them. “I assure you that anyone who gives Church. No services in churches…yes, un- must be the hallmark of any faith- He rescued them from the grave. Let you a drink of water because you be- You can find out more about the as- thinkable, yet it is happening. filled Christian. them give thanks to the Lord for His long to me will certainly receive his sociation at thehostapostolate.org. Northern Cross 28 LEISURE April 2020 www.northerncross.org.uk

Cross Su Doku

FOR Su Doku, each grid left to right) and in each col- Northern Cross-Word can be solved from the umn (top-to-bottom) and in number clues in the grids. each box of nine squares. Once you have got a logi- Start by concentrating on Northern Cross-word 448 cal sequence going, it gets the boxes, after that try to easier. work out what is missing in YOU are invited to complete the Northern Cross-Word But there are various tips each row or column. Look number 448 for the chance of a cash prize for an to get you going. for pairs of numbers which all-correct entry. To complete the puzzle might point you to a third. The £10 prize will be awarded to the sender of the grid, you need to fit every For strategies, hints and digit from 1 to 9 – in any tips,visit sudokuwiki.org. first all-correct entry opened after the post delivery on order – in each row (reading Solution on page 7. Friday, April 24, 2020. Prize Cross-Word entries should be clearly marked y Northern Cross-Word 448 and sent to: Northern Cross, St Anne’s Presbytery, 43 Welbeck Avenue, Darlington, 8 4 6 DL1 2 DR.

2 7 6 8 ACROSS 1. Contraction I’d offer as denial (13) 5 1 2 8. Encountered in prime time viewing (3) 6 4 3 9. Unsupported last press statement (9) 10. Strange beasts made me chairs (8) 2 1 11. Beast from tall ionic feature (4) 14. Invert Tor drawn by loner (9) 4 1 5 17. Quantities sent out (4) 18. Discuss the other way (8) 4 7 6 20. Get shirt and tie right in the drier (9)

22. Bow of the old boat they say (3) 4 3 5 7 23. Spectacular touch magnifiers (7,6) Name ...... 3 5 1 Address ......

© 2 0 S y n d i c a t e P u z l s DOWN: ...... 1. Issues about clowns (6)







...... Postcode ...... 2. I turn into recipe for food (9) Doodle Box

3. Honours with new sceptres (8) The crossword is compiled by Peter Bew of Elwick 4. Dream about tool drift and spot expert (13) 5. Put up with vestment (4) Cross-Word solution number 447

6. That is about a century of chill (3) 7. Seeking out negative chant (6) THE £10 prize for the first correct solution goes to Katie Talbot of 12. Times for forging tin salver (9) Prudhoe. Well done, your prize is on its way.

13. Be awkward with each poem (8) ANSWERS 15. Still noise (6) ACROSS: 4. Accused. 8. Around. 9. Install. 10. Tender. 12. Kiss. 16. Responds regarding laws (6) 13. Accomplice. 17. Enthusiasm. 18. Flex. 19. Erases. 21. Fantail. 19. Two articles is about this area (4) 22. Flagon. 23. Rending. DOWN: 1. Partial. 2. Cornice. 3. Knee. 5. Contribute. 6. Uptake. 7. Enlist. 11. Reputation. 14. Passage. 21. Pub is in winner’s guide (3) 15. Amusing. 16. Cleave. 17. Exited. 20. Role. It costs only £12.50 (+VAT) to sponsor the DOODLE BOX. Charities, companies and individuals may sponsor. Telephone 01325 464008 for details. Children’s Club

This month’s Children’s Club is a little different. Because our paper is online, not printed, you will have to print out our picture so you can colour it in. While you’re doing that, think about and discuss which part of the Easter story it’s showing. You might also think about why Jesus died on the cross, what it means for you in your life and even what the symbolism is behind the eggs which have become a tradition associated with Easter.