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The Official Newspaper to INSIDE: p05 Part of History the Diocese of Lancaster p10 Finding Time to Pray Issue 261 + July 2014 p12 A Forgotten Cumbrian Hero

he eyes of the world were for three days in May focused on Tthe Holy Land as Pope Francis travelled to area for the first time some 50 years after the Papal visit of Pope Paul VI.

Over his three day visit, Pope Francis visited key religious sites and made numerous speeches stressing the need for a lasting peace in lands that have suffered many conflicts throughout Pope Francis history and where divisions still exist today. He said: “I wish to invite you, President Mahmoud Abbas, together with President Shimon Peres, to join me in heartfelt prayer to God for the gift of peace”. “I offer my home in the Vatican as a place for this encounter of prayer”. “All of us want peace. Many people build it day by day through small gestures and acts; many of them are suffering, yet patiently persevere in their efforts to be peacemakers. All of Urges Peace us – especially those placed at the service of their respective peoples – have the duty to become instruments and artisans of peace, especially by our prayers. Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a constant torment. The men and women of these lands, and of the entire world, all of them, ask us to bring before God their fervent hopes for peace”.

President Mahmoud Abbas and President Shimon Peres both accepted the Pope’s invitation and met in the Vatican earlier in June. Further coverage of the pilgrimage of Pope Francis to the Holy Land will feature in the September edition.

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We must always go ou“t in courage to the path of dialogue peace and reconciliation. ” 2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

EDITORIAL ack in May, Pope Francis held a question and answer never really ready to share our deepest thoughts and desires with Bsession with several thousand seminarians and priests Him. And yet we need to do this, because only His light can help from around the world. The gathering in Rome gave the Holy us make sense of what is happening in our hearts, and only Father the opportunity to offer advice to those preparing for His grace can lead us forward in the right direction. The Pope priesthood or ministering as priests, and his words give all of encouraged seminarians and priests not to let the business of us much food for thought. day-to-day life stop them opening their hearts to the Lord. Only the fortunate few can make a visit to the tabernacle at the very The Pope spoke about many things important in Christian life: end of the day, but all of us, wherever we are, can spend a few community, humility, service… yet he reserved some of his moments opening our hearts to the Lord. strongest words for something that we perhaps rarely think about: vigilance. “This is a true Christian attitude,” he said. Vocations, too, rely on this openness. Often someone who is “Vigilance over one’s self: what’s happening in my heart? Because called to priesthood or religious life may feel an unfulfilled where my heart is, there is my treasure” (Matthew 6:21). longing in their heart, but unless they are able to stop and ask the Lord to show them what they long for, how can that desire Pope Francis was reminding his audience that Christianity is not ever be fulfilled? The gospel tells us that before naming the simply about trying to lead a good life, or just remembering to twelve as apostles, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer (Luke Contact us say our prayers. There is a deeper level: opening our hearts to the 6:12-16) . If a person wants to find his or her true calling in life The Catholic Voice of Lancaster Lord. “Never, never – and this is vigilance! – never end the day – the fulfilment of a deep longing – they must first open their is published on the last Sunday of the without going there for a while, in front of the Lord, to look hearts to God, and let Him show the way. month previous to publication date. and ask: ‘What happened in my heart?’… Because, if there isn’t vigilance, the heart goes everywhere, and the imagination follows The Pope reminded his audience that Jesus gave us Mary as our The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is behind.” Often we speak about relationship with God, but Mother, and we should turn to her especially in times of trouble. published by its owners. The Trustees relationship is first and foremost a thing of the heart: do we “A priest who forgets his Mother, especially in moments of turmoil, is of the Roman Catholic Diocese of open our hearts to God? lacking something: he is an orphan priest.” Of course, Mary is Lancaster, a registered charity, Mother not just to priests, but to all Christ’s followers, so let us (No. 234331), and is wholly independent The renewal of the Church must begin with this personal ask Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of our diocese, to pray for us of and separate from any previous conversion. It’s easy to keep the Lord at bay, at a safe distance, and to give us courage to open our hearts to her Son. newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese.

EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 [email protected] www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

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hen we were born our parents announced our arrival to family and friends. When we were baptised our parents gave us a name so that everyone W n would know who we were. This name was a ‘sign’ of our unique and special identity, not only as a member of our family but also as a child and an heir to the kingdom of God our Father.

n our wedding day we received a new and special name of ‘Husband’ and o O‘Wife’ . These titles announce to family, friends and our Church our unique and special place in God’s plan for His Church and the world.

hen celebrating our anniversary , let us remember who we are called to Wbe for each other and for the Church, then, like Mary let us ‘treasure and ponder it in our hearts’ . m

PRAYER Lord, bless our growing love for each other so that we too i will continue to be encouraged when we ponder on the love

we bring to each other, our children, our family and our r Church. Amen.

Extract from ‘I AM WITH YOU’ – Year A & BOX-SET www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk t

The alternative anniversary! t St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wilmington in the USA, they have weekly Ahusbands’ marriage seminars. At a recent session, the priest asked

Giuseppe, who is approaching his 50th wedding anniversary, to take a few a minutes and share some insight into his approaching golden wedding anniversary.

Giuseppe replied to the assembled husbands, ‘Well, I’ve tried to treat her nice, spend money on her, but best of all, I took her to Italy for our 25th anniversary!’

The priest responded, ‘Giuseppe, you are an amazing inspiration to all the husbands here! Please tell us what you are planning for your wife for your 50th anniversary?’

Giuseppe proudly replied, “I’m going to pick her up!” M 4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Meaning and Purpose for this Generation

To keep up-to-date with what is going on, check out www.castleriggmanor.co.uk

Being a Young Catholic Today Reading the Compass - Discerning the right direction in life A Young ince last help us the most; cooking and eating SSeptember I have together, going for walks in the beautiful been taking part in Sussex countryside, staying up to chat and the ‘Compass-points’ catch up in the evenings. I didn’t expect Catholic discernment the weekends to be so enjoyable and it programme. After has surprised me how much I look forward praying about my to them! We all found the Holy Week vocation for some time, retreat at Worth particularly poignant. and I was happy to find a way that would help me to discern a call to religious Our last weekend will be in June, and it life whilst continuing with my normal will be a celebration before we go our daily life. The Compass course, as it is separate ways. The aim of Compass is to Proud sometimes called, is designed to help provide us with the tools to discern and Catholics discerning a call to the the space to do it in. The facilitators are priesthood or religious life. There is a very supportive, gentle and never course based in Katherine House in pressurising. The formal sessions help to of it! Salford (Compass North) and one based clarify many different aspects of religious at Worth Abbey in Sussex (Compass life, and difficult questions can be raised South) . While there are a few differences and discussed. Every weekend each Tilly (Centre) with her Godparents, between the scheduling of each course, participant meets with one of the group 18, Castlerigg Manor the basic principle is the same. facilitators – in Compass South, one of the priests from Worth Abbey and an eing a young CATHOLIC today... know the faith and understanding the I have been a member of Compass South, apostolic sister who lives in London – for BFor so long I couldn’t say that. At Scriptures a little more, making lifelong which is in its tenth year this year. We a private chat to discuss how life and home I grew up with no faith; it was friendships with the incredible team, meet for one weekend a month from discernment is going. never part of my household so I didn’t figuring out who to choose as my September to June, and that also includes Compass has taken us all on a journey. get baptized as a baby; my mum was godparents too! As well as working on the whole of Holy Week and the Easter Everyone’s is obviously very different. born Jewish, and my dad was an retreat with the young people!! Triduum, where Compass North Some leave Compass with a clear Anglican, though he never practised participants come and join us at Worth conviction that religious life or the his faith. But my older sister and I So 19 April arrived, the day of my Abbey. priesthood is for them. Some may have still had a very happy upbringing baptism. All the young people on been discerning with an order already with 2 amazing parents. retreat were getting ready, doing art The Compass North programme has and be more confirmed in that direction. work, singing practice, and so on. slightly fewer weekends, one of which is Others may realise that religious life is However, when my mum suddenly Nerves and excitement filled my head spent at Hyning Hall in Carnforth. not for them and that possibly another passed away when I was 9, it was the and I didn’t know what to do. Friends vocation – marriage or the single life – is. first time I thought about God properly. from all over came to support me, and In Compass South, we have unusually Or others, like me, may not finish the I prayed for the first time for myself, my dad and sister were there to help me been an all female group of seven, while course with a definitive “answer” but have and since then my faith has grown through the day and having the entire Compass North has had six participants; gained many valuable experiences along slowly but surely. The year my mum team and group of incredible young two women and four men. At Worth the way. died, my sister had the chance to come people supporting me through Abbey, we arrive on the Friday night and stay at Compass House (which you might on retreat to Castlerigg and went back everything made it a lot easier. I can highly recommend the Compass recognise from the BBC programme ‘the many times after that. Her faith started Course to anyone who is interested in Monastery’, filmed at Worth) . We cook all to grow and she ended up working at The Easter Vigil started and as my exploring more about religious life. One our meals together, attend the monk’s the Manor. When I finally entered Year godmother squeezed my hand in religious sister I have met said that Daily Office in the morning, lunchtime 8, I also had the chance to come up and encouragement it gave me comfort to Compass is so good because it helps to and evening, as well as daily Mass. Each experience a retreat, and just like my know it was all going to be alright with deal with issues and problems that may weekend has a different theme, focusing sister, I fell in love with the place: I her and my godfather by my side! arise during a postulancy or novitiate on different aspects of discernment and opened my heart and I finally felt the before you reach that stage. It has been prayer. The weekend ends with Sunday love that I heard people talk about After the beautiful evening and finally very helpful to me to meet those things – lunch after which we go home. when they spoke about God. I had just after such a long time of preparation, sometimes misconceptions – in a safe and never understood it before. getting Baptised, Confirmed and friendly environment. The layout of the receiving my first Holy Communion, I At Compass South, a weekend is given to Compass South course – one weekend a After coming back a few times on felt at peace for the first time in my each one of the vows (poverty, celibacy and month for nine months – has been a retreat and growing older and learning life. Knowing I was part of an amazing obedience) and a guest speaker (a priest useful marker in daily life, helping me to little bits about the faith a bit more, Catholic family, knowing that my or religious) comes to share their wisdom, review my life in the last month and to I decided to apply for a gap year at godparents – Hannah and Ralph – are knowledge and experience of that prepare for another retreat weekend Castlerigg. Arriving on the first day, I now part of my family, knowing that my particular vow. approaching. I have made new friends for had no idea what was ahead of me. On mum is watching down on me proudly, life through this course, and best of all, the second day here, I thought what’s and knowing that through everything Over the programme, a strong bond has found healing and a renewed relationship stopping me from finally getting Christ will be by my side from now and built up between our group, and we’re with Christ. Ruth Baker, 22 baptized? So the journey began with always. So, officially, I can say, I’m a always delighted to see each other again RCIA meetings every week, getting to young Catholic and proud of it! at the start of each new weekend. Often, More information can be found at it’s the informal parts of the weekend that www.compass-points.org.uk www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 Part of History

ancaster Youth were in Rome for the millions of other Catholics have stood turn out and euphoric Lcanonization of two popes by two united in prayer and celebration. We spent atmosphere that overtook the popes, with 800,000 other pilgrims. the majority of the morning taking in the crowds in the square. People Here, Hannah, 21, from Wrea Green, sights such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, young and old, from all writes up her experiences: imagining generations of Popes gliding villages, towns and nations around the exquisite halls and eating stood and knelt as brothers and sisters in know After months of fevered anticipation, ice-cream served by the lovely nuns at the Christ throughout the Mass, sharing the each of us; pizza and popes are 11 pilgrims from Castlerigg Manor and top of the dome. As the afternoon drew in, sign of peace in sincere jubilation. It was definitely a universal language! another 10 young people from around we were lucky enough to have a guided truly a day to remember. the diocese set off on an unforgettable tour of the English College by Lancaster’s Consequently, as we sat on a dusty journey to Rome. This was to not only very own seminarian, Daniel Etienne, Even though many of the pilgrims spoke pavement waiting to say goodbye to witness and celebrate the canonisation where we were struck by the names of little of the Italian language, the loving Rome, the joy of the past three days of two Holy fathers, but to take in the various Lancaster Martyrs covering the embrace between Pope Francis and Pope washed over each of us. The city was a sights, tastes and atmosphere of all walls of the halls. We ended our afternoon Emeritus Benedict, lifted the hearts of all truly magical place, the rock upon which Italy had to offer. by throwing coins in Trevi Fountain and paved the way to what was a beautiful all Catholics can freely express their faith (confirming our return to Roma) , eating ceremony. After escaping the crowds, and unite as one family. With many people We touched down at Ciampino airport, countless tubs of ‘gelato’ and trying to we took to the Basilica di Santa Maria maintaining that faith is diminishing and travelled on what I might add to be one of spot one another in a sea of ‘I love papa Maggiore, for some quiet prayer time. This that we are gradually becoming a more Italy’s greatest amenities, the railway, to Francesco t-shirts’ . Overall, a perfect day! church is home to part of the real crib of secular society, they have clearly not seen where we were staying in the ancient and Jesus Christ, in typical Mary style it is at or experienced such an event. The words beautiful town of Palestrina. We were Finally, the much anticipated day had the heart of the building. During our time of John Paul II come to mind, ‘The future greeted and welcomed so wonderfully by arrived; hundreds of thousands of here it was easy to understand why Pope starts today, not tomorrow’ . Rome is but a the brothers of the Franciscan order that people travelled into St. Peter’s square to Francis is drawn to this magnificent place city, although the people we met and the the 1390 miles distance between us and witness for the first time in history the of prayer. Our day concluded in further experiences we shared, make me proud home felt much smaller. After meeting all canonization of two Popes at the same celebrations back at the monastery, in to be a Catholic. I speak for myself and the friars we were fully immersed into the event. Both Pope John XXIII and Pope John which the friars had organized a party for others who partook in the pilgrimage, a Italian culture as they shared with us Paul II, who played vital roles in renewing ourselves and the young people in their pilgrimage that showed that the faith various local and homemade delicacies. and updating the Church, would have parish, all of whom battled through the and future of the Church is as strong now We ate in the gardens of the friary, been overjoyed to witness the great language barrier to welcome and get to as it ever was. listening and sharing stories with an added bonus of a breathtaking view over the whole of Rome. We ended out first day in true Castlerigg style, with a hike up to a hidden village at the top of Palestrina, where we explored the old and beautiful streets, before ending our day with pizza and pasta. Buon Appetito!

Waking for our first full day in Rome, there was an unexpected buzz in the air considering it was 6am; we were all excited and eager to absorb every

experience. As we strolled up to St. Peters Lancaster/Morecambe 01524 402340 square, we could see preparations South Cumbria - Kendal 01539 740955 Lytham St Annes/Blackpoool/ beginning to take place, the streets were Freckleton 01253 344368 paved with fellow pilgrims; it took no time at all for us to bump into other friends from other northern dioceses, some of

whom had slept on the streets for the Accompanied Mobility Vehicle Service You don’t need to feel stuck in the house, this service is for when you are night. Even outside the basilica, there was struggling to get to a hospital appointment or just want an accompanied ride out. The vehicle is wheelchair adapted and comes with a carer/ driver who stays with you for the duration. Simple hourly and mileage a sense of awe at being at the heart of rates apply to this popular service, available to our carewatch clients (not the Catholic Church where millions and a taxi service).

6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

Dear Editor,

My coloured neighbour is no worse than I

His immortal soul requires its dignity The broader features of his different face Were formed by God, not fashioned for disgrace

He is not great, nor wise, I am not either But it is better when we talk together

As if, for a little while, we understood The miracle of Christian brotherhood.

I first heard these words over fifty years ago and have never forgotten them. They Your letters were spoken by a firebrand Methodist Minister when I was working in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) . The words were very much in mind when my wife and How to send us I decided to ‘host’ foreign students from Manchester University. We have had

your letters: students from Egypt, Nigeria, China, Japan and Taiwan. We have learnt a lot about

Write to: different cultures and benefited greatly from these friendships and are still in The Editor, touch with all of them. 99, Commonside, Ansdell, It is surely the duty of all who profess the Christian faith to help and befriend our Reminde r Lytham St. Annes, neighbours whatever their age, colour and creed.

FY8 4DJ. lease remember that the PCatholic Voice does not publish Anyone interested in learning more should visit www.hostuk.org.uk Email to: in August so there will not be a [email protected] delivery in July. Rod Cartner, via e mail

The next edition will be September +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ • Please keep your letters concise which will be delivered to Deanery (max 300 words), Centres in time for distribution in Dear Editor, • Include your full name and address parishes o v er the we eken d of 30/31 • Letters should not include any August. The closin g date for As much as I pray for the success of the New Evangelisation which Bishop Michael personal criticism or attacks contributions to the September is calling for with the introduction of the religious communities to St Walburge's • The editor reserves the right to: edition is 29 July. The Catholic Voice and to the University chaplaincy in the June edition of The Catholic Voice , I would - amend or shorten letters or to also suggest that the New Evangelisation will be dependent on small basic thanks all those volu nte ers involved refuse to publish them (no communities gathering together for prayer and reflection living together in a with the distribution of our diocesan correspondence to discuss decisions newspaper an d w ishes everyone a local community. These new communities, although without a priest, must t aken will be enter ed into) Happy Summer! be given the opportunity of continuing to pray, study, act and minister to one - pu blish a res po nse if deeme d another as the early Christians did in the Church. This is the New Evangelization ap propr iate that Pope Francis speaks of when he exhorts all the communities to an “ever watchful scrutiny of the signs of the times”. Evangelii Gaudium, 51

It is short sighted of the Bishop to close down and amalgamate parishes which

were once vibrant apart from the fact that they have no resident priest to minister PR AYER T O T HE S ACR ED SELF STORAGE to them. These communities could continue to grow and to flourish and to wait for that time when the Lord will send labourers into the harvest, whether that be, HEART OF JESUS married priests or indeed women priests in the future. Secure Units Available ‘May th e Sa cred H ea rt of Jesu s be Sizes To Suit All Needs The New Evangelisation is not a nostalgic look to the past for the solutions to ad or ed, glor ified, love d and pr es erved Competitive Rates From as little as £5 per our present impasse or something imposed, but rather an imaginative and throughout the world, now and week courageous approach which is at the heart of Pope Francis's ministry. “I invite forever. Sacr ed Hea rt of Jesus, Open 7 Days everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style please pray f or us. Saint Ju de, and methods of evangelisation in their respective communities. A Proposal of goals worker of miracles, please pray for Also Caravan/Car/Boat Storage without an adequate communal search for the means of achieving them will inevitably us. Sain t J ude , help of th e hop el ess, prove elusive”. Evangelii Gaudium 33 Curly Tail Storage, Park Lane, p lea se pra y fo r us. Forton Amen Tel: 01524 791837 Alex Walker, Lancaster www.curlytailstorage.co.uk Editorial Response: Mindful of Pope Francis’s call for Local Churches to be part of an “ever watchful scrutiny of the signs of the times” EV #51 , The Catholic Voice agrees that the New Evangelisation will be dependent on small basic communities. These will make up and work in support of the life and activity of parishes and the wider Diocese. Such parishes will inevitably be much larger than they have traditionally been in Mass Listings the past. However, true to their integral Catholic nature, parishes will always led – July and August 2014 by a priest (even if not resident) .

Sunday July 6th at 6.00 pm Fourth Sunday after Pentecost The Catholic Voice is thankful that our Bishops in Lancaster have not closed down Christ the King, Harraby, Carlisle or amalgamated parishes (which were once vibrant) simply because of a lack of Sunday July 13th at 3.00 pm priests. In many cases the mergers that have taken place, have generally been at Fifth Sunday after Pentecost St Peter's Cathedral, Lancaster the request of the local communities themselves acknowledging that they lacked Sunday July 13th at 6.00 pm people and resources to be faithful to their mission and so wanted to create a new Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Our Lady & St Wilfrid,Warwick Bridge, Carlisle and larger parish community with a much more bountiful supply of volunteers, Friday July 18th at 12.30 pm resources, gifts and talents. St Camillus de Lellis Sizergh Castle Chapel, Sizergh, Nr Kendal Help us Grow L’Arche Preston has ambitious plans to support seven more We do not believe that a discussion about married priests is intrinsic to this issue Sunday August 17th at 6.00 pm people with learning disabilities by the end of 2013. Tenth Sunday after Pentecost and furthermore Pope Francis has already affirmed the declaration of Pope John Our Lady & St Wilfrid,Warwick Bridge, Carlisle Would you like to help us grow so that we can make a difference to more lives? Paul II on the impossibility of women priests. Please note there will not be a Traditional Mass at Christ the King, Carlisle or St Peter's Cathedral, Lancaster in August. Donations for our new project and to find out more about our life and how you can be part of our community contact: Brian Kelly, Community Leader, 71 Garstang Road, Rather, The Catholic Voice encourages all in the Diocese to positively engage with Mass is also celebrated every Sunday at 9.00 am at St Mary Magdalene, Leyland Road, Penwortham. Preston, PR1 1LB the New Evangelisation in all its various practical forms. We understand that the

Local Representatives: Bob & Jane Latin 01772 251113 or [email protected] welcoming of new religious communities is one such mode of engagement and Telephone: 01524 412987 Email: [email protected] L’Arche is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No264166 and in we hope that there will be many more excellent initiatives for all of us to be involved in. Website: latinmasslancaster.blogspot.com Scotland No Sco038493 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 Joy of the Gospel

‘I feel I have a greater ‘I think I will find it impossible to live as I was before’ ‘I feel I have more knowledge of God’s love for humility and me and I have realised that ‘Already I feel as if I have changed a lot patience and more I need community to live my confidence to spread relationship with Jesus’ of my attitudes towards others’ the Word of God’

his past Lent, our personal initiative ‘The Metanoia Project Tin Preston’ ran a series of talks given over to ‘The Joy of the Gospel’ course.

Responding to Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Exhortation of that name, the focus of the course was to help us all engage more deeply with the basic Gospel message, encounter Christ and experience the joy that is the fruit of faith. It also provided a simple way to remember the content of the Gospel message that should make up the ‘first proclamation’ and the basis of how to express it to others. As Pope Francis writes: ‘This first proclamation is called “first” not because it exists at the beginning and can then be forgotten or replaced by other more important things. It is first in a qualitative sense because it is the principal proclamation, the one which we must hear again and again in different ways, the one which we must announce one way or another throughout the process of catechesis, at every level and moment’. (JoG Section 83). ‘Hopefully I will now live more fully and joyfully’ Around 20 people participated in the course which took place at St Wilfrid’s Parish Centre. As the course is a proclamation of the Kerygma, those attending could not sit as spectators. The Kerygma demands a response, there and then to God’s call.

If you would like more information about this Course or would like to consider booking it for your Parish then please get in touch www.metanoiaproject.co.uk Ruth and Joe White DIOCESAN SUPPLIERS To advertise please contact Caroline on 01223 969506 or email [email protected] The Catholic Voice is very grateful to all Complete pest the Diocesan Suppliers control solutions Based in Kirkby Lonsdale, garden contractor throughout that regularly • Mice, Birds and Insect control South Lakeland, including • Free advice advertise with us and Lancaster Kendal and Morecambe • Environmental Health support the paper. If Inspections 51 Nicol Road, Ashton-in Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8LU • CRB checked For all your Grass Cutting, Weeding, J Townley is an established building company with you have worked for Projects Undertaken in the Local Area: Hedge Cutting, Dry Stone walling and Patio laying whether the Diocese and would Serving the Churches, Schools, Re-Roofing of Lancaster Town Hall, which we completed in 2012 under Residential or Property Developer Landscaping. extensive experience in both domestic and our heritage works: like to be included in Commercial and Domestic Contract grass cutting for Schools, Sports Fields, Churches, commercial projects. This experience domestically, Sectors. Re-Roofing of St Bede’s Catholic High School & St Peters Catholic this section, please Primary School works completed 2013 Parish Councils and more. includes new builds, barn conversions, and For a friendly and confidential contact Caroline on traditional and contemporary extensions. service call us on Other Projects we specialise in: 7 Lonsdale Rise, 01223 969506 Churches, Museum works, Public & Private Sector works, Schools, Kirkby Lonsdale, Commercially our work includes school and Universities, Town Halls & Industries works. or email Near Lancaster, LA6 2BF nursing home extensions and refurbishment works. [email protected] For more information contact: [email protected] Telephone: 01524 271 312 Mobile: 07774 250 018 We have over 35 years experience in the trade and E-mail: [email protected] our friendly professional team would be happy to provide you with a quote.

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Please contact us to discuss your particular requirements: Michael McKevitt / Christopher Bell The Smart Group JYM Partnership LLP, Oak House, 28 Sceptre Way Electrical Contractors/Testing & Inspection Engineers Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6AW • Ecclesiastical Specialists • t: 01772 323666 f: 01772 338611 • Domestic & Commercial • e: [email protected] or [email protected] • Industrial and Agricultural • Visit our website: www.jympartnership.co.uk • Periodic Inspections and Testing • • Portable Appliance Testing • Part P and Trustmark Registered Tel: 07702 208519 and 07932 045773 Email: [email protected] 8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Send forth your Spirit O Lord Ps104 and renew the face of the earth

ay Hill recovers movement in Ray Hill (from the Cathedral) attended, he was able to turn his palms up and kids, quite well I think, and looked after and Rmetal-pinned forearm at Healing purely to please his wife, Glennis. For 40 down. I saw him doing so, thanking God in love my wife. I’m not a bad man, but I’m no Service: “I am going to tell people about years Ray has been unable to turn his right amazement. saint either, so why me? Why me? Where are this until the day I die.” forearm, since the two bones were pinned the limits? It’s got my mind ticking over, it’s together with metal plates and bolts. How did you feel? “I was emotional. Tears got me thinking... What more is possible?” Significant numbers reported symptoms welled up in my eyes. I realised something disappeared during healing services held During the service he suddenly discovered was happening, but I didn’t know what. But Those who are not healed: At the end, in March at Our Lady and St Joseph’s, he could rotate it. I asked Ray: What was then total astonishment. “Glen! Look! Bloody Damian mentioned his own unhealed Carlisle, and in May with St Helen’s your arm like before? “In 1973 I was hell! Look!” And I’m still astonished. What allergies, and tumours his wife suffers Anglican community. Such ecumenical knocked off the pavement in Johannesburg amazes me about this transformation is from which cause epilepsy. He explained collaboration has been modelled by Pope by a drunken hit-and-run driver. I was told the fact that this cure is medically and that many are called to be ‘heroes of faith’ Francis. Services were led by Damian by the doctors they might have to amputate scientifically impossible. It cannot happen by enduring their suffering (CCC 1508). Stayne and the Cor et Lumen Christi team. the arm, but in the event they saved it by the but it has done! I know what I couldn’t do insertion of metal pins and plates. I was told before and what I can do now. It’s absolutely Lay exercise of the Charisms: Pope At both services Christians were invited that I would never have – the medical termi - wonderful!” Blessed John Paul II, who prayed over to lay hands on those with particular nology is – ‘pronation and supination’, which Damian as a young man, writes that the conditions and Damian commanded these simply means being able to turn your arm So can you write now? “Yes”. I invite him charisms of 1 Cor. 7-11 (including healing) conditions to be healed ‘in Jesus’ name’ . from the elbow down to the wrist. If I wanted to and Ray writes out his address, and ‘ God are apportioned by the Holy Spirit ‘to each to put my hand palm down, the only way I bless you, love’ , in pristine hand. one individually as He wills’ . This charism is In Carlisle one man walked down the aisle could do it was by raising my shoulder. If distinct from sacramental anointing without his crutches, and a girl saw her I wanted to put my hand in a catching Who do you attribute the healing to? which is reserved to priests: “It is possible bent finger straighten before her eyes. position, the only way was by dropping my “Well clearly Damian Stayne didn’t do it on to speak of a new lay life, rich in immense Her parents confirmed this. Many people shoulder. I’ve been like that ever since. I went his own. Obviously, he played a part. I mean human potential, as fact. The true value of made a commitment to hand their life to see Dr Wetherill many years ago to see if he’s a very gifted and a blessed man, there’s this life comes from the Holy Spirit, who over to Christ. Eucharistic adoration any operation was possible, and he said it no doubt about that, but he isn’t God and abundantly bestows his gifts on the Church, and confession plays a central place at was not advisable. Many years later I was neither is he a surgeon so he couldn’t have as he has done since the beginning on the services held in a Catholic context. In St X-rayed at the RLI. The radiologist found done it. So that leaves only one answer, day of Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:3-4; 1 Cor Helen’s some 40 people testified to a to her amazement that the metal was now doesn’t it? If he’d said be ‘Be healed in 12:7f.). In our day too, many signs and change. These included a woman who told covered with bone marrow, so, my forearm is Damian Stayne’s name!’ nothing would have great witness have been given by how her scar tissue from two cancerous a solid lump with a piece of metal from the happened. No, he said ‘Be healed in Jesus’ individuals, groups and movements tumours (breast and throat) had elbow.” Ray let me feel one of the bolts. name.’ ... I can’t explain it other than the generously dedicated to the apostolate. In instantaneously disappeared during the “I can’t write, or I couldn’t write, other than obvious. Stunning! It’s clearly supernatural, addition to a considerable development in prayer. A man almost stone deaf in one ear to sign my name. I couldn’t put my hand there’s been divine intervention. That’s the the doctrine of the charisms, there has showed he could hear a whisper, and a palm down which makes a lot of things only possible conclusion. You can talk about also been a new flowering of active lay woman demonstrated she no longer very difficult. I had to type with one hand.” hyping yourself up, and confidence and that people in the Church. It is all the work of needed her wheelchair. During the service, Ray suddenly realised sort of thing, but we’re talking about a lump the Holy Spirit, the effective and vital source of metal here. This is impossible.” of everything in the Christian life that is really and authentically evangelical.” Glennis remembers television evangelists, (General Audience, 21 September, 1994; and Ray adds that the distinction is that see also Lumen Gentium 12; Apostolicam they are paid. I tell them that I tried to Actuositatem 3). give a donation to Cor et Lumen from the leftover for the bus, and was told firmly Jesus speaks of healing ‘in my name’ as one but kindly that they do not accept money of the signs that will accompany ‘all who for these services. believe’ (Mk. 16:17-18) . These healings are signs that Jesus Christ is alive and active. Cardinal Newman College, Lark Hill Road, Preston PR1 4HD What kind of Catholics are you? “Well God confirmed the preaching of the apostles we’re not charismatics. Just ordinary with such signs to build up the Body. Is, Tel: 01772 460 181 Catholics who go to Church and love the perhaps, the real wonder that this ministry Lord. I’m not easily impressed. In fact I can is not more common in the Church today? Principal:- Nick Burnham be quite prickly, I say things too easily. I can Email: [email protected] be a fiery character, so nothing I have done Healing services are held 2nd Saturday Web: www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk in my life can possibly have earned that. I’ve of each month in Birmingham. tried to live a decent life, I’ve raised three www.sehion.net

Ray Hill shows his forearm. Our Lady’s Catholic College Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ Morecambe Road Lancaster LA1 2RX Headteacher Mr Andrew Johnson Headteacher Mr Brendan Conboy Tel: 01524 66689 Tel 01254 827073

St Pius X Preparatory School and Oak House Nursery 200 Garstang Road, Fulwood, Preston PR2 8RD Headteacher Miss B M Banks M.A Tel: 01772 719937/713630 [email protected] www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 Fr John Collins Golden Jubilee Celebration

n Friday 30th May Fr John Collins with the ministry of the priesthood and The Bidding Prayers remembered the held in the parish hall. He was joined by Oconcelebrated Mass with 28 brother of being able to bring the light of Christ parents of Father Collins, Elizabeth and members of his family and parishioners priests at English Martyrs, into people’s lives. He said that Father’s Thomas who had lived in the Blackpool including many who had travelled from Poulton-le-Fylde. Bishop Michael energy, enthusiasm and example were an parish of St John Vianney and first those parishes where he had served earlier Campbell was in attendance as well as inspiration to others and went on to nurtured his faith and then accepted that as a diocesan priest. Two jubilee cakes had family, friends and parishioners. comment that Father Collins was one of God had placed in his heart a desire to been specially baked by parishioner Mary the clergy who continued to believe in and serve Him through the ministry of the Lord and which reflected two of Father’s Father Collins thanked all those who were to value the traditional practice of calling priesthood. The Bidding Prayers also personal interests as a life-long and active present at this celebration and spoke of on and visiting parishioners and others, asked people to pray for those who supporter of Blackpool Football Club his gratitude for all the support he had seeing this as a integral part of his role as care for people in need, especially the as well as being a keen golfer. One been given in his priesthood in so many pastor and minister. housebound, the unborn child and the parishioner, Patricia, said “We all ways and over so many years. Father Christians suffering persecution in the thoroughly enjoyed the Mass and buffet. It Collins said “This has been the best day Father John Moriarty from the neighbouring Middle East and Africa. was lovely to see so many people gathered of my life – a day full of joy and great Poulton parish of St John said: “It was a to celebrate this special occasion.” happiness. It has been truly marvellous” . He splendid evening and this celebration is an During the Mass, Father Collins was went on to say that he had been blessed inspiration for us as priests in our vocation presented with a papal blessing and a There was also a musical entertainment in that in each of the parishes to which he and ministry.” photographic memento which portrayed when Father Collins played the violin had been appointed, there had been good the nine parishes in the Lancaster diocese accompanied by Catherine Chambers who people whose devotion to their faith and Bishop Campbell thanked Father Collins where he had served initially as a diocesan grew up in the parish. This interlude was dedication to their parish had been a not just for his service to the diocese of priest or more recently as Parish Priest. greeted with great applause and an source of help and, even, inspiration to Lancaster but for his fidelity to the wider encore duly followed. him and those around him. Church. The Bishop went on to ask A cheque was also presented to Father people to pray that they would continue Collins by Bill and Janet Hay on behalf of Jonathan Lord from English Martyrs parish Father Andrew Allman, who had been to value and foster priestly vocations, the parishioners from English Martyrs and summed up the occasion by saying that an altar server at Holy Family Church, particularly among the young and that the other parishes in which Father Collins “This Golden jubilee celebration was a Freckleton, when Father Collins had been those called to God’s service would be had served and who had contributed to a wonderful occasion for Father Collins, his parish priest there in the late 1980’s, gave given the courage to live out their Golden Jubilee Fund. family and parishioners. We thank God for the homily. Father Andrew drew on a vocation with joy so that the light of his 50 years of priestly ministry and it was reading from the prophet Zephaniah and Christ would ‘shine in His Church After the Mass, Father Collins was the fitting that so many gathered to share in the spoke of the joy and privilege that comes gathered today’ . guest of honour at a buffet reception celebration.”

Mgr Francis Slattery Diamond Jubilee Celebration

n Friday 16th May, Mgr Slattery Mgr Slattery concluded his homily, Ocelebrated 60 years in the Priesthood. quoting from St Paul’s letter to the Philippians on how Jesus Christ had To mark this special occasion, Mgr Slattery captured him and bestowed so much on concelebrated Mass with more than him. Now he was running for the finishing twenty priests at Christ the King, line, the goal. In the power of Christ he Milnthorpe . Bishop Michael Campbell hoped to attain this. was in attendance together with Mgr Slattery’s, family from the USA, past and Bishop Campbell responded, echoing the present parishioners, members of the thoughts of all of us—he must not run too Achille Ratti Climbing Club (of which he is fast! We need him! President) and friends from near and far. After Mass 120 guests joined Mgr Slattery In his homily Mgr Slattery spoke of the in the Cross Keys Hotel, Milnthorpe for a period of his priesthood covering the time meal and customary cake. in Europe after the 1939-45 World War — a time of relative peace, though there *At the age of 15, Frank Slattery entered have been conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, St Joseph’s College, the Junior Seminary at Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine since then. Upholland before moving on to the senior seminary. He studied philosophy and He recalled Vatican Council II and the theology and was ordained on the 16 May updating of the Church which this Council 1954 later graduating in History at Cambridge inaugurated, particularly the change to in 1957. After teaching briefly in Kirkham he the vernacular in the liturgy. But what he taught at Underley Hall, the junior seminary emphasised mostly was the remarkable until it closed in 1975. From there he was support and encouragement he had had appointed Administrator at the Cathedral, over the years from so many priests and before moving to Milnthorpe and Arnside. people. It had enabled him to exercise his This was followed by 21 years at St Herbert’s ministry with confidence. Also he spoke of in Windermere where he celebrated his the deepening of faith he received from Golden Jubilee, returning to Milnthorpe just the great leadership within the Church. over a year ago. 10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

DENTURES AT HOME Est 2003 Quality affordable dentures Finding Time to Pray Over 35 years experience 01772 830388 www.dentures-at-home.co.uk The Power of Prayer The day was long, the burden I had borne Seemed heavier than I could longer bear And then it lifted- But I did not know someone had knelt in prayer; Had taken me to God that very hour and asked the easing of the load, and He, in infinite Day Launches seating up to 8 people offering all weather open compassion, had stooped down and or closed cruising. Fuel, Insurance & Life Jackets all included in the hire charge. Full instructions given before handover. taken it from me. We cannot tell how often as we pray Bridge House Marina & Caravan Park Nateby Crossing Lane, Nateby, Garstang, PR3 0JJ For some bewildered one, hurt and distressed, www.bridgehousemarina.co.uk The answer comes, but many times [email protected] tel: 01995 603207 01995 603207 Those hearts find sudden peace and rest. Someone had prayed, and faith, A reaching hand, took hold of God, And brought Him down that day! arranged for Catholic Voice of Lancaster Readers So many, many hearts have need of prayer, Oh, let us pray!

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e know that as Christians we should pray, but in this best example of how we should pray. But it is vital to remember Wbusy and noisy world that surrounds us, it is often that we are always in God’s presence so we can pray anytime and difficult to find the time or space to pray or reflect on the anywhere. We can use well known prayers that we have been Word of God. The Catechism states: “Prayer is the raising brought up with, meditate on a mystery of the Rosary or simply of one’s heart and mind to or the requesting of good things talk to God in our own words. We may unburden ourselves of a from God.” current problem or difficulty, or share a great joy that has come into our life. In any case, some of the four aspects of prayer – We know from the Gospels that Jesus prayed regularly and in the Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication will Our Father he taught us how we should pray. be apparent.

In this increasingly secular society there is a need for Christians The lighting of a candle as a sign of prayer is of long standing to stand up and be counted. A few months ago Cardinal Nicholls among Christians. Reflecting on a piece of scripture and emphasised that Catholics should make the Sign of the Cross contemplative prayer ensure we have substantial “face time” with more openly and remember to say, “God bless you,” when Our Blessed Lord and His friends. It is impossible to establish a someone sneezes. There was a time when no Catholic would lasting friendship with someone unless we spend a considerable pass a church without blessing themselves and watching amount of time with them and for us this means dedicating time sportsmen acknowledging their gratitude to God by making the each day for conversation with Our Lord and, when possible, sign of the cross on the playing field has perhaps more gravitas before the Blessed Sacrament where Our Lord Himself awaits us. with young people than anything their parents could ever hope to achieve. Saint Teresa of Avila tells us that she never went to her prayer time without a book. Sometimes we may feel that our prayer is The comedian Frank Skinner and broadcasters Adrian Chiles and dry or full of distraction and it is then we may find our prayer Dermott O’Leary make no secret of the fact that their Catholic books inspirational and helpful. The holy Cure of Ars said, “Our faith is important to them. On receiving his Oscar for best actor one great happiness on earth is prayer.” We can invoke the this year, the Catholic actor Matthew McConnaughy’s first port of intercession of Our Blessed Lady who was perfect in prayer and call in giving thanks was to God. Such public displays of belief the Saints who have gone before us. There are many Prayer are what is needed in a society which often seems to have lost its Groups flourishing today in our parishes and beyond which are Established 1839 way and where young people are so easily influenced by the cult energising the Church – if you are interested please speak to your • Memorials • Renovations • Lettering • Marble • Granite • Slate • Stone of all kinds, colour & designs • of celebrity and what’s “cool” and what’s not. parish priest. Wray Brothers are long established monumental masons highly regarded for quality of their workmanship and We should be better witnesses to the truth. The two most As well as our daily prayers we should use opportunities as they personal service. Traditional Hand Cut important practices of piety for us are the Eucharist and arise for stolen moments of prayer. Instead of getting irate as we Letters mental prayer. Prayer is more important than food or sleep sit in waiting rooms for late appointments we could use that time Proprietors: S. A. Edwards, or worldly pleasures or ambitions and therefore it is essential to pray for vocations to the priesthood, persecuted Christians in M. A. Edwards, G. Edwards that we should include some set prayer time such as morning the Middle East or another worthwhile cause. Even the school run 51a Layton Road, Layton, Blackpool FY3 8EB and evening prayers into our daily routine. could provide a chance to say the morning offering together or to Tel/Fax: 01253 392620 teach children about mental prayer. As Saint Pio said, “Time spent The parable of the tax collector and the publican gives us the for the greater glory of God is never wasted.” Jenny Phillips www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11

Our Faith

Who can receive the sacrament of Holy Orders? A Catholic priest who administers the sacraments acts not A baptised, Catholic man who is called by the Church to be a on the basis of his own power or moral perfection (which deacon, priest, or bishop can be validly ordained to that ministry. unfortunately he often lacks) , but rather “in persona Christi” . Through his ordination, the transforming, healing, saving power MARSDENS FUNERAL What happens in priestly ordination? of Christ is grafted onto him. Because a priest has nothing of his In priestly ordination the bishop calls down God's power upon own, he is above all a servant. The distinguishing characteristic HOME the candidates for ordination. It imprints upon the souls of these of every authentic priest, therefore, is humble astonishment at Providing a caring, dignified and men an indelible seal that can never be lost. As a collaborator his own vocation. professional service with his bishop, the priest will proclaim the Word of God, Funerals personally arranged by Bobby and Lynn Rigby administer the sacraments, and, above all, celebrate the Holy What are the degrees of the 148 Lytham Road, Warton, Preston, PR4 1XE Eucharist. During the celebration of a Holy Mass, the actual sacrament of Holy Orders? 01772 634100 24 Hour Service ordination of priests begins when the candidates are called by The sacrament of Holy Orders has three degrees: bishop (episco - name. After the bishop's homily, the future priest promises pate) , priest (presbyterate) , deacon (diaconate) . obedience to the bishop and his successors. The actual (YOUCAT questions 250 & 251) ordination takes place through the imposition of the bishop's Martin's hands and his prayer. Is it demeaning to women that only men The Funeral Directors 188, Tulketh Brow, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston may receive the sacrament of Holy Orders? 1, Stonebridge Parade, Preston Road, Longridge What happens in diaconal ordination? The rule that only men may receive Holy Orders in no way Tel. 01772-733007 or 01772-782121 In diaconal ordination the candidate is appointed to a special demeans women. In God's sight, man and woman have the Proprietor W. Martin Wootton service within the sacrament of Holy Orders. For he represents same dignity, but they have different duties and charisms. The Dedicated and Blessed Chapels of Rest Christ as the one who came, “not to be served but to serve, and Church sees herself as bound by the fact that Jesus chose men Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28) . In the liturgy of exclusively to be present at the Last Supper for the institution The complete funeral service ordination we read: “As a minister of the Word, of the altar, and of the priesthood. from a private family owned of charity, [the deacon] will make himself a servant to all.” The and run firm original model of the deacon is the martyr St. Stephen. When the Pope John Paul II declared in 1994 “that the Church has no apostles in the original Church of Jerusalem saw that they were authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and overwhelmed by their many charitable duties, they appointed that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church's seven men “to serve tables” , whom they then ordained. The first faithful” . Like no one else in antiquity, Jesus provocatively mentioned is Stephen: “full of grace and power” , he accomplished affirmed the value of women, bestowed his friendship on them, much for the new faith and for the poor in the Christian and protected them. Women were among his followers, and community. Over the centuries the diaconate became merely a Jesus highly valued their faith. Moreover, the first witness to the degree of Holy Orders on the way to the presbyterate, but today Resurrection was a woman. That is why Mary Magdalene is called it is once again an independent vocation for both celibates and “the apostle of the apostles” . married men. On the one hand, this is supposed to re-emphasize service as a characteristic of the Church; on the other hand, it Nevertheless, the ordained priesthood (and consequently pastoral helps the priests, as in the early Church, by establishing an order ministry) has always been conferred on men. In male priests the of ministers who take on particular pastoral and social duties Christian community was supposed to see a representation of of the Church. Diaconal ordination, too, makes a lifelong, Jesus Christ. Being a priest is a special service that also makes irrevocable mark on the ordained man. demands on a man in his gender-specific role as male and father. (YOUCAT questions 254 & 255) It is, however, not some form of masculine superiority over How does the Church understand women. As we see in Mary, women play a role in the Church that the sacrament of Holy Orders? is no less central than the masculine role, but it is feminine. Eve The priests of the Old Covenant saw their duty as mediating became the mother of all the living (Gen 3:20) . As “mothers of all between heavenly and earthly things, between God and his the living” , women have special gifts and abilities. Without their people. Since Christ is the “one mediator between God and men” sort of teaching, preaching, charity, spirituality, and guidance, (1 Tim 2:5) , he perfected and ended that priesthood. After Christ the Church would be “paralysed on one side” . Whenever men in there can be an ordained priesthood only in Christ, in Christ's the Church use their priestly ministry as an instrument of power sacrifice on the Cross, and through a calling and apostolic or do not allow opportunities to women, they offend against mission from Christ. charity and the Holy Spirit of Jesus. (YOUCAT questions 256 & 257) 12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk JOHN BRADBURNE – ‘God’s Vagabond’

o the history but from 1934 to 1939 (13-18 Burma. During his war service in Burma, then travelled to Belgium and became a Tmajority years of age) he was educated privately Bradburne became close friends with a Novice for a year in a Catholic Order in of Cumbrians, at Gresham’s School in Norfolk and, fellow-officer, John Dove, who later Louvain. From there he walked to Rome with the following the outbreak of the Second became a Jesuit priest and who would and existed for a year in an organ loft of a likely World War in September 1939, Bradburne have a profound influence on Bradburne’s small Church in a village in the mountains exception quickly sought active service in the army future. where he spent much of his time playing of those and was commissioned into the 9th the organ and writing poetry. native to Gurkha Rifles in 1940 and shipped out Apparently, as was later disclosed, the Penrith to Dehra Dun in India where Gurkha Bradburne underwent a religious Returning to England he tried to live as a area, this battalions were mustered. He was then experience in Malaya but the reason for hermit on Dartmoor, then spent time at name posted to Malaya, which Japanese armed this has never been publicly disclosed. It the Benedictine’s Prinknash Abbey, before may be forces had surreptitiously invaded in late may be that he was affected by the sights joining the choir at Westminster Cathedral meaningless. 1941, capturing Hong Kong en route; a he witnessed of the suffering of the local in London as Sacristan (the person in However, in the annals of modern-day preliminary to their advance on the populations of Malaya and Burma, under charge of the contents of a Church). heroes there must be few who can lay British-controlled stronghold of the harsh rule of the Japanese conquerors, Cardinal Godfrey of the Diocese of claim to the virtues espoused by John Singapore, at that time erroneously who, initially, had purported to be the Westminster then asked him to become Bradburne – modesty, humility, bravery believed by the British to be impregnable. harbingers of freedom to people who had the caretaker of his country house (Hare and self-sacrifice in the cause of previously laboured under supposedly Street House) in Cambridgeshire; on the helping the sick and the needy – Bradburne was resourceful enough to harsh British Colonial rule. The initial way there, on Good Friday 1956, this especially those usually shunned by evade capture following the capitulation declaration of the invading Japanese was nomadic holy man joined the secular their fellow-men. of Singapore and the humiliating to place the disparate conquered tribes Franciscan Order but remained a layman. surrender of all British forces there and of Malayans and Burmese under the Perhaps it is apposite to compare Born in the village of Skirwith, near their subsequent enslavement by the protection of their so-called Greater Asia Bradburne in some respects to Saint Penrith on the 14th June 1921, John Japanese Imperial Army. He survived Co-Prosperity Sphere – a total sham as Francis of Assisi – but without the animals! Randal Bradburne was one of five children for a month in the jungle and then, the Japanese were bent only on total It was at this time that he made a request of the Reverend Thomas William, Anglican accompanied by another escapee British domination of the Far East. that, on his death, he should be buried in Rector of Skirwith and his wife Erica May officer, attempted to sail a sampan to the the habit of the type worn by St. Francis Bradburne. He was baptised into the Dutch colony of Sumatra which, at that At the end of the war, Bradburne of Assisi. Anglican faith six weeks later. time had not been invaded by Japanese returned to England but, by then he had forces. Unfortunately the two of them succumbed to an urge to commence a In 1962, he was 41 years old and there There were existing famous connections were shipwrecked but, following a more nomadic existence. He then became, for must have been a realization that his in the Bradburne family, John’s cousin successful attempt to gain freedom, they want of a better word, a pilgrim, firstly wanderlust must come to an end and that being (Sir) Terence Rattigan the noted were rescued by a Royal Navy destroyer staying with Benedictine monks at he should settle somewhere, permanently. playwright; he was also related to Lord and Bradburne was returned to Dehra Buckfast Abbey in Devon and converting He wrote to his friend John Dove, now a Christopher Soames, who became the last Dun. Because of his daring and resolute to Roman Catholicism in 1947. Whilst Jesuit Priest in Southern Rhodesia (now Governor of Southern Rhodesia. behaviour in the escape he was subsequently staying near Ottery in Devon, a farmer Zimbabwe) and enquired if he knew of a decorated with the Military Cross. Later, he gave John the use of an old shed to live in; ‘cave’ somewhere in Africa where he could Nothing is known of his earlier education saw active service with the ‘Chindits’* in it had running water but little else in the pray! Father Dove responded by inviting way of creature comforts, but he remained him to come to Rhodesia and be a there for some time, evidently perfectly missionary helper. Bradburne then * The ‘Chindits’ were content in his Spartan surroundings. left England for good and duly arrived the brainwave of Contemporaries have given various in Rhodesia where he declared to a Major, later opinions on John Bradburne, but these are Franciscan priest that he had three wishes Brigadier-General, trite when compared against his actual in life. These were: (1) to help the victims Orde Wingate, a persona. It has been said that he was ‘a of leprosy; (2) to die as a martyr; (3) to be charismatic and dithering sort of bloke’ (so described by a buried in the habit of St. Francis of Assisi. unorthodox regular Franciscan Priest; another said he was a Army officer, whose ‘lost soul, drifting through life with his nice A few years later the Jesuit Missionaries speciality was accent and no idea about life’). How wrong granted his first wish, by introducing him focused on guerilla- these critics were! to the Mtemwa Leper Settlement at Mtoko type operations (‘Mtemwa’ means ‘you are cut off’ – it lies in enemy-held Bradburne had expressed a desire to adjacent to a large, forbidding granite territory. The name become a Benedictine monk but the mountain named Chigona) a rural hamlet ‘Chindit’ was Order’s rules prohibited this on the over 70 miles from Salisbury, the capital of adopted as the grounds that, at the time, he had not the then Southern Rhodesia. He entered Brigade’s formation been a member of the Roman Catholic the Settlement which was run by the sign and was a Church for two years. Leprosy Association in 1969 as a helper, mis-pronunciation thereafter becoming the warden, in which of the Burmese Following this temporary rebuff, which did capacity he remained until his death, word ‘Chinthe’ – not affect his faith and strong Christian unofficially at least! At that time the a mythical beast beliefs, Bradburne embarked on a lone patients there were known only by which stands guard pilgrimage throughout Europe and the numbers(#); food was basic and not outside the temples Middle East which lasted all of sixteen plentiful. But, to Bradburne’s pleasure, and monasteries years. There is a suggestion that, during it was as though he had achieved his of Burma. his wanderings through Europe, he fell in heart’s desire. love with a girl in Italy and came close to marrying; however, he had made a private (# Author: certainly, I have no memory of vow of celibacy to the Virgin Mary. this; those lepers with whom I came into contact had their own tribal and/or His sole worldly possessions were acquired names.) contained in a battered Gladstone bag. He travelled through England, France, Italy John Bradburne quickly made Greece and Israel, staying at a variety of improvements in all aspects of the places for indefinite periods of time. In lepers’ daily lives and living standards. England he lived with Carthusian He reverted to the use of the individuals’ monks for seven months; then names and increased the daily food travelled to Israel and joined the rations. This caused problems of financing Catholic ‘Order of Our Lady of Mount within the Leprosy Association circles, Sion’ - a society founded for, and eventually resulting in his dismissal as dedicated to, the conversion of Jews Warden. However, John Bradburne was to the Christian faith. Humbly, he not thwarted and remained near the www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 – a forgotten Cumbrian Hero

Settlement. A local farmer gave him a tin being an ‘informer.’ + Initially the first to John Bradburne’s third and last wish was hut, with no facilities, just outside the seize him were a posse of youths, known also honoured but in a most unusual way. perimeter fence of the Settlement; he as ‘mujibas’ and they took him to the gang Following his abduction, Father David bathed in a pool on Chigona and leader. Gibbs, a Missionary based at the All Souls continued to visit the lepers in the Mission in the Mtoko area, had taken Settlement, dressing the sores of those (+ Possibly this was because the guerrillas Bradburne’s habit from his hut for lepers with whom he had become friends, were acting on a tip-off from a worker at safe-keeping but had omitted to dress a dreadful task which would deter the Mtemwa who, out of spite, made this false him in this before the funeral. However, faint-hearted. When any lepers were dying accusation. The worker had previously been he placed the habit on top of the coffin. accelerate matters relating he read to them from the Gospels. reprimanded by Bradburne for stealing the Unconfirmed reports later stated that, at to John Bradburne as a candidate for lepers’ rations.) the Requiem Mass, three drops of blood canonization. However, he has not yet were reported to have fallen from his received from the Vatican the official title He was interrogated by members of the coffin at the moment when three white of ‘ Servant of God’ , the first step towards John also wrote poetry gang who were on the horns of a dilemma lilies were placed upon it. The coffin was canonization. ‘ because all reports received by them opened but no issue of blood could be for the leper concerning Bradburne indicated that he found and there was no sign of any decay Since his death there has been a residents and, surprisingly, was apolitical and a good man, concerned of the body. According to the undertakers succession of feature articles on John even taught them Gregorian only with the welfare of the lepers in his involved, this was highly unusual. His body Bradburne and Mtemwa, mainly in the care. Apparently, they suggested to him was then clothed in the habit of the Order Sunday Telegraph, at the behest of plain chant. He also that he should travel to the neighbouring of St. Francis. Charles Moore, one time Editor of that assisted in the erection state of Mozambique (formerly Portuguese newspaper (and who had visited Mtemwa) . East Africa) – also involved at that time in John was thus buried in the Chishawasha It is believed that John wrote 6,000 poems of a small church at civil uprising, initiated by Frelimo against Mission cemetery a short distance from during his lifetime and there is a John Mtemwa, becoming much the Portuguese minority – to care for their the capital, Salisbury (now Harare) . He lies Bradburne Memorial Society (ca 1995) in loved and respected by sick and wounded guerillas. Bradburne in close proximity to some of his Jesuit England. A French author, Didier Rance refused, saying that his place was with the friends and Dominican Nuns who were wrote a book about Bradburne, the title all the local folk. lepers at Mtemwa as there was no one also murdered by terrorists. One cannot of which is ‘Le Vagabond de Dieu’ (The else there to care for them. This annoyed describe such people solely as guerillas Vagabond of God); and others have written the gang. The hostile situation was as that pseudonym conveys only the about the life of this humble and pious exacerbated because Bradburne insisted impression that they may have had m a n. In fact i t has b e en said that John The political situatio’n in Southern on maintaining his calm and dignity in the sincere beliefs in freedom for all. Coupled Bradburne coined the term ‘God’s Rhodesia from the early 1960s had face of threats and further indignities, with the suggestion of the three drops Vagabond’ as a description of himself. become very volatile, resulting in armed continuing to pray, further infuriating the of blood (John’s three wishes?) , there was As a member of the Secu lar Franciscan insurrectionists of ZAPU (Zimbabwe African gang’s leader. After being abused and considerable discussion as to miraculous Order his conviction was that he wanted

Peoples’ Union) led by Joshua Nkomo (a beaten however he was then told that he intervention! There is, alas, no direct to ‘serve Mass’ , not ‘say M a ss’ , henc e his

Matabele) and ZANU-PF (Zimbabwe African would be released and could return to evidence to substantiate these reported apparent reluctance to t ake Holy Orders National Union – Patriotic Front) led by Mtemwa. The terrorists escorted him to claims. and be ordained as a Catholic Priest.

Robert Mugabe (a Mashona - educated by the road and then, tragically, he was shot

Monks of the Jesuit Order no less) , by the gang’s leader, dying instantly at the In July 2001, a Franciscan priest, Father Each year a service is held i n Joh n instigating direct and open rebellion roadside near the Settlement, all but Paschal Slevin, O.F.M., presented a Brad burne’s memory a t M t em wa , w it h against the Government of Ian Smith naked having been stripped down to his petition to Patrick Fani Chakaipa, Roman c ro wd s as large as 25,00 0 people attending. through their ‘Chimurenga’ (literally, underpants by the gang. The killer Catholic Archbishop of Harare, requesting In 2009 a Mass comme m or a t ing the 3 0 th revolutionary struggle’) , colloquially apparently fired 24 rounds (almost a full an enquiry into the life of John Bradburne, a nniversary of his bru tal m urder was held referred to by the Whites as the ‘Bush magazine) from an AK47 into his back. as a preliminary to consideration of his at Westminster Cathed ral. War.’ There were ongoing attacks on The date was 5th September 1979. canonization. Father Slevin commented

White homes and farms in rural areas, and Bradburne was then 58 years of age and that he had no doubt that John Bradburne There could no more fitting tribute to John numerous incidences of brutal slayings of his second wish (to die as a martyr) had, died a martyr in his determination to serve Bradburne’s life as an a sce tic a nd holy innocent folk, both white and black. sadly, been fulfilled. It is to the eternal his friends, the lepers. man than his canonization. He would then

shame of the despot Robert Mugabe bec o me t he first native-b orn C um br ian to

On Sunday 2nd September 1979, a band (Jesuit-educated as previously mentioned) Should his martyrdom be accepted it was be g ran te d Sa inthood. What an honour to of these so-called freedom fighters or that Bradburne’s killer subsequently envisaged that his cause for Sainthood the C ount y and a fitting te st imo n ial to guerrillas (terrorists if the truth be known) became a businessman in Harare could follow fairly quickly. Unfortunately, B rad b urne ’s l if e that would be! came to Mtemwa and seized John (formerly Salisbury) , and remained this has not been the case although there Bradburne in his hut, accusing him of unpunished. are now moves afoot in the Cburch to Cop y ri ght B rianParnaby 2013.

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Family Tax Planning (W): www.keenancharteredaccountants.co.uk 14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk Cathy in Sky Dive!

young parishioner, Cathy Place, of SS Mary & Michael, AGarstang, has volunteered to visit Chivuna Mission in Zambia. The parish has supported the Mission for fourteen years going back to when Fr Paul Swarbrick was the parish priest out there.

Chivuna Mission consists of a parish church, primary school, secondary school and health centre. It is specifically the health centre which our group supports, in prayer, by personal contact and through fundraising. Mainly through our help, the Sisters of the Holy Spirit who administer the Mission have established a modern AIDS/HIV centre which matches in excellence the health centre, already providing in-patient and out-patient general National medical and maternity care.

Honours Cathy is wholeheartedly supported by her parents and has already arranged her flight. She has organised, through the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, her accommodation and keep. In for Student exchange, Cathy will teach mainly English to the children in primary school for seven weeks during July and August. Her efforts in this context have been generously facilitated by Mrs Cathryn Wilkinson who is Head teacher of our parish primary school. Cathy has been allowed to spend time in school each student of Austin Friars St Monica’s week learning the necessary teaching skills. ASchool was selected into a squad of 26 players to represent Scotland’s Despite preparing for her A-levels Cathy has also found time to U16 Rugby team. He featured in all raise funds for Chivuna in advance of her visit there. Recently she three games of a week-long rugby achieved a sponsored skydive over Cockerham. The weather was festival dislocating his shoulder in the not very promising to begin with but all was accomplished and final game. with the thrill and sense of achievement she had hoped for. This alone has raised an estimated £1,400 or more. As if this were Mr Jeremy Tiffen, Director of Sport at not enough, she is already arranging other fund-raising events. Austin Friars St Monica’s School said “We Events to raise money are also to take place in our school; one are all delighted with Lloyd’s achievements planned is a Zambian Dress day. Cathy is persuading people to in Rugby: gaining national honours is sponsor the education of a Zambian child for one year at a cost of something to be very proud of. Lloyd joined £20. She will also promote the sale of an etching which a local Austin Friars St Monica’s School half-way and esteemed artist has generously donated. through year 8 having NEVER played rugby before, his rise through the school teams, to Cathy Place is a special catholic young lady. We are proud of her 1st XV and international rugby is astonishing and, along with many, wish her well. and a huge achievement” . Andrew Hullock Dr Frank Carter, Chairman, Garstang Friends of Chivuna

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ecently there was a coming that some of the students, who had Rtogether of old and young SVP formed an SVP conference at the college, If the answer to any of the above is “Yes” then we can help. Society members who provided a would love to lend a hand and have a chance Specialists for: Wills and Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney, lunchtime meal and entertainment to chat with some of the parishioners. Property & Discretionary Trusts, Funeral Plans Call Malcolm Nightingale For a FREE home visit. for parishioners at Blessed John 01539 737400 Henry Newman parish, Morecambe. Liz Cullen, the parish SVP President, said 7, Windermere Road, Kendal “It was lovely to see the girls and to have A combined force of the parish SVP and their help. They were so kind to everyone Boarbank Hall the newly formed Our Lady’s Catholic they spoke with and their caring attitude Canonesses of St Augustine College Lancaster SVP served up a was a great example of the best of what of the Mercy of Jesus wonderful lunch. young people can be. They are a credit to “You desire to be builders of peace, Our Lady’s College. My thanks to Laura and possess it yourselves first” - St Augustine The drop-in lunches are a regular feature to Natasha, Harini, Jodie and Martyna.” A Warm Welcome to Everyone for the winter months in the parish and Prayer • Community • Hospitality • Care of the poor and sick are great occasions to bring people When one of the parishioners asked the together and enjoy each others’ company students why they had joined the SVP Contact: Sr Anne Donockley Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands – as well as trying out some interesting Natasha said “I just enjoy seeing people Cumbria LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 soups! The chaplaincy coordinator at Our smile when I help them.” Enough said! Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Lady’s College, Laura Raistrick, suggested Phil Ryan www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk July 2014 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15

Eco-Schools Ambassador status for Fleetwood School

ardinal Allen High School John O’Brien to children. There is a high focus within that they have been shortlisted in the CFleetwood has been chosen to be (Former Headteacher): school on these issues and pupils are “International Award” category for a TES an Eco-Schools Ambassador 2014-2016 “All journeys begin with a first step and that encouraged to develop rounded arguments award – among the most prestigious and is tribute to the vision of people step happened some 22 years ago when Ed for their responsibilities as citizens in the educational awards available to schools like Ed Owens (Curriculum Leader for Owens was appointed to the school as a local and global contexts. This awareness each year. Technology) , former Headteacher John teacher of Design Technology. It was his adds a great deal to our school ethos which O’Brien and more recently former willingness to act as a champion of is built on our immediate need to develop Andy Harding will lead a party of staff and Science Teacher, now Coordinator for eco-based principles that inspired pupils sustainable relationships with each other. pupils to the event which is being held in Community Work Andy Harding who in and colleagues to become involved, to learn Pupils trust their teachers and this trust is London in July. The nomination is a tribute different ways recognised the potential and, in time, to become ambassadors re-invested in the young people who are to our brilliant partnership with Birla High for educating young people in their themselves both within and beyond the developing their own vision of rights and School for Boys in Kolkota, India but also responsibilities to the environment. school. It is significant that there are now responsibilities as citizens. With these points to the many years spent on Eco issues several generations of former and present in mind our vision is holistic and the extra- which have formed a staple part of our Their vision stemmed from the school’s day pupils who are well placed to ensure curricular focus on sustainability has hidden educational focus with Birla. Birla HS commitment to Catholic Social Teaching that policy making and planning at local and benefits in terms of the development of have their own sustainability/eco foci including elements such as the Life and national levels are properly informed about rounded young people.” including, for example, safe drinking water Dignity of the Human Person, the Call to the best ways to promote and to secure the and noise pollution. Our links grow ever Family, Community, and Participation, best forms of environmental practice. This Nomination for a 2014 TES Award stronger and the latest group of teachers individuals Rights and Responsibilities, can only be of benefit to local communities The School is also delighted to hear and boys are over here in June. the Church’s Option for the Poor, the whether here on the Fylde coast or further Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers afield. And so the journey continues.” and not least our Care for God’s Creation. Ed Owens Catholics see each of these commitments (Curriculum Leader for Technology- as dynamically related to one another. The Sustainable Schools visionary): increasing focus on climate change clearly “I am delighted that Cardinal Allen has been relates directly to our need to ‘Care for awarded Eco Schools Ambassador status. God’s Creation’ . Pope John Paul II reminded During the last 13 years hundreds of pupils us: “We cannot interfere in one area of the have helped Cardinal Allen work towards this ecosystem without paying due attention award. Our Eco School Status has influenced both to the consequences of such many of our pupils to continue promoting interference in other areas and to the environmental issues after leaving Cardinal wellbeing of future generations” (1990 Allen. Our aim was to educate pupils about World Day of Peace Message). the importance of looking after their world, both for themselves and future generations. Eco-Schools Ambassadors are expected to We wanted the school to be an example of work above and beyond the expectations good environmental practice, where pupils of the Green Flag award, going that extra learn through real experiences, which mile to demonstrate that sustainability are embedded into the life of the school. is core to the schools culture, that they Our planet is still vulnerable to poor show inspirational leadership and an non-sustainable practices. Due to our initiative approach to working towards environmental education pupils at Cardinal the Eco-Schools programme, as well as Allen Catholic School are in an enviable helping other schools to adopt the position to be able to influence Eco-Schools framework. environmental policies of the future.”

Andy Harding Philip Mooney (School Community Coordinator): (Headteacher 2005 to present): “The award has been made as a result of the “The award rightly recognises the efforts of strength of the work of our cluster of schools individuals and the commitment made by and is a testament to all of the work we as a many pupils over a sustained period of time. cluster have been putting in. The assessors Cardinal Allen was the first school in the UK have told me that they were blown away to be recognised as a Fairtrade school and with the collaborative efforts of everyone this award continues a long-standing involved in our cluster when they came to tradition of education in global our conference and in what they have been sustainability, eco and social justice issues. reading about our work. Our cluster is Cardinal Allen is not a paragon of virtue in recognised as one of the best Eco clusters in terms of its own efforts to Keep Britain Tidy; the country and, according to the awarding efforts to educate our own pupils with team, there is not a group anywhere that can anti-litter, energy saving and recycling match our cluster’s commitment to making responsibilities continue as our throw-away our locality a better place to live.” society is unremitting with its bad examples 16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + July 2014 www.catholicvoiceoflancaster.co.uk

Lives lived on the Waves

“ here are few industries as defiantly Felixstowe and Singapore. The journey with their family back home for weeks Topaque as this one. Even offshore took 39 days. or months. Their child could be born, a Rose said of Father Colum, “His is a ministry bankers have not developed a system parent or relative die, or some crisis of small gestures with great impact. A SIM as intricately elusive as the flag of She soon discovered that much of what could occur, and they wouldn’t know. card, a battery, a gift for a man who has convenience, where ships can fly the flag we buy in the high street – clothes, spent yet another Christmas at sea. of a state that has nothing to do with its mobile phones, fruit, cars, fuel – has been This is one of the areas where the owner, cargo, crew or route,” says Rose transported by sea. The largest container Catholic Church and other churches “Fr. Colum’s combination of dog collar and George, whose book Deep Sea and ship, for example, can carry 15,000 boxes have supported seafarers through hard hat puts him in a unique and useful Foreign Going goes behind the scenes and hold 746 million bananas, one for missions. Many ports have seafarers’ position. He can be minister, but also listener. in the hidden world of shipping. every person in Europe. centres, like the one in Immingham in Often seafarers tell him things they would Lincolnshire. not dare tell people they consider to be Sea Sunday is celebrated on 13 July and Yet despite the changes modern more official. He is a safe pair of ears. is when the Church asks us to pray for technology has brought to shipping, Father Colum Kelly, Apostleship of the Sea seafarers and support the work of communication is still a major problem. port chaplain, lives in a flat above the “He stays because the newly ratified Apostleship of the Sea, whose chaplains Only 12 per cent of a ship’s crew have seafarers’ centre in the docks. He told Maritime Labour Convention might fill and ship visitors provide practical and internet access at sea and two thirds Rose that one of the most common those gaps between paper and practice pastoral help in ports around Britain. have no access at all. Mobile phones requests from seafarers is for batteries, and make decency required and indecency often don’t work and satellite phones because a battery can mean a lot when impossible. But if not, Colum will be there To experience the reality of the life of a are expensive. you have been without one for several with his hard hat, confronting strangers seafarer, Rose George joined the crew of weeks. “Never underestimate the value of who come to a strange land that they feed, Kendal, a container ship sailing between As a result, seafarers often lose contact the small gesture,” he said. clothe and equip.” Greg Watts

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