Father Terry Phipps is an almost impossible act to follow, and it is with a certain amount of trepidation that I write this first letter to you as his successor. Father Terry’s “Farewell” Mass takes place this Tuesday (13th October) at 6pm and I know that everyone will want to come along to express their respect and gratitude to a priest who has served this parish so well and so selflessly for the past eight years. After Mass, there will be a reception in the parish centre. Our affection goes with Father Terry as he begins his new ministry in Hertford and we pray that the next few years will be truly happy ones for him.
It is never easy for a priest to leave a parish he loves, and I know from my own experience of these past few weeks how Father Terry must be feeling, but, as priests we are men under obedience and when the call comes we respond (sometimes at some personal cost) to what we believe to be the will of God expressed through our bishop. Because of this act of faith we are able to say “in Your will is our peace”.
And now it is my turn to follow a long line of dedicated Parish Priests of Spanish Place. Our Saviour defines all Christian ministry in terms of service, and I would want you to know that I am here to serve you as best I can. If there is any way in which I can be of use please do not hesitate to make contact. I look forward to getting to know you over the coming months. Already I have met with such warmth and kindness and I am grateful for that.
Having only just arrived, I am sorry that I have to be away from Thursday until the following Wednesday (21st). Before the current changes were mooted I had agreed to lead a pilgrimage of my former parishioners to Bavaria “In the Steps of Pope Benedict”. We all owe a particular debt of gratitude to Father Nicholas Kavanagh who continues to help ensure that the regular round of Masses is maintained.
These past few weeks have been a time of special grace for Catholics in England and Wales as the relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux have been making their pilgrimage through our country. The climax of the progress comes this week when the Relics come to our Cathedral at Westminster. There are copies of the programme available at the back of the church: if you can, please try to visit the Cathedral (which will be open, day and night, from this Monday afternoon until Thursday). Wherever St Thérèse has travelled (particularly through Ireland) there has been a revival of interest in all forms of vocation and a quickening of Christian life – may the same be true in London this week. Spanish Place has a particular connection with the “Little Flower” through the work of Monsignor Vernon Johnson who is commemorated in the chapel at the back of the church.
October is a time of special devotion to the Rosary, and Mary’s chaplet is being offered throughout this month each weekday evening at the conclusion of the 6pm Mass. Part of the attraction of the rosary as a form of prayer is its flexibility: sometimes, in moments of great stress, it is enough just to hold it in one’s hands; while, at others, the rosary serves to focus our own sorrows and joys as we experience them through the eyes of Jesus and his blessed Mother.
Please pray for me, as I do for you.
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