A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - grey and overcast for a change

Such sad news from Lebanon, a country which has seen more than its fair share of sadness for too long. For many years it had been a model of co-existence - Christians and moslems had somehow managed to share power, and the country had been reasonably prosperous. Alas it got sucked into the various power struggles that have beset the Middle East for decades. Let us keep them in our prayer.

On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the bishops conferences of England, Wales and Scotland today issued the following joint statement:
During his historic visit to Japan last year, Pope Francis declared that "the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possession of atomic weapons is immoral". Seventy-five years on from the unprecedented and horrific destruction of life at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we are called to reflect prayerfully upon the UK's own possession of nuclear weapons.

Pope Francis reiterated that the threat of mutual destruction, the massive loss of innocent lives and the annihilation of any future for our common home, is completely incompatible with our efforts to build peace. "If we really want to build a more just and secure society, we must let the weapons fall from our hands", said the Pope.

He also reminded us that it is unjust to continue squandering precious resources on manufacturing, maintaining and upgrading ever more destructive technology. The cost of nuclear weapons should be measured not only in the lives destroyed through their use, but also the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable people, who could have benefited were such vast sums of public money invested in the Common Good of society instead. The Scottish and English and Welsh bishops' conferences have in the past called on the UK government to forsake its own nuclear weapons.

We therefore recommit ourselves to the abolition of these weapons and to the Holy Father's call to pray each day "for the conversion of hearts and for the triumph of a culture of life, reconciliation and fraternity. A fraternity that can recognize and respect diversity in the quest for a common destiny."

+William Nolan,
Bishop of Galloway and on behalf of the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland.

+Declan Lang,
Bishop of Clifton and Chairman of the international Affairs Department of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales

+William Kenney, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham

And as we read that important document, let us also remember John Hume who worked tirelessly to build peace in Northern Ireland. He was truly a great man, a reminder for us that every small step is still progress; he is deserving of his place in heaven.

I don’t think we’ll be able to have Exposition again this evening but Christ the King church will be open from 6 - 7.00pm for private prayer in front of the tabernacle and the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

St Joseph, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John