A message from Fr John

Good morning - it certainly getting cooler either that or I’m going nesh!  (a prize for anyone who can work out the etymology of nesh)

As you will have heard, Pope Francis recently issued an Encyclical - a follow up to Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si. He sets out his vision for the family of humankind and how the various elements both individual and collective relate to each other. The Bishops of England and Wales have prepared a short summary of the document and I propose to share some of that with you. 

I think he is one of the few voices offering hope to the world during these very troubled times - he is certainly the strongest and clearest voice offering a radical alternative to the various posturings so threatening to those who have seemingly little power to turn back the tide. As well as challenging the powerful he seeks to give you and me the power to make a difference even in what might seem to be just small ways. We must never lose hope - nor gratitude for all that we have.

‘What are the great ideals but also the tangible ways to advance for those who wish to build a more just and fraternal world in their ordinary relationships, in social life, politics and institutions?

This is mainly the question that Fratelli tutti is intended to answer: the Pope describes it as a “Social Encyclical” (6) which borrows the title of the “Admonitions” of Saint Francis of Assisi, who used these words to “address his brothers and sisters and proposed to them a way of life marked by the flavour of the Gospel” (Par 1). The Encyclical aims to promote a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship. In the background of the Encyclical is the Covid-19 pandemic which, Francis reveals, “unexpectedly erupted” as he “was writing this letter”. But the global health emergency has helped demonstrate that “no one can face life in isolation” and that the time has truly come to “dream, then, as a single human family” in which we are “brothers and sisters all” (Par 8).'

You can find the document on-line and the Cathedral Bookshop in Salford will have copies early this week.

In that Spirit of friendship and fraternity please look out for those who might be isolated and lonely, those who might be struggling in any kind of way - We can make a difference. 

And so … We are now re-open for much needed donations to the food bank - you can leave your kind donations in the box near the back door of Christ the King presbytery

And for fairly obvious reasons, let’s pray for the residents and carers in our nursing and care homes; remembering too the retired clergy in Cathedral House.

St Joseph, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John