An inaugural ecumenical service for the third World Day of the Poor was held at the Jesuit Church in London’s Farm Street last Sunday. The service, attended by 80 people, was a response to a request from the creator of the “Homeless Jesus” sculpture that sits in the church, that all cities in the world housing a similar sculpture gather people around it to pray in solidarity with the homeless. Parish Priest Fr Dominic Robinson SJ told The Tablet: “It is hoped this service will be an annual event at Farm Street bringing together homeless agencies, government and churches to pray and raise awareness of the increasing issue of homelessness in London, gathering around Tim Schmalz’s moving sculpture.” Fr Dominic, who is chair of Westminster Justice and Peace, presided at the Mass, and the sermon was given by Revd Richard Carter, Associate Vicar for Mission at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square. Testimonies were given by Merriel Woodward from Caritas Westminster, Yasko Kurahachi of Farm Street SVP and Pauline Mercieca of Farm Street Night Shelter. The annual non-denominational Commemoration Service was held a few days earlier at St Martin-in-the-Fields to remember those who have died on London’s streets or in temporary hostels over the past year. More than 550 people heard the names of 129 people read out. The symbols at the front of the church signified homelessness – a sleeping bag, plastic bags, an old suitcase, newspaper, flimsy tents – and one tent that had belonged to “Sparky”, a homeless man who died in the past year and used to camp in Regents Park. At the centre was a cross, and an icon of the face of Christ, who appeared to be cocooned in a sleeping bag. The service was organised by St Martin-in-the-Fields, Housing Justice, and The Connection at St Martin’s. It was noted that the average life expectancy of a rough sleeper in the UK is 44 for men and 42 for women, 30 years below that of the general population.
The Bishop of Portsmouth, Philip Egan, has issued a pastoral letter and FAQ about the seal of confession, following on from the Independent Inquiry on Child Sexual Abuse’s suggestion that it might be appropriate to break it in cases of abuse. Bishop Egan wrote “in a number of cases, it is a disgrace that leaders in the Church have covered up abuse. However, on the other hand, it is imperative that the holy seal of Confession is not confused with some kind of defence or cover-up of the guilty.” The FAQ states that in a case where a penitent confesses abuse but refuses to disclose it to the appropriate judicial authorities, a confessor might postpone granting absolution.
William Oddie, former editor of the Catholic Herald, has died age 80. A convert to Catholicism and a former Anglican vicar, he was known for his journalism and his writings on GK Chesterton.
The Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, helped to launch an eco-friendly recipe book at a parish in Oxfordshire last week. The Live Simply Book of Recipes and Tips, compiled by parishioners in Oxford and Wheatley, focuses on plant-based recipes and leftovers, and includes dishes from around the world. Bishop Arnold contributed his own recipe for rice and vegetables. The book is available to buy for £5, email livesimplyrecipe@gmail.com
Red Wednesday, a day of protest and action to raise awareness of the plight of persecuted Christiants worldwide, is due to take place on 27 November. The day will be marked with a candlelit procession, led by Rehman Chishti, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, from Parliament Square to Westminster Cathedral. Buildings including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Westminster Cathedral, Lambeth Palace and St George’s Cathedral, Southwark will be lit with red light to mark the day, as will 13 cathedrals across the country.
Father Christopher Jamison has returned to his duties as Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation (EBC) after police found no evidence to support an allegation of historic abuse made against him. In a statement, the EBC said Abbot President Jamison voluntarily stepped aside earlier this year while the allegation was being investigated, and said the police requested no public statement was made at the time. No evidence was found to support the allegation and all restrictions on his ministry were removed.
The Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland has expressed its support for Cavan parish priest Fr Oliver O’Reilly after it emerged that businessman Sean Quinn has complained to the Vatican about a homily the priest gave in September, that warned a Mafia-style group controlled by a wealthy “godfather” was behind the savage attack on businessman Kevin Lunney, a director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, which was formerly owned by Mr Quinn. Mr Quinn said the homily “made clear and false references to me”. “We admire Fr O’Reilly’s courage in speaking the truth in a very difficult situation,” the ACP leadership said.
Pope Francis has appointed Sr Pat Murray IBVM, the Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General, as a consultor to the Pontifical Council for Culture. The 71-year-old Irish nun’s appointment is a five-year term. The Loreto sister said that through the Council, the Church engages with the complexity of the contemporary world in a creative and imaginative way. “Such a dialogue is essential considering the pluriformity of cultures that exist today,” she said.
The Bishop of Ossory in Ireland has announced a reduction in the number of Masses in his diocese as part of pastoral changes to offset the decline in priests and foster greater collaboration among parishes. In his pastoral letter Our Living Church, Bishop Dermot Farrell said simple changes such as allowing more time between Masses and having fewer Masses would encourage improved celebrations and better participation. The changes will be introduced from the First Sunday of Advent. Thirteen pastoral areas have been established under which parishes are being grouped so as to support each other and share resources.
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