News briefing Britain and Ireland

A rare illuminated medieval scroll known as an Arma Christi, featuring the prayer poem O Vernicle, has been discovered at York’s Bar Convent. Up until now, just ten copies were known to have survived the Reformation in the 1540s and the outlawing of Catholicism under Elizabeth The Bar Convent Arma Christi is thought to be one of the last examples ever made, dating from around 1475.  The responses, written in red, show it was probably used in communal worship as well as private prayer. Just six inches long when rolled and a couple of inches in diameter, it was discovered by special collections manager Dr Hannah Thomas as she was cataloguing the Bar Convent’s collection. She said: “This is an illuminated script, with hand-drawn figures and beautiful calligraphy – it is a medieval work of art in its own right.  However, where it differs from the other examples that have been discovered is that this is not merely an illustrated poem or prayer created for private contemplation, but featuring response texts suggesting it was used by groups or families as they gathered together for prayers in the home.” It will feature in an exhibition at the Bar Covent Living Heritage Centre due to open on 5 April.   

Following the second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill on 11 February, Bishop Paul McAleenan, lead bishop for migrants and refugees in England and Wales,  said that the Bill seems to favour criminalisation over compassion and protection. He said, “We must resist closing the door of hope on asylum seekers and refugees.” And he urged to government “to reconsider its approach and instead focus on addressing the real drivers of forced migration, ensuring access to safe routes and upholding the fundamental principles of compassion”. February’s monthly prayer vigil for victims of European border crossings was held on Monday at the Home Office in London.

Pax Christi in England, Wales and Scotland have arranged for Pax Christi International’s secretary general, Martha Inés Romero, to speak at meetings in London and Glasgow. On 27 February, the FCJ Spirituality Centre in Euston will host a gathering for members and supporters. Romero will speak on her life in peacemaking, her experience living in Colombia and of the latest developments at Pax Christi International as it celebrates 80 years since its foundation. “Exploring Gospel Nonviolent Solutions to Contemporary Global Issues” is the title of her talk at Glasgow University on 3 March.

The National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales has described Donald Trump’s proposals regarding Gaza as an “obscene plan to create yet another playground for the wealthy”. The proposal, “violates international humanitarian and human rights law and blatantly disregards the basic rights of the Palestinian people”, the network said, calling on political and faith leaders, “to speak out and to actively stand against the proposal from the United States, in solidarity with the people of Palestine”.

Talented young people from around the UK are preparing to showcase their artistic abilities and raise their voices for climate justice. Schools up and down the country have been taking part in the initiative Creative for Climate Justice, calling for a fairer and greener future for all. And next month, students will be displaying their creations and talking to MPs at an event taking place in the Houses of Parliament.

Bishop Paul Mason, lead bishop for Health and Social Care, issued a reflection on the World Day of the Sick saying that we must remember how crucial palliative and hospice care is, particularly in light of recent debates about the end of life. Bishop Paul also said that times of illness and sickness can also lead to “unexpected intimacy with God as we learn to rely fully on Him”.

Christian Climate Action lobbied the General Synod of the Church of England last week to “talk to members about the importance of re-wilding church land” and fossil-free banking. Activists also called on the Labour government to reconsider the development of the Rosebank oil and gas field.

In London, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family is holding an interfaith prayer service on Monday, to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The organisers said: “It is with deep sadness that we will be commemorating this date.” They added: “Three years on, and we continue to be buoyed by the generosity expressed through every spectrum of UK society.” The 11am service will include testimonies from Ukrainian chaplains who provide pastoral care to families who have lost their children due to the war.

A weekend course on learning Latin to sing Marian antiphons is taking place at Boarbank Hall, Cumbria from 21 – 24 March. Alison Samuels, a Latin teacher and her husband, Robert, a lecturer in music at the Open University will provide tuition. Participants may also attend Mass and sing the daily office with the resident Canonesses of St Augustine. Complete beginners welcome. For details, see https://boarbankhall.org.uk/whats-on/ or email Sr Margaret Atkins at margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk 

An MA in Catholic Social Teaching  offered by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, which began in 2017 is doing well in attracting graduates. A new year starts in September. It has been described as “the only one taught face-to-face in the UK and Ireland” and it can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. “Catholic Social Teaching witnesses to what is called the preferential option for the poor,” said St Mary’s. Key principles, history, and contemporary issues to be covered include liberation theology, global development, and ministry to promote human dignity and social justice.

The leader of the Irish Church has prayed that those who venerate the relics of St Oliver Plunkett during this year’s celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the Irish Saint’s birth will gain some of his serenity, courage, wisdom and hope. At the launch of #Oliver400 in St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, Archbishop Eamon Martin said St Oliver Plunkett, who was martyred for his faith at Tyburn on 1st July 1681, was “a devoted and loving shepherd, attentive to the sanctification of his clergy and faithful, and enthusiastic for the education and Christian instruction of young people, especially in Drogheda”.  St Peter’s Church is home to the relic of St Oliver’s head since 1921. Canonised in 1975, he was the first new Irish saint for almost 700 years. In 1997 he was made a patron saint for peace and reconciliation in Ireland. 

The names of 15 Irish Jesuits “credibly accused of child abuse” in the last 70 years have been published by the congregation. The publication follows the naming of Fr Joseph Marmion in 2021 and the naming of Fr Paul Andrews and Fr Dermot Casey in 2024. Speaking about Fr Patrick Kelly, Fr Shane Daly told RTE Radio it was shocking that when Fr Kelly’s abuse was made known to the provincial in 1988 by a US bishop, Kelly was allowed to go to the west coast of America without being questioned.  

A former leader of the Kiltegan Fathers has said it is time for religious congregations to get involved in impact investing in support of the poor and care for the planet. Addressing the “Investing in fulfilment of Laudato Si” conference attended by 15 Irish congregations, Fr Séamus O’Neill outlined how the Kiltegan Fathers had used their financial assets to support projects in Africa. The congregation has also used their investments to transition away from heating oil to biomass on their farm. John Weakliam of Vita outlined how pooling assets with other congregations can deliver the scale required to counteract global warning and poverty.

The Mary Ward Loreto UK Foundation has raised over £100,000 for work on trafficking in Albania in 2024. According to Sr Imelda Poole IBVM a further £130,000 is pledged in 2025 to fund Mary Ward Loreto Albania’s mission work. On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Prayer Against Human Trafficking, United Response in Albania against Human Trafficking, founded 14 years ago by three Sisters from different Congregations in Albania, brought together communities, clergy and youth to honour St Josephine Bakhita at the Albanian Church of the Martyrs and Jubilee.

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kevin Doran as bishop of the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin. Since 10 April 2024, Bishop Doran has been Apostolic Administrator of Achonry while he has been Bishop of Elphin for over ten years. Responding to the news, he said he was conscious of “an understandable disappointment” among the faithful that there was no longer a Bishop of Achonry”. 

An implementation group has been set up to identify how to bring the two dioceses together in a way that respects the unique culture of each but also sows the seeds of renewal.

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