We all know that Christmas is a time when we seem to have more stuff in our homes, often more than we need or would like. To help us think about reusing, recycling, and reducing more this Christmas, the Archdiocese of Birmingham Climate action group have shared this interesting take on the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Certainly makes you think!
Have a Happy, Holy and Green Christmas!
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Clare of Assisi, a remarkable woman whose life of radical poverty, deep faith, ad unwavering devotion to Christ continues to inspire Catholics around the world. As a close follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and the founder of the Poor Clares, Saint Clare’s legacy offers profound lessons in humility, simplicity, and spiritual fortitude.
Born in 1194 to a noble family in Assisi, Italy, Clare was deeply moved by the teachings and example of Saint Francis of Assisi. At the age of 18, she renounced her wealth and status to embrace a life of poverty and dedication to God. Clare joined Francis in his mission, and under his guidance, she founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares.
Saint Clare’s commitment to living a life of absolute poverty was revolutionary for her time. She established a community that relied entirely on the providence of God, rejecting any form of material wealth and dedicating themselves to prayer, contemplation, and service.
One of the most famous stories of Saint Clare’s faith involves her defence of Assisi. When the city was threatened by invading soldiers, Clare held up the Blessed Sacrament at the convent walls and prayed for protection. Miraculously, the soldiers retreated, and the city was saved. This event highlights Clare’s deep faith in the power of Christ and the Eucharist. The Order of Poor Clares continues to thrive today, with communities around the world living out Clare’s vision of poverty, prayer, and community life. Their presence is a testament to the enduring power of her legacy and her impact on the Church.
The Feast Day of Saint Clare of Assisi invites us to reflect on the profound impact of her life and the virtues she embodied. Her radical poverty, deep prayer, unwavering faith, and servant leadership offer a compelling model for living a life dedicated to Christ. As we celebrate her feast day, let us ask for Saint Clare’s intercession, that we may grow in our own faith and commitment to God. May her example inspire us to embrace simplicity, deepen our prayer lives, and serve others with love and humility.
Saint Clare of Assisi – Pray for us!
Today, the Catholic Church honours the Feast Day of Saint Lawrence, a deacon and martyr who exemplifies the virtues of charity, faith, and steadfastness in the face of persecution. Saint Lawrence’s life and death offer profound lessons on the true treasures of the Church and the call to serve Christ with unwavering devotion.
Saint lawrence was born in Huesca, Spain, in the early 3rd Century. He served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Sixtus II, responsible for the distribution of alms and care for the poor. Lawrence’s role as a deacon placed him at the heart of the Church’s mission to serve those in need, embodying the call to love and charity. In 258 CE, during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Valerian, Pope Sixtus II and several deacons were martyred. Lawrence, who was responsible for the Church’s material wealth, was ordered by the prefect of Rome to hand over the treasures of the Church. In a courageous act of faith, Lawrence presented the poor, the crippled, and the suffering as the true treasures of the Church. For this act of defiance and his unwavering faith, Lawrence was sentenced to a brutal death by being roasted on a gridiron.
Saint Lawrence’s life and martyrdom offer timeless lessons for Catholics:
Saint Lawrence’s life and martyrdom offer a powerful testament to the values of charity, courage, and faith. As we celebrate his feast day, let us be inspired by his example to view the world through the lens of Christ’s love, recognising the inherent dignity and worth of every person, especially the poor and marginalised. May Saint Lawrence’s witness guide us in our journey of faith, empowering us to serve others with joy and to stand steadfast in our commitment to Christ. As we honour this great saint, let us pray for the grace to live lives marked by charity and courage, embodying the true treasures of the Church in our everyday actions.
Saint Lawrence – Pray for us!
Today the Catholic Church commemorates the Feast Day of Saint James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, Saint James provides a powerful example of zeal, commitment, and witness to the Gospel. His life and martyrdom inspires us to live our faith with courage and dedication.
Saint James, the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of Saint John the Evangelist, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. James, along with Peter and John, formed an inner circle that witnessed significant moments in Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). James’ fiery temperament earned him and his brother John the nickname “Boanerges”, meaning “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). This zeal, while sometimes misdirected, ultimately fueled his passionate witness to the Gospel.
After Jesus’ Ascension, James played a pivotal role in the early Church. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Spain, becoming one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. His relics are believed to be housed in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a major pilgrimage site. James was the first apostle to be martyred, killed by the sword under the orders of King Herod Agrippa I around 44 CE (Acts 12:1-2). His martyrdom exemplifies the ultimate witness to faith – sacrificing his life for the sake of the Gospel.
Saint James’ life offers profound lessons for Catholics today:
One of the most enduring legacies of Saint James is the pilgrimage route known as the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James. This ancient pilgrimage, which culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who seek spiritual renewal and growth. The Camino is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, inviting pilgrims to reflect on their faith, seek God’s guidance, and grow in holiness. Walking the Camino can be a transformative experience, echoing the spiritual journey that each of us is called to undertake.
The Feast Day of Saint James the Apostle invites us to reflect on the qualities that made him a powerful witness to the Gospel – his zeal, close relationship with Christ, and courageous testimony. As we honour his memory, let us seek to embody these qualities in our own lives, striving to live our faith with passion and dedication. Saint James the Apostle, pray for us, that we may follow Christ with the same fervour and commitment that you exemplified. may your witness inspire us to be bold in our faith and unwavering in our love for the Lord.
Today the Catholic Church honours the Feast Day of Saint Christopher, a saint renowned for his legendary faith, courage and service. Known as the patron saint of travellers, Saint Christopher’s story inspires us to carry Christ in our hearts and to assist others on their journey, both physically and spiritually.
Saint Christopher, whose name means “Christ-bearer”, is believed to have lived during the 3rd Century. Although the historical details of his life are sparse, the popular legend of Saint Christopher has been a source of inspiration for centuries. According to tradition, Christopher was a strong and tall man who sought to serve the greatest king he could find. his search eventually led him to serve Jesus Christ.
The most famous story about Saint Christopher recounts how he helped travellers cross a dangerous river. One day, a small child asked Christopher to carry him across. As they crossed the river, the child became incredibly heavy, and Christopher struggled to reach the other side. When they finally arrived, the child revealed Himself as Christ, carrying the weight of the world’s sins. This miraculous encounter transformed Christopher into a faithful Christian, dedicating his life to serving God.
Saint Christopher is widely venerated as the patron saint of travellers. His intercession is often sought for safe journeys and protection from harm. Many people carry Saint Christopher medals or place statues in their cars as a reminder of his protection and a symbol of their faith.
The Feast Day of Saint Christopher invites us to reflect on the ways we can embody the spirit of this beloved saint in our lives. By serving other with humility, bearing Christ in our hearts, and seeking strength through faith, we can follow in the footsteps of Saint Christopher and become true “Christ-bearers” in our world. As we celebrate his feast day, let us ask for Saint Christopher’s intercession, that we may be guided safely on our journeys and that we may help other along their path, leading them closer to Christ.
Saint Christopher – Pray for us!
Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene, a woman whose life exemplifies profound conversion, unwavering faith, and devoted love for Jesus Christ. Through her witness, Saint Mary Magdalene invites us to encounter the transformative power of God’s mercy and to follow Christ with courage and devotion.
Saint Mary Magdalene holds a special place in Christian tradition as a beloved disciple of Jesus Christ. She is often remembered for her pivotal role in the Gospel narratives, where she witnessed Jesus’ ministry, accompanied Him during His Passion, and became the first witness to His Resurrection. According to the Gospels, Mary Magdalene was healed by Jesus from possession by seven demons (Luke 8:2), an experience that marked the beginning of her profound conversion and dedication to following Christ. She is also identified as the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and wiped them with her hair, an act of deep love and repentance (Luke 7:36-50).
Saint Mary Magdalene’s life demonstrates the transformative power of encountering Christ. Her journey from darkness to discipleship exemplifies the mercy and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all who seek Him with sincere hearts. Pope Saint Gregory the Great described her as the “Apostle to the Apostles”, highlighting her unique role as the first witness to the Resurrection and her mission to proclaim the Good News to the apostles.
Throughout history, Saint Mary Magdalene has been revered as a patroness of penitent sinners, contemplatives and women seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ. Many Catholic communities honour her with special devotions, prayers and pilgrimages, particularly at places associated with her life and ministry.
Her feast day invites us to:
Saint Mary Magdalene’s feast day invites us to reflect on her profound journey of faith, conversation, and discipleship. Her life challenges us to embrace God’s mercy, follow Christ with unwavering devotion, and proclaim His Resurrection joyfully to other. May Saint Mary Magdalene intercede for us, that we may be inspired by her example of faith and love for Jesus Christ. Let us strive to emulate her courage, humility and commitment to the Gospel, seeking to encounter Christ anew and to live as His faithful disciples in the world today.
Let us pray a novena for Bishop-Elect Monsignor Timothy Menezes and Bishop-Elect Canon Richard Walker as they prepare for their Episcopal Ordination on 16th July 2024.
This is to be prayed for 9 day.
Sign of the Cross
Loving God, we thank you and praise you for giving the sacrament of Holy Orders to your Church. You have blessed us with many loving bishops to care for your Church throughout the world.
We ask you to pour out your grace on Monsignor Timothy and Canon Richard as they prepare for their Episcopal Ordination.
Give them the Spirit of joy to lift them, the Spirit of hope to inspire them, the Spirit of love to surround them and the Spirit of truth to guide them.
Grant, O Father, that these, your servants, whom you have chosen for the office of Bishop may shepherd your holy flock.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for them.
St Chad, Pray for them.
St John Henry Newman, Pray for them.
Blessed Dominic Barberi, Pray for them.
St Timothy, Pray for them.
St Richard, Pray for them.
All holy men and women saints of God, Pray for them.
Sign of the Cross.
For more information see: https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/News/two-new-auxiliary-bishops-appointed-for-the-archdiocese
On June 29th each year, the Catholic Church commemorates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two pillars of the early Church whose lives and ministries continue to inspire and guide believers worldwide. This day holds profound significance as we honour their courage, faithfulness and unwavering commitment to Christ, which laid the foundation for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church.
Saint Peter and Paul, through distinct in their backgrounds and initial missions, share a common bond in their dedication to Jesus Christ and their pivotal roles in the early Christian community:
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul celebrates the unity amidst diversity within the universal Church. Peter, as the first Pope, and Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, exemplify how diverse backgrounds and missions can converge in service to Christ. Despite their differences, both saints embraced their unique roles in spreading the Gospel and nurturing the early Christian communities. Their unity in faith and mission is a powerful reminder of the Catholic Church’s commitment to universality (catholicity) and unity under the authority of the successor of Saint Peter, the Pope. This unity transcends cultural, ethnic and geographical boundaries, reflecting the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and peoples.
The martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome underscores their unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church. According to tradition, both saints were martyred during the persecution under Emperor Nero: Saint Peter was crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus, while Saint Paul was beheaded as a Roman citizen.
Their martyrdoms symbolise the ultimate sacrifice for their faith and devotion to spreading the Gospel message. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire Christians to live boldly for Christ, even in the face of persecution and adversity.
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul invites us to reflect on the enduring legacy of these apostles and their contributions to the growth and unity of the Church. Their lives inspire us to embrace our own vocations with courage, fidelity and a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel message to the world.
May we, like Saints Peter and Paul, be steadfast in our faith, united in our mission, and unwavering in our love for Christ and His Church. Through their intercession, may we grow in holiness and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and communities.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most profound and deeply cherished celebrations within the Catholic Church. This feat invites the faithful to contemplate the immense love of Christ, symbolised through His Sacred Heart. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, this solemnity encapsulates the core of our faith: God’s infinite, compassionate and unconditional love for humanity.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has its roots in the early Church but gained significant momentum in the mediaeval period, particularly through the mystical experiences of saints like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Gertrude the Great. However, it was in the 17th century that the devotion became more formalised, thanks to the revelations received by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Visitation nun.
Saint Margaret Mary reported visions of Jesus, where He revealed His heart as a symbol of His burning love for mankind. In these apparitions, Christ requested the establishment of a feast dedicated to His Sacred Heart and asked for acts of reparation, especially through the practice of the First Fridays devotion.These revelations were later approved by the Church, leading to the widespread establishment of the feast in 1856 by Pope Pius IX.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not just a symbol but a profound theological reality. it represents the totality of Christ’s love, encompassing His divine and human natures. The heart of Jesus is a testament to His incarnate love, willing to suffer and sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. It is through His heart that we understand the depth of His passion, His compassion, and His ultimate act of salvation on the cross.
In contemplating the Sacred Heart, we are reminded of God’s unwavering commitment to us, despite our failings and sins. This devotion calls us to a personal relationship with Jesus, encouraging us to open our own hearts to His transformative love. It is through His heart that we understand the depth of His passion, His compassion and His ultimate act of salvation on the cross.
In contemplating the Sacred Heart, we are reminded of God’s unwavering commitment to us, despite our failings and sins. This devotion calls us to a personal relationship with Jesus, encouraging us to open our own hearts to His transformative love. it is an invitation to live in a state of grace, love and mercy, reflecting christ’s heart in our interactions with others.
The liturgical celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is marked by special prayers, readings and hymns that highlight the themes of love, mercy and reparation. The Mass readings often include passages that emphasise God’s love and the call to reciprocate that love in our lives. For instance, the Gospel reading for this feast is typically taken from John 19 31-37, where the piercing of Christ’s side is recounted, symbolising the outpouring of His love and mercy.
Personal devotion to the Sacred heart can be expressed through various practices such as the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in homes, recitation of the Litany of the Sacred Heart, and participation in the First Fridays devotion. These acts of piety help cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and foster a sense of continual conversion and renewal.
In our contemporary world, the message of the Sacred Heart is more relevant than ever. Amidst the challenges, uncertainties and divisions we face, the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands as a beacon of hope and love. It calls us to look beyond our personal struggles and extend Christ’s compassion and mercy to those around us.
As we celebrate this solemnity, let us renew our commitment to live out the love of the Sacred Heart in our daily lives. let us strive to be instruments of His peace and channels of His boundless love. In doing so, we not only honour Christ’s heart but also become a living testament to his enduring presence in the world.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of jesus is a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love for us. It beckons us to immerse ourselves in the mystery of Christ’s heart, allowing His love to transform us and the world around us. As we reflect on this sacred feast, may we be inspired to love more deeply, live more faithfully, and draw ever closer to the heart of our Saviour.
In the words of Saint Margaret mary alacoque, “Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return.” Let us answer this call with fervent devotion, embracing the Sacred Heart of Jesus with our whole hearts and lives.
