Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday
The Holy Gospel that the Liturgy presents to us on this second Sunday of Easter, is one of the most well-known, discussed, and appreciated: the meeting of the Risen Lord with St Thomas. The Fathers of the Church have given us numerous insights into this Gospel text. Likewise, it is has proven the inspiration to the numerous artists who have physically represented the events of this Gospel in order to give us a clear idea of what happened, ‘eight days after’ the first apparition of the Risen One, to the disciples congregated in the upper room.
Jesus’ response to Thomas, after he recognized him as ‘My Lord and my God’, has a mysterious fascination that must relate not so much to the disciples - those who ‘have seen’- but rather to those, like us, who were added to their number afterwards. ‘You have come to believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ (Jn 20:29)
The timely recollection of the ‘eight days after,’ which is the Sunday after the Resurrection, permits us to tie our reflection to one of the most significant Eucharistic hymns composed by another Thomas, St Thomas Aquinas. In the Adore Te Devote, which refers to the Eucharist, we read: ‘Sight, touch, taste are all deceived in their judgement of you. But hearing suffices firmly to believe’. Combining these words with today’s Gospel we can justly affirm that the experience ‘to see’ was not denied to us, but it is different from the Apostle Thomas’ physical experience, who was able to put his own finger into the holes in Christ’s hands and side, whilst we can only comprehend it in the faith which is guarded and transmitted by the Church, our Mother and Teacher.
That which we ‘have not seen’ is therefore the glorious Body of the Risen One. However, today we have the ability to ‘listen’ to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church (the official and authoritative teaching of the Church) and so we can ‘see’ the real Body of Christ which is the Eucharist. We can ‘see’ his Mystical Body which is the Church. We can ‘see’ him in our lives and in the lives of our many brothers who, after meeting the Lord in a real but mysterious way, are united to him in His Spirit!
Like Thomas, Christ calls us to fill the holes left by the instruments of the passion in his Body with our own hands so that our lives and the verbal witness that we give proclaim his Resurrection. Our senses could betray us, but we know that we have met the Risen One and we have recognized him!
Divine Mercy Sunday: This Sunday is popularly known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. She was canonized on April 30, 2000, the Sunday after Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o'clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy). (https://www.thedivinemercy.org)
An explanation of the image of the Divine Mercy of Christ that was given to St. Faustina: This is the image which stands in front of the altar in our church.
Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina with rays of red and pale light streaming from the area around his heart. His right hand was raised in blessing, recalling the scene of Easter Sunday night (see Jn 20: 19-23).
He asked Saint Faustina to have this vision painted signed with the words, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: "Jesus, I trust in You. (Diary, 327).
Jesus explained that the rays represented the blood and water which flowed from his pierced side, and he taught Saint Faustina the prayer:
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. (Diary, 84). Jesus told Saint Faustina that this image was to be venerated first in the Sisters' chapel, and then throughout the world (Diary, 47).
The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy: Our Lord taught Blessed Faustina a prayer for mercy that she was to pray unceasingly: The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy. He told her that, if she prayed in this way, her prayers would have great power for the conversion of sinners, for peace for the dying, and even for controlling nature (Diary, 687, 811, 1731, 1791).
We, too, can pray this chaplet, using ordinary rosary beads of five decades. We begin with the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed.
Prayer:
Then on the large beads we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On the small beads we pray:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
And at the end, we pray three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
The Divine Mercy Novena:
Ideally, this Novena should start on Good Friday, but it can usefully be carried out at any time of the year.
Unlike other novenas, where people ask for something from God through the intercession of his holy Saints, the Divine Mercy Novena is intended to be prayed for graces and/or salvation to be given to other people. Jesus asked that this novena be prayed prior to the Feast of Divine Mercy (the Sunday after Easter), beginning on Good Friday. He gave Sr. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom he said: "These souls cause me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that my soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to my Mercy." In her diary, Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to my heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of my mercy ... On each day you will beg my Father, on the strength of my passion, for the graces for these souls."
Prayer:
The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:
All mankind, especially sinners; The souls of priests and religious; All devout and faithful souls; Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know him; The souls of separated brethren; The meek and humble souls and the souls of children; The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy; The souls who are detained in purgatory; and The souls who have become lukewarm.
This is prayed along with the Divine Mercy Chaplet (see above).
First Day - Today bring me all mankind, especially all sinners.
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of you by your love which unites you to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of his Sorrowful Passion show us your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Second Day - Today Bring Me the Souls of Priests and Religious.
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the company [of chosen souls] in your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Third Day - Today Bring Me All Devout and Faithful Souls.
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of your mercy, you impart your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of you by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of your Son. For the sake of his Sorrowful Passion, grant them your blessing and surround them with your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather , with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fourth Day - Today Bring Me The Pagans and Those Who Do Not Know Me.
Most Compassionate Jesus, you are the light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know you. Let the rays of your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know you, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love you. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fifth Day - Today Bring to Me the Souls of Heretics and Schismatics.
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, you do not refuse light to those who seek it of you. Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics, and schismatics, who have squandered your blessings and misused your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of your Own Son and upon his bitter Passion, which he underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Sixth Day - Today Bring Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children.
Most Merciful Jesus, you yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg you by the love you bear these souls and by the delight your take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Seventh Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy.
Most Merciful Jesus, whose heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate your greatest attribute, that of your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to you, O Most High! I beg you O God: Show them your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in you. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, "I myself will defend as my own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate my fathomless mercy."
Eighth Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Are In the Prison Of Purgatory.
Most Merciful Jesus, you yourself have said that you desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to you, and yet who must make retribution to your justice. May the streams of blood and water which gushed forth from your heart put out the flames of purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of your mercy may be praised. Eternal Father, turn your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg you, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus your Son, and by all the bitterness with which his most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest your mercy to the souls who are under your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Ninth Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm.
Most Compassionate Jesus, you are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled you with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of your mercy and draw them into the very ardour of your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond your power. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg you by the bitter Passion of your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of your mercy. Amen
Jesus, I trust in Your.
St. Anselm: was born in Aosta, Italy,in 1033 and died in Canterbuy, England in 1109. St. Anselm's services to the Church are principally the following: First, as Archbishop of Canterbury he defended the rights and liberties of the Church against the encroachments of the English kings, who plundered the Church's lands, impeded the Archbishop's communications with the Holy See, and claimed the right to invest prelates with ring and crosier, symbols of the Church's spiritual jurisdiction. Second, as a philosopher and theologian he developed a method of reasoning which prepared the way for the great thinkers of the Middle Ages. Third, he had a great devotion to Our Lady and was the first to establish the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the West. As prior and abbot, Anselm made the Benedictine monastery of Bec the centre of a true reformation in Normandy and England. From this monastery he exercised a restraining influence on popes, kings, the worldly great, and entire religious orders. Raised to the dignity of Archbishop of Canterbury and primate of England, he waged a heroic campaign in defence of the rights and liberties of the Church. As a result he was deprived of goods and position and finally banned from the country. He journeyed to Rome, and at the Council of Bari supported Pope Urban II against the errors of the Greeks. His writings bear eloquent testimony to his moral stature and learning, and have earned for him the title of "Father of Scholasticism."
St. Anselm exhibited remarkable versatility in his life; a combination of contemplation, prayer, study, writing, and external activity. This was partly the result of the extraordinary talent that God gave him, but it was likewise the fruit of Anselm's faithful exercise of his talent in the study of natural and supernatural truths. But his chief merit lay in his earnest, conscious effort to live in accordance with what he had learned from the study of divine truths. By this means he was able to ascend to the heights of a life of faith and union with God. There is very much that we can learn from this great teacher. "Lord, I do not presume to fathom the depths of your truths, for my understanding is not equal to the task. Nevertheless, I desire to learn your truths in some measure—those truths that I believe and love. I do not seek to gain knowledge so that I can believe; rather, I believe so that I may gain knowledge. No matter how persistently my soul gazes, it still beholds nothing of your beauty; my soul listens intently, and yet it hears nothing of the learning of your Being; my soul wants to breathe in your fragrance, and yet perceives none of it. What are you, Lord? Under what image can my heart recognize you? Truly, you are life; you are truth; you are Goodness; you are Holiness; you are eternity; you are everything good! O man, why do you roam about so far in search of good things for soul and body? Love the one Good, in whom all goods are contained, and that will satisfy you!" (St. Anselm).
St. George: is venerated by the Eastern Church among her "great martyrs" and "standard-bearers." He belonged to the Roman army, was arrested and, probably, beheaded under Diocletian, c. 304. He is the patron of England, since 800. St. George is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers."
Many legendsare attached to Saint George, the most famous is in The Golden Legend with the dragon. There was a dragon that lived in a lake near Silena, Libya. Not even armies could defeat this creature, and he terrorized flocks and the people. St. George was passing through and upon hearing about a princess who was about to be eaten, he went to battle against the serpent, and killed it with one blow with his lance. Then with his great preaching, George converted the people. He distributed his reward to the poor, then left the area.
Saint Adalbert: was ordained the Bishop of Prague in 983. During his episcopate he encouraged the evangelization of the Magyars. Having founded the monastery of Brevnov, he was forced into exile by the nobility of Prague. He tirelessly preached the Gospel in Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Prussia, where he was martyred at the age of 41. St. Adalbert while still under thirty became bishop of Prague, but the pastoral and political difficulties were such that in 990 he withdrew in desperation to Rome. Pope John XV sent him back to his diocese, where he founded the great abbey of Brevnov; but again he met with opposition to his ministry from the nobility, and again he retired to Rome. At length it became apparent that there was no hope of his working unmolested in Prague, and he was allowed to turn his attention to the heathen Prussians of Pomerania. But here he had no more success. He and his fellow missionaries nevertheless persevered in their mission, and were eventually murdered, perhaps near Konigsberg. Despite the disappointments of his career, St Adalbert of Prague seems to have had considerable influence. He was a friend of the Emperor Otto III, encouraged the evangelization of the Magyars, and inspired St Boniface of Querfurt.
St. Mark: the author of the second Gospel, was the son of Mary whose house at Jerusalem was the meeting place of Christians. He was baptized and instructed by St. Peter. In about the year 42 A.D. he came to Rome with the Prince of the Apostles. There at the request of the faithful he wrote his Gospel about the year 50 A.D. His Gospel is a record of St. Peter's preaching about Our Lord and pays special attention to the head of the Apostles. The Gospel was written for Roman Gentile converts. It rarely quotes the Old Testament, and is careful to explain Jewish customs, rites and words. It excels in portraying the emotions and affections of both Christ and his hearers. St. Mark preached in Egypt, especially in Alexandria and was martyred there by the heathen. Mark, was a Jew by birth. He was the son of that Mary who was proprietress of the Cenacle or "upper room" which served as the meeting place for the first Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). He was still a youth at the time of the Saviour's death. In his description of the young man who was present when Jesus was seized and who fled from the rabble leaving behind his "linen cloth," the second Evangelist might possibly have stamped the mark of his own identity.
During the years that followed, the rapidly maturing youth witnessed the growth of the infant Church in his mother's Upper Room and became acquainted with its traditions. This knowledge he put to excellent use when compiling his Gospel. Later, we find Mark acting as a companion to his cousin Barnabas and Saul on their return journey to Antioch and on their first missionary journey. But Mark was too immature for the hardships of this type of work and therefore left them at Perge in Pamphylia to return home. As the two apostles were preparing for their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take his cousin with him. Paul, however, objected. Thereupon the two cousins undertook a missionary journey to Cyprus. Time healed the strained relations between Paul and Mark, and during the former's first Roman captivity (61-63), Mark rendered Paul valuable service (Col. 4:10; Philem. 24), and the Apostle learned to appreciate him. When in chains the second time Paul requested Mark's presence (2 Tim. 4:11).
An intimate friendship existed between Mark and Peter; he played the role of Peter's companion, disciple, and interpreter. According to common early Christian opinion, Mark was present at Peter's preaching in Rome and wrote his Gospel under the influence of the prince of the apostles. This explains why incidents which involve Peter are described with telling detail (e.g., the great day at Capharnaum, 1:14f)). Little is known of Mark's later life. It is certain that he died a martyr's death as bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. His relics were transferred from Alexandria to Venice, where a worthy tomb was erected in St. Mark's Cathedral.
The Gospel of St. Mark, the shortest of the four, is, above all, a Roman Gospel. It originated in Rome and is addressed to Roman, or shall we say, to Western Christianity. Another high merit is its chronological presentation of the life of Christ. For we should be deeply interested in the historical sequence of the events in our blessed Saviour's life. Furthermore, Mark was a skilled painter of word pictures. With one stroke he frequently enhances a familiar scene, shedding upon it new light. His Gospel is the "Gospel of Peter," for he wrote it under the direction and with the aid of the prince of the apostles.
Cardinal Nichols on ‘Easter Duties’ and the forgiveness of sins.
(This was written before Holy Week).
At this time, we are coming nearer to Holy Week - to that most important week in our year. The week in which we celebrate with real solemnity, the final events of Our Lord's life. His entry into Jerusalem, his last supper with his apostles, his death on the Cross on Calvary, his entombment; and, of course, the glorious Resurrection of our Saviour from the dead.
Now, this year, with great distress and sadness, we know we will not be able to come together to celebrate these great days and we will have to do the best we can by the means that are at our disposal.
Now, I want to talk about a very important aspect of this.
You will know that it is an obligation on all Catholics to fulfil what is known as their 'Easter duties'. This is to receive Holy Communion at Easter time, or thereabouts, and it's often coupled, with the desire or the need to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I want to say with all clarity that this obligation is removed from us this year - in the same way as it is not an obligation on us to attend Mass on Sunday, because these circumstances make it impossible. So, too, the obligation to our Easter duties is removed. I would not want anyone to be burdened by the thought they are failing to fulfil their Easter duties. You are not. Now, also at this moment, we can recover another part of our Catholic tradition, a bit like the act of spiritual communion, which comes to our aid in times of great distress and difficulty.
It is the teaching of the Church that the Lord, in His mercy, will forgive our sins, even our grievous sins if we cannot go to Confession - go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation - as long as we make what is termed a perfect Act of Contrition, and resolve to confess our serious sins when we next have the opportunity to do so. As I say, this is part of a deep Catholic tradition. It's not something new thought up for these very difficult circumstances.
So let me explain a little more.
What the Church teaches us, is that God in his mercy, forgives our sins when we are truly sorry for them. And when we turn to him and express our sorrow in an Act of Contrition, it's called an Act of Perfect Contrition when its focus is on the mercy and the love of God rather than on the burden of our guilt.
So to make an act of Perfect Contrition, we simply need to turn to God and be, as it were, overwhelmed by God's mercy, and then express in our own words or in the words of the traditional Act of Contrition, the sorrow we feel for our offences against the goodness of God.
When we do that in all sincerity of heart, we may rest assured that God forgives our sins and that we come away from that Act of Perfect Contrition freed from those sins.
And, as I say, the only thing we have to remember is, when it is possible to make a Confession again, that we mention the grievous sins which were forgiven by this Perfect Act of Contrition.
Your might say, well, why do we have to go to Confession and name our sins?
Part of the reason is often we don't really own them until we name them. And in the act of naming our serious sin, then we take hold of them and hand them over to Jesus on the Cross, because he takes on the burden of our sin.
And we, for our part, when we have that opportunity, name it to the priest who is there representing the person of Jesus and his mercy. So we can approach Easter with a clear conscience. And we can make use, under these extreme circumstances, of this great tradition of the Church. Through it, the Lord forgives our sins that we may enter fully into the joy of the Resurrection.
Let us just pray for a moment.
Lord, I am sorry for the times I have sinned against you.
I am sorry because I've offended your infinite goodness because I've turned my back on you. I ask your forgiveness now. Embrace me in your mercy. Out of your love that I may pick up again in full joy, the call of discipleship to follow your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Mass online: Several parishioners have used the link on the Home Page of the parish website which allows them to view Mass being celebrated at the Cathedralin Nottingham on each day of the week. The schedule is as follows:
On Saturdays and Sundays: Mass at 10.00am
From Monday to Friday: Mass at 1.00pm
Also on the parish website, an additional link has been added to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsinghamwhose new website provides live streaming 24/7 of Masses, Prayers (Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet), Exposition, Spiritual Readings and Talks. This is a rich source of material in these extraordinary times.
Mass celebrated by Pope Francis from the Vaticanis also available: http://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html
Let us pray a hymn together:
If we all were to read (or sing) the parish “favourite of the week” what a great way it would be of reminding us of the community to which we belong. Some parishioners will remember the Rosary Crusade of Fr Patrick Peyton in the 1950s. He popularised the saying: “A family that prays together stays together”. We could easily adapt this to read: “A parish that prays together stays together”. Let’s give it a try.
(This week’s hymn has been chosen by Rosemary McKee)
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord.
And where there's doubt, true faith in your.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light.
And where there's sadness ever joy.
Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving to all men let we receive,
And in dying that we're born to eternal life.
This anonymous text is usually called the Prayer of Saint Francis (or Peace Prayer, or Simple Prayer for Peace, or Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace) is a widely known Christian prayer for peace. Often associated with the Italian Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1182 – 1226), but entirely absent from his writings, the prayer in its present form has not been traced back further than 1912. Its first known occurrence was in French, in a small spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell), published by a Catholic Church organisation in Paris named La Ligue de la Sainte-Messe (The League of the Holy Mass). The author's name was not given, although it may have been the founder of La Ligue, Father Esther Bouquerel.
Sick List: Please continue to pray for the following members of our parish: Bernard Moyers, Patrick Hodgson, Tod Smith, Angela Doyle, Ida De Melo, Maurice Nixon, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Irene Pallot. Also Gloria and Kay, two residents of Dudley Court, who died on Tuesday.
A DAILY PRAYER
Please say this prayer every day, together with the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary and the Glory be. It is adapted from a prayer written by the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, archbishop of Brisbane.
Almighty and all-merciful God, lover of the human race, healer of all our wounds in whom there is no shadow of death, save us in this time of crisis, comfort the sick and the dying, the isolated and the afraid; be with us in our need. Grant wisdom and courage to our leaders and all who are responsible for the common good. Watch over everyone who is working in our National Health Service as they tend the sick, all who are supporting the vulnerable, and those who are working for a cure. Stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation; if our doors are closed, let our hearts be open. By the power of your love, destroy the virus of fear, that hope may never die, and grant that the light of Easter, the triumph of life, may shine upon us and the whole world; may we, like the Paschal Candle, marked with the sign of the Cross, give of ourselves and burn yet more brightly, for love conquers everything, light transforms darkness. By welcoming Christ into our hearts each and every day, may we always spread your love far and wide by valuing in all in the name of Jesus the Christ and being the people you have made us to be. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Lady Immaculate, Our Lady of Walsingham, Our Lady Health of the Sick, pray for us.
St Joseph, guardian of Jesus, guardian of us all, pray for us.
St Hugh of Lincoln, Patron of the Diocese of Nottingham, pray for us.
The Holy Gospel that the Liturgy presents to us on this second Sunday of Easter, is one of the most well-known, discussed, and appreciated: the meeting of the Risen Lord with St Thomas. The Fathers of the Church have given us numerous insights into this Gospel text. Likewise, it is has proven the inspiration to the numerous artists who have physically represented the events of this Gospel in order to give us a clear idea of what happened, ‘eight days after’ the first apparition of the Risen One, to the disciples congregated in the upper room.
Jesus’ response to Thomas, after he recognized him as ‘My Lord and my God’, has a mysterious fascination that must relate not so much to the disciples - those who ‘have seen’- but rather to those, like us, who were added to their number afterwards. ‘You have come to believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’ (Jn 20:29)
The timely recollection of the ‘eight days after,’ which is the Sunday after the Resurrection, permits us to tie our reflection to one of the most significant Eucharistic hymns composed by another Thomas, St Thomas Aquinas. In the Adore Te Devote, which refers to the Eucharist, we read: ‘Sight, touch, taste are all deceived in their judgement of you. But hearing suffices firmly to believe’. Combining these words with today’s Gospel we can justly affirm that the experience ‘to see’ was not denied to us, but it is different from the Apostle Thomas’ physical experience, who was able to put his own finger into the holes in Christ’s hands and side, whilst we can only comprehend it in the faith which is guarded and transmitted by the Church, our Mother and Teacher.
That which we ‘have not seen’ is therefore the glorious Body of the Risen One. However, today we have the ability to ‘listen’ to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church (the official and authoritative teaching of the Church) and so we can ‘see’ the real Body of Christ which is the Eucharist. We can ‘see’ his Mystical Body which is the Church. We can ‘see’ him in our lives and in the lives of our many brothers who, after meeting the Lord in a real but mysterious way, are united to him in His Spirit!
Like Thomas, Christ calls us to fill the holes left by the instruments of the passion in his Body with our own hands so that our lives and the verbal witness that we give proclaim his Resurrection. Our senses could betray us, but we know that we have met the Risen One and we have recognized him!
Divine Mercy Sunday: This Sunday is popularly known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland who initiated the Divine Mercy devotion. She was canonized on April 30, 2000, the Sunday after Easter, the Feast of Divine Mercy. On Good Friday, 1937, Jesus requested that Blessed Faustina make a special novena before the Feast of Mercy, from Good Friday through the following Saturday. Jesus also asked that a picture be painted according to the vision of himself as the fountain of mercy. He gave her a chaplet to be recited and said that it was appropriate to pray the chaplet at three o'clock each afternoon (the Hour of Great Mercy). (https://www.thedivinemercy.org)
An explanation of the image of the Divine Mercy of Christ that was given to St. Faustina: This is the image which stands in front of the altar in our church.
Jesus appeared to Saint Faustina with rays of red and pale light streaming from the area around his heart. His right hand was raised in blessing, recalling the scene of Easter Sunday night (see Jn 20: 19-23).
He asked Saint Faustina to have this vision painted signed with the words, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: "Jesus, I trust in You. (Diary, 327).
Jesus explained that the rays represented the blood and water which flowed from his pierced side, and he taught Saint Faustina the prayer:
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. (Diary, 84). Jesus told Saint Faustina that this image was to be venerated first in the Sisters' chapel, and then throughout the world (Diary, 47).
The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy: Our Lord taught Blessed Faustina a prayer for mercy that she was to pray unceasingly: The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy. He told her that, if she prayed in this way, her prayers would have great power for the conversion of sinners, for peace for the dying, and even for controlling nature (Diary, 687, 811, 1731, 1791).
We, too, can pray this chaplet, using ordinary rosary beads of five decades. We begin with the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed.
Prayer:
Then on the large beads we pray:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On the small beads we pray:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
And at the end, we pray three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
The Divine Mercy Novena:
Ideally, this Novena should start on Good Friday, but it can usefully be carried out at any time of the year.
Unlike other novenas, where people ask for something from God through the intercession of his holy Saints, the Divine Mercy Novena is intended to be prayed for graces and/or salvation to be given to other people. Jesus asked that this novena be prayed prior to the Feast of Divine Mercy (the Sunday after Easter), beginning on Good Friday. He gave Sr. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom he said: "These souls cause me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that my soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to my Mercy." In her diary, Faustina wrote that Jesus told her: "On each day of the novena you will bring to my heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of my mercy ... On each day you will beg my Father, on the strength of my passion, for the graces for these souls."
Prayer:
The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:
All mankind, especially sinners; The souls of priests and religious; All devout and faithful souls; Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know him; The souls of separated brethren; The meek and humble souls and the souls of children; The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy; The souls who are detained in purgatory; and The souls who have become lukewarm.
This is prayed along with the Divine Mercy Chaplet (see above).
First Day - Today bring me all mankind, especially all sinners.
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of you by your love which unites you to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of his Sorrowful Passion show us your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
Second Day - Today Bring Me the Souls of Priests and Religious.
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the company [of chosen souls] in your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
Third Day - Today Bring Me All Devout and Faithful Souls.
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of your mercy, you impart your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of you by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which your Heart burns so fiercely. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of your Son. For the sake of his Sorrowful Passion, grant them your blessing and surround them with your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather , with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fourth Day - Today Bring Me The Pagans and Those Who Do Not Know Me.
Most Compassionate Jesus, you are the light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know you. Let the rays of your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know you, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love you. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Fifth Day - Today Bring to Me the Souls of Heretics and Schismatics.
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, you do not refuse light to those who seek it of you. Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics, and schismatics, who have squandered your blessings and misused your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of your Own Son and upon his bitter Passion, which he underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Sixth Day - Today Bring Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children.
Most Merciful Jesus, you yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg you by the love you bear these souls and by the delight your take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
Seventh Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy.
Most Merciful Jesus, whose heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in your Mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate your greatest attribute, that of your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to you, O Most High! I beg you O God: Show them your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in you. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, "I myself will defend as my own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate my fathomless mercy."
Eighth Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Are In the Prison Of Purgatory.
Most Merciful Jesus, you yourself have said that you desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to you, and yet who must make retribution to your justice. May the streams of blood and water which gushed forth from your heart put out the flames of purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of your mercy may be praised. Eternal Father, turn your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg you, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus your Son, and by all the bitterness with which his most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest your mercy to the souls who are under your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to your goodness and compassion. Amen.
Ninth Day - Today Bring Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm.
Most Compassionate Jesus, you are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled you with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of your mercy and draw them into the very ardour of your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond your power. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg you by the bitter Passion of your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of your mercy. Amen
Jesus, I trust in Your.
St. Anselm: was born in Aosta, Italy,in 1033 and died in Canterbuy, England in 1109. St. Anselm's services to the Church are principally the following: First, as Archbishop of Canterbury he defended the rights and liberties of the Church against the encroachments of the English kings, who plundered the Church's lands, impeded the Archbishop's communications with the Holy See, and claimed the right to invest prelates with ring and crosier, symbols of the Church's spiritual jurisdiction. Second, as a philosopher and theologian he developed a method of reasoning which prepared the way for the great thinkers of the Middle Ages. Third, he had a great devotion to Our Lady and was the first to establish the feast of the Immaculate Conception in the West. As prior and abbot, Anselm made the Benedictine monastery of Bec the centre of a true reformation in Normandy and England. From this monastery he exercised a restraining influence on popes, kings, the worldly great, and entire religious orders. Raised to the dignity of Archbishop of Canterbury and primate of England, he waged a heroic campaign in defence of the rights and liberties of the Church. As a result he was deprived of goods and position and finally banned from the country. He journeyed to Rome, and at the Council of Bari supported Pope Urban II against the errors of the Greeks. His writings bear eloquent testimony to his moral stature and learning, and have earned for him the title of "Father of Scholasticism."
St. Anselm exhibited remarkable versatility in his life; a combination of contemplation, prayer, study, writing, and external activity. This was partly the result of the extraordinary talent that God gave him, but it was likewise the fruit of Anselm's faithful exercise of his talent in the study of natural and supernatural truths. But his chief merit lay in his earnest, conscious effort to live in accordance with what he had learned from the study of divine truths. By this means he was able to ascend to the heights of a life of faith and union with God. There is very much that we can learn from this great teacher. "Lord, I do not presume to fathom the depths of your truths, for my understanding is not equal to the task. Nevertheless, I desire to learn your truths in some measure—those truths that I believe and love. I do not seek to gain knowledge so that I can believe; rather, I believe so that I may gain knowledge. No matter how persistently my soul gazes, it still beholds nothing of your beauty; my soul listens intently, and yet it hears nothing of the learning of your Being; my soul wants to breathe in your fragrance, and yet perceives none of it. What are you, Lord? Under what image can my heart recognize you? Truly, you are life; you are truth; you are Goodness; you are Holiness; you are eternity; you are everything good! O man, why do you roam about so far in search of good things for soul and body? Love the one Good, in whom all goods are contained, and that will satisfy you!" (St. Anselm).
St. George: is venerated by the Eastern Church among her "great martyrs" and "standard-bearers." He belonged to the Roman army, was arrested and, probably, beheaded under Diocletian, c. 304. He is the patron of England, since 800. St. George is one of the "Fourteen Holy Helpers."
Many legendsare attached to Saint George, the most famous is in The Golden Legend with the dragon. There was a dragon that lived in a lake near Silena, Libya. Not even armies could defeat this creature, and he terrorized flocks and the people. St. George was passing through and upon hearing about a princess who was about to be eaten, he went to battle against the serpent, and killed it with one blow with his lance. Then with his great preaching, George converted the people. He distributed his reward to the poor, then left the area.
Saint Adalbert: was ordained the Bishop of Prague in 983. During his episcopate he encouraged the evangelization of the Magyars. Having founded the monastery of Brevnov, he was forced into exile by the nobility of Prague. He tirelessly preached the Gospel in Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Prussia, where he was martyred at the age of 41. St. Adalbert while still under thirty became bishop of Prague, but the pastoral and political difficulties were such that in 990 he withdrew in desperation to Rome. Pope John XV sent him back to his diocese, where he founded the great abbey of Brevnov; but again he met with opposition to his ministry from the nobility, and again he retired to Rome. At length it became apparent that there was no hope of his working unmolested in Prague, and he was allowed to turn his attention to the heathen Prussians of Pomerania. But here he had no more success. He and his fellow missionaries nevertheless persevered in their mission, and were eventually murdered, perhaps near Konigsberg. Despite the disappointments of his career, St Adalbert of Prague seems to have had considerable influence. He was a friend of the Emperor Otto III, encouraged the evangelization of the Magyars, and inspired St Boniface of Querfurt.
St. Mark: the author of the second Gospel, was the son of Mary whose house at Jerusalem was the meeting place of Christians. He was baptized and instructed by St. Peter. In about the year 42 A.D. he came to Rome with the Prince of the Apostles. There at the request of the faithful he wrote his Gospel about the year 50 A.D. His Gospel is a record of St. Peter's preaching about Our Lord and pays special attention to the head of the Apostles. The Gospel was written for Roman Gentile converts. It rarely quotes the Old Testament, and is careful to explain Jewish customs, rites and words. It excels in portraying the emotions and affections of both Christ and his hearers. St. Mark preached in Egypt, especially in Alexandria and was martyred there by the heathen. Mark, was a Jew by birth. He was the son of that Mary who was proprietress of the Cenacle or "upper room" which served as the meeting place for the first Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). He was still a youth at the time of the Saviour's death. In his description of the young man who was present when Jesus was seized and who fled from the rabble leaving behind his "linen cloth," the second Evangelist might possibly have stamped the mark of his own identity.
During the years that followed, the rapidly maturing youth witnessed the growth of the infant Church in his mother's Upper Room and became acquainted with its traditions. This knowledge he put to excellent use when compiling his Gospel. Later, we find Mark acting as a companion to his cousin Barnabas and Saul on their return journey to Antioch and on their first missionary journey. But Mark was too immature for the hardships of this type of work and therefore left them at Perge in Pamphylia to return home. As the two apostles were preparing for their second missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take his cousin with him. Paul, however, objected. Thereupon the two cousins undertook a missionary journey to Cyprus. Time healed the strained relations between Paul and Mark, and during the former's first Roman captivity (61-63), Mark rendered Paul valuable service (Col. 4:10; Philem. 24), and the Apostle learned to appreciate him. When in chains the second time Paul requested Mark's presence (2 Tim. 4:11).
An intimate friendship existed between Mark and Peter; he played the role of Peter's companion, disciple, and interpreter. According to common early Christian opinion, Mark was present at Peter's preaching in Rome and wrote his Gospel under the influence of the prince of the apostles. This explains why incidents which involve Peter are described with telling detail (e.g., the great day at Capharnaum, 1:14f)). Little is known of Mark's later life. It is certain that he died a martyr's death as bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. His relics were transferred from Alexandria to Venice, where a worthy tomb was erected in St. Mark's Cathedral.
The Gospel of St. Mark, the shortest of the four, is, above all, a Roman Gospel. It originated in Rome and is addressed to Roman, or shall we say, to Western Christianity. Another high merit is its chronological presentation of the life of Christ. For we should be deeply interested in the historical sequence of the events in our blessed Saviour's life. Furthermore, Mark was a skilled painter of word pictures. With one stroke he frequently enhances a familiar scene, shedding upon it new light. His Gospel is the "Gospel of Peter," for he wrote it under the direction and with the aid of the prince of the apostles.
Cardinal Nichols on ‘Easter Duties’ and the forgiveness of sins.
(This was written before Holy Week).
At this time, we are coming nearer to Holy Week - to that most important week in our year. The week in which we celebrate with real solemnity, the final events of Our Lord's life. His entry into Jerusalem, his last supper with his apostles, his death on the Cross on Calvary, his entombment; and, of course, the glorious Resurrection of our Saviour from the dead.
Now, this year, with great distress and sadness, we know we will not be able to come together to celebrate these great days and we will have to do the best we can by the means that are at our disposal.
Now, I want to talk about a very important aspect of this.
You will know that it is an obligation on all Catholics to fulfil what is known as their 'Easter duties'. This is to receive Holy Communion at Easter time, or thereabouts, and it's often coupled, with the desire or the need to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I want to say with all clarity that this obligation is removed from us this year - in the same way as it is not an obligation on us to attend Mass on Sunday, because these circumstances make it impossible. So, too, the obligation to our Easter duties is removed. I would not want anyone to be burdened by the thought they are failing to fulfil their Easter duties. You are not. Now, also at this moment, we can recover another part of our Catholic tradition, a bit like the act of spiritual communion, which comes to our aid in times of great distress and difficulty.
It is the teaching of the Church that the Lord, in His mercy, will forgive our sins, even our grievous sins if we cannot go to Confession - go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation - as long as we make what is termed a perfect Act of Contrition, and resolve to confess our serious sins when we next have the opportunity to do so. As I say, this is part of a deep Catholic tradition. It's not something new thought up for these very difficult circumstances.
So let me explain a little more.
What the Church teaches us, is that God in his mercy, forgives our sins when we are truly sorry for them. And when we turn to him and express our sorrow in an Act of Contrition, it's called an Act of Perfect Contrition when its focus is on the mercy and the love of God rather than on the burden of our guilt.
So to make an act of Perfect Contrition, we simply need to turn to God and be, as it were, overwhelmed by God's mercy, and then express in our own words or in the words of the traditional Act of Contrition, the sorrow we feel for our offences against the goodness of God.
When we do that in all sincerity of heart, we may rest assured that God forgives our sins and that we come away from that Act of Perfect Contrition freed from those sins.
And, as I say, the only thing we have to remember is, when it is possible to make a Confession again, that we mention the grievous sins which were forgiven by this Perfect Act of Contrition.
Your might say, well, why do we have to go to Confession and name our sins?
Part of the reason is often we don't really own them until we name them. And in the act of naming our serious sin, then we take hold of them and hand them over to Jesus on the Cross, because he takes on the burden of our sin.
And we, for our part, when we have that opportunity, name it to the priest who is there representing the person of Jesus and his mercy. So we can approach Easter with a clear conscience. And we can make use, under these extreme circumstances, of this great tradition of the Church. Through it, the Lord forgives our sins that we may enter fully into the joy of the Resurrection.
Let us just pray for a moment.
Lord, I am sorry for the times I have sinned against you.
I am sorry because I've offended your infinite goodness because I've turned my back on you. I ask your forgiveness now. Embrace me in your mercy. Out of your love that I may pick up again in full joy, the call of discipleship to follow your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
Mass online: Several parishioners have used the link on the Home Page of the parish website which allows them to view Mass being celebrated at the Cathedralin Nottingham on each day of the week. The schedule is as follows:
On Saturdays and Sundays: Mass at 10.00am
From Monday to Friday: Mass at 1.00pm
Also on the parish website, an additional link has been added to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsinghamwhose new website provides live streaming 24/7 of Masses, Prayers (Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet), Exposition, Spiritual Readings and Talks. This is a rich source of material in these extraordinary times.
Mass celebrated by Pope Francis from the Vaticanis also available: http://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html
Let us pray a hymn together:
If we all were to read (or sing) the parish “favourite of the week” what a great way it would be of reminding us of the community to which we belong. Some parishioners will remember the Rosary Crusade of Fr Patrick Peyton in the 1950s. He popularised the saying: “A family that prays together stays together”. We could easily adapt this to read: “A parish that prays together stays together”. Let’s give it a try.
(This week’s hymn has been chosen by Rosemary McKee)
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord.
And where there's doubt, true faith in your.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light.
And where there's sadness ever joy.
Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
In giving to all men let we receive,
And in dying that we're born to eternal life.
This anonymous text is usually called the Prayer of Saint Francis (or Peace Prayer, or Simple Prayer for Peace, or Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace) is a widely known Christian prayer for peace. Often associated with the Italian Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1182 – 1226), but entirely absent from his writings, the prayer in its present form has not been traced back further than 1912. Its first known occurrence was in French, in a small spiritual magazine called La Clochette (The Little Bell), published by a Catholic Church organisation in Paris named La Ligue de la Sainte-Messe (The League of the Holy Mass). The author's name was not given, although it may have been the founder of La Ligue, Father Esther Bouquerel.
Sick List: Please continue to pray for the following members of our parish: Bernard Moyers, Patrick Hodgson, Tod Smith, Angela Doyle, Ida De Melo, Maurice Nixon, Eva Shirreffs, Stefania Stasior, Irene Pallot. Also Gloria and Kay, two residents of Dudley Court, who died on Tuesday.
A DAILY PRAYER
Please say this prayer every day, together with the Lord's Prayer, the Hail Mary and the Glory be. It is adapted from a prayer written by the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, archbishop of Brisbane.
Almighty and all-merciful God, lover of the human race, healer of all our wounds in whom there is no shadow of death, save us in this time of crisis, comfort the sick and the dying, the isolated and the afraid; be with us in our need. Grant wisdom and courage to our leaders and all who are responsible for the common good. Watch over everyone who is working in our National Health Service as they tend the sick, all who are supporting the vulnerable, and those who are working for a cure. Stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation; if our doors are closed, let our hearts be open. By the power of your love, destroy the virus of fear, that hope may never die, and grant that the light of Easter, the triumph of life, may shine upon us and the whole world; may we, like the Paschal Candle, marked with the sign of the Cross, give of ourselves and burn yet more brightly, for love conquers everything, light transforms darkness. By welcoming Christ into our hearts each and every day, may we always spread your love far and wide by valuing in all in the name of Jesus the Christ and being the people you have made us to be. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Lady Immaculate, Our Lady of Walsingham, Our Lady Health of the Sick, pray for us.
St Joseph, guardian of Jesus, guardian of us all, pray for us.
St Hugh of Lincoln, Patron of the Diocese of Nottingham, pray for us.
