Dear Friends in Christ

The Gospel of this Sunday relates how Jesus preaches to the crowds from Peter’s boat. He then goes on to direct him and the other Apostles how to be effective fishermen; but the lesson is really one in showing them how they would catch souls for Christ and His Church. Our Lord calls us all to be apostles in the middle of the world, whether we are sitting at a desk, ploughing the land, in a great city or in a tiny village. He calls us all, so that with holiness of life and by giving good human example, we may be good instruments of Christ in a world that seems to turn its back on Him.

We begin the celebration of Our Lady of Lourdes this Sunday afternoon with Mass on the Vigil of this Feast celebrated by the Bishop at 3pm. This is the Diocesan Lourdes Mass and we shall welcome visitors from elsewhere in the Diocese to this celebration. Our Lady of Lourdes is the Patroness of both our Parish and Diocese. She was chosen as the Patroness of our Diocese when it was founded in 1917 and we confidently and affectionately, place ourselves under her protection once again as we honour her. February 11th 1858 was the date of the first of eighteen apparitions of Our Blessed Lady to St Bernadette. The message she imparted was simple: pray and do penance. In Lourdes everything is directed to the Blessed Eucharist: the Masses, Processions of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction, since it is Mary’s primary role to direct us constantly to Jesus her Divine Son.

I wish you all a very happy Feast!

May God bless you!

Msgr Kevin Hale

Priest@LourdesLeigh.org ✚ 01702 478078
Homily available at LourdesLeigh.org