Dear friends in Christ
The liturgy is a lesson in vigilance this Sunday: because the enemy never rests, and love never sleeps. Jesus says this in the Gospel and warns us to be ready, like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding. A short amount of time separates us from our definite encounter with Jesus. The Lord should find us ready and prepared at whatever time He chooses to call upon us.
On Friday we celebrate the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady. So then, the great Mother of God, so mysteriously united to Jesus Christ from all eternity...received, as it were, the final crowning privilege of being preserved from the corruption of the grave and, following her Son in his victory over death, was brought, body and soul, to the highest glory of heaven, to shine as Queen at the right hand of that same Son, the immortal King of Ages. (Pope Pius XII, Proclamation of the Dogma, 1950). It is a glorious celebration of the end of Mary’s life, celebrated in the midst of this Summer-time; as we come to Mass on Friday—a Holyday of Obligation—let us rekindle our love and devotion to God’s Mother and our Mother.
Last week we learned the great news that Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has declared that St John Henry Newman is to be a 'Doctor of the Church’. This title is given to a Saint who has written with especial clarity and intellectual integrity in matters of the Catholic Faith and theology or spirituality. This request had been before the Holy See for some time, having received declarations of support from many different parts of the world, especially our own Bishops. The recognition that the writings of St John Henry Newman are a true expression of the faith of the Church is of huge encouragement to all who appreciate not only his great learning but also his heroic sanctity in following the call of God in his journey of faith, which he described as 'heart speaking unto heart’. This moment brings back vivid memories of the Papal Visit in 2010 of Pope Benedict XVI to these countries when he declared the beatification of John Henry Newman. Also, of his canonisation in 2019. Those moments have now reached fulfilment and give great joy to all who strive to follow Christ today, in his One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church! Deo gratias!
Msgr Kevin Hale