Father Michael Busy with Letters

26 July 2010

The Clifton Diocese Papal Visit Coordinator Father Michael McAndrew has been busy writing to all our local MPs, council leaders and local media letting them know about the growing excitement ahead the papal visit.

In his letter Father Michael says: “I am writing to let you know about people in your area and their involvement in Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to our country from 16 to 19 September. 

“People who are part of thriving local communities are already preparing for their participation in welcoming the Pope.  They are also looking forward to hearing what he has to say to us all. 

“In particular, there is a real sense of excitement among young Catholics and in Catholic schools as they plan their part in a big celebration of education led by the Pope on 17 September at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham.

“All parishes throughout our diocese covering Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, are taking part in the public events in Birmingham, London and Glasgow.

“A central part of the Pope’s state visit is his address to British society on 17 September in Westminster Hall.  I will be present at this historic event where the Pope will encourage and invite leaders in our communities to continue their valuable contribution to the common good.

“To give you more information about the visit, I enclose a copy of the booklet ‘Heart Speaks Unto Heart’.  It sets out to answer questions about the visit such as, what the Pope has to say about how society works, the contribution of the Catholic Church to British society and global development, and why the Pope has been invited on this state visit.”

You can hear much more information from Father Michael about his correspondence in today’s (26 July) podcast which is available in the multimedia panel on the right.  Father Michael tells us about the positive replies he’s received.

You can download your copy of the informative ‘Heart Speaks Unto Heart’ in the multimedia panel on the right.

Father Michael's previous update with important information about how we can take part in the papal visit is still online. 

There was more papal visit news last Friday (23 July).  Father Michael has been thanking people for their generous support of the papal visit in a special podcast.  He's also been hitting the international headlines.

The official website thepapalvisit.org.uk is the best place to find out the most up-to-date information in the build up to the special time in the life of the Church in our countries.

The first email round-up from the papal visit’s official website thepapalvisit.org.uk has been hitting inboxes yesterday. Sign-up to the e-alert packed with the latest news about the Holy Father’s historic visit.

Father Michael's not the only who's excited about September's visit, our Youth Ministry Coordinator Dave Wheat's organised meetings where young people are preparing for the Holy Father's historic visit.  Meanwhile in Stroud, the parish communities have been preparing in many exciting and innovative ways.

Our striking posters, displayed in all our parishes and many other places, welcoming Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom are available to all.  You can download your copy in the multimedia panel on the right and put them up to welcome the Holy Father and his historic visit.