Packed Out for Papal Talk

1 September 2010

Last night (31 August) Our Lady’s parish in Churchdown hosted an evening in preparation for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the United Kingdom.  Jackie Bailey RCIA (Rite if Christian Initiation of Adults) Coordinator writes from Churchdown for cliftondiocese.com.

Our speaker, Father Michael McAndrew, the Clifton Diocese Papal Visit Coordinator, delivered a talk on the Pope and his teachings.  Our second speaker was one of Our Lady’s parishioners, Jim Padden who had prepared a study on Cardinal Newman in anticipation of his forthcoming beatification.

Many parishioners of other churches in Gloucester came along and it was indeed very pleasing to see such a turn out, perhaps 50 people.

Father Michael focussed on Pope’s Benedict brilliant academic mind, his prolific writings, particularly on his first two encyclical letters.  In ‘Deus Caritas Est’, Pope Benedict’s teachings are clear; he wants all of us to remind ourselves that God is Love and if we love, we love God. Father Michael summed up that by saying that God wants so much to be in a relationship with us that it can be compared to a beautiful love affair between God and us; God’s true Covenant with us.   The second encyclical ‘Spe Salvi’ is essentially a profound consideration of the virtue of hope which means we hope and faith we can live a full life. We live in a world that needs hope and hope is found through faith.

Jim Padden had prepared a presentation on John Henry Newman focussing mainly on his life and major events.  Speaking for myself I did not know anything about Newman and what struck me was his remarkable journey from a Calvinist background, with a real hatred for the Catholic faith to his conversion.  His spiritual influence, writings and preaching drew crowds of all denominations and he certainly has left his print on the Catholic Church we know today.  This reflection on John Henry Newman can only serve to reinforce that no matter who you are or where you come from if you Love and trust God you will find life and peace.

It was a very inspiring and joyful evening. We were all very grateful to our two speakers.

Jackie Bailey

It’s been a busy time in Churchdown.  Last week we heard about another evening of papal visit preparation.

We look forward to welcoming Pope Benedict who comes to help us, as a society, to see that faith in God is not so much a problem to be solved as a gift to be discovered afresh.

The papal visit begins for our diocese on the eve of the Holy Father’s historic visit to the United Kingdom.  A special evening of prayers will take place in the Cathedral led by Bishop Declan and Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia, we will join together and pray that the papal visit lights up the heart of our nation.  All are welcome to take part from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm on Wednesday 15 September.  You can find out much more about this unique celebration by listening to our 'Taper Tales' podcast series preseneted by Father Jason Jones, the ector of the National Shrine of Wales.

As we prepare to welcome Pope Benedict XVI we invite you to an evening with the man who’s presenting the BBC’s portrait of the Holy Father.  Award-winning TV documentary maker Mark Dowd will share with us how he’s grown in his understanding of the Holy Father’s vision for our world.  All are welcome to this free event as we look forward to welcoming the Bishop of Rome.  It takes place in Bath on Friday 10 September at 7.00 pm.

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.  It will also provide full coverage during the visit - a great place for you to follow the visit virtually if you are unable to be at any of the large public papal events.

You can also make your donation towards the visit at the official website.  It's simple, secure and direct.

Sign-up to the e-alert packed with the latest news about the Holy Father’s historic visit.

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.  You can also download posters promoting the events in Bath and the Cathedral.