for the formation of priests for Dioceses and Religious Congregations
for English-speaking men over 30, with students from, at present, 10 countries
under the guidance of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
Dear Friends,
‘Happy Lent !
Not necessarily words which we naturally put together; surely Lent is not a time for happiness but for the glum face and the harsh spirituality? The Gospel text which introduced the Season to us on Ash Wednesday made it clear that we should “put oil on your head and wash your face” so that God the Father who sees what is done in secret will reward us . Happiness is not merely a fixed grin or indeed the living of our lives in such a way that we pretend nothing really matters; it is rather the deep seated confidence which springs from the awareness of the love which has been lavished upon us. It is all response to the gift given with love, compassion and gentleness.
The acts of kindness which are enjoined on us for this ‘Season of accompaniment’ - the Prayer, Fasting and the Almsgiving, will not only deepen our understanding of the requirements of Gospel-living but they will also inspire and strengthen those who are seeking Baptism at Easter and ultimately benefit the society and communities in which we live. We too are to be leaven for our society, lamps on the hilltops of our communities giving light, showing that which really matters and which has significance.
At Christmas we heard the words of Saint Leo the Great; “ Christian, be aware of your dignity”; Lent is perhaps a time when we can fruitfully be reminded of it.
Father Philip
Read the Rector's March article for the Catholic Pictorial