01/01/2023

Newsletter: Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI
As most of you have heard Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died at the age of 95 on Saturday morning after a period of illness. The funeral will take place in Rome at 9:30am British time (8:30am Italian time) on Thursday 5th January. Every Parish has been asked to celebrate a Mass for the repose of his soul prior to the funeral, and I will celebrate Mass for the repose of his soul on Wednesday evening, January 4th at 7:30pm.

Pope Benedict's learning, fidelity to the church, and his holiness were a constant inspiration for many Catholics from his time as an expert at the Second Vatican Council to his retirement from the papacy in 2013. Pope Emeritus Benedict's visit to this country in 2010 demonstrated his learning, gentleness and desire to maintain the Christian presence in the midst of public life.

Maybe the last words should be his about his personal preparation for death;

"Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on my long life, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer, for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate, my "Paraclete." In light of the hour of judgement, the grace of being a Christian becomes all the more clear to me. It grants me knowledge, and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death."

May he rest in peace.
Fr Peter

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The 10.30 am Mass can be accessed here