UCM News History

Newspaper for the Union of Catholic Mothers

.

Winter 2017 edition of the Catholic Mother (UCM) - Page

Page 1

Photos, copy and distribution queries for The Catholic Mother should be sent to Margaret Postill, National Media Officer, 23 Il kley Crescent, Reddish, Stockport, Cheshire, SK5 6HG or by email to catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk. For further details about the Union of Catholic Mothe rs please contact the National Secretary, Irene Mitchell, at ucmnatsec@yahoo.co.uk A good old sing song On our UCM pilgrimage to Walsingham this July I met up with Win Brooks again, who had made the long journey from Birmingham at 93 years old (94 in November). As we were enjoying a drink in the sunshine after the Abbey service she amused us all by her versions of some popular songs. I think we all know Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer...I can`t afford a carriage but you`ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle made for two and this is Win`s second verse Michael, Michael this is my answer dear I can`t cycle ‘cos it makes me queer If you can`t afford a carriage Put off the blinking marriage For I be blowed if I be told of a bicycle made for two Susan Martin Birmingham Archdiocese Media Officer New Processional Banner I am sure that you all have fond memories of our recent Pilgrimage to Walsingham. If you remember, our new Processional banner which had been made by Janette Woodford, Past National President, was blessed by Bishop Alan prior to our Silent Procession on Tuesday 4th July. Janette has arranged for a Novena of shared Masses to be offered at Walsingham for the intentions of all UCM members especially the Trustees and the Walsingham Sub Committee. Our thanks go to Janette for this lovely gesture; it will be very much appreciated by all members. Irene Mitchell Hon. National Secretary Mums the Word It was a case of “mum’s the word” for 500 Catholic mothers at Walsingham, recently when they were asked to remain silent during an entire procession along the Holy Mile. The Union of Catholic Mothers 72nd Annual Pilgrimage to The National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham on July 4, saw new UCM East Anglia presidents Anne Sibley and Leish Davis, along with national officers, bishops and clergy, preparing to walk the Holy Mile processing in silence reflecting on our Holy Mother and the Theme of the Pilgrimage – ‘The Joy of the Annunciation. Arriving at the Abbey, they joined other UCM pilgrims who attended The Service of the Sick which was held for sick or infirm members who cannot walk The Holy Mile in Procession. UCM East Anglia Vice President Maria Taverna, said: “It was a beautiful day, a most spiritual pilgrimage, filled with love and friendships all encompassed in the power of prayer. Maria, from St Joseph in St Neots, came to the end of her term of office after three years and then took up the Vice President post. Stepping forward to fill the shared president post are Anne Sibley from Sacred Heart & St. Margaret Mary, Dereham and Leish Davis from St Joseph at St Neots. Pictured with the banner Beryl Stock Media Officer WALSINGHAM Liverpool Archdiocese were very proud to be the Lead Diocese at this year’s UCM Walsingham Pilgrimage. The Picture shows President Maria Bruns, Secretary Cath Lydon and Treasurer Sue Bickerstaff. Unfortunately, Maria fell and broke her wrist; but with true UCM spirit she carried on regardless. Madeleine McDonald Media Officer Walsingham Walsingham is a little bit of heaven here on earth, coming back is wonderful, it brings us together not only in prayer and devotion but in love and friendship for one another. The time spent on Pilgrimage helps us to pause for a while, from our busy and stressful lives and gather strength to carry on. The evening light casts long shadows as we take our first steps along the Pilgrims way, small groups scattered along the path quiet voices drowned out by birdsong and a beautiful sun set. We say the rosary and Walsingham enfolds us in its peacefulness. Some people regret not being able to join in the procession to the Abby Grounds but the service of healing is really so special that it compensates for any disappointment. The priests administering to the sick have also said they feel privileged to be part of the ceremony. The UCM is a family, everyone knows each other, despite our pain and sometimes heartache we come together and find peace, rest and laughter. Members of Clifton Diocese Newspaper of The Union of Catholic Mothers www.theucm.co.uk St. Jane Frances De Chantal - page 12 Hail Queen of Heaven - page 7 Flower Festival, - page 6 Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. Autumn/Winter 2017

Read in full

Page 2

Page 2 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother FROM THE NATIONAL P RESIDENT Dear Members By the time you read this, it will only be a few weeks before Advent and our preparation for the great feast of the Birth of Christ. This newspaper is a little late in being printed and I hope it has not caused you any inconvenience – maybe you didn’t even notice! At the end of my last column, I was going to the Royal Garden Party and it was a very special occasion and we all have many wonderful memories. It has been a fairly busy UCM summer and it began with a visit to Clifton Diocese where I met up with friends old and new. My thanks to Anne- Marie Sparrow and her husband for their kindness and hospitality. As always, Walsingham was peaceful, beautiful and spiritually uplifting. It was my last visit as National President and the theme of ‘Our Lady of the Annunciation’ produced inspiring liturgy. If you were unable to attend in person, I hope you were able to watch the Tuesday Mass from the Chapel of Reconciliation on the Walsingham Website and so join in with the rest of the UCM family in prayer. John and I took our first trip to Geneva to visit our daughter Deborah, her husband Steve and the children. A day out by train to the Montreux Jazz Festival was great fun for us all. Double decker trains no less!! I attended the 100th birthday celebrations of Blessed Oscar Romero in St George’s Cathedral, Southwark in August; it was a beautiful Mass and refreshments in the Amigo hall followed including a birthday cake. Some of August was also spent preparing and proof reading the Liturgy booklet for the Pilgrimage to Greece-In the Footsteps of St Paul. September began with a National Committee Meeting and then John and I met up with some friends for a break in Malta. While there, we went to Rabat and prayed in the cave where St Paul stayed after he was shipwrecked and visited the Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta; it is one of the oldest churches in Valletta and has part of the column on which the saint was beheaded (brought from Rome) displayed in a side altar. It felt quite strange to be in the one of the last places where St Paul had been before he went to Rome, when only a week later I would be in some of the earlier places where he had preached the Gospel. The long-awaited pilgrimage eventually arrived and 63 happy pilgrims left the UK for sunny Greece to follow in some of the footsteps of St Paul. We were blessed to have as Our Spiritual Leader Bishop Terence Brain and we were joined by Fr Michael Murray (Shrewsbury) Fr Bill Serplus (Middlesbrough) and Fr David Potter (Liverpool). We visited Corinth and Athens where there is evidence of St Paul’s presence and the World Heritage site of the Monasteries of Meteora. One of my most special memories is the final Mass on the Sunday morning on the open rooftop of the hotel in Athens; in front of us was the Parthenon bathed in glorious sunshine which I’m sure contributed to our wonderful singing rising straight to heaven. I know there will be lots of stories and photographs to follow on this very special, spiritual and enjoyable pilgrimage. At the EGM in October at St Chad’s in Birmingham, voting took place for the next National President. Congratulations to Margaret McDonald from Liverpool who is the new National President Elect. As was discussed at the meeting, we have not received any nominations for National Secretary or National Vice Presidents and the situation is now critical. The deadline is 31st December 2017 and I would please urge everyone to seriously consider putting your name forward for these positions. The future of The UCM is in your hands. On behalf of the National Committee and myself, I would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful and restful Christmas with all the people you love. May we all welcome the new-born Prince of Peace into our hearts and pray for a world where there is justice, peace, equality and hope for everyone of God’s people. With many blessings to you and your families. Val Ward National President One of the books I sometimes use to teach new converts about the Catholic faith is called “How to Survive Being Married to a Catholic” It’s first chapter is called “Catholics and Religion”: what we understand by religion, what it is and what it isn’t. It makes the point that some people think that religion is just a set of harmless conventions and to illustrate this there’s a cartoon of a vicar and a prim and proper lady sitting drinking tea out of dainty cups and the vicar is saying, will you be bottling fruit for this year’s fete Miss Wimbush? Religion as social nicety verses faith as a raw encounter with the living God why do so many prefer the former and shun the latter? Perhaps because they fear where meeting the living God might take them, and what it might demand of them. Something of the sort is happening in the Gospel today, when Jesus cures two demoniacs by driving out their demons and letting the demons enter a herd of pigs, Jesus is showing his power over the devil, giving a sign that the Kingdom of God has begun, even suggesting that he is the son of God. And how do the locals respond? St Matthew tells us; The whole town set out to meet Jesus, and as soon as they saw him, they implored him to leave the neighbourhood. The Gadarenes can’t cope with this naked manifestation of divine power. It unsettles them, because it’s too far outside their frame of reference. They’d much rather keep God in a safe little box, where he won’t challenge their cosy assumptions and established routine. It reminds me of a sermon I once heard on the feast of Pentecost, when the preacher said be careful about invoking the Holy Spirit because you are playing with fire. Well the Gadarene’s fingers got burned, and they didn’t like the sensation. What about us? Do we prefer to keep religion in tame conventions because we secretly dread where a real commitment to the living God may lead us? And how do we respond when events force us to opt out for one approach or the other? Let’s take a case in point, Last week, the government agreed to give women from Northern Ireland free access to abortions on the NHS, saving each of those women £900. They did this to avert a back-bench rebellion which could have torpedoed the Queen’s speech, and they congratulated themselves on their achievement! They were correcting an injustice, they were uniting to uphold the rights of women. This manoeuvre showed politics at its worst, ruthless, amoral, and stained by dirty dealing. How will we, the Church respond? It’s much easier to bottle fruit at a church fete and tell yourself that’s being a good Christian, than it is to face something like this head-on and react accordingly. You see, it’s not just that we play with fire when we get close to the true God, it’s also that we must go through fire if we’re to be faithful servants. What about you, The UCM? On the one hand, you know all about the softer social side of religion, at the Centenary Mass in our Cathedral four years ago, the point was made, that you can always rely on the Mothers to make the tea and sandwiches and do the fund raising, you also show a serious apostolic zeal which is grounded in your objectives, one thinks of your pro-life work, your commitment to justice and peace, your international outreach which goes as far as meetings at the United Nation. For all of us though, weather you are a UCM member or not, it’s vital that we don’t lose that sharper edge. It’s essential that we constantly tell the lord ‘He can enter into our souls even when he presents himself in ways we hadn’t expected, even when our encounters with him are challenging or unnerving. Pilgrims can give us the time and space to draw new strength so we can welcome both the presence of God and his demands. I hope those days in Walsingham have borne such fruit for you and that you’re going home more ready than ever to be Christ’s witnesses. Whether that secures you an easy life or stretches you to the extent of your endurance. Fr. David Potter Spiritual Adviser, Liverpool Departure Mass Homily LEEDS Celebrating 70 years of UCM Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Malachy parish in Halifax celebrated 70 years of UCM. It has been a very strong group over the years and some of our present members remember their own mothers being in the UCM. Like most groups we have at times been short of new members but somehow, we seem to keep going. A number of our members have been on the Diocesan Committee, including a Diocesan President. Our oldest member is 94 year-old Mrs Hilda Fletcher who was not able to attend our celebration dinner, we presented her with a basket of flowers. Greetings to you all as we continue the good of UCM even though some of us are a little limited. Aileen Queenan, St Malachys

Read in full

Page 3

The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 3 Westminster Reception for the new Apostolic Nuncio Mrs Irene Mitchell National Secretary and Mrs Maureen Mayers National Deputy President attended the Westminster Reception for the new Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams. It was a very warm and happy atmosphere, as Cardinal Vincent Nichols welcomed everybody and introduced each person to his excellency, Archbishop Adams, explaining a little about the UCM to his excellency our National Secretary Mrs Mitchell took the opportunity to invite him to attend National Council 2018 and gave him the dates, which he promised to put in his diary. We assured him that all our members would be delighted to meet him. In due course Mrs Mitchell will send the invitation, which we very much hope he will be able to accept. Maureen Mayers National Deputy President Funeral Mass of His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor Grenfell Tower fire Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has expressed his sorrow at the catastrophic fire that broke out in Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, in the early hours of 14 June 2017, and offered prayers for all those who have been affected. He said: "We pray for all the residents of Grenfell Tower. I pray particularly for those who have suffered injury, those who have died, and all the residents who are left without a home, and the entire community that has been affected." Cardinal Nichols also praised emergency response teams, particularly fire crews who have been working tirelessly to contain and put out the blaze: "Once again in our city we witness the heroic efforts of our emergency services who responded so quickly. I thank them for all they are doing to help the victims of this devastating fire." Bishop John Wilson, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster who has pastoral oversight of parishes in West London, added his prayers: "My prayers are with all who have been affected by this fire, especially the victims, their families and friends, and all who are still worried about their loved ones who are unaccounted for. I offer too my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died." Bishop Wilson also paid tribute to the emergency response teams: ‘Faced with yet another major incident in our city, the men and women of our emergency services have demonstrated great resilience and professionalism in the rescue effort. We should be rightly proud of them.’ He added that Catholic parishes in the area, which are all outside the immediate cordon, have offered assistance to those affected by the fire. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster Two Holy Days Restored With effect from the First Sunday of Advent 2017, two holydays of obligation are being reinstated. This decision was made by the Bishops of England and Wales, and has been confirmed by the Holy See. This article gives you some simple background information. Celebrating the Epiphany Everyone knows that the twelfth day of Christmas is 6 January, the Epiphany, when the Wise Men came to worship and offer gifts to the new born King, Jesus Christ. Congregations in England and Wales have been enriched with multi-cultural and multi-racial migrant groups in recent years and it is reflective of our universality that Catholics celebrate the same feasts around the world. It also resonates with popular culture and our heritage in England and Wales to celebrate the Epiphany with other Christians and those who mark “Twelfth Night”. Ascension: Why 40 days? The number 40 has enormous significance in the history of salvation. The rabbinic interpretation connects the number 40 with the time it takes for something to go from its beginning to its fruition. 40 is the number of weeks between the conception and birth of a human being. In the Church’s calendar there are 40 days between Christmas and the Presentation of the Lord when Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to the Temple. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. 40 days was the length of time a pupil would spend learning from a Rabbi. Jesus` 40 days of appearance and teaching after his Resurrection (Acts 1,3) seems to follow this pattern. Apart from marking the importance of the feast, celebrating the Ascension of Christ into Heaven 40 days after Easter Sunday also reinstates the possibility of practicing the ancient “10 days of the Holy Spirit” devotion, preparing for Pentecost. This has ecumenical links, as noted by the prayer initiative “Thy Kingdom Come” promoted by the Archbishop of Canterbury in recent years. Until the changes introduced in 2006, England and Wales had seven Holy Days of Obligation on their calendar: Epiphany (6 January) Ascension (forty days after Easter) Corpus Christi (the Thursday after Trinity Sunday) Saints Peter and Paul (29 June) The Assumption (15 August) All Saints (1 November) Christmas Day (25 December) Together with Mrs Mitchell, and Mrs Higginson I was privileged to attend the Funeral Mass of Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor in Westminster Cathedral. The chief celebrant was Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Archbishop George Stack gave the homily and he told us that Cardinal Cormac was a priest to his fingertips. A gifted man who would have made a success of whatever career he chose, be it Medicine, Music or even Rugby. Yet from an early age he was convinced he should be a priest like his two other brothers. He took the words of Jesus seriously “love one another as I have loved you.” He liked people and he liked being with them, he drew the best from them, and gave nothing but the best of himself in return. Patrick Murphy-O’Connor spoke lovingly of his uncle Cormac and paid tribute to his devotion to and love of his family. He added that there were not many in a very large extended family that the Cardinal had not married, baptised or confirmed. We know that the late cardinal was very supportive to UCM as his mother was a member. More than 1200 people from all walks of life were in the Cathedral including many dignitaries, politicians and 95 family members. It was a very beautiful and moving occasion. Cardinal Cormac is buried in the Cathedral (as is the custom) under the tenth Station of the Cross. A place he chose himself. May He Rest in Peace. Maureen Mayers National Deputy President.

Read in full

Page 4

Page 4 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother Congratulations To Debbie SHERRY of St Paul’s Foundation, who has been awarded the M.B.E. for Services to the Community. DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Northampton Diocese Allessandra and Fedele GIRARDI , St Peters Foundation, Rushden GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Arundel and Brighton Diocese Margaret and Edmund BARTER , Haywards Heath Foundation, Leeds Diocese Sybil and Michael BENNETT , St. Ignatius Foundation Liverpool Archdiocese Irene and Tony GILL , St Anne’s Foundation, Ormskirk Pat and Clive HARWOOD , St Anne’s Foundation, Ormskirk Nottingham Diocese Mary and Tony CROSBY were presented with a Papal Blessing. Mary is Treasurer of Holy Spirit Foundation, West Bridgford. Salford Diocese Maureen and Dougie GORDON , St John’s Foundation, Chorlton 90th BIRTHDAY Liverpool Archdiocese Christine LEE , St Anne’s Foundation, Ormskirk, Liverpool Portsmouth Diocese Theresa RICHARDSON , Sacred Heart Foundation, Waterlooville Southwark Archdiocese Teresa FLANAGAN , Holy Cross Foundation, Catford 80th BIRTHDAYS Liverpool Archdiocese Betty DOHERTY , All Saints Foundation Maureen KENYON , St Ann’s Foundation, Ormskirk Margaret SHERIDAN , St Anne’s Foundation, Ormskirk Portsmouth Diocese Kathleen HICKEN , Sacred Heart Foundation, Waterlooville Jean HARTNELL , Sacred Heart Foundation, Waterlooville Salford Diocese Joan EMSLIE , Guardian Angels Foundation, Bury Brenda CAFFREY , Guardian Angels Foundation, Bury Sheila EDGINGTON , Guardian Angels Foundation, Bury Ita O’MEARA St. John’s Foundation, Chorlton Southwark Archdiocese Mary NEWMAN , Sheppey Foundation Pat WALLS , Sheppey Foundation Shrewsbury Diocese Anne CATTO , Holy Family & St Joseph`s Foundation, Sale Moor Mary KENNERK , Holy Family & St Joseph`s Foundation, Sale Moor Ada (nee Hulse) and Arthur McCOURT , English Martyrs Foundation, Wallasey. (Now living in Aberdeen) MIDDLESBROUGH Double Celebration Fr. Andrew Smith O’Praem, celebrated 47 years of ordination to the priesthood on Sunday 21 May 2017. On the same day, Sheila Swales member of Filey Foundation, celebrated her 80th Birthday at St Mary`s Church. They had their pictures taken together at the coffee morning get together after Mass. Rosemary Gunn Diocesan Secretary AGM Holy Name of Mary Foundation, welcomed members from around the Middlesbrough Diocese for the AGM. During Mass Fr. Bill Surplus was delighted to enrol 7 new members making this a very special occasion. He then requested for all members present to renew their commitment to the UCM. F ollowing a very enjoyable lunch the Diocesan President Mrs Jean Rigg offered prayers for all the atrocities happening in our world today and for the various intentions of members. The President gave a comprehensive report from National council. Next year Middlesbrough Diocese are the lead Diocese at Walsingham. A request that all foundations try to encourage as many members as possible to be there in this special year. Following reports from the officers there were a few changes in various positions, Study Day Justice & Peace, Welfare & Media. Discussion took place with regard to the Rest Holmes and members were encouraged to take this back to their members reminding them of this charity. Following a most enjoyable meeting, coaches departed for York and Filey. Kath Stubbs Media Officer

Read in full

Page 5

The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 5 Submitting copy for next issue The deadline for articles and photos for the next edition of the Catholic Mother is 10th January 2018 Please send copy to Margaret Postill, National Media Officer, at catholic.mother@yahoo.co.uk Thank you Mary’s Meals UCM members are part of a team who look after St. Mary’s Church in Filey. Each week they contribute to support Mary’s Meals. During the year they have raised the magnificent sum of over £1000. In October, they will be hosting World Porridge Day. Mary’s Meals a charity which set up feeding programmes for some of the world’s poorest communities, where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. The charity is now feeding 1,230,171 children every school day in 12 different countries. Their mission being to give every child one school meal a day. A daily meal attracts children to the classroom, where they can gain the basic education that could be their route put of poverty. Kath Stubbs, Media Officer MIDDLESBROUGH AGM We were delighted that Mrs Val Ward was able to join the Plymouth Diocese for its AGM held at the Cathedral on Tuesday 25th April. After our prayers, including the Memorare. Minutes were read with matters arising, and the various Officers` and Foundation reports were given, it was time to break for lunch, and were very well looked after by the Cathedral Foundation, who put on a lovely spread for us. We felt very supported by our National President, who was able to mingle and chat to everyone during lunch, and she impressed and encouraged us all in her own Report, when we resumed for the business of the Election of Officers. As it’s such a long way to travel from The Wirral, Val had stayed with the Foundation President, Mrs Frances O`Neill and her husband overnight. A pretty plant was presented to Frances, with a ‘thank you’ card to the ladies of her Foundation. A bag of “Devon” honey, chutney and some fudge was presented to Val, with her card, to thank her so much for making time in her busy schedule, to be with us for the day. Our Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, Father Philip Austen, had prepared our Mass for us which was celebrated in the Cathedral. The building is under repair at the moment and we were accompanied by drilling through most of the Mass. We did our best to rise above it and the organ helped drown out the racket! We appreciated the care taken over the Mass leaflets produced for us and the Homily, which also encouraged us to be witnesses and evangelists in our home life and in our membership of the UCM. Mrs Lorraine Richards (NHRH Officer) had made ORANGE ribbons for us to wear for 25th of the month, to show our support for UNiTE - to end violence against women. We had many apologies, I’m afraid, including Lorraine`s - mostly because of illness - and I’m sure those ladies were sorry to miss the event. We missed them. Diana Norman Plymouth Diocesan President PLYMOUTH Never too old or too late!! 50+ years after leaving Teacher Training College, in May 2017, in the Royal Festival Hall, London, 2,200 past pupils gathered to receive Honorary Degrees - Bachelor of Education. In 1975, the 4 colleges of Digby Stuart, Froebel, Whitelands and Southlands joined together to become Roehampton University. It was a very joyous and memorable occasion, followed by a champagne buffet. It was lovely to re-connect with college friends with whom we had lost touch. Frances O’Neill Plymouth Cathedral Foundation Lenten Fundraising The Mercy Ships Charity was the focus of our Lenten fundraising this year in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Mercy Ships provide the world’s largest charitable floating hospitals, providing free medical care to some of the world’s poorest people. The fleet have visited more than 450 ports in developing nations around the world, giving life-saving treatment in a safe environment, bringing lasting changes to millions of lives. On Sunday 26th March coffee, home-made cakes and biscuits were served after the 11 am Mass to boost the appeal and to date approximately £1,000 has been raised. (‘Our English word alms came from an ancient Greek word meaning mercy. Giving alms is more than simply giving money; it is a matter of heartfelt concern for those in genuine need’ – Pope Francis) Irene Walker Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Read in full

Page 6

Page 6 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother “Flower Festival” Flower Festival was held in June. It featured work by florists and flower clubs, who were allocated various part of the Cathedral to decorate. Liverpool UCM were allocated the children’s Chapel, with the theme of First Holy Communion. Although not “professional”, five of our members did us proud. They were Muriel McCahy of St Jerome’s, Cathy Holden, St Richard’s, Cathy Moran, St Thomas of Canterbury and Angela Batey and Cathy Simpson, both St Margaret Mary’s. It was widely agreed that this display was the very best one - so many congratulations all round.” Madelaine McDonald Media Officer LIVERPOOL 70th Anniversary Blessed Sacrament Foundation, Liverpool, celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the founding of UCM in their parish with a 40s- themed Social and a beautiful cake. Many nearby foundations joined them in their celebrations. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer 50th Certificate Mrs Peggy Regan, has been a UCM member for 50 years She is in St Edmund of Canterbury Foundation, Liverpool. Here she is proudly displaying her Certificate. Congratulations to you, Peggy. Madelaine McDonald Media Officer NORTHAMPTON Tudor house Around 16 members of Kettering U.C.M. Foundation spent a wonderful day at Baddesley Clinton, a beautiful Tudor house set in the Forest of Arden. The house has gone through a major restoration project and includes a fine collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture. It`s surrounded by a lovely park with a lake, pretty gardens, fine topiary and woodland. We left Kettering around 9.45 a.m. and were driven by our Honorary U.C.M. member, Ron Steele. Also, we had the privilege of Canon John with us. This house has a special resonance with Northamptonshire. It was owned by the Ferrers family for five hundred years. There is so much to this place, especially its association with our Catholic faith during the 1 600’s when priests and the faithful were persecuted. The family Vaux owned Harrowden Hall, nr. Kettering. It became a source of refuge for priests and laity looking for sanctuary away from London. The two sisters, Anne and Elizabeth Vaux, decided to rent Baddesley when things got ‘too hot’ and the persecutors became alarmingly close at Harrowden. There are three priests’ holes at Baddesley of which we could only see two. cleverly incorporated within the structure of the house and are meticulously preserved. As an added interest, we have the church of Saint Nicholas Owen dedicated to this humble carpenter within our St. Edwards parish. His inspiration to make hideouts inside some of the most prominent catholic houses of the day, notwithstanding the terrible price exacted from anyone harbouring a priest in those days, it is the legacy these brave families have left us. St. Nicholas Owen endured a martyrs’ death. After the tour around the house we were able to go our separate ways, some visited the book shop, some ready for a cup of tea and later, we had lunch in the restaurant where large and varied menus were on display. Thereafter being suitably replenished time to look around the beautiful gardens and moat. Plants were also on sale and a well- equipped shop. We also visited the church of St. Michael which lay some hundred yards away and discovered the tomb of Nicholas Brome. His family were the first owners of Baddesley. However, he was the murderer of a priest. For his sins, he wished to be buried standing up. His plaque can be seen just inside the door of the church, so everyone who enters treads on his head. Anna Roberts President, Kettering Foundation Adoremus: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress - Liverpool 2018 The bishops of England and Wales have just announced that they plan to hold a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress in Liverpool next year (7-9 September 2018). Eucharistic Congresses are gatherings of clergy, religious and laity which promote an awareness of the central place of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the Church. The last Eucharistic Congress in England was held in Westminster in 1908 when permissions for a public procession of the Blessed Sacrament were refused. Participants at the Congress will take part in a series of Catechism sessions, focusing on different dimensions of the Eucharist and the daily celebration and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On the first day of the Congress, there will be a Theological Symposium, with workshops for Parish catechists, (especially for those involved in First Holy Communion programs), RE teachers, Hospital and Prison Chaplains, Seminary Communities and Extraordinary Ministers. The sessions will focus on Scripture, Ecclesiology, Eucharistic Language and Catechism and a Workshop on the Rites and Music for Eucharistic Adoration. The Echo Arena in Liverpool (which can accommodate 10,000 pilgrims) will be the home to a six- hour stage programme on the second day of the Congress, which will include a Congress Mass, keynote speakers and a drama highlighting the beauty of reverence and devotion. The day will conclude with Adoration. On the final day of the Pilgrimage and Congress, Sunday, there will be pilgrimage Masses and a street procession, open to all. In a recent Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Westminster for the solemnity of Corpus Christi, Cardinal Nichols wrote: "We seek to rejuvenate Eucharistic adoration in our parishes as the source of strength for our lives and for our mission, that of making present the love and compassion of Jesus in our society." Every diocese in England and Wales will take part in the Congress and in his letter; the Cardinal encourages people to make the pilgrimage to the Eucharistic Congress. Each Diocesan Bishop has nominated a representative whose task is to disseminate information to parishes, groups, religious communities about the Pilgrimage and Congress. Ahead of the Eucharistic Congress in Genoa in 2016, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to visit the Blessed Sacrament, if possible, every day: "Moreover, I want to encourage everyone to visit – if possible, every day – especially amid life`s difficulties, the Blessed Sacrament of the infinite love of Christ and His mercy, preserved in our churches, and often abandoned, to speak filially with Him, to listen to Him in silence, and to peacefully entrust yourself to Him." The Eucharistic Congress has been given the title Adoremus (let us adore). This pilgrimage will bring people together from across the dioceses and further the service of the poor and marginalised in our midst. It will also aim to provide practical resources to develop the mission of the Church in prayer, contemplation and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Irene Mitchell Hon. National Secretary

Read in full

Page 7

The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 7 SALFORD ‘Hail Queen of Heaven’ St Luke’s UCM visited a small rural parish in the Lune Valley. We went to the parish of St. Mary’s Hornby where we were warmly greeted by several parishioners and offered refreshments. The church is the former parish of the eminent historian Dr John Lingard who was parish priest there 1811 to his death in 1851. He wrote the History of England, with strong emphasis on the effects that the Reformation had on the Catholic Church. He wrote this book whilst carrying out the duties of Parish Priest in this small village. He had many opportunities to advance within the Church, but chose to remain with his parish to further his writing. During his time at Hornby, Dr Lingard wrote the now famous hymn to Our Lady, “Hail Queen of Heaven.” We had a tour of the Presbytery at the church in which the parishioners have collected together many of Dr. Lingard’s possessions and created a museum in the room where he did most of his writing. We had a tour of the museum, viewing the items he left to the parish. After leaving the Presbytery and having a talk on the life and work of Dr Lingard, we had a tour of the old part of the village, including a visit to the Anglican church of St Margaret, directly facing St. Mary’s. It houses a copy of the Magna Carta which is on display for all visitors to view. Following our tour, we had lunch at the Castle Hotel in Hornby and went on to visit the nearby market town of Kirby Lonsdale. Some of our members went to check out the local shops whilst others visited the Anglican church situated in large grounds. At the rear of the church, there is a view over the valley which was a favourite place of the artist John Ruskin. Ruskin spent many hours there and called it “the best view in England”. Thereafter it became known as “Ruskin’s View.” We made our way back to Salford having much more knowledge about the hymn which we sing so often. All our members were impressed by the visit and said how good it was to have been in the room where the hymn was written by the Parish Priest. Bridie McKiernan President St Luke’s Foundation. Bridgewater Canal Afternoon Tea and a trip on a barge down the Bridgewater Canal was enjoyed by the ladies of St Luke’s UCM Bridie McKiernan President St Luke’s Foundation. Magistrate on the Bury Bench Mrs. Joan Mercer, Guardian Angels Foundation, was invited by St. Hilda’s, Tottington, to speak about her experiences over the past 20 years as a Magistrate on the Bury and Rochdale Bench. A raffle was organised, and at the end of the evening presented Mrs. Mercer with £200 to donate to her special charities, she was gobsmacked and said it would be sent to CRY (cardiac risk in the young) and Ashley Jolly SAD (Sudden Adult Death) trust UK, in memory of her late son Alan John Mercer who died suddenly aged 34 in 2010 of a previously undiagnosed heart condition, Dilated Cardiomyopathy. She also said what a lovely surprise but then I am not surprised as the ladies of St. Hilda’s are a very caring group of people. J Mercer Secretary Guardian Angels, Bury Members of St Luke’s UCM foundation received an award for many years of service to the Association for the Propagation of the Faith (APF). Margaret Martin and her husband James, received the award from Cardinal Vincent Nichols in recognition of ‘long and dedicated service’. The award was presented at Mass, by Father John Williams, Parish Priest of St Luke’s. Margaret and James have been acting as Secretary and Treasurer of the APF for twenty-seven years. They were responsible for emptying the ‘red boxes’ as well as collecting the money from other representatives and making sure that the money was sent to the APF. I am happy to report that they have handed over the task to two other members of St. Luke’s foundation. Our treasurer Phillipa Roberts and Jane Leader will now continue the good work. Bridie McKiernan, President St Luke’s Foundation. To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org Award for Margaret and James Martin

Read in full

Page 8

Page 8 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother SOUTHWARK Long Service Awards Presented To UCM Members Southwark Diocesan President, Mary Burt, and Recruitment Officer, Mary Piper together with Fr. Doug Bull, joined Holy Cross, Catford, Foundations for an end of term fish and chips evening. Afterwards Mary Burt presented – left to right – Teresa Dunne, Phyllis Cahill, Noreen Collins and Jenny Gyles with a Certificate each to celebrate 40 years as members of the U.C.M., also Kate Middleton who also received one for 30 years. Sharon Bishop Media Officer The Renaissance of St. Joseph’s Church It is with great joy that we can tell you that our new church, St. Joseph’s, will be completed and handed over on September 1st. After many trials and tribulations from non-performing builders to drains problems, our Parish Priest, Fr David Gibbons, arranged to use the building firm which has done much work for the Archdiocese. They have worked hard and with great professional skill to complete the church and Fr Gibbons and the builders have our heartfelt thanks. Our grateful thanks are also due to many people: Archbishop Peter Smith, Bishop John Hine, Monsignor Matthew Dickens, Fr Richard Harvey, our former Parish Priest, and Canon John Bailey. Our thanks are also given to the Headteacher of Borough Green Primary School, where we have been holding our weekly Mass and to the parishioners of St. Joseph’s, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Holy Trinity, Otford and St. Bernadette’s, West Kingsdown who have all contributed to the rebuilding fund. Many thanks to the people of Borough Green who supported all the many sales, talks, quizzes and functions that were organised by our UCM. Our special thanks go to the twelve UCM foundations in the Archdiocese of Southwark for their support and generous donations. We hope that the UCM members will have an opportunity to see our new church at our Day of Recollection next Lent. May God bless you all. Marie Foley Borough Green Foundation 40th Anniversary Sheppey Foundation, Southwark Archdiocese, celebrated its 40th year in the parish. We marked the event in the only way possible for us, by celebrating Mass, followed by a buffet lunch. We had invited other foundations to join us and had representatives from Sittingbourne, Rainham, Walderslade and Westgate Foundations. We were also delighted to welcome the National Vice President, Mary Piper, our Southwark President Mary Burt, Southwark Vice President Gerry Grehan, and Southwark Treasurer Margaret Carter. Also attending were members of Queenborough C of E church, and the ladies of the local Floral Arts Society who always eagerly accept our invitation for help to decorate our beautiful Pugin church for special occasions. And we do seem to have had quite a run of these in the past few years! Our Parish Priest, Canon Frank Moran, considered it appropriate to use a Mass dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, and the bidding Prayers were written with deference to Mothers and families of UCM members everywhere. On our special day, priority was given to the problems of members of our own foundation. All readings and Special Ministries were filled by our own members, including serving for our Mass. As is usual in the Centre of the Universe, the Canon`s dog Scamp joined in all the celebrations! We all provided the food and drink for the buffet, which was of the high standard now expected of us. Our visitors enjoyed socialising during the meal, there was a great deal of laughter and memories exchanged. Towards the end of the meal the Southwark President, Mary Burt, presented Lesley Dickinson, Mary Newman, Mary Carr, Madeleine Mortlock, Veronica Best and Betty Ainsworth, with certificates marking their full 40 yrs. membership. The beautiful cake, made by our resident cake maker, Cheryl Crane, was decorated with the UCM badge, a sugar paste figure of Our Lady, and many shells and sea creatures acknowledging our proximity to the sea. (we are an island in the mouth of the river Thames, marked on the maps as the Isle of Sheppey, but labelled The Centre of the Universe by Canon Frank!) Our church is in fact only separated from the vagaries of the North Sea by a brick wall, and in the winter winds the church roof creaks and groans alarmingly! But having survived this for 164 years, it seems unlikely that it will collapse around our heads any time soon! The cake also had a series of curled leaves around the base each bearing the name of one of our members. It seemed almost sacrilegious to cut into it. After this three of our members entertained the gathering with a tongue in cheek musical commentary on the various eccentricities of our UCM family, which was received with laughter, in the spirit in which it was offered! After coffee and cake the party broke up to return to their own parishes, hopefully with good reports of our hospitality, and probably with bemused reports of our activities! Mary vanDyke. Media Officer, Sheppey Foundation Mrs Gillian Badcock Retires as President of Hythe foundation. Carol Bonner To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org

Read in full

Page 9

The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 9 Kendal New Town Centenary On the 9th of June, the UCM Kensal New Town celebrated the Centenary of their foundation with a beautiful concelebrated Mass. The homily was given by Father Michael Johnson whose mother was a member of their UCM for over "50" years, they followed on with a wonderful reception in the parish hall. Elizabeth Garcia Media Officer WESTMINSTER Bene Merenti Medal Congratulations to Rosaline Egan "98" who is the oldest member of the UCM at St Johns Wood Foundation. Rosaline was awarded the Bene Merenti Medal for her various works of charity for many years. A few years ago, Rosaline was Catholic woman of the year, we are proud to say that Rosaline is still an active member in her work. Elizabeth Garcia Media Officer Rosary Church Marylebone On a hot and sunny day in July, the mothers and children of the UCM of the Rosary Church in Westminster set off on a sponsored walk in aid of a local charity they hold dear - the Cardinal Hume Centre for the Homeless. The group set off after 11am Mass on Sunday 9th July and made a short walk to the park. Their sponsored walk accomplished they were delighted to have raised £600 for their Worthy Charity. Elizabeth Garcia Media Officer Trip to Knock and West Port The president of Westminster Joan Deegan organised a trip to Knock and West Port. 28 people travelled from different foundations and of course their Spiritual Director Father Irwin. They had glorious weather and a fabulous time was had by all. Elizabeth Garcia Media Officer

Read in full

Page 10

Page 10 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother NOTTINGHAM New Member On the 26th July, Father Paul Gillham of St. Mary`s Loughborough, enrolled Naty Foister into our foundation. Eight of our foundation members were also present at the enrolment Mass. Kathy Gellling Media Officer SHREWSBURY Annual sponsored walk Annual sponsored walk by St. Wilfrid`s Foundation Northwich, for our chosen charity Save The Children. Our total for the whole year of fund raising was £1200.00 The people in the photos are The Lock Keeper who very kindly let us use his loo... Margaret Hodkinson and Mima, Pauline, Lucy Bolyn, Linda Morris, Sue Gleeve and Pipa, Donella Houghton and Betty Dew. Linda Morris Media Officer WWDP When, in 2002, I was invited by the National Board of Catholic Women to represent the Church on the National Committee of the Women’s World Day of Prayer Movement, I was delighted to accept. I had been involved with WWDP for many years at local level, representing my parish on the local branch committee, and valued its ecumenical and international commitment to ‘informed prayer – prayerful action’. Looking back over the last fourteen years, I thank God, not only for the five years I spent as the Catholic Representative, but for the subsequent 9 years as a Trustee of the Movement, culminating in three years as the National President. The Catholic Church continues to be represented by Siobhan Canham from the Exmouth UCM Foundation. The National Committee of WWDP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a working committee, consisting of one member from each of the Christian denominations that support the Movement in this country. They work together as a team, to resource and support the 3000 local branches responsible for organising the worship service in their respective areas, one of the great joys of being on the committee is the opportunity it affords for travelling around the country, meeting with local branch members and experiencing the enthusiasm and support there is for the Movement at grass roots level. International meetings, held every 4 years in a different region of the world, each time, have always been very enriching, bringing together representatives from 170 countries and islands that observe the Day of Prayer each year. This year the service has been written by Christian women in the Philippines, urgently seeking the prayers of the world, for their country, and on Friday 3 March an estimated 3 million people gathered to pray with them, and for them. For more information on WWDP, and details of services near you, do please visit the website: www.wwdp.org.uk , and lend your support to a Movement that gives prayerful and practical support to women around the world. Mimi Barton Exmouth Foundation Plymouth Diocese Mary’s Meals The theme of our Advent resources for 2017 is “We all have a part to play”. The free of charge resources consist of a short inter-active All Age Talk (based around the main characters of The Nativity story); some Messy Church children’s craft activity ideas (again based on some of the characters of The Nativity story), and then a label for our Reverse Advent Jar (where we are encouraging people to put a small amount in the jar during each day of Advent, which amounts to £13.90-enough to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year). We expect the packs to be ready for sending out at the beginning of November. Should any of your members or their churches/foundations like to receive the pack, could you please ask them to email us at churches@marysmeals.org Fran Lawson, Fundraising Officer, Marys Meals EAST ANGLIA Member for 60 Years Our June meeting saw the presentation of a certificate for 60 years of membership to Joyce Potter, it was made by President Janet Hatton, with Janet Smith, Treasurer and Marguerite Wayling, Secretary. M Wayling Costessey Foundation Mill Farm Garden Sacred Heart Parish, Dereham, Norfolk had a fabulous garden visit today following our business meeting, with even more fabulous cake in the beautiful courtyard garden. Lovely meeting with friends and a potential new member. A few of us plus a lone husband, beginning our journey from what seemed a tiny garden, through arches into more and more garden rooms. Mill Farm Gardens, Wendling, Norfolk open to the public on Aug 6th for anyone in area wanting a great afternoon out. Sharon Bishop Media Officer

Read in full

Page 11

UCM NATIONAL VACANCIES WALSINGHAM SUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS (2)  Attends the Walsingham Sub Committee Meetings, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Work with the Walsingham Sub Committee regarding all aspects of the pilgrimage.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham – Monday and Tuesday.  The duties and tasks assigned to the Sub Committee member are undertaken during pilgrimage days. WALSINGHAM SUB COMMITTEE TREA SURER  Attends the Walsingham Sub Committee Meetings, National Council and the Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Work with the Walsingham Sub Committee regarding all aspects of the pilgrimage.  Deals with all financial aspects of the Walsingham Pilgrimage.  Prepares the Accounts each year and have them checked by a qualified Accountant before sending them to the National treasurer.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. NATIONAL SECRETARY  Becomes one of the three trustees of The Union of Catholic Mothers; the other two trustees are the National President and the National Treasurer.  The three trustee officers work closely as a team regarding all matters relating to The U.C.M.  Attends Trustee meetings, National Committee meetings, National Council and Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  Needs to have a thorough knowledge of the Constitution of The UCM.  Needs to have an overview of the tasks and remit of all members of the National Committee.  Compiles the Agendas for all meetings and then compiles the Minutes. Complies the Annual Report and the National Officers reports.  Monitor emails and action if necessary.  Perform the secretarial duties associated with the role of National Secretary.  Facebook Administrator.  Attends the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.  The National Secretary should be available to give advice at all times. VICE-PRESIDENTS (2)  Represents the National President or other National Officers when the need arises.  Attends National Committee meetings, National Council and Annual General meeting, Diocesan Officers meeting, Ad Hoc meetings as and when required.  The two Vice Presidents share the responsibility for the Mass kit and undertake the duties of Sacristan at National Council, Diocesan Officers Meeting and Committee Meetings.  Liaises with the Diocese responsible for preparing the Liturgy for National Council.  Plans and organises the National Study Conference in conjunction with the National Committee.  Attends meetings relating to Justice & Peace issues.  Attends meetings of the Catholic Union.  Attend the non-executive meetings of the National Board of Catholic Women. (NBCW)  Attends meetings of the National Council of Women (NCW)  Administers the work of the Daily Mass Scheme.  Monitors the Bishops Conference and Pro - Life websites.  Monitors the Friends Circle.  The Vice Presidents will from time to time, submit reports of meetings attended tor insertion in the Catholic Mother.  Attendance at the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is appreciated.  Compiles the Walsingham Petitions for the Annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 11 Please ensure that both Archdiocesan/Diocesan Committees and Foundations have been consulted before submitting your form, then forward together with a copy of the candidate’s Curriculum Vitae to the National Secretary: by Sunday 31st December 2017 For more detailed information in relation to any of the advertised posts please contact the National Secretary Mrs. Irene Mitch ell ucmnatsec@yahoo.co.uk Once more Our Lady of Walsingham smiled on us and the weather was perfect for the two days of our 72nd annual Pilgrimage. Our special thanks go to our Spiritual Advisor, Bishop Alan Williams, Bishop Tom Williams and Fr David Potter from the Archdiocese of Liverpool for leading our pilgrimage and to all the Clergy for joining us too. 621 pilgrims attended and of these approximately 160 used the Abbey Link mobility coaches. On the Monday evening the Chapel of Reconciliation was filled to capacity for the Service of Light and it was wonderful to witness the arrival into the Chapel of the Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham carried by National and Sub-committee officers which had been beautifully decorated by the Archdiocese of Liverpool. At the end of the Service our Blessed Candle was carried in procession to the Slipper Chapel by our National President, National Officers and Diocesan Presidents, where it remained alight for the duration of our pilgrimage. It was from this Candle that all the candles being carried in the torchlight procession were lit. As always, it was a sight to behold as darkness began to fall and we watched Clergy and members process along the Pilgrim Way carrying their lighted torches reciting the Joyful and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary and hearing sounds of `Holy Virgin by God`s Decree` and `I`ll sing a hymn of Mary` then eventually processing up into the Prayer Garden at the rear of the Bureau where prayers were said by candlelight. Tuesday morning began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Alan, Bishop Tom, 22 Clergy, assisted by one Deacon and two Altar Servers from our members` families. What an inspiring Mass and thought provoking Homily it was. After enjoying a packed lunch and catching up with fellow members and friends the Abbey Link mobility coaches left the Shrine and made their way to the Abbey grounds and we began to prepare for our silent procession along the Holy Mile to the Abbey led by the Clergy and our National Officers – a reflective journey dwelling on our theme this year `The Joy of the Annunciation`. Simultaneously our `Service for the Sick` and Anointing was taking place in the Abbey grounds led by Fr David Potter, assisted by Diocesan clergy, so although we were not together we were united in thoughts and prayers. Our new `Papal` Banner, made and presented to us by Janette Woodford, Past National President, was carried at the front of the procession and on behalf of the UCM we thank Janette for all her hard work and for presenting us with this lovely Banner. Our arrival at the Abbey signalled the final part of our pilgrimage. We were welcomed by our two National Vice Presidents, Anne Emblem and Mary Piper, who announced the various Diocesan representatives and read their Intecessions. The procession of the Clergy, National Officers and the Statue of Our Lady Walsingham followed and our Service commenced with a rousing `Lady of Walsingham, Lady of England` after which our National President, Val Ward, led us in our UCM prayer and in her Address reminded us that this was her final pilgrimage as National President and said how much she had enjoyed her three years in office. The Litany of Our Lady of Walsingham is always a joy to recite and reminds us of how very special Our Lady is as we listened to all the titles bestowed upon her. Just to reassure you that the W.S.C. has not `lost the plot` we would like to apologise to all members for the fact that the Booking Form for the 2017 pilgrimage appeared in the Summer Edition of The Catholic Mother which was published after the pilgrimage. This edition should have been distributed to the Diocese in June but due to printing problems was delayed. To avoid this happening again, the Booking Form will appear ONLY in the Spring edition of The Catholic Mother but copies of the Booking Form will be placed in every Diocesan file at both Study Days and National Council and we would please ask Diocesan Presidents/Secretaries to ensure that these are copied and sent to every Foundation in their Diocese as soon as possible. A reminder also that the Booking Form will appear on the Website. The Walsingham Sub-committee would like to thank most sincerely all those who contributed in any way to make the 72nd pilgrimage such a success – to the Archdiocese of Liverpool for all their hard work during many months of preparation ensuring that everyone was welcomed and had a Bed to sleep in; to all our wonderful Offertory, Holy Communion, Collection and Abbey Link stewards; the Choir; the Kings Lynn KSC for providing stewards and road marshals; Norfolk Constabulary and, of course, to all the Shrine and Pilgrim Bureau staff who work tirelessly with us throughout the year to ensure that our pilgrimage is such a spiritual and prayerful occasion and to everyone who offered help and for being there for us on the day – we could not do it without you.. Our thanks also to Liverpool and Middlesbrough Diocese for organising the mobility coaches. Thank you too for all your cards and letters of `thanks` and for sending us your comments – we really do appreciate receiving these. To all those who have enquired, I am delighted to tell you that Maria Bruns (the lead President) has her wrist out of plaster now and is well on the way to recovery and she has asked me to convey her love and thanks to you for all your concern and care following her `accident`. Finally, and most importantly, thank you all for attending and making it yet another year to remember and not forgetting all those who were unable to be with us but were remembering and joining with us in prayer or watching the live recording from Walsingham in their homes. Going forward, we are already busy planning for next year – our 73rd Anniversary (how the years go by) - and our lead Diocese for 2018 will be Middlesbrough led by their Bishop The Rt. Rev. Terence Drainey. A reminder that ALL beds in the Pilgrim Bureau must be booked through the lead Diocesan President, Mrs Jean Rigg and her co-ordinator, Mrs Kathleen Stubbs. As our numbers are falling year by year, please let us all pray, especially to Our Lady of Walsingham, for an increase in pilgrims next year and that more members and friends will endeavour to join us because as we looked around the Shrine on the Tuesday morning we couldn`t help recalling three words spoken at National Council – Fun, Friendship and Faith – and these were so truly evident at Walsingham – so do please come and share this with us. God Bless Maureen, Angela, Elizabeth and Paddy Walsingham Sub Committee Walsingham Whispers 72nd Annual Walsingham Pilgrimage - 2017

Read in full

Page 12

We get involved in seafarers lives in many ways. One example is a true story about a fishing boat the ‘Ocean Way’ it left the port of Newcastle and headed east. They were 100 miles east of the Farne Islands, off the Northumbrian coast, the skipper James, a Scotsman, was at the wheel, the rest of the crew, 4 Philippinos were asleep in their bunks. All was well until a freak wave hit the boat and flipped it over. The skipper was able to send an SOS before all 5 of them ended up in the sea. It was early November, the sea temperature 100 miles off land is about 5 degrees Celsius, expected survival time was 20 -30 minutes. Apart from the skipper, they were all in their night attire, which was boxer shorts and a T-shirts, no survival suits. A helicopter was sent from RAF Boulmer, the time to fly the 100 miles would be 2 hours plus. When the helicopter reached the shipwreck, they were able to rescue three men, the skipper James and two Philippinos Nixon and Romielo. Sadly, the other two Michael and Jeritoe were lost at sea, no site of their bodies. On the helicopter journey back to land, James the skipper died, the other two were flown to Wansbeck hospital, were they stayed overnight and were discharged the next morning. The company put them up in a hotel while making plans to get them home to the Philippines. Our Apostleship of the Sea, chaplain on the Tyne was asked to help, getting them to Mass, meeting with them regularly and introducing them to the Philippine community who took them into their homes, took them on trips out and gave them gifts to take back home. What they told him was amazing. They said “they kept talking to and encouraging each other, and they prayed, they prayed a lot.” Although they had tied themselves to the float rings, Romulo said after 2 hours of trying to stay afloat whilst stopping the sea water getting into their mouths, they were getting very tired and the cold was getting into their bones. They felt they were starting to give up, the body just wanted to sleep. It was then that Romulo heard a seagull nearby, looking up it was hovering above them, just the one, they saw this as a sign from God, like the voice of an angel, God letting them know their prayers were heard. They said more prayers, a short time afterwards, they noticed a speck in the distance, as it got nearer they could make out it was a helicopter come to their rescue. When it was time for them to return to the Philippines, our Chaplain Paul, took them to the airport. At check in they were told they could only take 20k instead of the normal 40k for seafarers. Due to the generosity of the community their luggage was over the limit, the lady at the desk gave them two plastic bags and told them they needed to reduce their weight, they were upset, Paul explained that Romulo and Nixon had been shipwrecked, it had been on the BBC news, she went away and came back saying it’s OK the management said they could take the full amount with no extra charge, they were delighted. That’s not the end of the story. Last year Chaplain Paul, while on a visit to the Philippines decided to look up the two guys to see how they were doing, Nixon had gone back to sea, the family needed the money. Romulo told Paul he saw their rescue as a miracle and decided to give his life to serve God, he is now training to become a priest. Seafarers Shipwreck Some saints you choose and some saints choose you. St Jane Frances de Chantal chose me. In fact she has followed me around all my life: There was a picture of her in my school and often I’d find her statue looking down on me in a church I’d visited. For this reason I wasn’t surprised to find her depicted in a window of the parish church to which I’d been assigned. Years ago, I asked a woman what name she was going to give her new-born daughter and she said, “Chantal, Father. Is there a saint Chantal?” “Yes, Jane Frances Chantal.” “Ooh! That’s lovely. I’ll have all of her”. I thought it would be lovely if you had “all of her” and she had the chance to choose you too. You might not guess it from the stern, sixteenth-century nun, who looks down from our stained-glass window but St Jane Frances is probably the natural choice for the modern Catholic mother. At twenty Jane married Baron Christophe de Chantal only to find that with his title her husband had inherited considerable debts. She set herself to work: to manage the estate with a winning combination of efficiency and love. A working mother, she wasn’t just devoted to her husband and children but also to the poor. She gave soup and bread from her own kitchen and when others told her that the poor were joining the queue for a second time in the hope of another serving – she laughed and said: “What if God turned me away when I came back to him again and again with the same request!” When her family was large and young, Christophe was killed in a hunting accident. Slowly, Jane Frances came to forgive the man who had accidentally shot her husband and left her a young widow. First, she brought herself to greet him, then, she invited him for a meal and eventually agreed to be Godmother to his child. She believed that gradually God had widened her heart with suffering and made her more loving and forgiving. Through the ups and downs of everyday life – she later lost a son in a tragic accident and felt estranged from a daughter through misunderstandings about money – Jane Frances felt that God had made her heart long for Him. Through her friendship with Francis de Sales, Jane Frances’ desire to love and serve God grew until with him, she decided to found the Visitation order – uncloistered women who would live out the impulse of that joyful mystery of Christ’s life in the company of Our Lady. A happy marriage, work, children, debt, bereavement, loneliness, struggles with forgiveness, family misunderstanding, a yearning for prayer, and loyal loving friendship – this was all of her and it was the stuff that made Jane Frances de Chantal a saint. You could do worse than put yourself in her company and let this loyal, loving friend choose you. Fr. Philip Caldwell Page 12 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother National Council 2017 Plymouth “Hosting” at this year’s National Council was a first for almost all of our members attending, so we were “winging it” a bit - as they say these days! We had “observed” the year before, brought back the “Hosting File”, and talked through with our National Secretary, who arranges everything so carefully each year, and who was always on hand for any problems. Our National Treasurer had made up a Lanyard for every attendee, and we were delighted to learn that the £1 donation for each lanyard taken, is returned to the Hosting Diocese, to help with their travel costs. Living so far away from Derby, this was most welcome. If we’d known that in advance, we wouldn’t have taken any notice of “I’ve got my own lanyard, thank you”, but would have forced another one on them, together with their room key, and put out an expectant hand eagerly. ☺ As a ‘team’, we wore pale blue sashes to identify us throughout the Conference – unfortunately the cheap shiny ribbon kept on slipping off our shoulders, and this colour didn’t show up too well on my teal blouse! Four of us had arrived early to sort the lovely flower arrangement for the Butterly Hall, set up our Diocesan Banner at the Reception desk area, remind ourselves of the layout of ‘The Hayes’ accommodation, and to stack our personal gifts, ready for distribution. This latter was the brainwave of our Past President Lorraine, who is now the NHRH Officer. It comprised of a card with details of our two Diocesan Saints, Boniface and Cuthbert Mayne; some history of Honiton lace-making (not very far from most of us); a poem written by Siobhan, one of our own UCM members; and a small white ‘Needlepoint Lace’ cross, mounted on blue handmade paper (not made by us!). Some members of the Exmouth Foundation were given lessons in needlepoint lace stitching, and over the next year, produced 150 crosses. I was immensely proud of our tokens. They weren’t a huge cost to the Diocese, but they were the result of many hours of preparation and love, and I warmly thank those who contributed. However, next time Lorraine has “an idea” – I shall take a small step back! Tuesday is traditionally the Host Diocese’s “Entertainment Evening”. Our 80+ member (“Grandma”) had a Sketch in her folder, which had been performed at a National Council meeting so many years ago, when they were held around the country, and when ‘hosting’ meant exactly that. Maybe some of you remembered it?! Although Sheila had had a bad fall a couple of months earlier, she was absolutely determined to join us, and the walker frame became her sketch ‘prop’. Other items included silly songs from Girlguiding days, a Reading about how God made the first Mother, an audience- participation story, and some Line Dancing. We have a lovely little video of our National President Val dancing (in her heels) and giggling with the others who had ‘volunteered’ to join in, trying to follow the “Simply Samba” moves! The next day during the AGM, Val kindly presented ‘Grandma’ Sheila (who is also a Great-Grandma of course) with a Certificate to celebrate her 55 years of membership of the UCM! However, we returned home feeling quietly relieved, happy to have completed our Hosting without too many hitches, and hoping that those from around the country, who were able to join the National Committee and their guests, felt that the three days of information, spirituality and friendship were more than worthwhile. Diana Norman Diocesan President Poets Corner The Needlepoint Lace Cross A thread; a stitch; a loop of lace; And row by patient row it grew. Each thread entwined with loving grace Creates an ancient cross anew. A cross of twisted threads, tight-bound, As we are bound in faith and love. Close linked together, each to each, All children of our God above. A simple, basic stitch alone Has neither form, nor weight, nor length. So, we alone, are frail and weak, But joined, we have a special strength. This cross of needle-point lace shall be A symbol of our unity. Siobhan Canham (Exmouth Foundation) The Life of a Saint St Jane Frances de Chantal

Read in full

Page 13

Bishop Mark O’Toole, Bishop of Plymouth, was the main celebrant at Mass, accompanied by Fr Gerald Wilson, Prior of St Rita’s, members of the Augustinian Recollects and priests from other parts of the Diocese, including Fr Robin. Also, children from the Catholic Primary School in Exeter sang during the distribution of Holy Communion, filling the marquee with their beautiful voices. At the end of the Mass the hundreds of roses which adorn the altar were blessed for distribution to the sick later on and it has been claimed that rose petals blessed on St Rita’s feast day have curative qualities. This year the Mass was filmed and is available to watch on YouTube. After Mass we all enjoyed our picnic lunches and had an opportunity to visit the book shop to buy cards and relics. This year I visited the chapel where I found an exquisite piece of Honiton Lace made by Pat Perryman who is a world-famous lace maker, having made lace for the royal family. Her work can also be seen at the local Honiton Museum where the history of lace making can be traced back to the 16th century. At 3.30 we returned to the marquee for Benediction and to collect roses to take home to some of our sick members. Here in Honiton you will find the only shrine dedicated to St Rita in England and there is a Chapel which has beautiful stained glass windows made by the monks at Buckfast Abbey. In a display cabinet there is an authenticated relic of this famous saint; a woman of great faith who became an Augustinian nun in the convent at Cascia following the death of her husband. It is understood that as she was dying, she asked for a rose from her garden in winter - not the rose growing season - and one was found and brought to her and her room was filled with the scent of roses. Some of us took the opportunity to buy a rose bush named in her honour for our own gardens – the one I bought several years ago is doing well and reminds me of St Rita whenever I see it. Irene Walker Exmouth Foundation Plymouth Diocese The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 13 St Rita’s Day Visually Impaired Walking Group The Sheffield Visually Impaired Walking Group and their guides faced a tough challenge in completing a 17 mile walk over hilly terrain, well over the seven mile distance they normally walk, four times a month. My thoughts when I took on the challenge and asked my friends and parishioners to support me, as a visually impaired walker was, I don’t mind how long it takes me but I hope the weather is kind and not too hot. On Saturday 17th June 2017, we set off from Encliffe Park at 9am on a warm sunny morning soon to become a very hot and sticky day. The nice thing about Sheffield is that there are plenty of parks and woods along the route which gave us some much appreciated shade from the hot sun. Everyone on the walk, about 20 of us, was in good spirits, being blind or visually impaired does not stop you from walking; you just need the arm of a trained guide and we have some wonderful volunteer guides always willing to walk with us. We change guides usually every few miles to give them a break from ‘guiding’, so there’s always a different person to talk to. The route started at Hunters Bar, up the Porter Valley to Ringinglow, down the Limb Valley into Ecclesall Woods and across Abbeydale Road at Dore and Totley Station; then on to Ladies Spring Wood and to Beauchief Abbey in time for a packed lunch. Nicely refreshed, we continued through Chancet Wood to Graves Park and the Gleedless Valley; then onward through Meersbrook Park, across London Road, up the last hill to Brincliffe Edge and Chelsea Park to reach the finish at Hunters Bar at 6p.m. where there was lots of chatting, laughing and good camaraderie. We were all delighted with each other that we had all finished the challenge. A day well spent! Over £3,000 was raised in support of the Sheffield Royal Society for the blind and the SVIWG. What an achievement Hilary Myers. Mrs. Myers is the Social Secretary for the SVIWG. Her role includes arranging holidays for the visually impaired, coach outings, meals out, the AGM and the Annual Christmas New Year Dinner. A most worthy and rewarding cause for its members. See www.srsb.org.uk. Hilary is a past UCM President and is currently a member of St. Vincent’s Foundation, Sheffield in the Diocese of Hallam. Dorothy Anderson, Media Officer, Hallam Diocese The English Bishop With A Diocese Ten Times The Size Of Britain (White Fathers) Pope Francis has appointed an English missionary to be bishop of a diocese that covers 2,000,000 kms2 in Algeria. Bishop-elect John MacWilliam is originally from Wimbledon and was educated in Sussex. He joined the British Army and saw active service in Northern Ireland and Oman before joining the Missionaries of Africa (known as the White Fathers). Now, at the age of 68 and after 25 years of service as a priest in North Africa, he wil oversee the diocese of Laghouat. Covering 90% of Algeria, the entire south of the country this diocese has only 10% of the country’s population and a tiny Catholic population of a few hundred expatriates including some migrants. “This is a Church in which our presence among our Muslim neighbours is a response to Christ’s call to be witnesses by our way of life,” says Bishop-elect John. After Theology studies at the Missionary Institute, London, Fr. John was ordained a priest in 1992. He was appointed first to Rome for Arabic studies and Islamology, and then to Algeria in 1995 to re-open the community of White Fathers in Tizi-Ouzou. Four priests had been murdered there by terrorists the year before. He later served in the Sahara and in Tunisia before being appointed Provincial Superior of the White Fathers in North Africa. On 20th May, he will be consecrated as a bishop at Worth Abbey in Sussex, where he had been at school. Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, formerly in charge of Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican and himself a White Father, will be the chief consecrator and will be assisted by the Archbishop of Tunis and the Emeritus Bishop of Laghouat. Fr. Stan Lubungo, Superior General of the White Fathers will also be present. The Right Reverend Father John Gordon MacWilliam, M. Afr. was born in Wimbledon, South London on 20thNovember 1948. He was a student at Worth School from 1962 to 1966. He took his Missionary Oath as a White Father in December 1991 and was ordained a priest on 4th July 1992 at Worth Abbey. jgmacwilliam@hotmail.com BIRMINGHAM National Memorial Arboretum The weather was marvellous in early July, apart from that day, the day when 15 members of Birmingham Diocese visited the National Memorial Arboretum. It poured and poured! We began our visit with a talk in the Ecumenical Chapel and then had a tour of the site on the land train (which fortunately had a roof and sides). Alighting we were directed to a marquee for our afternoon tea. We were impressed by the luxurious surroundings. Sadly, it didn`t last, and we were sent into the cafeteria. But the tea was lovely anyway. For anyone who hasn`t visited, there are so many memorials to be seen in peaceful surroundings, with plenty of opportunity for reflection and prayer Susan Martin Media Officer Peggy Cook wishes to thank all at National Council for “get well wishes”. She also asked if you could pass on a special thanks to Sheilagh Preston. Peggy is now going to be treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, she now has faith in their projections for her care. God Bless Eileen Priest Archdiocesan Secretary Thanks From Peggy Cook  National Study Days - The Hayes Swanwick, 19-21 March 2018, East Anglia hosting (tbc)  National Council & AGM - The Hayes Swanwick, 14-16 May 2018, Northampton hosting, Bishop Peter Doyle will attend on 15th May plus the Papal Nuncio (tbc)  Walsingham Pilgrimage, Monday 2 July and Tuesday 3 July 2018.

Read in full

Page 14

Page 14 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@ cathcom.org ARUNDEL AND BRIGHTON AGM AGM 22 April 2017 Mrs Harkins welcomed everyone including our guests National Vice President, Liaison Link and Southwark UCM Mrs Mary Piper, Past National President and Diocesan President, Westminster UCM Mrs Janette Woodford, Portsmouth UCM Diocesan President Mrs Sue Meese, Mothers Union Chichester Mrs Sue Lismer and Mrs Margaret Hearnden, Mothers Union Guildford Mr Edwin Catt and Mrs Kathy Catt, NBCW A&B Rep Mrs Sue Petritz. She also welcomed Past Diocesan Presidents Mrs Marilyn Simmonds, Rosemary Tierney and Joan Hodge. Joan Hodge was Acting Secretary for the meeting. After the Officers reports were read out we went to the Cathedral for Midday Mass concelebrated by Bishop Richard Moth and Canon Tom Treherne. At the end of Mass Judy Harkins presented Anne Ager to the Bishop as Arundel and Brighton’s new UCM President. After promising to uphold the Aims and Objectives of the UCM the Bishop presented Anne with her badge of office. We then returned to the hall for a shared lunch. Our guest Speaker was Bishop Richard Moth who spoke of his experience of the UCM in the 1 980s as a Cur ate in South London. He had just written the “Good Shepherd Sunday Homily” so asked us to continue praying for vocations. He praised the wonderful witness seen in UCM and CWL. He spoke about the example of St Margaret Clitherow who didn’t set out to make a fuss, secretly hiding priests in her house, and chose to be crushed to death by refusing trial by jury so that no one else could be implicated. We should not be despondent when trying to recruit new members but keep on praying. He is very concerned with teenage psychosis ( MIND) and the pressures it puts on Mothers. He asks us to think of more ways to communicate and how the UCM can give support to families. Mrs Mary Piper gave us an update from the National Committee. At National Council, there was a discussion on how the UCM moves forward. The posts that become vacant in 2018 are, National President, Secretary and two Vice Presidents. But so far no one has come forward to fill these positions. At present Arundel and Brighton have vacancies for Secretary and Treasurer. Mrs Terri Coombs who was unable to be at the meeting, was thanked by Judy Harkins for her help in acting Secretary for the past year. Mrs Christine Hughes finished her term of office as Treasurer and was thanked and presented with a gift from the members by Judy. Judy was also given a gift from the members by Joan Hodge and Judy then presented the Committee with floral tributes. Mrs May Leitch from Hollington Foundation has been appointed as Diocesan Media Officer. The meeting closed with the Memorare to Our Lady for her help and guidance. West Grinstead Pilgrimage Our annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Consolation at West Grinstead was held on the 31st May. This year we were joined by the Knights of St Columba. Our Spiritual Director Canon Thomas Treherne gave a talk on Centring Prayer in context to Eucharist Adoration. The day consisted of Mass, Rosary & Benediction. A good day was had by all. Rosemary Tierney Media Officer HALLAM New Members On 23rd May 2017, Mrs. Pat Marsh and Mrs. Rachel Austick were enrolled during Holy Mass, into the Union of Catholic Mothers, in the Parish of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Victories at Clowne. Both ladies have offered to take up the Office of Treasurer and Secretary . Dorothy Anderson Media Officer More new Members Nine new members of St. Catherine’s Foundation, Burn Greave, Sheffield were enrolled into the Union of Catholic Mothers. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Albert Savaille on the feast of Corpus Christi. Afterwards we celebrated with members of the congregation, Mrs Sheila Godley the Diocesan President and Mrs. Angela Higginson the National Treasurer. Dorothy Anderson Media Officer Socks with a story to tell. Faith on your Feet® For life`s pilgrimage. More than a sock® since 2000 Shop for Holy Socks, Glory Golf Balls, Biblical Brollies T: 01671 404 043 M: 07918 184 539 E: info@holysocks.co.uk W: www.holysocks.co.uk

Read in full

Page 15

The Catholic Mother Winter 2017 Page 15 Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam & fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 To advertise please contact Caroline Gonella at CathCom on 07931 836926 or 01440 730399 or email carolineg@cathcom.org Boarbank Hall Contact: Sr Ildikó Boarbank Hall, Grange over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7NH Telephone: 015395 32288 Website: www.boarbankhall.org.uk Canonesses of St Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus “She who accepts the common life possesses God” St Augustine A Warm Welcome to Everyone Prayer  Community  Hospitality  Care of the poor and sick OBITUA RIES ARUNDEL & BRIGHTON DIOCESE Mrs Eileen CRACKNELL , Past Diocesan President BIRMINGHAM ARCHDIOCESE Anne COUGHLAN , Sacred heart and Holy Souls Foundation, Acocks Green Kathleen CUNNINGHAM , St John Fisher Foundation, West Heath Mary PENZER , Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Foundation, Old Fallings Joan AYLOTT , St Ambrose Foundation, Kidderminster Angelina SCROCCA , St Ambrose Foundation, Kidderminster Sheila SKITT , St Ambrose Foundation, Kidderminster Helen DRAPER , St Thomas of Canterbury Foundation, Walsall Elsie WILKES , St Ambrose Foundation, Kidderminster Kitty O’SULLIVAN , St Peter`s Foundation, Bloxwich EAST ANGLIA DIOCESE Pat HOWE , Our Lady and St Walstan Foundation, Costessey Daphne SPARKES , Our Lady and St.Walstan Foundation, Costessey LEEDS DIOCESE Lesley HIRST , ST Ignatius Foundation, Osset. LIVERPOOL ARCHDIOCESE Harriet WILSON , St George’s Foundation, Maghull Lillia SIGGINS , St George’s Foundation, Maghull Theresa O’REILLY , St Teresa’s Foundation Mary O’KEEFE , St Gregory’s, Foundation, Maghull, Betty O’LDROYD , St Anne’s Foundation, Ormskirk, Monica WILSON , St Clare’s Foundation Betty HIGHTON , St Paul’s Foundation Fr. Bernard HIGHAM , Chaplain, Our Lady of Compassion Foundation NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE Janice WALSHE , The Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Victories Foundation, Clowne Jean HIRST , St. Mary`s Foundation, South Wigston Mary MARLEY , St. Peter’s Foundation, Leicester SALFORD DIOCESE Mary JAMES , Guardian Angels Foundation, Bury Rose TREACY St John’s Foundation, Chorlton Joy ROBSON St John’s Foundation, Chorlton Maureen HEANEY St. Joseph Foundation, Reddish SOUTHWARK ARCHDIOCESE Mary SHORT St. Joseph’s Foundation, New Malden, Surrey Mary KENDERDINE St. Joseph’s Foundation, New Malden, Surry PLYMOUTH DIOCESE Mena MAGILL , Cathedral Foundation Lorraine RICHARDS , Holy Ghost Foundation, Exmouth PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE Mary ABRAMS , St Boniface Foundation, Shirley Mary FEARON , St Francis Foundation, Ascot Yvonne BYRNE , Sacred Heart Foundation, Fareham Bunty LAVENDER , St Edward and St Mark Foundation, Windsor Bunty had been at St Marks and St Edward`s for over 50 years and had been awarded the Bene Merenti Medal Marie CASMAN , Corpus Christi Foundation, Wokingham Maria JEFFERSON , St Mary Foundation, Alton Laraine TAYLO R , St Colman`s Foundation, Cosham Mary McCORD , Ss Edwards and Mark’s Foundation, Windsor Anne LAMBKINS , St. Swithuns Foundation, Yateley Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord EAST ANGLIA Fr Henry Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Fr. Henry MacCarthy was ordained a priest at All Saints, Peterborough in July 1977. On Saturday, 1st July 2017, one hundred and sixty-four people, from Ireland and from Parishes across the Diocese of East Anglia, came to St. Cecilia’s Church in Dersingham to join Fr. Henry in celebrating forty years of dedicated service to the priesthood. The festivities began with Holy Mass, nine priests concelebrated with Fr. Henry, and continued with drinks and a buffet lunch. Afterwards Fr. Henry’s health was toasted and the celebration cake cut. As well as parochial duties, and other diocesan ones, Fr. Henry was, for many years, Chaplain to The Union of Catholic Mothers in East Anglia Diocese. He was a regular attender at National Council, and he always managed to attend at least part of our Diocesan meetings, even if he could not make the whole meeting. We in East Anglia Diocese are very grateful for, and fondly remember, his kindly and wise input. Fr. Henry had to relinquish the role on reaching retirement. The Union of Catholic Mothers was represented by Mrs. Anne Nichol, Diocesan Treasurer, Miss Elizabeth Howe, Diocesan Study/J&P Officer, and Mrs. Janice Tinney, Dereham Foundation, one of the many parishes served by Fr. Henry as curate or parish priest. Fr. Henry remains active, celebrating Sunday and weekday Masses in the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour & St. Edmund in Hunstanton, St. Cecilia’s, which is a Chapel of Ease in the parish, and visiting the sick and housebound parishioners. May God grant him many fruitful years to come, who knows, in ten years’ time you may be reading of his Golden Jubilee! Marguerite Wayling Diocesan Secretary l. to r. Janice Tinney, Anne Nicol, Fr. Henry and Elizabeth Howe In a curious historical twist, Henry Howard the Earl of Surry never used the house which was built by his father, the 3rd Duke of Norfolk. Howard was staunchly ant- Protestant, and was great friends with Henry VIII`s illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. Rumours began to circulate that Fitzroy was planning to install himself as the power behind Edward VI as soon as Henry died. The Earl was seen as fostering sedition and egging Fitzroy on. In 1547 he was thrown into prison by the king and executed for treason. Surry House is known locally as “The Marble Hall” Norwich Union purchased the house and surrounding land in the 1 980’s. The 40 massive columns in the main hall were made of marble, destined originally for Westminster Cathedral. 15 different types of marble were used in the construction, giving it an air of grandeur. Most of the stone was shipped from Italy and Greece, the turning and installation work was carried out by two teams of stonemasons It took twelve years to complete. The stained-glass window above the entrance is from the 16th century and depicts the city of Norwich coat of arms. The temperature in the spacious hall is controlled by an innovative Edwardian system of air conditioning, using a peculiar structure that looks like a water fountain. The building was designed by local architect George Skipper. It was a very interesting visit. Marguerite Wayling, East Anglia, Diocesan Secretary The Marble Hall

Read in full

Page 16

Page 16 Winter 2017 The Catholic Mother

Read in full

Find your local Catholic Historical Church newspaper. Scroll to find yours.