2 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 CONTACT US: The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published on the last Sunday of the month previous to publication date. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster is published by its owners. The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, a registered charity, (No. 234331), and is wholly independent of and separate from any previous newspaper published by or on behalf of the diocese. EDITOR: Edwina Gillett 01253 736630 / 07969 967268 edwinagillett@hotmail.co.uk ADVERTISING: Charlotte Rosbrooke / CathCom Ltd. 01440 730399 charlotter@cathcom.org www.cathcom.org DESIGN &, LAYOUT: Rob Hotchkiss / Hot Creative 01253 730343 rob@hot-creative.co.uk www.hot-creative.co.uk PUBLISHED BY: CathCom Ltd. N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Blois Road, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Su昀,olk CB9 7BN 020 7112 6710 www.cathcom.org Articles to: voicenews@hotmail.co.uk Letters to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk POSTAL ADDRESS: FAO Edwina Gillett 99 Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham St. Annes FY8 4DJ Please send articles for publication on CD or by email, supplying any photos separate to the text (i.e. in jpeg format). Otherwise please type double spacing or write very clearly. Last date for copy is the LAST DAY of the month prior to publication. Photographs will be returned if you remember to put your name and address on the back of each and enclose suitable stamped and self- addressed packaging. To be a Pil g rim Robert Hannaford reports on the Parish of Christ the Good S hepherd, Workin g ton. Rome Pilgrimage from 13-17 November, 2023 E arly on the mornin g of the 13th November 32 pil g rims from Workin g ton, Penrith, Carlisle, and other towns on the West Coast of Cumbria - and one lady who joined us from Hastin g s - be g an the journey to Rome. We arrived at midday and be g an a busy schedule of visits, which included 昀,ve of Rome’,s major Basilicas, the Catacombs of S t Callixtus, the Venerable En g lish Colle g e, a General Audience with the Holy Father and a visit to the Benedictine Monastery of S acro S peco at S ubiaco. We arrived not sure what to expect but returned deeply a昀,ected. The pilgrimage pivoted around the Wednesday Audience with Pope Francis. It was deeply moving to have this direct experience of the Holy Father’,s ministry as Universal Pastor: a truly Catholic experience, shared with thousands of pilgrims from many nations and cultures. Our visit on the 昀,rst day to the Basilica of St Clement began our journey into the history and continuity of our faith. Beneath the current beautiful 12th Century Basilica, we entered the earlier 4th Century Basilica, with its medieval frescos. In this place, dedicated to the 昀,rst century Pope St. Clement, standing in a place where Christians from the earliest days of the faith in Rome met and worshipped, a deep awareness of the communion of saints was palpable. One of our daily masses took place during our visit to the Catacombs of St Callixtus. Sharing in the eucharist where some half a million Christians were buried from the third century AD, and including many martyrs and 16 popes, the sense of our Catholic Eucharistic unity across time was powerful. On a personal note, at my con昀,rmation I took the names ‘,Paul’, and ‘,Benedict’, . It was a great joy to visit the Holy Cave at Subiaco where St Benedict spent three years in prayer at the beginning of his monastic life and to conclude our pilgrimage at the Basilica of St Paul outside the walls and kneel in veneration at the tomb of the great Apostle of the Gentiles. Praise be to God!

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 3 K&,M Maintenance Heating - Electrical - Drainage Established 25 years Telephone: 01772 704530 Fax 01722 798801 Heating, Electrical and Drainage and Plumbing services across the North West of England Gas •, Emergency Boiler Repairs for all makes •, Boiler Installations &, servicing •, Central Heating System repairs/upgrades/leaks •, New fitted Central Heating Systems •, Landlord Gas Safety Certificates (CP12) Electrical •, New consumer units supplied and fitted •, All emergency breakdowns •, Power tripping •, New lighting •, Additional sockets •, Faulty sockets •, Rewiring •, Outdoor lighting/sockets •, EICR - electrial safey certificates Drainage and Plumbing •, Blocked drains, internal and external •, Leaks •, New taps •, Camera surveys Prices Boiler Service - £,49 + VAT plus £,10 for every additional appliance. Tel No: 01772 704530 Mobile: 07941 554730 Fax No: 01772 798801 Address: K &, M Maintenance Services Ltd, Unit 8A, Electron Mill, Brook Street, Preston PR1 7NH More information: www.kmmaintenance.co.uk To advertise please contact Charlotte on 01440 730399 or email charlotter@ cathcom.org

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4 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 castleri gg manor.com >,>, what’,s comin g up? castleri gg manor.com >,>, what’,s comin g up? A s we enter 2024, there is a lot to celebrate and a lot to look forward to. We’,ve been mad busy lately –, bookin g s for this time of year are above what they’,ve been in the past few years. One recent highlight was a team day out we had in Carlisle. After visiting the Cathedral and the Castle, we went axe throwing. It’,s a thing –, and a thing that our new chaplain, Father Ajish, is suspiciously good at! Catholic S tudent Retreat November marked a milestone for Castlerigg with the hosting of our 昀,rst-ever Catholic Students Retreat, an event that not only served as a spiritual gathering but also as a vibrant community-building experience. The retreat welcomed 25 participants, a number that exceeded expectations and set a promising precedent for future gatherings. The retreat featured three main talks. First was Jasmine de Kretser from the Catholic Student Network, followed by Sister Margaret Atkins, and 昀,nally Jack from Castlerigg. The talks were all well received and gave some varied input. Saturday afternoon was a time for relaxation and exploration. The students were given free time to explore Keswick, which had mercifully good weather for the time of year. The highlight of the retreat was the celebration of Mass on Saturday evening, followed by a party night! The retreat’,s success was clear. The combination of insightful talks, communal activities, and lovely times of prayer created an enriching and memorable experience for the students. It was a time of growth, re昀,ection, and joy, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Encouraged by the positive response and the transformative impact of the retreat, plans are already underway to hold another gathering in the future. What Else..? We are Hiring - Speci昀,cally, we are looking for 18-25s for our exciting new Catholic Youth Ministry Internship programme. For details –, jack@ castleriggmanor.co.uk AL T AR S ERVER S RE T REA T // JAN 12-13 –, returned by popular demand and was held on 12 -13 January. This one night retreat, ended on Saturday so that the attendees could be back in their parishes, and on the altar, for Sunday Mass! What’,s comin g up? castleri gg manor.com EA ST ER RE T REA T // MARCH 28-31 - The Easter Retreat is our oldest open retreat at Castlerigg and literally thousands of people have taken part over the years. The retreat starts on Holy Thursday and those taking part journey together through the key liturgies of the Triduum to Easter Sunday. Yes, there is a lot of praying involved, but it’,s not just about time in the Chapel, important and awesome though that may be! There are socials, talks, trips out and a few other things besides. Like the Advent Retreat, it’,s now open to anyone in Year 7 or above whether you’,re from the diocese, or you’,ve been to Castlerigg before, or not. SU MMER RE T REA T // May 24-26 - The Summer Retreat is the new kid on the block. Our newest general open retreat will hopefully complement the Advent and Easter Retreats by giving people who have been to Castlerigg a chance to come back and take the experience that little bit deeper. Like those retreats though, it’,s not restricted to those who have been before. It’,s in May, and bookings will likely open in the Spring. MA TT ER S YO UT H

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 5 F or youth leaders, understandin g “,Christus Vivit”, is crucial, as it not only encapsulates the Church’,s vision for youth ministry but also o昀,ers insi g hts and directives on en g a g in g with the youn g er g eneration. U nderstandin g Christus Vivit At its heart, “,Christus Vivit”, is a profound and a昀,ectionate letter from Pope Francis to young people, a

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6 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 Your Letters S end us your letters: Write to: T he Editor, 99 , Commonside, Ansdell, Lytham S t. Annes, FY8 4DJ. Email to: voiceletters@hotmail.co.uk •, Please keep your letters concise (max 300 words) •, Include your full name and address •, Letters should not include any personal criticism or attacks •, The editor reserves the right to: –, Amend or shorten letters or to refuse to publish them (no correspondence to discuss decisions taken will be entered into) –, Publish a response if deemed appropriate Dear Editor, ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If I stop worrying - who’,ll do it instead? In Matthew’,s gospel (Ch.5 v25-32 ) we are told not to worry - God’,s in charge. However, counting the hairs on my head is less of the demanding job it once was. My wife, Olive, and I had a “,foxes have holes”, period a couple of years ago when we moved out of our house to let our daughter, her husband, and 昀,ve children live there. (I won’,t bo re you with why). Thanks to other family and friends we lived a nomadic life for several months but you soon begin to lose your sense of purpose without a proper routine. One morning, during our ‘,homeless buy not hungry’, period, Olive and I decided to have a co昀,ee in a café, in St. Annes. Olive looking at the opening times on the door said, “,Oh it’,s closed it’,s Monday”,. “,NO –, it’,s OK I replied it’,s Tuesday”,. Just then I got a friendly tap on the shoulder and the gentleman behind me also waiting to go in said, “,Actually it’,s Wednesday!!!”, My wonderful wife may occasionally not quite know what day it is, but ask her to say her Gratton Catalogue subscription number from the 1970’,s and there is instant recall! Technology does not 昀,t well with me but a conversation with a c ouple of chaps at a Lancashire County cricket match two months or so ago made feel slightly less left behind. One of them was be-moaning the fact that he just had been forced to buy an iphone because if he didn’,t he could no longer keep his season ticket with Manchester United that he’,d had for over 40 years. “,I know”, , said his friend, “,I sent you an e-mail but you haven’,t replied.”, “,I will”, was the response. “,I just haven’,t learnt how to do it yet!”, On 26th March 2024 I will have been retired 20 years –, how did that happen? To be fair, Psalm 90 v10 does warn you that things might get a bit tricky. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season for everything, but when did I start to become like Victor Meldrew, and why have things I go to pick up started to throw themselves on the 昀,oor? Life now seems to be all about waiting –, waiting for appointments, waiting for a Gusto delivery, even having to wait a whole 24 hours for the Amazon van to come. Any organisation you attempt to contact are “,experiencing unprecedented high levels of calls!”, even though your call is important to them! O

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 7 T he Rwanda Group T rust is deli g hted to announce that Bishop Paul has kindly consented to become Patron of the T rust, a Catholic charity based in Preston. The trustees are very grateful for Bishop Paul’,s attendance at their recent meeting. Having spent 15 years in Africa himself, he was able to make a very valuable contribution to the discussions. This culminated in his agreement to become Patron of the Trust, which gives New Patron for Rwanda Group T rust 昀,nancial assistance to the poorest of the poor via 4 Catholic parishes in Rwanda. The trust is very grateful for his patronage. The charity is run on a voluntary basis with no overheads and relies on individual donations and fundraising events. For more information: www.rwanda g rouptrust.or g T el: 07864 99 0 9 41 If your parish or school has any news or if you would personally like to submit an article for publication, please send us what you have. Contact details can be found on pa g e 2. would like to hear from you! We would like to thank these schools for always supporting the paper St Vincent’,s Road, Preston PR2 8QY Telephone 01772 716912 Email admin@ccc.lancs.sch.uk www.ccc.lancs.sch.uk Together in One Body CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Headteacher: Mr John Hankin Our Lady’,s Catholic High School St Anthony’,s Drive, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 3SQ Headteacher: Mr Charnock Tel: 01772 326900 Email: admin@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Web: http://www.olchs.lancs.sch.uk Teacher Training with the Catholic Teaching Alliance The Catholic Teaching Alliance (CTA) is a partnership between 70 Catholic primary and secondary schools, and a post-16 college, led by Our Lady`s Catholic High School with a shared vision and commitment to providing PGCE with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) courses in partnership with the University of Cumbria. Contact: 01772 326931 Email: CTAschooldirect@olchs.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.catholic-teaching-alliance.org Cardinal Allen Catholic High School Melbourne Avenue, Fleetwood FY7 8AY Headteacher : Andrew Cafferkey Tel : 01253 872659 E-mail : head@cardinalallen.co.uk

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8 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 Introducin g the Artist as Evan g elist Painters, stone, wood, and metal sculptors, embroiderers, stained g lass makers, a retired architect, potters, a life model, icono g raphers, photo g raphers, lay people from many kinds of workin g life and back g round, priests, reli g ious, you name it and the S ociety of Catholic Artists has them amon g its members, makin g their art in purpose made studios, g ara g es, spare bedrooms, or sheds, (one member produces beautiful paintings working entirely on her kitchen table) , and all are valued as artist evan g elists assisting in the pastoral work of the church. Not all the membe r’,s work is speci昀,cally of religious subjects, but includes landscape, 昀,gurative, and a bstract. In fact, it is not necessary to be a full -time artist, just be a Catholic who loves art and supports the aims of the society. T he Catholic Emancipation Act of 182 9 g ave Catholics in En g land and Wales, freedom of worship, allowed us our own Bishoprics, and to enter hi g her education, become MPs, lawyers, teachers and more. Before this time the voice of Catholic artists was virtually silenced. Very few Catholic artists were bein g commissioned, and after 182 9 they still stru gg led to g et work. To mark the centenary of the Act, in 1929, the Guild of Catholic Artists and Craftsmen was born. Its initial purpose was to promote and assist Catholic artists and craftspeople to gain commissions and have fellowship with other Catholic artists. In western culture, works of art were commissioned mainly by the church nd wealthy patrons until the emergence of the middle classes of the 17th century, since when, art seemed to have become the preserve of the secular world. But the SCA believes that art contributes to the church’,s call to mission and evangelisation. Art illustrates catechetical works. It makes visible what is invisible. It makes the sacred scriptures come to life, and enhances sacred spaces. Most importantly it moves us to prayer, and brings visual realisation to faith. The SCA has always aimed at raising the standard of religious art, and encouraging Christian fellowship amongst artists as well as being available to advise prospective patrons, and to recommend suitable artists for commissions. Members have been responsible for major artistic works for cathedrals and churches throughout Britain. Membership is open to all Catholics interested in the visual arts and to those who support the aims of the society. Fr. Mel, a priest of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, and a talented artist, was recently invited to be the new Chaplain to the Society. It was the 昀,rst meeting of the newly formed Northern Star Region of the Society of Catholic Artists, several of whom belong to our own Diocese of Lancaster. Northern Star is one of two regional groups, and more are planned for other areas of Britain. John Armstron g is a painter of abstract, 昀,gurative and landscape themes. His work can be found in Royal and international collections, including the V&,A and the Tate. A painting, ‘,Hove Beach’, , commissioned as Hove’,s wedding present to Prince Charles, is now in the Royal Collection at Highgrove. John, and his wife Helen, paint abstract and 昀,gurative works. John also paints church notice boards. Peter Koeni g ’,s parents left Austria just before the German take-over, and he was born in London in 1939. In 1967 Peter Koenig went to the Visual Arts Academy in Nuremberg to study frescos in particular, but also gra

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 9 Dr. Myfanwy Franks taught painting part-time at two art schools, and in adult education, and community projects, and since has had a varied career in social and community work, and social research, but has continued to paint throughout. Myfanwy also paints Pascal candles. Her work is vibrant, and rejoices in expressive use of colour. ‘,The Good Samaritan’, by S r. Mary Louise Winters of the daughters of St. Paul is one of many of her artworks that are made into posters and also used in educational publications. Before lockdown she contributed to the painting of ‘,The Good Shepherd’, to the ‘,Gallery on the streets’, evangelistic outreach at Greyfriars in Oxford. Many of you will remember Br.Loarne OFM,Cap., who was also involved in that project. Gill Hamilton is a member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts. She was born in Lancashire and attended Dr. Myfanwy Franks. Madonna and child, 2014. Burnley college of Art and trained as a teacher. She specialises in still life. Like many Catholics who are artists Gill 昀,nds a need to express her faith through her work, and is currently working on a long- term project of the stations of the cross. Pieta (detail) and Duc in Altum by Anthony Abbott-Millar OF S , Anthony lives on the south coast of Cumbria, and his abstract work is strongly in昀,uenced by the ever-changing light and colour of that coastal area. He has religious works in several churches, schools, and colleges around England. His work includes abstract and 昀,gurative, and his Christian work is strongly inspired by stained glass, the lives of Saints, and New Testament themes. Ceramic artist and Iconographer T eresa Ann S mith has had a love of ceramics for most of her life. But, she says, that through prayer, silence and meditation icons have brought her to a new spiritual awareness and a powerful source of knowledge of God in her life. Icons are windows to heaven, traditionally referred to as written not painted, writing the gospel in colour, light and form. Teresa became a knight of St Michael in Rome three years ago and was then asked to go to write her 昀,rst icon of St Michael, in Ireland. This was to become a life changing experience and since then she became part of a group of iconographers at Hyning monastery in Carnforth studying under Sister Mary Stella, an iconographer of over 40 years experience. Finally, she feels she is becoming the artist God always destined her to be. If you wish to purchase, or commission a work, you can do so by contacting the Society, or the artists directly from the information on their pro昀,le on the SCA website. If you are interested in joining the Society, or would like some more information please visit: www.catholicartists.co.uk or email: maryjeandonaghey5@gmail.com ‘,The Good Samaritan’, by Sr. Mary Louise Winters. S ome ‘,Northern Stars’, Paintings by Gill Hamilton (left &, right). Paintings by Anthony Abbott-Millar OFS (left &, right). Icon Painting by Teresa Ann Smith.

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10 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 W ith just 昀,ve months to go it is important, for planning purposes for people to book as soon as possible. We will travel on a T uesday, from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and we hope that the new travel date will allow teachers and youn g people to come on pil g rima g e, that would normally still be in school. Pastoral T heme 2024 The pastoral theme for 3 years 2022-24 are the word’,s that Mary, the Mother of God, entrusted to Bernadette Soubirous on 2nd March 1858: “,Go tell the priests to build a chapel here and that people should come in procession”,. 2022 –, “,Go and tell the priests...”, 2023 –, “,...to build a chapel here...”, 2024 –, “,...and that people should come in procession.”, ‘,I want you to come in procession’, Bernadette was the only one to hear this instruction coming from the Lady. She was alone to transmit it. And now, the Church, as it obeys Bernadette, has been organising pilgrimages to Massabielle for a century. If Bernadette had not been Bernadette, Lourdes would not have become the meeting point of the Christian world. Bernadette is the only one to have revealed Lourdes to us ... God engages with a soul of choice, but He opens himself only to her. For Him, she is su

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 11 “,I ask the clergy of the Diocese to please advertise the pilgrimage in your parishes. Please promote and invite parishioners who are less physically able, those who are perhaps housebound or those in need of some companionship, friendship or spiritual enrichment. I also ask you to encourage young people to come –, they will experience an amazing week, giving service to others, socialising, having fun, praying together, spiritually growing together, and ultimately making friendships that will last a lifetime. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported young people to get to Lourdes in 2023. I especially thank a wonderful lady who so generously fully funded 2 of our young people”,. Youth T eams –, The 2024 Pilgrimage Director of Youth will be Katie O Donnell. Katie and her team leaders will ensure the young people have a spiritually uplifting and enjoyable week. We are pleased to announce the Chaplain to the Youth is Fr Ajish. Many young people will know him from their visits to Castlerigg Manor. We call upon young people in the diocese 15+ to consider coming on pilgrimage. You will be given all the preparation, support and training you need. Many young people make decisions about future careers whilst in Lourdes. This is a quote received from a young person a few years ago: “,You 昀,nd time to explore your faith, to learn about yourself and to make friends you will have for life”,. Many often say “,you don’,t ‘,go’, to Lourdes, you are ‘,called’,’, . Please answer the call in 2024! New for 2024!!!! –, A NIGH T BED &, BREAKFA ST AND A DAY S IGH TS EEING IN PARI S ON T HE WAY BACK. All young people are asked to book as soon as possible. Please see posters distributed throughout parishes and schools. Medical and Brancardier T eams –, Our care for the sick pilgrims is reliant on our volunteer helpers. Therefore, we appeal for nurses and carers throughout the diocese. If you or anyone you know are willing to be part of the Medical team please contact: Nikki Wisdom (Chief Nurse) at: chiefnurse@lancasterlourdes.co.uk If you would like to join our Brancardier Team (male 23+) then please contact Sean McMahon (Chief Brancardier) at: chiefbrancardier@lancasterlourdes.co.uk Many of you will know what a rewarding, wonderful experience working at the service of the sick pilgrims in Lourdes is. S ick Pil g rims –, If you would like to come to Lourdes as a pilgrim but you require a helping hand with mobility issues (including wheelchair users) or you need help with personal care –, it is entirely possible for you to come on pilgrimage, due to the work of volunteer groups mentioned above. If you require personal care to be delivered by the Medical Team then you must apply before the 17th March 2024. All registered sick will stay in the Hotel Eliseo where the Medical Team &, Youth are based. You should contact Nikki Wisdom (Chief Nurse) at the e-mail above, prior to 昀,lling out a booking form. If you need further information then please feel free to contact Joe Walsh Tours website: www.joewalshtours.co.uk/pilgrimages or call Freephone: 0808 1890468 . Linda Wisdom, Director of Operations “,And that people should come in procession”, JILL GLENCROSS FUNERAL DIRECTORS An Independent Multi Award Winning Family Funeral Directors Female and Male Funeral Directors Private Chapels of Rest Nothing Is Ever Too Much Trouble 16 The Square, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7PY Tel: 01228 317373 https://www.jillglencrossfuneral - director.co.uk/ To advertise please contact Charlotte on 01440 730399 or email charlotter@ cathcom.org Michael G Maddison Independent Funeral Director 57 –, 61 Newtown Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 7JB Tel : 01228 317577 I offer a 24 hour 365 day a year Caring, Professional Service and have over 20 years experience Private Chapels of Rest and Memorials Pre Paid Funeral Plans Able to support you when needed Michael George Maddison holder of an Advanced Diploma in Funeral Directing email: mgm.funerals@outlook.com website: www. mgmfunerals.co.uk fb: Michael G Maddison Independent Funeral Director

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12 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 Wa l k w ith fr iend s, fa m il y, by you r sel f or you r sc hool ! A nd hel p fight gl oba l pov er ty S IG N U P &, G E T YOUR F R E E P AC K Take on a challenge like no other this Lent! walk.cafod.org.uk Join hundreds of people, schools and parishes as we take on the Big Lent Walk! Raise money to help people as they overcome poverty. Charity no 1160384 and a company limited by guarantee no 09387398. ©, CAFOD 2003–,2022 to sign up SCAN

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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 13 Over 70,000 Catholics call for World Bank to protect farmers’, seed ri g hts Patrick Gardner of Cafod reports a terri昀,c response from parish ioners across Lancaster Diocese (50 churches/parishes ) and across En g land and Wales (762 churches/parishes) to their Fix the Food S ystem –, S eeds campai g n last summer. Cafod followed up this campai g n with the World Bank in London and Morocco. 7 0,000 parishioners from one third of all Catholic parishes in En g land and Wales have si g ned a letter from S alina, a small-scale farmer from Ban g ladesh, to the World Bank. Salina wrote a letter to the World Bank calling for the protection of the fundamental rights of small farmers like herself to use their own varieties of seeds –, a right that is increasingly under threat as big seed companies have come to dominate the global seed market. “,Seeds are at the heart of everything that farmers like myself do,”, the letter says. “,Without control over our seeds, our work as a farmer is not possible.”, CAFOD’,s Fix the Food System campaign is urging the UK government and the World Bank to protect the right of farmers around the world to save, use, exchange and sell their own seeds. In some countries, new seed laws have been insisted on by the World Bank in exchange for 昀,nancial support, yet these laws have harmed those most in need. 762 parishes in England and Wales signed the letter with CAFOD in support of Salina this summer, with 18 diocesan bishops signing too. Upon hearing this news, Salina said, “,I am very happy to know about 70,000 signatures along with mine.”, The letter was delivered to World Bank sta昀, in London and at the annual World Bank meetings in Marrakech, Morocco on the same day. In Morocco, Farida Akhter, who works with Salina’,s community in Bangladesh, presented the letter to the Bank’,s Global Director for Agriculture and Food. In London 40 CAFOD campaigners took the letters to the World Bank UK o

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14 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 I n S eptember 2021 I started studyin g online for a Masters in S pirituality at the Mar g aret Beaufort Institute in Cambrid g e. MBI T is a lay Catholic Institute that o昀,ers courses, study days, workshops, seminars and conferences to promote the study of theolo g y in the twenty-昀,rst century. I had previously studied two modules on Christology and Ethics as part of an online Thursday afternoon course aimed at engaging women in theological study and had appreciated the breadth and depth of the material on o昀,er. One of the tutors suggested I look at doing an MA course and with the encouragement of the community, I chose to study O ur youths will one day be our leaders, and it is imperative that they have the intellectual and moral tools necessary to help lead a just society. T o that end, the Christian Herita g e Centre launched its Christian Leadership pro g ramme for sixth- form students in 2021, followin g the inspiration of its founder, the Lord Alton of Liverpool. Participants were immersed in an intense, community experience of study, prayer, workshops, team-building and socials. They came from very di昀,erent backgrounds –, school-wise, geographically, ethnically and spiritually –, but they all had in common the key requirements for an applicant to this programme: a love for God and a desire to build a Christian society. The introverts found themselves drawn by the holistic community experience, the scientists found their minds broadened by the philosophical and theological principles they engaged with. Together, they learned to work as a team, whether to formulate a speech for a student union debate or to design a bridge with limited materials, to achieve a common goal. At the heart of each day and of the programme is the pattern of daily liturgy and prayer. Every student noted the impact of the centrality of prayer, whether in terms of a deepening of their relationship with Christ, of being more positively prepared at the start of the day for the work ahead, or of broadening their experience of spiritual practice. It is only with Christ in focus that the philosophical and theological deep- dives into the concepts underpinning 2024 Christian Leadership Formation –, Stonyhurst College the Catholic vision of the human person and society make any sense. Notions of human dignity and rights are mainstays in modern language, yet are often used without any understanding of the Christian content that has shaped these concepts. In a secular culture with no reference to higher moral authority, what criteria or standards are there by which to measure the justice of any given civil law? Christianity presupposes conviction about a truth that is perennially and universally relevant: a truth that can serve as a stable and a good foundation for a society in which humans can 昀,ourish. Such a conviction is profoundly antithetical to the post-modern thinking that underpins secular culture, but then what coherent system has modern secular culture o昀,ered us that has any credible hope of better results? The Christian Leadership Formation programme is a bold statement of hope for the future. It is an appeal to those young people who are convinced that God provides the only workable answer. This is an opportunity for those young people to meet like-minded peers, to connect with Catholic professionals and academics, to receive an invaluable skillset and intellectual foundations, and to immerse themselves more deeply in their relationship with Christ. The 2024 programme is now open to applications from students currently in Lower 6th / Yr12 (S5 in Scotland). For further info and to apply, visit: christianleadershipformation.com Also follow us on Instagram atchristianleadershipformation for all the latest updates. MA for S r Michaela the Spirituality Masters as my option. Some of the courses were compulsory according to the route of study selected and others were chosen from a range of subjects on o昀,er. The 昀,rst module was compulsory and focused on the range of studying “,The Human Condition”, . It was an opportunity to develop a strong grounding in disciplinary concepts and methods particular to theology, from which more specialist questions of ethics, spirituality, contemporary belief and pastoral care arise and interact. The support from the tutors was excellent and we were encouraged to interact with the other students who came from a range of Christian denominations, professions and continents. Over the next year or so I studied a range of topics, the history of Spirituality, Ecology, Celtic and Medieval Spirituality and the Ignatian tradition. Several of us met informally on Zoom over the two years to encourage each other when it seemed the workload was too much or life was generally very demanding during the time of the pandemic. I found this particularly helpful when I was diagnosed with Stage three cancer during my second term of study. The support of my community, tutors and fellow students enabled me to continue with study even when facing chemo and major surgery. It became my goal to 昀,nish the Masters despite all that seemed to happen to prevent me from doing so! In November 2023 I attended my graduation at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge as a graduate of the Anglia Ruskin University. It was lovely to be able to share it with my eldest brother Steph, his wife Linda, and Sr. Elizabeth Mary, our Prioress General who came over from France. It was lovely to be able to meet fellow students and some tutors in the ‘,real world’, rather than online via Zoom. Sr Elizabeth Mary, Sr Michaela and sister-in-law Linda. S r Michaela T oulmin of Our Lady of Hynin g Monastery in Warton, Carnforth has g ained a Masters de g ree in S pirituality and recounts her period of study. !! ! ! ! ! ! ",#$!%&,$``$(!)(*+,(!%+-.$,!/+0#1&,23!45&,02!63+($-7!",,5`0!#+`!8+3+932$`!:1,!:159(+0219! ,18$,91,`!29!0#$!:1&,&,1*29,!`3#11&,`! ! !",#$%&,`()#*%",+,-./#0/%123`4#!2/,51%&,`#%51#!.6",+#7,&,3# !",#8%-9:&,,%)#<,,%14#=-%/>,?,,-#7@A#BCD ! ! !! !",#$%&,`()#*%",+,-./#E&,.3%&,`#!/+,,-4#F&,2%",#C//-2)",,5 !! !",#$%&,`()#<,,%14#F&,2%",#C//-2)",,54#E&,2)",,5#E<,A#GHI ! ! ! ! ! !",#J2&,2)%()#*%",+,-./#E&,.3%&,`#!/+,,-#%51#K:&,)2&,`4#*-2L2-2`)# !",#F2,&,,2M)#0L25:24#J+,&,5",,5N*-2L2-2`)#7@O#AI8 # ! ! <,159(+0219!=18$,91,`!#+8$!+9!2->,1,0+90!,1&,$!19!0#$!&,13+&,!,18$,929,!.1(2$`!29!0#$!0,5`0?!0#$7! #$&,>,!01!-+290+29!+9(!($8$&,1>,!0#$!/+0#1&,23!3#+,+30$,!1:!$+3#!`3#11&,@!A:!715!:$$&,!B3+&,&,$(!01!`$,8$C! +0!19$!1:!15,!`3#11&,`!+9(!`#+,$!0#$!0+&,$90`?!,2:0`!+9(!`D2&,&,`!,28$9!01!715!*20#!0#$!*2($,!/+0#1&,23! 31- -59207?! >,&,$+`$! ,1! 01! 0#$! ",,5`0! *$.`20$! :1,! -1,$! 29:1,-+0219! #00>,`EFF.$.3-+0@31@5DF,18$,929,G.1(2$`F ! 1,! 3190+30! H$+0#$,! I+00`! +0! 0#$! (213$`$! 1:! 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February 2024 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + 15 A s everyone knows, Catholic priests do not g et married. In some cases, if a priest has no brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, then, when it comes to retirement, he has no family of his own to call on. Luckily, there are usually fellow priests or classmates, friends made alon g the way, or parishioners who have become friends, whom he g ets to spend time with every so often. Or, he may decide to live at S t Winefride’,s, our diocesan Home for retired Priests in Bispham, and be spoiled rotten by Eva’,s lovin g care. If he’,s a good cook, knows how to change a plug, 昀,re up the computer and use the washing machine, he’,s probably content to live alone in retirement and be self- su

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16 + The Catholic Voice of Lancaster + February 2024 Overseas Priests Enjoyin g a Fraternal Gatherin g W e now have 17 overseas clergy making a signi昀,cant contribution to the life of our local church in the Diocese of Lancaster and at great sacri昀,ce. Twice a year Fr Sam O

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