TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY – 09th /10th SEPTEMBER 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Cardinal starts his Letter by reminding us that the sign of the cross that we constantly make is our first prayer and our foundation as Christians as it tells us who we are and how we should understand our lives. We are a community rooted in God the Father who is creator, we follow the way shown us by God the Son Jesus Christ and we have with us the Holy Spirit who is the love between the Father and the Son as our companion.

We must strive to put into practice this fundamental reality by living a life of mercy, forgiveness, truth and love in every circumstance by word and deed. Pope Francis invites us to renewal of our mission as Christians by living a sacramental life reflected in the community. To do this, we must learn to listen to one another more closely, prayerfully and acknowledge the gifts and talents of each other. Each and every one is an important actor. This Synodal journey which has taken part at various levels in our parishes and Dioceses will lead to a Synod of Bishops in Rome with representatives from all over the world to assess how far we have gone and what needs to be done before the Final Synod scheduled for October 2024.

The Cardinal asks us to pray for the Synod Participants amongst whom is Bishop Nicholas Hudson who represents us because their task is no easy one. They will have to prayerfully listen and carefully discern what is put before them, following the teachings of the Church with the aim of giving praise to God the Father, faithful to God the Son and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 

For Pope Francis, the Synod is not just an ordinary event but a grace filled event, a process of healing, guided by the Holy Spirit, a journey in which the Lord himself comes to meet us. The overall aim of which is how to become a listening Church, one that is humble and seeking forgiveness, a place of encounter and dialogue, that involves all. For this reason, the agenda involves all: individuals, families, church groups, parishes, Dioceses etc. Since it involves all, the Cardinal invites us all to be part of it, not just by following the reports that come from Rome but by also making resolutions as individuals to attentively listen to and welcome others and help them come to know the Lord. To help them also take a step nearer to God. We should not miss any opportunity to grow in friendship with the Lord and to help others do same.

The Cardinal mindful of the fact that the month of October is a time of grace for the Church, invites us to pray the rosary, asking our Blessed Mother to strengthen and guide us in this journey of faith. 

Have a blessed week,

Fr Jerome