The term at the seminary (the college where we train to be priests), and another academic year, comes to an end. It has been a busy time for the seminarians with ordinations to the priesthood and diaconate, public lectures, exams and personal assessments to be done. Now we all return to our home diocese to work in local parishes for the summer.
In September we will be celebrating the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s highly successful state visit to the United Kingdom. Looking back on those four days when the Holy Father not only encouraged the Catholics of this country but also affirmed and challenged the whole of British society, it is only natural to ask – Has anything really changed?
Tertullian in the 2nd century recognised the brave witness of the martyrs to Christ and His Church as the reason for the remarkable spread of the Church by declaring that ‘the Blood of the Martyrs is the Seed of the Church’.
The killing of Osama Bin Laden by US Special Forces has been the cause of mixed feelings and thoughts for many people around the world. His death has been greeted around the world with a similar sense of relief that people must have felt when they learnt of the death of Adolf Hitler or Joseph Stalin.
In 1978, along with millions of others I was astounded and excited by Cardinal Karol Wojtyla’s election as Pope John Paul II. As a science undergraduate, I was undecided as to my future career. The new Pope’s teaching and example stirred something deep within me as to where I might find fulfilment in life.
On Friday the 29th April the country will celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. The day promises to be one of royal pageant, cheering crowds, and the usual media frenzy. The Catholic Voice of Lancaster wishes the couple a very happy day and may God bless our future King and Queen with a long and fruitful marriage.
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