tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30411222148409409932024-03-13T19:43:28.308+00:00A Prayer in StoneThe blog of the Carmelite Community at Aylesford PrioryUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-42726686438980040452016-08-30T21:22:00.000+01:002016-08-30T21:26:54.300+01:00Margaret Clitherow, Anne Line and Margaret Ward, 30th August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcQCG4Dq_bM/V8XpSd4d38I/AAAAAAAABX4/QKbqF5lSh3Acq7gsqJVL3zZDWwJuiEjbwCLcB/s1600/160px-Margaret_Clitherow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcQCG4Dq_bM/V8XpSd4d38I/AAAAAAAABX4/QKbqF5lSh3Acq7gsqJVL3zZDWwJuiEjbwCLcB/s1600/160px-Margaret_Clitherow.png" /></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Margaret Middleton was born in 1556, one of five children of Jane and Thomas
Middleton a respected businessman and Sheriff of York in 1564. She married John
Clitherow, a wealthy butcher of the Shambles, York and a chamberlain of the
city, in 1571 and bore him three children. In 1574 Margaret converted to Roman
Catholicism and despite being of the Anglican Church her husband was supportive
of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her, because his brother William was
a roman catholic priest; John paid her fines for not attending church services
and stood by her even when she was arrested and served three periods in the
York prison. Margaret had risked <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her
life by offering hospitality to catholic priests, Her oldest son, Henry, attended
the English college in Rheims to train for the priesthood. In March 1586 the
Clitherow house was searched and a priest hole for the hiding of clergy was
discovered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Margaret was arrested and
came before the York Assizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
found guilty of harboring roman catholic priests and sentenced to death; Margaret
died by being crushed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on the Ouse Bridge
on Good Friday 1586.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URZFaWLTRJ4/V8XqGgk9KLI/AAAAAAAABYE/xKjQbgaLi7kqVabgV7_Gj9Vr-c2tgwvYQCLcB/s1600/imagesGNR1OIC9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URZFaWLTRJ4/V8XqGgk9KLI/AAAAAAAABYE/xKjQbgaLi7kqVabgV7_Gj9Vr-c2tgwvYQCLcB/s200/imagesGNR1OIC9.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">This day is also shared by two
other English martyrs: Anne Lines and Margaret Ward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Margaret Ward's date of birth is unknown, but
she was born in Congleton, Cheshire. She was lived in London in service to a
noble woman. Margaret heard about the ill treatment of a catholic priest, Fr.
Richard Watson in Bridewell prison. Having obtained permission to visit him
which she did on several occassions. Although searched she became known and the
guards were lax in their duties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
enabled her to smuggle a rope into Fr. Watson which he then used to escape. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fr. Watson escaped, but Roche the boatman who
helped him escape was arrested along with Margaret Wardy visitor, was also
arrested. After being tortured by hanging by her hands for eight days, during
which she refused to disclose any priests identities, Margaret Ward was hanged
at Newgate on 30<sup>th</sup> August 1588 along with five others.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7xxMsDK7Pw/V8XpUo0G8SI/AAAAAAAABX8/Q-VwEWm9FBU3hlNb54CzWpMsv71mLyxpgCLcB/s1600/anne%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7xxMsDK7Pw/V8XpUo0G8SI/AAAAAAAABX8/Q-VwEWm9FBU3hlNb54CzWpMsv71mLyxpgCLcB/s1600/anne%2Bline.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Anne Line</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> is believed to
have been born Alice Higham, the eldest daughter of the Puritan William Higham
of Jenkyn Maldon. She was born around the early 1560s, and at some point,
probably in the early 1580s, converted to Catholicism with her brother William,
and Roger Line her husband. Among Catholics the married "Alice"
became known as "Anne" Line: presumably a name she took on her
conversion. After the death of her husband Roger Anne became very active in
sheltering clandestine Catholic priests which was illegal in the reign of Elizabeth
I. Finally arrested on 2<sup>nd</sup> February 1601 and she was condemned to
death and executed for harbouring a priest on 27<sup>th</sup> February 1601. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Margaret Clitherow, Anne
Line and Margaret Ward are numbered among the 40 English Martyrs canonized by
Pope Paul VI on 25<sup>th</sup> October 1970</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-71512252894717648742016-08-29T11:31:00.003+01:002016-08-29T21:47:40.476+01:00Beheading of John the Baptist, 29th August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wesd5RY9U/V8QNU-JOClI/AAAAAAAABXg/ysLsUORIP8gMg4yTlnuTa58MM7z9nvEugCLcB/s1600/1024px-CaravaggioSalomeLondon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-wesd5RY9U/V8QNU-JOClI/AAAAAAAABXg/ysLsUORIP8gMg4yTlnuTa58MM7z9nvEugCLcB/s200/1024px-CaravaggioSalomeLondon.jpg" width="200" /></a>Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, <span class="text Matt-14-4" id="en-NRSVCE-27874"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” </span><span class="text Matt-14-5" id="en-NRSVCE-27875"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. </span><span class="text Matt-14-6" id="en-NRSVCE-27876"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod </span><span class="text Matt-14-7" id="en-NRSVCE-27877"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. </span><span class="text Matt-14-8" id="en-NRSVCE-27878"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” </span><span class="text Matt-14-9" id="en-NRSVCE-27879"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; </span><span class="text Matt-14-10" id="en-NRSVCE-27880"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. </span><span class="text Matt-14-11" id="en-NRSVCE-27881"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. </span><span class="text Matt-14-12" id="en-NRSVCE-27882"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. <em>(Matt 14:3-12)</em> This event described in the Gospel according to Matthew is the basis for todays fest day of the <span class="text Matt-14-12" id="en-NRSVCE-27882">Beheading of John the Baptist.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-12" id="en-NRSVCE-27882"> </span><span class="text Matt-14-12" id="en-NRSVCE-27882">John is almost like a hinge between the Old and New testaments; he is rooted in the traditions of the prophets of Israel but prepares the way for and witnesses to Jesus, the Christ. He heralds Jesus with the words "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world". <em>(John 1:29). </em>John also speaks on behalf of the Old Testament upholding the Jewish Law which Herod had broken on two counts: he had divorced his wife with no good reason and he had take his brothers wife as his own wife. </span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_xl2iers-M/V8QOTzCpIXI/AAAAAAAABXk/p9bY_IraCXo4q8KfxuWXmM9ZToYJMKDigCLcB/s1600/NGS_NGS_NG_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_xl2iers-M/V8QOTzCpIXI/AAAAAAAABXk/p9bY_IraCXo4q8KfxuWXmM9ZToYJMKDigCLcB/s200/NGS_NGS_NG_28.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="text Matt-14-12">So we see that in Herodias' eyes he was a threat to here position as Herod's wife and when the birthday party came she sent in her instrument for getting her way; her daughter (according to Josephus she is called Salome) who dances for the King; Herod, besotted by the dancing and makes her a promise with the result that she asks for the head of John the Baptist on a dish and so we have the scene depicted by so many artists including Caravaggio and Hendrick ert Bruggen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-79026100775922429002016-08-28T17:04:00.001+01:002016-08-28T17:05:35.524+01:00Kerala Catholic Chalaincy Pilgrimage, 28 August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAcD4wNOe2s/V8MKnfuoTWI/AAAAAAAABXI/KZQEKkrJEiYH2T_xADXCjOxAk_5VvtqdQCEw/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uAcD4wNOe2s/V8MKnfuoTWI/AAAAAAAABXI/KZQEKkrJEiYH2T_xADXCjOxAk_5VvtqdQCEw/s200/IMG_0515.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G5OmVHoNwY/V8MKiKDxKNI/AAAAAAAABXE/1BUeNuTFe5cjbQOhNLvpagV83OeSHKcfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5G5OmVHoNwY/V8MKiKDxKNI/AAAAAAAABXE/1BUeNuTFe5cjbQOhNLvpagV83OeSHKcfQCLcB/s200/IMG_0503.JPG" width="151" /></a>Today the Friars, Aylesford again resounded with the sound of music and singing as the Kerala Catholic Chaplaincy gathered for their annual pilgrimage. As the people gathered the piazza became a se of bright colours and joyful faces. Adults and children had all brought their happiness with them to this day and as the 10.15 Mass ended there were already a large number of people were waiting to welcome Bishop Christudas, the new auxiliary in the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Kerala, who then led the gathering service and celebrated the Mass with the pilgrims. Following a procession around the Rosary Way with the statue of Our Lady carried aloft and reverenced with music and bells there was Benediction and then a closing liturgy before leaving for home. It was good to see the Kerala pilgrims again and we look forward to a return visit.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-13745394783149698532016-08-26T19:36:00.003+01:002016-08-26T19:36:41.828+01:00Jacques Retouret and comapnions, 26th August.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egqlJXj2zro/V8CLkeVNXqI/AAAAAAAABWw/hwLrU5tZyLoziL42vRwHJRBVIzJlhEvfACLcB/s1600/img-Blessed-Jacques-Retouret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egqlJXj2zro/V8CLkeVNXqI/AAAAAAAABWw/hwLrU5tZyLoziL42vRwHJRBVIzJlhEvfACLcB/s200/img-Blessed-Jacques-Retouret.jpg" width="120" /></a><span style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jacques Retouret
was born into a merchant family in the city of Limoges; Jacques received a good education
and was great reader. At the age of fifteen he joined the Carmelites of the
Ancient Observance and after a novitiate he went on to study and was ordained a
priest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacques was as a popular preacher and although
he felt called to be an active preacher around the local area <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his health forced him to limit his mission
work. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea846U50tOY/V8CLzXj8XXI/AAAAAAAABW0/0zMKZEa1kBQ3tTt5SOl96-TRwuJmr_hIACLcB/s1600/img-Martyrs-of-the-Hulks-of-Rochefort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea846U50tOY/V8CLzXj8XXI/AAAAAAAABW0/0zMKZEa1kBQ3tTt5SOl96-TRwuJmr_hIACLcB/s200/img-Martyrs-of-the-Hulks-of-Rochefort.jpg" width="125" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">In <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1790 </span> the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">French Revolutionary</span> authorities passed a law requiring all <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">priests</span> to swear allegiance to the civil constitution, which
would effectively remove them from the authority of, and allegiance to, Rome.
Many refused, and in <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">1791</span> the government began deporting them to French Guyana. Eight
hundred and twenty seven <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">priests</span> and religious, among them, following his arrest at the
Carmelite house in Limoges, was Jacques Retouret O. Carm. were <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">imprisoned</span> on hulks (old ships no longer sea-worthy and used
for storage, jails, hospitals, etc.) at Rochefort, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">France</span> to await <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">exile</span>, most on the <em>Deux-Associés</em> and the <em>Washington</em>
which had previously been used to house <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">slaves</span> or <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">prisoners</span>. Because the British Navy was blockading the port of
Rochefort the prisoner were left on the hulks; they were basically ignored and
left to <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">death</span> die with little food and water, very poor sanitation,
and no medical help. Five hundred and forty two of them died before those still
alive were released in February 1795. Many of the survivors wrote about their
experiences and about those who died and though these documents it has been
possible to positively identify sixty four of these Martyrs of the Hulks of
Rochefort; among them Jacques Retouret, Priest and Martyr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jacques, along with sixty three others, was
beatified <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by Pope John Paul II on 1<sup>st</sup>
October 1995.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There memorial is 26<sup>th</sup>
August.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-19697316975462558122016-08-25T19:42:00.001+01:002016-08-26T19:37:34.185+01:00Blessed Dominic Barberi, 26 August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hA8ZZaohIis/V7858ydua9I/AAAAAAAABWc/6SFUzaGAeXEekbPXBnkzv3SW90qmkXCGgCLcB/s1600/2799815116_2738efe056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hA8ZZaohIis/V7858ydua9I/AAAAAAAABWc/6SFUzaGAeXEekbPXBnkzv3SW90qmkXCGgCLcB/s200/2799815116_2738efe056.jpg" width="188" /></a><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dominic Barberi</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (22 June 1792 - 27 August 1849) </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">was born near Viterbo to a poor family of Italian
farmers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His parents died while Dominic
was still a small boy, and he was raised by his maternal uncle Bartolomeo. As a
boy he was employed to take care of sheep but was taught to write by a Capuchin
Priest and learned to read from a country lad of his own age; although he read
all the books he could obtain, he had no regular education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dominic Barberi was one of the few men of his
locality not chosen for military conscription and he felt it was a sign from
God that he should enter a religious community. He was received into the Congregation
of the Passion<u>,</u> in 1814 after the re-establishment of the religious
orders in the Papal States Initially Dominic was accepted as a lay brother, but
once his extraordinary gifts were revealed his status was changed to that of a
clerical novice. He was ordained priest on 1 March 1818, teaching philosophy
and theology to the students of the congregation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during this time that he produced his
many theological and philosophical works. In the summer of 1830 he was asked to
aid an English convert to Catholicism, Sir Henry Trelawney. Through this
meeting Dominic made the acquaintance of a number of influential English
Catholics; the first step in the long journey leading to England with his hopes
for the bringing back of England to the Roman Catholic Faith<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;">In January 1840 negotiations were completed for a Passionist foundation
at Ere in Belgium; the superiors, in spite of his age and ill health, sent
Dominic to be superior of the Belgian mission. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">In September Dominic received a letter from Bishop Wiseman, the head of the
English mission, inviting Dominic to make a Passionist foundation in England at
Aston Hall. Dominic, with the permission of the Passionist General, visited the
site in November 1840 and finally set out for England in October 1841 where the
reception of the Passionists was less than welcoming. Opposition to Dominic was
also present here where on his journeys to the Mass centre; local youths would
throw rocks as Dominic, though two youths took to the decision to become
Catholics when they were greatly edified to see Dominic kiss each rock that hit
him and place it in his pocket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
his arguments with the Protestant clergy was: “Jesus says "This is my
body" you say "No. It is not his body!" Who then am I to
believe? I prefer to believe Jesus Christ."<span style="font-size: small;"><sup id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEWilson_.281967.29.2C_p.256_8-0"> </sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ePrqEZPVk8/V7850phL8iI/AAAAAAAABWU/4to0_4V3_oQ41U5KOskxNbiIok7gbX-aACLcB/s1600/imagesAH86LKPJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ePrqEZPVk8/V7850phL8iI/AAAAAAAABWU/4to0_4V3_oQ41U5KOskxNbiIok7gbX-aACLcB/s200/imagesAH86LKPJ.jpg" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">In October 1841 Dominic
visited Littlemore where Newman made his confession to him. Newman relates in
his "Apologia" of how Dominic arrived soaked from the rain and as he
was drying himself by the fire Newman knelt and asked to be received into the
Catholic Church.<em> </em> This event is marked by a sculpture in the Catholic Church of
Blessed Dominic Barberi at Littlemore.<em>(See photo)</em> Two of Newman's companions at Littlemore
were also received and Dominic celebrated Mass for them the following morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barberi is best remembered for his part in
Newman's conversion, but is also commemorated for his work in the efforts to
return England to the Catholic faith in the 19th century. In his years in
England Dominic established three churches, several chapels and preached
innumerable missions and received hundreds of converts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">Barberi was beatified by Pope Paul
VI in 1963, during the Second Vatican Council.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-42288253652390107212016-08-24T11:41:00.000+01:002016-08-24T11:41:43.404+01:00Saint Bartholomew, 24th August 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">Bartholomew</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"> was one of the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Twelve Apostles </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"> of Jesus.
He has been identified with Nathaniel who appears in the Gospel of John as being introduced to <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christ</span> by <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Philip</span> who would also
become an apostle<sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jn+1%3A43-51&version=ESV"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></sup>He was born at Cana in Galilee<sup id="cite_ref-nuns_4-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle#cite_note-nuns-4"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">[4]</span></a></sup> and is listed among the Twelve Apostles of <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jesus</span>
in the three <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Synoptic gospels</span>: <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Matthew</span>,<sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A1%E2%80%934&version=ESV"></a></sup>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mark</span> and <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Luke</span>; he appears as one of
the witnesses of the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ascension</span>; on each
occasion however he is named in the company of <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Philip</span>. <sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></span></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQAiuE0yB7Q/V715BoeKHyI/AAAAAAAABV8/jGftqlsqsG4u98hh2EwFHGNuqP9Qp4TmQCLcB/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQAiuE0yB7Q/V715BoeKHyI/AAAAAAAABV8/jGftqlsqsG4u98hh2EwFHGNuqP9Qp4TmQCLcB/s200/untitled.png" width="191" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Eusebius of Caesarea</span></span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">'s <i>Ecclesiastical
History</i> and Saint Jerome attest that after the Ascension, Bartholomew went
on a </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">missionary</span></span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"> tour to India, where he left behind a copy of the Gospel o</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">f Matthew. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Popular tradition and legends say that
Bartholomew preached the Gospel in India, and then went to Greater Armenia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in Armenia that Bartholomew is said to
have been martyred, traditionally by being flayed whilst still alive. He is
often depicted with his flayed skin over his arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the site of his martyrdom a prominent Armenian
Monastery of Saint Bartholomew was built in what is now South East Turkey. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNH2tBRK09Q/V715PIgRe_I/AAAAAAAABWA/k6v1Qjn5PywoBI_gFHNQx2HrR-wvZghtQCLcB/s1600/st-bartholomew-stained-glass-window-by-joseph-grant-of-costessey-in%2BWighton%2BNorfolk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNH2tBRK09Q/V715PIgRe_I/AAAAAAAABWA/k6v1Qjn5PywoBI_gFHNQx2HrR-wvZghtQCLcB/s200/st-bartholomew-stained-glass-window-by-joseph-grant-of-costessey-in%2BWighton%2BNorfolk1.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">Bartholomew’s
body was in the City of Dura-Europa thanks to a gift of the Emperor Anastasius in
507, while further relics were in Benevento, having been translated from Lipari
as well as in Rome at the Basilica San Bartolomeo all’Isola.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frankfurt Cathedral was given a part of his
skull and Canterbury Cathedral an arm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-57328378031440539152016-08-22T19:40:00.001+01:002016-08-22T19:40:28.290+01:00Queenship of Mary 22nd August 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx0b2jTy85c/V7tFfTiX2YI/AAAAAAAABVo/hpXLHv6lAu402cWhN-NrrIq6rGoIThvagCLcB/s1600/Aug%252B22%252BQueenship%252Bof%252Bthe%252BBVM%252B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qx0b2jTy85c/V7tFfTiX2YI/AAAAAAAABVo/hpXLHv6lAu402cWhN-NrrIq6rGoIThvagCLcB/s200/Aug%252B22%252BQueenship%252Bof%252Bthe%252BBVM%252B2.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Today the Church celebrates the Octave of the
Assumption; a memorial which invokes Mary as Queen. The two celebrations of the
Assumption and today’s memorial show us Mary as Queen but also as handmaid two
aspects that are united in her person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we look at these two in an ‘earthly’ way we would have to say that
Mary was first ‘handmaid’; her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fiat</i> at
the Annunciation and then queen after her Assumption. If , however, we accept
that for God everything is heavenly ‘present’ then it was always was, is now,
and ever shall be part of God’s plan of salvation that Mary be Handmaid and
Queen. In the Second Vatican Council Constitution on the Church we read that Mary
was “taken up body and soul into heavenly glory…and exalted </span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">by the Lord as Queen over all things, that
she might be the more fully conformed to her Son” <i>(Lumen Gentium, 59).</i></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This ‘taken up’ implies that
unlike her Son who died and rose again from the dead, Mary’s life on earth was not
death but her assumption, her being taken up into heavenly glory where she is ‘exalted
as Queen over all things’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGw4N4YwzZ8/V7tFiDdi7EI/AAAAAAAABVs/33Fn0CyD5M8mXcqL87g4tU-mNR0tTRs2gCLcB/s1600/assumption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGw4N4YwzZ8/V7tFiDdi7EI/AAAAAAAABVs/33Fn0CyD5M8mXcqL87g4tU-mNR0tTRs2gCLcB/s200/assumption.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial from the Ranworth Antiphonale <br />
(circa 1400)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So we can see that The Assumption and todays
celebration of The Queenship of Mary are so inter-twined as to be on
celebration as is always the way with liturgical octaves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-37947136468642960562016-07-10T22:44:00.000+01:002016-07-10T22:44:21.811+01:00Syro Malabar Pilgrimage.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today, on what didn't start as a good day the pilgrims from the Syro-Malabar Community began to gather here at The Friars. Within a short time they had converted the piazza into an amazing spectacle with flags and brightly coloured silk umbrellas with silver metal fringes. There were two icons on display, one of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and another of Saint Alphonsa, a Franciscan sister.<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQIJCwgO3Ms/V4KMScjUioI/AAAAAAAABVE/2uv4-Dg-ikwdgxhJwna1Z_D9YBVUaoK8gCLcB/s1600/Procession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="106" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQIJCwgO3Ms/V4KMScjUioI/AAAAAAAABVE/2uv4-Dg-ikwdgxhJwna1Z_D9YBVUaoK8gCLcB/s200/Procession.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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On either side of the main shrine were a number of statues which would later be carried in procession. As if this was not sufficient the benches began to fill with an overwhelming array of coloured silk saris and dresses for the women and the men were not left out with bright shirts and cotton dhotis. The gathering ceremony was short and was followed by a Rosary Procession which wound its way round the Rosary Way and back to the main shrine area.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7B11JSFvtKs/V4KAslXHDCI/AAAAAAAABUk/TTYn-z-Yr9Y1EEbRDtUh7l0GrqiwN64ZgCLcB/s1600/Bishop%2Bat%2Baltar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7B11JSFvtKs/V4KAslXHDCI/AAAAAAAABUk/TTYn-z-Yr9Y1EEbRDtUh7l0GrqiwN64ZgCLcB/s200/Bishop%2Bat%2Baltar.jpg" width="200" /></a> One of the <span style="font-family: inherit;">highlights</span> of the day was the arrival of Bishop Paul Mason and Joseph <span style="font-family: inherit;">Arumachadath Bishop of Bhadravathi who accompanied on the process to the altar by first holy communion children and a tabla band of about twelve players. With the arrival of the bishops and introduction the celebration moved on to the start of the Syro-Malabar rite Mass in Malayalam; Bishop Paul gave the homily on 'doubting Thomas' the patron of the Malabar church. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96uacoBqLuU/V4KBTsvgnMI/AAAAAAAABUw/P7eccIbyxCsh25bH4flQyPnsTLZ3--zwgCLcB/s1600/DSCF1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96uacoBqLuU/V4KBTsvgnMI/AAAAAAAABUw/P7eccIbyxCsh25bH4flQyPnsTLZ3--zwgCLcB/s200/DSCF1559.JPG" width="200" /></a>At five-o-clock everyone gathered for a procession with statues and</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ni-_Ob1M4E/V4KA2ihzMmI/AAAAAAAABUo/ZSHyIvG5m-IvkKjfFqS3Z_YVrL3FrpMXQCLcB/s1600/Bishop%2BJospeh%2Bdistributes%2Bblessed%2Bcandles..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ni-_Ob1M4E/V4KA2ihzMmI/AAAAAAAABUo/ZSHyIvG5m-IvkKjfFqS3Z_YVrL3FrpMXQCLcB/s200/Bishop%2BJospeh%2Bdistributes%2Bblessed%2Bcandles..jpg" width="200" /></a>relics which encompassed the whole of the large lawn by the pond. Again the Tabla band played a prominent role. Talking to a family after the Mass the wife told me that being at this pilgrimage was like enjoying a piece of India brought to Aylesford. Having experienced this pilgrimage I can quite understand what she meant.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-65350857940548447702016-06-12T15:22:00.000+01:002016-06-12T15:22:36.995+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNBNSpYerI/V11qnsE2GWI/AAAAAAAABUI/anGMUM9w0CEt_2AYoAQ1ZGiSqQpQ7z1BACLcB/s1600/KSC%2BKInights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zNBNSpYerI/V11qnsE2GWI/AAAAAAAABUI/anGMUM9w0CEt_2AYoAQ1ZGiSqQpQ7z1BACLcB/s320/KSC%2BKInights.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>KNIGHTS OF SAINT COLUMBA PILGRIMAGE.</strong></div>
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Despite a cool and damp day the Knights of Saint Columba gathered at the Friars for their annual Mass and ceremony of bestowal of full Knighthood on over 50 candidates by the Supreme Knight, Bro. Charles McCluskey. This is always an enjoyable occasion and gives the knights from throughout the Southern Provinces along with their families a chance to meet together . A special part of this years pilgrimage was to mark the Golden Jubilee of their Ministry here at The Friars. It is difficult to imagine our major events without the stewarding of the Knights of Saint Columba and it is to be hoped that they will continue as long as is possible. Mass was presided over by Fr. Innocent Abonyi who is the Chaplain to the Southwark Province of the KSC and was celebrated on the main shrine despite the rain. But even this rain was only a drizzle as Our Blessed Lady laid her mantel over the shrine. In the afternoon the whole pilgrimage group gathered together for a procession around the Rosary Way followed by Benediction. As people began to leave it was obvious that they all, both young and old, had enjoyed the day.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-88455516076826438452016-06-12T15:17:00.000+01:002016-06-12T15:36:58.604+01:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>A PRAYER IN STONE IS BACK</strong></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQMqvoO83kA/V11ur1v0DrI/AAAAAAAABUU/f_bZgrSZ8T4s8UmL6PBwX8mB7gKoUDI3QCLcB/s1600/165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQMqvoO83kA/V11ur1v0DrI/AAAAAAAABUU/f_bZgrSZ8T4s8UmL6PBwX8mB7gKoUDI3QCLcB/s320/165.JPG" width="240" /></a>After a longer pause the Aylesford Blog has been revived and it is hoped that there will now be regular posts. Topics will include events at The Friars, Saint Days and anything else of interest to our readers. If you follow the blog already then please continue and maybe pass our link onto those of your friends you feel may be interested in the Blog. It would be great with your help to build up our list of followers. </div>
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May Our Lady of the Assumption protect and guide you. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-53229843296437988212014-04-21T23:19:00.001+01:002014-04-21T23:19:46.405+01:00Sacred Triduum 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the weeks since Ash Wednesday we have been preparing ourselves for the celebration of the Sacred Triduum, the three days during which we are called to reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feqqdHbgF7k/U1WODQt_ihI/AAAAAAAABP8/zlcrrAvZcdU/s1600/FOOTWASHIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-feqqdHbgF7k/U1WODQt_ihI/AAAAAAAABP8/zlcrrAvZcdU/s1600/FOOTWASHIN.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a>Thursday evening we gathered in the Relic Chapel for the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Following the Gospel and a homily by Francis Kemsley O.Carm, watched as Francis knelt and washed the feet of 12 members of the congregation as it is described in John's Gospel. The other three Gospels all describe the institution of the Eucharist; Take this and eat, take this and drink, they are my Body and Blood. John, however, concentrates on the commandment which Jesus gave to his disciples to 'love one another as I have loved you' and this is reflected in the humble action of the washing of feet; I came to serve not to be served'. After the Mass the Blessed Sacrament was taken in solemn procession to the Choir where an altar of repose had been prepared. People were invited to remain in silent prayer until midnight when, after Compline, the tabernacle was closed and people departed.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWoSf7CNKjY/U1WOOkWkf4I/AAAAAAAABQQ/vx-ErHDbPTU/s1600/holyweek_087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWoSf7CNKjY/U1WOOkWkf4I/AAAAAAAABQQ/vx-ErHDbPTU/s1600/holyweek_087.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
The only celebration on the Friday was the Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This solemn event has three parts 1) the Liturgy of the Word including the Passion Narrative from John's Gospel followed by a homily from Michael Manning O. Carm. and the formal intercessions for the Church, the World and the People. 2) This is followed by the veneration of the Cross where all those who wish to are invited to come forward and venerate the cross in their own way, usually a kiss. 3) from Thursday evening's Mass of the Lord's Supper until the Easter Night on Saturday there is no Mass celebrated but to meet the needs of the people the Passion Service ends with the distribution of Communion. The service ends with a silent procession back to the sacristy while the cross remains on the shrine, flanked with burning candles. Saturday is then a day of waiting, of reflection and anticipation for the events of the Easter Night.<br />
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Saturday evening, after dark, a fire lit up the cloister here and the congregation gathered for the blessing of the Easter Fire<br />
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and the lighting of the Paschal Candle. This involves the scribing of symbols on the wax candle and the insertion of five incense grains. <br />
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Then, using a flame from the Easter Fire the Candle is lit and carried in procession into the Relic Chapel where the Deacon; Paul Jenkins O. Carm proclaims the Exsultet. There follows an extended Liturgy of the Word during which we welcome back the Alleluia after an absence of six weeks, and the homily by Brendan Grady O. Carm., a blessing of water which, in a parish would be used for Baptism, a renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Easter celebration of the Eucharist.<br />
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Throughout these days of the Sacred Triduum we a had a large number of visitors some day visitors, some residential and some attending the annual Easter Triduum Retreat, given this year by Sheila Grimwood, Maggie Cascioli and Paul Jenkins O. Carm. and despite the numbers the Friars was a haven of peace for those seeking a little more from their Easter. Maybe you would like to join us next year.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-56231548776979086652014-04-11T11:57:00.001+01:002014-04-11T11:57:58.933+01:00Born For This<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Relic Chapel at the Friars was full on Saturday 5th April as young people and adults, children and parents, friars and visitors gathered to see and listen to the Stations of the Cross being presented by a group of school students and members of the Southward Catholic Youth Services. The dramatic presentation followed the traditional way of the cross from the interview with Pontius Pilate to the crucifixion and was part of the outreach work which is a part of the ministry of The Friars, Aylesford especially with the SCYS team at St Vincent's in Whitstable. All the major characters in the stations were played by young men and women aged and they took there roles very much to their hearts sing and acting in a very real but also prayerful way and the ever present cross which was carried, dragged around the chapel underlined that this was a journey and not a concert. Everyone was invited to enter into this journey and after the stations all the participants left the chapel in silence obviously reflecting on what they had experienced. Born For This was also present on Sunday 6th in St Georges Cathedral, Southwark<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-9897786900029100222014-01-01T17:44:00.000+00:002014-01-01T17:44:21.347+00:001st January 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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May Our Blessed Lady; Theotokos, the God-bearer, watch over you and intercede for you with her most holy Child, our Lord Jesus.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-60825029088670590592013-10-28T12:14:00.000+00:002013-10-28T12:14:59.969+00:00St Jude, Apostle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOCHOAgMTLg/Um5T5SiECvI/AAAAAAAABLU/YCss_VfqG-k/s1600/200px-Anthonis_van_Dyck_088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOCHOAgMTLg/Um5T5SiECvI/AAAAAAAABLU/YCss_VfqG-k/s1600/200px-Anthonis_van_Dyck_088.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black;">Jude, one of the twelve Apostles</span><span style="color: black;">, sometimes called Judas is often shown in icons with a flame on his head representing his presence at Pentecost and the reception of the Holy Spirit. His two main attributes are a long club and holding a golden medallion with an image of Christ on it. Occasionally he is depicted with a book or a carpenter's rule.</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgLbIwqeUe8/Um5UHar0AII/AAAAAAAABLg/4xpN7DG7tUc/s1600/faversham_pre%2520fire%25205in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgLbIwqeUe8/Um5UHar0AII/AAAAAAAABLg/4xpN7DG7tUc/s400/faversham_pre%2520fire%25205in.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The UK National Shrine for St Jude</span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbXjV2bq7w/Um5UHExabLI/AAAAAAAABLc/iGdMQrdTF7I/s1600/St+Jude.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbXjV2bq7w/Um5UHExabLI/AAAAAAAABLc/iGdMQrdTF7I/s320/St+Jude.JPG" width="175" /></a><span style="color: black;"> is in Faversham, Kent and over the weekend closest to his feast there are pilgrimages to honour him and venerate the relic reserved in the shrine. The Shrine has been totally renovated following a major fire and now has a number of modern icons of Carmelite saints to mark the connection of the Shrine and the Carmelite Order. </span><br />
A tradition has Jude being invoked as a saint for lost causes.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-64083670316834916672013-10-23T11:00:00.000+01:002013-10-28T09:57:22.333+00:00PAUL JENKINS SOLEMN PROFESSION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Saturday 19th October Paul Jenkins, surrounded by his brethren and family and friends professed the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity and committed himself to serving the Order of Carmelites for life. This step had been taken after lengthy discernment and living in community. Paul will continue to live in The Friars, Aylesford until the next Provincial Chapter. Paul's family have been a great support during his build up to this decision and it was great to see so many of them here to witness him place his hands into those of the Wilfrid McGreal, the Provincial and publically profess his vows and then sign the document on the altar. <br />
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Music was provided by musicians from the Southwark Catholic Youth Service who have become very much part of our lives here in The Friars. Paul will be closely involved in work with the SCYS both here and there centre, St Vincent's in Whitstable. The service was followed by a photo shoot and a magnificent buffet in the Pilgrim's Hall.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-74749316242264456192013-07-26T14:51:00.000+01:002013-07-26T14:51:07.797+01:00Preparations for WYD@Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the week moved forward and closer to the start of the WTD@Home festival this weekend a number of quite obvious and impressive objects were taking their place at the Friars. The first was a huge Circus Big Top in bright orange and yellow which will house the music events and social occasions. The second was equally impressive and started off as a large metal structure which latter began to carry the multi-panel video screen which will be used to display footage of the papal visit to Brazil, including the Masses of Pope Francis. All in all it promises to be an unforgettable event and hopefully a great time of enjoyment, socialising, meeting new people and also a spiritual experience for all the young people who will attend. Please pray for the WYD@Home</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-71720465187096591312013-07-22T22:28:00.002+01:002013-07-23T06:55:43.655+01:00Bridget of Sweden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>Bridget of Sweden (1303 – 23 July 1373; also Birgitta of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadstena" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Vadstena"><span style="color: black;">Vadstena</span></a>, was a mystic and a saint. <span style="color: black;"> </span>After the death of her husband of twenty years she founded of two orders; the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgettines" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Bridgettines"><span style="color: black;">Bridgettines</span></a> nuns and the monks of the same name. She was also the mother of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_of_Vadstena" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" title="Catherine of Vadstena"><span style="color: black;">Catherine of Vadstena</span></a> who was canonised as well. Bridget was canonised on <span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 16.890625px;">7 October 1391 by Pope Boniface IX</span>. </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Her claim to fame was due largely to her mystical visions especially her vision of the Nativity of Christ which greatly influenced the artistic representations of the nativity scene.</b></div>
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">St Bridget is one six patron saints of Europe.</b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-1953084141918642202013-07-22T10:12:00.000+01:002013-07-22T10:13:13.613+01:00Mary Magdalene<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Caravaggio</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Mary was standing outside near the tomb. Then, as she wept, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' 'They have taken my Lord away', she replied. As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not realise it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ' Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?' Supposing him to be the gardener, Mary said, 'Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him and I will go and remove him.' Jesus said, 'Mary.' and she turned to him and said in Hebrew, 'Rabbuni!' 'Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to the brothers and tell them I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' So Mary of Magdala told the disciples, 'I have seen the Lord,' and that he had said these things to her. <i> (Jn 20: 11-18)</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-7131326171871644852013-07-21T16:43:00.000+01:002013-07-22T13:50:33.024+01:00High tea at The Friars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po8X6pHZcH4/Uev-JR0JCTI/AAAAAAAABH0/_HD0qeNPXtk/s1600/High+Tea+July+2013+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Po8X6pHZcH4/Uev-JR0JCTI/AAAAAAAABH0/_HD0qeNPXtk/s200/High+Tea+July+2013+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things which is always associated with an English summer is a good cream tea. Well if you had come to The Friars this afternoon you could have enjoyed just such a High tea with assorted finger sandwiches, various fancy cakes and of course the scones with jam and fresh cream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All this served with plenty of tea in mis-matched antique cups and saucers and plates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The main attraction is of course the tea itself and the knowledge that everything is cooked at The Friars, producing a High Tea of excellent cakes and sandwiches which could just as well have been served in an elegant hotel as easily as in the medieval Pilgrims Hall. A good time was had by all and the compliments were to be heard all round.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-58807422238991757372013-07-21T16:16:00.000+01:002013-07-21T16:16:13.173+01:00Farmers Market, Aylesford.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pZyqpnJGgA/UevMAA7s1PI/AAAAAAAABGE/yRZIMnuORNo/s1600/Farmers+Market+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_pZyqpnJGgA/UevMAA7s1PI/AAAAAAAABGE/yRZIMnuORNo/s320/Farmers+Market+001.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSioVZS9Ovc/Uevue1QBUWI/AAAAAAAABHU/xwb1egHCiGo/s1600/Farmers+Market+July+2013+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSioVZS9Ovc/Uevue1QBUWI/AAAAAAAABHU/xwb1egHCiGo/s200/Farmers+Market+July+2013+(2).JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBuA-_RvCgg/UevubuWPD3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/3zCPtoaGRas/s1600/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252819%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBuA-_RvCgg/UevubuWPD3I/AAAAAAAABHQ/3zCPtoaGRas/s200/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252819%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Friars hosted the first of a number of monthly Farmers Markets today. Offering quality local produce a large number of stall holders opened from 9 am to the public and not much later both the car parks were full with visitors. Walking around the different stalls it was impressive to see the wide range of produce available, all locally made although ingredients often came from farther afield. There were exotic burgers, beautiful cupcakes, a wide range of breads, pastries with a variety of fillings as well as a cheese stall and of course our own Friars cakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96TbKh3W978/UevugW-MloI/AAAAAAAABHo/bKhIcfI-Sbw/s1600/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96TbKh3W978/UevugW-MloI/AAAAAAAABHo/bKhIcfI-Sbw/s200/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%25288%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was also a cookery demonstration with Petrus Madutlela from the Hengist Restaurant in Aylesford. </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orP2lqWnZ7E/UevuRIugIBI/AAAAAAAABGg/S7r-eBtjs14/s1600/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-orP2lqWnZ7E/UevuRIugIBI/AAAAAAAABGg/S7r-eBtjs14/s200/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252814%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBj_t6VW2h8/UevuQBvk_JI/AAAAAAAABGY/oc2GvaJ4BGk/s1600/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBj_t6VW2h8/UevuQBvk_JI/AAAAAAAABGY/oc2GvaJ4BGk/s200/Farmers+Market+July+2013+%252810%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Asked whether they enjoyed themselves everyone said that it was a 'lovely location', a 'peaceful experience' and 'they would be back next month. The stall holders were also enthusiastic about the results and the atmosphere here at The Friars and they would be bringing their stalls back next month. As the sun began to shine so the people seemed to enjoy themselves more and more with an almost carnival atmosphere.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone left with bags of produce and said 'see you next month' as they headed off to their cars and returned home having had a thoroughly enjoyable experience and great sense of hospitality.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-59438707897439775032013-07-20T11:22:00.000+01:002013-07-20T11:22:06.267+01:00Solemnity of the Prophet Elijah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhyxFT4cbx8/UepjlmFY4cI/AAAAAAAABF0/yuQ-BRTwnnw/s1600/Elijah+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhyxFT4cbx8/UepjlmFY4cI/AAAAAAAABF0/yuQ-BRTwnnw/s640/Elijah+001.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A wonderful celebration of the </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Prophet Elijah for you all.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Aylesford Community</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-36797986640003497992013-07-19T21:24:00.003+01:002013-07-19T21:24:38.934+01:00Richard III on the lawn.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDkkdjZ72jk/UemZjU8dW6I/AAAAAAAABE0/_E9NomwAGa8/s1600/Richard+III.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDkkdjZ72jk/UemZjU8dW6I/AAAAAAAABE0/_E9NomwAGa8/s320/Richard+III.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWTEZ0qzX6w/UemfLhht4gI/AAAAAAAABFc/GJZ80PVVpvo/s1600/Richard+III+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pWTEZ0qzX6w/UemfLhht4gI/AAAAAAAABFc/GJZ80PVVpvo/s320/Richard+III+005.JPG" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friday 19th July was a day for Shakespearean culture. The Changeling Theatre Company gave a performance of their outdoor production of Richard III. In a mixture of modern and period costume a good sized audience gathered on this warm summer evening with cushions, folding chairs, picnics and drinks to watch this group of young people give their own twist to the story of the last of the Plantagenet kings. By slight changes of intonation they lightened up some of the scenes and Alex <span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 28px;">Mugnaioni, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> playing Richard of Gloucester helped this with his cheerful interaction with the audience. All in all a good production</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> which was enjoyed by all.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-20487692792823814492013-07-16T16:42:00.001+01:002013-07-16T16:42:08.150+01:0016th July 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmoi2c1jeyA/UeVoJRSxECI/AAAAAAAABEY/7LrabOJWWl0/s1600/Riverside002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmoi2c1jeyA/UeVoJRSxECI/AAAAAAAABEY/7LrabOJWWl0/s320/Riverside002.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Looking at A Prayer in Stone I was aware that it was the middle of March that the last item was posted. With today's post I hope to get back into the posting habit and to keep the Blog up to date.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-11246353184226828562013-07-16T16:31:00.000+01:002013-07-16T16:31:02.762+01:00Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a joyful occasion as people gathered today in the Relic Chapel here at The Friars Aylesford to celebrate this major feast day of our Order - Our Lady of Mount Carmel. With many visitors to the shrine as well as a number of members of the Carmelite Family we also had the added pleasure of two lay Carmelites from the Leigh on Sea Chapter making their final profession - their life commitment to Carmel. The chapel was quiet as Anne Marie and Janet made their public profession and signed their professions on the altar. These signed documents remained on the altar for the remainder of the Mass as a symbol of the offering which these two women were making to God and to the Church. <br />
May the blessing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel be upon, those you love and all those you know and remain with you for ever.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041122214840940993.post-15472945715550094592013-03-13T19:46:00.000+00:002013-03-13T19:46:05.315+00:00Pope Francis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Pope Francis.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0