HAPPY PENTECOST EVERYONE!

In the run up to Pentecost, our parish honoured the Holy Spirit by praying the Pentecost Novena both from home and during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We prayed, like the apostles did, in the company of Mary, for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our parish, our families, ourselves and on the whole world. As today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, we would like to share with you an extract from the treatise of St Basil the Great (bishop) on the work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of The Trinity and probably the least understood by many Christians: 

‘The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth. By nature the Spirit is beyond the reach of our mind, but we can know him by his goodness. The power of the Spirit fills the whole universe, but he gives himself only to those who are worthy, acting in each according to the measure of his faith.

Simple in himself, the Spirit is manifold in his mighty works. The whole of his being is present to each individual; the whole of his being is present everywhere. Though shared in by many, he remains unchanged; his self giving is no loss to himself. Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea, and yet is enjoyed by each person as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth his grace in full measure, sufficient for all, and yet is present as though exclusively to everyone who can receive him. To all creatures that share in him he gives a delight limited only by their own nature, not by his ability to give.

The Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak, and brings to perfection those who are making progress. He enlightens those who have been cleansed form every stain of sin and makes them spiritual by communion with himself.

As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit shines become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others.

From the Spirit comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of the mysteries of faith, insight into the hidden meaning of Scripture, and other special gifts. Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we enter into eternal happiness, and abide in God. Through the Spirit we acquire a likeness to God; indeed, we attain what is beyond our most sublime aspirations – we become God.’

‘Mary teach us to say Yes to the Lord every moment of our lives.
Mary teach us to say Thanks to the Lord every moment of our lives.’

 CONSECRATION OF OUR PARISH TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM

 

Bishop Alan blessed the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham donated by Tom McInally’s family on his memory.	Over 70 parishioners from our three mass centres enjoyed a convivial time in the garden with burgers and sausages provided by Blackwell’s Farm shop and delicious salads and puddings produced by our talented and generous parishioners. Wine, beer and soft drinks were a joyful accompaniment to a sunbathed afternoon
	Leah Clarke entertained us with her warm music and voice.
Our thanks to Blackwell’s Farm Shop from Coggeshall, who donated the BBQ meat and bread. Their professionalism made it a very special occasion for us!	Bishop Alan made a point of speaking to as many parishioners as possible during his time with us!