Catholic Churches of Our Lady of Sorrows,
Effingham and The Holy Spirit, Fetcham

I am not sure what I expected from the Pope’s Visit but I can tell you that if I did expect anything it would not have been that! Read the rest of this entry »

Daphne McLeod’s article in this May’s edition of “The Lychgate” is the very best I have read in defence of the Church’s position on the issue of women priests which should come as no surprise to those who know of Daphne’s deep erudition and spirituality.

It is however a defence of what is, I suggest, an indefensible position in the 21^st century. Read the rest of this entry »

Of course the short answer is because the Church, the Voice of Christ in the World, says they cannot. This would satisfy any faithful Catholic but sometimes we have to explain clear Church teaching to people who are not committed Catholics so it is a good idea to look at some of the thinking behind this ruling. Read the rest of this entry »

In the last edition of “The Lychgate” [May 2010] we reported on progress at the Mtandika Trade School during 2009. As many of you will know, Mary and I visited Tanzania again this September for several weeks, during which time we spent a week with Sister Barberina. Read the rest of this entry »

For centuries people have journeyed from all parts of Europe to Northern Spain where, legend has it, the bones of St James the apostle have their final resting place. Even if it is highly unlikely that St James, either in life or death, ever went anywhere near Spain, the story has taken root and a remote settlement in Galicia has become, after Rome, the busiest centre of Christian pilgrimage. Read the rest of this entry »