photo by Nicky
Something to sing about – despite the blustery weather these
fragile blooms can be seen in abundance, especially in the courtyards and
passages behind Lymington High Street.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Friday, 20 April 2012
To celebrate SVP Founder’s Day, the proceeds of the
Coffee morning in the Hospitality Centre of Our Lady of Mercy next Saturday
April 28th will be donated to the Society of St Vincent de
Paul. It will be used partly to fund
the work of the Lymington Conference, and partly to support the Youth SVP
nationally.
HAPPY OCCASION AT OUR LADY OF MERCY
Last Saturday at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy and St Joseph , the marriage
took place of Anne Starbuck and David Chapple. Anne is a Ringwood parishioner and David
is from Ruislip. We wish them every
happiness for many years in their life together.
Sr GENNY SPEAKS TO THE LYMINGTON CWL
Some of the ladies from the Lymington Catholic Women's League had already met Sister Genny from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd when she joined the recent Parish Retreat to Oxford. She's currently staying at Geo House, St Joseph's in Ashurst. Those she spoke to even briefly on our coach journey were greatly impressed by her warmth, humility and the obvious joy she's found in the missionary work of her order. We were keen to hear her speak more about their global communities.
Sister Genny welcomed the opportunity to share the dedication of her congregation with the CWL: primarily to protect, educate and help women and girls around the world. The Roman Catholic Order of the Good Shepherd (there is now an Anglican community for women which has the same name) was originally a branch of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge, founded in 17th century France by St John Eudes. He was personally dedicated to opening safe-houses for prostitutes and abused women and children. After the French Revolution, these established communities rehabilitated displaced women and orphaned infants. Sister Genny reminded us that in times of war and social depravation, women and children are often still the most affected.
The congregation was modelled on St John Eudes' order, founded by St Mary Euphrasia (Pelletier) in Angers, France, in 1835. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd today are guided in their missions by her words; she believed that "One person is of more value than a world". Canonised in 1940 for her lifelong devotion, she originally used donations to "purchase" and house female African slaves who had been brought to Europe. In her lifetime, 110 Good Shepherd convents were opened, establishing 16 provinces throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and The United States. In 2010, the congregation was comprised of more than 5,000 Sisters working in 72 countries, now including provinces in Oceania. Originally a cloistered order, it is now largely apostolic: Sister Genny explained that Sisters work in deprived communities as outreach workers, social workers, special needs teachers, health care advisers, nurses and advocates for social justice and change.
The congregation was modelled on St John Eudes' order, founded by St Mary Euphrasia (Pelletier) in Angers, France, in 1835. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd today are guided in their missions by her words; she believed that "One person is of more value than a world". Canonised in 1940 for her lifelong devotion, she originally used donations to "purchase" and house female African slaves who had been brought to Europe. In her lifetime, 110 Good Shepherd convents were opened, establishing 16 provinces throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and The United States. In 2010, the congregation was comprised of more than 5,000 Sisters working in 72 countries, now including provinces in Oceania. Originally a cloistered order, it is now largely apostolic: Sister Genny explained that Sisters work in deprived communities as outreach workers, social workers, special needs teachers, health care advisers, nurses and advocates for social justice and change.
St Mary Euphrasia
She spoke of the work of the order in her homeland, the Philippines. The Philippines is a huge archipelago of islands and the Sisters now have communities spanning 100 of them. Her family are indigenous to the country; the Philippines have multiple ethnicities, having been claimed by several empires over the centuries, only gaining independence in 1945. Sister Genny told us that the indigenous population has historically been forced further into the mountains and forests. These areas are not only vulnerable to the scores of typhoons and seasonal floods which hit the islands each year, but have also been plundered by overseas mining and wood-trade corporations. She stressed that it's often difficult to talk about a loving God with a hungry stomach. As well as educating previously unschooled children, the Sisters are involved in re-working rural areas to provide local trades and goods. Sister Genny's village now produces internationally acclaimed jams, marmalade and peanut butter!
With the twelfth largest population in the world, an additional 11 million Filipinos live overseas; 81% of these migrant workers are women, traditionally sending money home to the Philippines. Sister Genny explained that sex-trafficking is still rife in the Philippines, as it is elsewhere in the world. Often, "jobs overseas" are promised to girls by neighbours or even family members; the girls are unwittingly sent across the world to a life of modern slavery. The Sisters provide a presence in airports and areas known to be part of this trade. As well as counselling abused women and children and providing sanctuary, there are Good Shepherd centres providing guidance on International Labour Laws and advising migrant workers on Benefits and of course loneliness. Sister Genny had recently asked to visit the "red-light" areas in Hampshire's own Southampton. She told us that her personal preconceptions have been challenged by her experiences: how love for families and the need to survive and provide still force the disadvantaged and marginalised to compromise themselves.
In 1996, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd became affiliated with the United Nations as an NGO (Non-governmental Organisation). This enables them to actively work with or on occasion challenge the UN to promote justice and peace where there is poverty, inequality, victimisation and conflict. In the UK, some Good Shepherd homes have been taken over by Social Services, but there are still communities in Newcastle, Manchester, Kent and London, and also in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Sisters in the UK sell Fairtrade produce from Thailand to raise funds. "HandCrafting Justice" was created by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1997 as a fairtrade marketplace for goods produced in developing regions sponsored by the order. The approach is holistic, providing spiritual empowerment and economic opportunity; telling the stories of the craftsmen and women. As well as Thailand and the Philippines, goods are marketed from Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific. And of course, you can shop "HandCrafting Justice" online!
Sister Genny will be returning to the Philippines in May, to learn where her next mission will be. She spoke to me of working in her beloved homeland but also of her concern for women and children in stricken Syria and Lebanon. Wherever she finds herself needed, I hope Sister Genny will stay in touch with her new friends in the UK.
Report and photo by Gigi
Thursday, 12 April 2012
TODAY THE LORD HAS RISEN, ALLELUIA
The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.
To him be glory and power
For all the ages of eternity
Alleluia, Alleluia.
The solemn entry of the clergy at St Anne's,
Easter Sunday morning.
photo by Mary
JUST A LITTLE BIT OFF THE TOP, PLEASE
When the parish of St Anne's decides to cut their hedge, they don't go for any half measures. Short back and sides? Certainly, sir.
All finished, now. And here's the team that finished it off!
Many thanks, Anne, for the photos.
..... AND WITH IMPECCABLE TIMING ....
Magnolias opening on Easter Day in the garden of Pylewell House, the birthplace of Joseph Weld, who founded the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in 1859.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS RENEW THEIR VOWS
THE MERTON INFLUENCE COMES TO BROCK
photo by Anthony
We are all Thomas Merton people now! Brockenhurst hosted a day devoted to the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton, and it was presented by Dr Peter Tyler. People came from far and wide, and were enthused and inspired by our introduction to Merton - his story and his spirituality. He died in 1968, and he had a profound effect on Vatican 2. He also effectively launched the spirituality movement which introduced contemplative prayer to lay people in the Church. He was no 'plaster saint' - and somehow endears himself all the more to the post-war generation.
Thanks, Mary, for this report.
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE IN MID-WALES
Yet inside the old box pews are kept spotlessly clean, and weddings are held there most weekends.
Here are the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida near Pontrhydfendigaid, which was founded in about 1150 but dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540.
photos by Nicky
Sunday, 25 March 2012
MEMORIAL CONCERTS FOR SAMANTHA CASHEN
with permission from Ballard School Performing Arts Centre
Samantha’s friends and admirers put on an entertaining and enjoyable series of concerts in her memory last weekend. Among the many local musicians and dancers taking part were this group of flautists introducing themselves with the Harry Potter theme.
THE PARISH BLOG TO VISIT CHRISTIAN WALES
This week two of your editorial staff will be walking the Towy valley in mid-Wales with a group of Christians of different denominations. We shall be based just outside the village of Cilycum
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Why do the same people feature once again on this week’s blog? Some weeks more than five hundred people log on to us, yet this week we appear to have only three or four faithful contributors. If you take photos, however tenuous the connection with either parish, please send them with a few words of description to blog@gensearch.co.uk and help to make this blog more interesting for our readers.
THE CWL LEARN ABOUT THE WORK OF THE SVP
Blessed Frederic Ozanam
At the March meeting of the CWL, SVP President Tom Turnbull described how the Society was founded in post-Revolution Paris in April 1833 by a group of idealistic Catholic students, led by Frederic Ozanam, the privileged and gifted son of a Milanese doctor and a silk heiress. The young students wanted to put their faith into action by providing direct assistance to the poor, and were supported by the Daughters of Charity; the distinctively cornetted "butterfly" nuns founded by St Vincent De Paul.
In 1844, the first SVP conference was formed in England and Wales UK and Ireland
Tom described how the Lymington Conference, founded six years ago, regularly visits and helps housebound, lonely and hospitalised people.
Report by Gigi
A VISIT FROM THE VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The SVP do not restrict their visits to people living in our Pastoral area, and they have been calling on Maureen for several years. Her move to the Marie Louise house in Romsey did not cause their contact with her to stop, and regular visits there are still being made by SVP members and by other parishioners. She and Fr Tom Dunne who is in the room next to hers are being well looked after, and their visitors are always made very welcome. Maureen sends greetings and best wishes to all her friends in Lymington.
SPRING IN A BROCKENHURST CHURCHYARD
photo by Nicky
Primroses are in full bloom on the gentle slope outside St Nicholas Church.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
A BITTER SWEET ANNIVERSARY FOR NORAH
This should have been a wonderful week for Norah and Jim, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last week, but unfortunately Jim has been taken ill. They were married on March 3rd 1962 in what is now the St Charles Borromeo Chapel in Heath Road
Our thanks to Norah for the super photo, our best wishes and prayers to Jim for a speedy recovery, and our apologies for the poor quality of the scan.
MEMORIAL CONCERT TO BENEFIT BRAINSTRUST
Three weeks ago at Nicky and John’s wedding a collection raised £400 for Brainstrust, the charity which helps victims of brain tumours and conducts research into its causes. Next week’s Samantha Cashen Memorial Concert will also be raising money for Brainstrust.
PARISHIONERS MAKE RETREAT AT BOAR’S HILL
Our hosts at this year’s annual retreat were the Carmelites at their house in Oxford Philippines
Our morning talk from the sub-prior, Father Liam Finnerty OCD (Order of Discalced Carmelites), preceded the sacrament of Confession and an intimate Mass in the bright chapel. Father Liam spoke to us of pain, reconciliation and forgiveness as desert landscapes. Memorably, he talked of the necessity for "ventilating" old hurts to enable new growth. His Irish lyricism held a captive audience as he reminded us that our fears and chaos, seemingly insurmountable, are tiny when placed before the stillness of God.
After a hearty lunch, we gathered for Father Liam's second talk. He spoke emotively and humorously about relationships and our expectations of ourselves and others. He referred to the roles of parents and guardians in the scriptures, describing the beauty of partners sustaining each other's faith through the sacrament of marriage. He was able to emphasise Christ's Passion and sacrifice with a quiet gentleness.
After a chance to browse the well stocked and surprising little bookshop, we were on our way home. After a long day, the group were animated and chatty through the evening traffic: the result of a day of valuable reflection in beautiful surroundings and good company.
Report and photos by Gigi
OUR WINTER VISITORS GET READY TO LEAVE
photo by Nicky
Thursday, 8 March 2012
FIFTY YEARS OF LOVE AND SERVICE
March 4th was the fiftieth anniversary of Tom and Ellen’s marriage. Among the packed congregation in the Church of Our Lady of Mercy were about forty members of their family, many of whom had travelled considerable distances. Afterwards they all retired to Stanwells for a meal, and the rest of us ate their cake
FIRST ORDINARIATE YEAR COMPLETED
On March 5th Fr Edwin Barnes celebrated the first anniversary of his ordination into the Catholic priesthood. Assisted by Mgr Peter Ryan, he offered Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, and afterwards was given a well-deserved round of applause by the congregation. As well as featuring in ours, Fr Edwin has his own blog at www.bishedwins.blogspot.com
ABUSE ISSUES CLARIFIED FOR PARISH VISITORS
Those members of our Pastoral Area whose ministries involve them in home visiting met in the hospitality centre last week as part of their CRB training. They were instructed on how to recognise signs of abuse in vulnerable people, and then broke into groups to discuss what had been learned.
FISH, CHIPS AND FRIENDSHIP AT THE LTSC
Lymington Town Sailing Club to eat a meal of fish and chips, to enjoy the
magnificent view from its grand windows, and to have a good old natter.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
CUF WOOLIES ARRIVE AT THEIR DESTINATION
In South Africa, winter is not so far away, and the work of the gallant ladies of our Knit and Stitch group will be really appreciated then.
photos by Rini
THE NEWLYWEDS VISIT THE NOTRE DAME
CAN SPRING BE FAR BEHIND?
These beautiful snowdrops are out at Lisle Court, to show the first signs of Spring.
Here's a close-up. Aren't they lovely!
photos by Nicky
Thursday, 23 February 2012
PARIS HONEYMOON FOR PARISH NEWLYWEDS
photo by Barbara
When Nicky married John last Saturday the Church of Our Lady of Mercy was full to capacity with the couple's friends and extended families and well wishers from across our community. The service was celebrated by Father Danny, assisted by Monsignor Peter Ryan and Deacon Stephen Morgan. Fr Danny's moving homily emphasised the validity and sacredness of marriage. The couple have known each other for four years as volunteers for The Society of St Vincent De Paul.
photo by Barbara
The celebrations continued in the Parish Rooms with standing room only. The happy couple are honeymooning in Paris before returning to make their home in Lymington.
report by Gigi
report by Gigi
Thursday, 16 February 2012
FR GERRIT CELEBRATES HIS SEVENTY YEARS
Fr Gerrit celebrated his seventieth birthday last week by lunching with Fr Danny and some of his friends. We wish him many more years of health and happiness.
WELL DESERVED AWARD FOR LOYAL SERVICE
CAKES DOWNED IN VALENTINE'S DAY MASSACRE
There was a good turnout for the Annual General Meeting of the Lymington Section Catholic Women's League this week: the brightly refurbished Hospitality Room seemed cosily full on St Valentine's Day. Our League guest was Jeanette Collins, Portsmouth Branch Treasurer; soon to become National Treasurer. Our surprise guest was Father Danny, who had been invited to observe the AGM. He may also have been tempted by the array of cake, flapjacks and biscuits provided by the good ladies of the branch. Father D offered some good-natured heckling from the sidelines but our chairman Margaret remained unruffled: it's no surprise that she was unanimously re-elected to post at the meeting.
The Branch also elected a new Vice Chairman, Treasurer and committee members. Our wonderful Secretary Ann was unanimously re-elected. Time was taken at the beginning of the meeting to remember the much loved departed Freda Collins, who had been elected Branch Vice Chairman at last year's AGM.
photo by Barbara
One brave and articulate member (it was Pat and it was her birthday) voiced concerns that the membership of the Catholic Women's League has declined drastically since the 1970s. The consensus is that this needs to be addressed at branch level but also at national management level. The CWL is often seen as an older ladies' club: we need to redefine the inclusivity of the League for Catholic Women of all ages and from all walks of life. Jeanette Collins had travelled from Jersey to speak to us. She emphasised the essential support the CWL continues to provide to CAFOD and other international aid agencies. She also spoke about the local support provided to members who are suffering hardship or are incapacitated by illness or disability.
Report by GigiNO HIDING PLACE FOR MICE IN THIS CHURCH
If you mices think you can hide away anywhere in this church, you're mistaken! Not while Molly's in charge, you won't!
SAINTLY SISTER'S NAME FOR BRIGHTON BUS
A holy nun from Brighton has been honoured by the City Bus Company in an unusual way. Look under "Pages" in the right hand column for "Mother Riccarda's Bus" to see the full story.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
TO NAME OR NOT TO NAME?
Since we last considered your views a fortnight ago, we have received three more written comments, all from named parishioners or contributors and all in favour of publishing names. All the comments are printed on the "to name or not" page in the right hand column of this blog. Our decision is that from now onwards we shall publish people's names where it is helpful to do so, but only with their permission.
HENS' SUPER SEND OFF FOR BRIDE-TO-BE
NIPPI IN NAME AND NIPPY IN WINTER
photo by Nicky
When the manufacturers decided what to call their wheelchair-carrying scooter, we don't believe they were thinking about how cold the driver gets when it's racing along at full speed on a frosty day. But Ros has the answer - furry earmuffs!
LYMINGTON QUAY IN FEBRUARY
Very peaceful at this time of year, but the visitors will return with the Spring.
Friday, 3 February 2012
REMEMBERING THE FOUNDING OF CAFOD
photos and report by Gigi
"In recognition of the generosity of CAFOD supporters the British Government has agreed, that through UK Aid Match funding, it will match a pound for pound every donation given to CAFOD during this years Lent Fast Day to help some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the world."
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
A MEMORY OF A RATHER DIFFERENT KIND
As a complete contrast to the celebrations in Westminster, two members of the Parish went to Redlynch Village Hall last week to hear The Frenzied and The Diligent play vajazzle (a variety of jazz and skiffle), and to remember some stars of the past, including the great Lonnie Donegan.
SUNDOWN ON BRIGHTON BEACH
May the sun set kindly on your prayers,
though you might call for the moon.
May your faith compass and anchor you;
may your soul rise in a sea of losses.
May you harbour truth within you,
and may the tides never turn you
from a stranger's shore or the face of God.
photo and poem by Gigi
For further photos and an eyewitness report on the Occupy Brighton Camp see Pages in the right hand column.
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