A MOMENT TO RELAX, THEN THE JOB BEGINS

                                                                                                                         Diocese of Portsmouth                                        
This photo of Bishop Philip, looking very relaxed, was taken a few days before he became our bishop.    At his ordination he prayed that he might be “a humble and holy, orthodox, creative and courageous Bishop of Portsmouth.”   Less than a week later he is already showing us what kind of a leader he is going to be.    When interviewed by Emer McCarthy for Vatican Radio this week he talked about us “gently evangelising” our land, once known as Mary’s Dowry. He emphasised the need for belief and for witness, and suggested some practical examples of small ways in which we can witness to our faith: wearing a crucifix, making the sign of the cross before a meal in public, and saying ‘Thank God’ when we hear good news.     But all this needs to be accompanied by a deepening spiritual devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.     To read more of what he said, or to listen to the interview, go to http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2012/10/01/from_mary's_dowry_a_gentle_new_evangelization/en1-625949