St Joseph's Talk

DEO GRATIAS

2009-10-09T21:11:00.002Z

Fr Saji has been granted leave to stay in the Country.

We would like to thank everyone who supported us with their prayers and help.

Be assured of our prayers for you.

Fr Saji

2009-08-12T20:50:00.000Z

Many Thanks to all who supported Father Saji with their prayers.

We have to wait ten days by which time we will have the judge's verdict.

Please pray for the judge.

JUBILATE

2008-08-07T16:28:00.003Z

After Mass Mass today was offered for our two Parish Sisters, both Sister Genevieve and Sister David Lewis celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their religious profession today.

At the end of Holy Mass both Sisters were presented with Papal Blessings.

There then followed a short time of celebration, with coffee and chocolate cake!

The sisters and the MSFS Fathers.

We prayerfully congratulate our Sisters.

May and Mgr Mamie RIP

2008-05-23T15:54:00.003Z

Dear Parishioners,

On March 14^th last Bishop Pierre Mamie died in Fribourg. He was the Bishop of Lausanne Geneva and Fribourg from December 1970 to November 1995. Pierre was born in the Chaux-de-Fonds in Neuchatel, Switzerland on March 4^th 1920.

At the age of 26 he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Bishop Marius Besson. As a priest he spent many hours in study and later lecturing in Fribourg University where he was a professor in Old Testament Theology. He was one of the translators of the TOB[i] edition of the Bible.

In the October of 1968 Cardinal Charles Journet consecrated Fr. Mamie, who was his personal secretary, Titular Bishop of Otriclum and Auxiliary Bishop of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg. Cardinal Journet[1] was an outstanding dogmatic theologian and a personal advisor to Pope Paul VI. Two years later he succeeded Bishop François Charrière as Diocesan Bishop. On his retirement Bishop Amédée (Antoine-Marie) Grab, O.S.B. became the new bishop.

Since I studied for the Priesthood in his diocese I have many fond memories of him. He was a sensitive man who had a special gift of being able to speak to little children about the wonders of God. When preaching he would use imagery to get his message across. He was very proud of the fact that he held the title Bishop of Geneva and was therefore the successor of St Francis de Sales but equally proud of the fact that he was the successor of St Marius the first Bishop of Lausanne.

He enjoyed a special friendship with Pope Paul VI and would speak fondly of the Servant of God. In June 1969 Pope Paul visited Geneva and after visiting the Palais de Nations and the World council of Churches he offered Mass in the Parc Eaux Vivres. At the end of the Mass the Pope presented the Bishop with the Pastoral Staff (crozier) he had been using. From that day onwards, whenever Bishop Mamie presided at Mass he carried this distinctive crozier.

I also have a fond memory of him preaching at the Grotto in Lourdes. On this occasion a boy received from his hands Holy Communion for the First time. I distinctly remember him say that while today as perhaps the most beautiful day of his life it was not the most important. “The most important day it the day you die –for that is when you meet God face to face.”

Bishop Mamie was also a great worker for Christian Unity and along with the late Cardinal Hume was an advisor to Pope John Paul II in the matter. Friends tell me that when the Cardinal died he was quite upset and said a Requiem Mass for him in Fribourg Seminary where during the homily of that Mass told the future priests about the Cardinal. Who incidentally was a student at Fribourg University. Please say a prayer for him.

Every Blessing.

Fr P.

Part of a homily given in 1990 by the late Bishop at Lausanne, Switzerland.

When He built his Church, He told Peter that he would be like a the cornerstone, the first, with which and on which He would build His house, His Church, where all men, whatever their language, their colour, their origins, all men, all women, would be invited. But we men, when we build a house, we always have bricks left over. With God, it’s not so. Each brick has its place. I like to say, because I know it’s true, that in the Church of God, in the house of God, in the Church of Jesus there are, it is true, pillars; these are the bishops, united with the Pope and their priests. But a church that consisted only of pillars would be a sorry church, where people would be cold in winter, and too hot in summer. It needs walls, windows, an altar. And the walls are the laity, the windows are the catechists, the altar the sick and the poor, those who are closest to Jesus. But beneath the church are the foundation stones, which bear everything else. First of all little baptised children who are saints and who are more powerful than the spirit of evil. There are all the sick, all the elderly, all the religious brothers and sisters. That, today, is your place. You mustn’t regret it. We may see less of you and you may be less active but you are still very necessary; and the angels of God see you more than they see us. I often say that if I could not rely on the prayers of the religious brothers and sisters and the elderly, I think I would be tempted to abandon my ministry for I often have to speak, speak about God, about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, about sanctity, sin and pardon; and in order that my words may enter the hearts of men, women and children, it’s necessary that their hearts be open and ready to receive them. And it’s not my words which can soften their hearts. That grace, of a loving heart ready to accept grace, is obtained by prayer - YOUR prayer which I and all bishops and priests, and the Pope need so much.

[1] The story goes that; the Pope would telephone the Cardinal every Monday morning and go through the Catechesis that he was to deliver at the Wednesday Audience. Since a special telephone was installed for this purpose it was called the “white telephone”.

Pope Paul VI made Fr Journet a Cardinal in February of 1965. Shortly after his return he went to the barbers for his usual haircut. As he entered the barber congratulated him and enquired if his hair should be cut differently now that he is a cardinal. “No” was the reply “in the usual way – in silence.”

[i] La Bible - Traduction Œcuménique French Ecumenical Translation of the Bible

700 couples 43,000 years of Marriage!

2008-05-12T19:33:00.005Z

This was the statistic that was given out last Saturday in Westminster Cathedral, at a special Mass for married couples celebrating a significant Anniversary. Among them my own parents who are responsible for 50 years in that statistic. The principal Celebrant of the Mass was Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. It was a special joy for me to concelebrate at the Mass on a day when was such sad news this was an occasion of GOOD NEWS.

Westminster Diocese

Westminster Cathedral blog

BBC report.

My Parents with the Cardinal

Couples from St George's Parish Sudbury

CALLED BY NAME

2008-04-12T19:18:00.006Z

The Anointing of the new priest's hands.



Dear Parishioners,

This was the theme of this years HCPT Easter Pilgrimage. 
God has called each one of us by our names to follow Him.

Over the past few weeks I have been in holy places where
God has called many.

Every time we go to a place of pilgrimage,
we go in answer to a call from
God or God in his wonderful way brings us there.
Sometimes there is a
message for us, other times the message has to be
decoded with difficulty.

There are many questions one can answer
incorrectly but we always answer
correctly the question: "What is your name?"


The Lord continues to call his people in the Church of today.
As we celebrate Vocations Sunday.  Let us pray that all
whom the Lord calls to follow him in the
priesthood or religious life will have the courage to answer
His Call.

Every blessing

Fr. P.

CLIFTON FACES IN LOURDES

2008-03-30T20:21:00.004Z

LOURDES

2008-03-27T19:18:00.002Z

Un grand bonjour de Lourdes

We have kept you all in our prayers. On my return I will publish some Clifton faces.

Every blessing

Fr P.

SUNSET

2008-03-16T18:50:00.002Z

PALM SUNDAY

2008-03-16T14:12:00.003Z

ASSISI & ROME

2008-03-10T19:54:00.007Z

Fredercia, Our wonderful guide

Greetings from Assisi where I have the joy of being with forty pupils of St Augustine's College, Trowbridge, tomorrow we will be going to Rome.

On the Wednesday we went to the Papal Audience. The English speaking groups were presented by Mgr Charles Drennan, a Grandson of our Parish. St Augustine's gave the loudest cheer and were taken a back when the Pope mentioned them by name. The Staff and Pupils were thrilled that the Pope should mention them.

2008-03-05T21:55:00.003Z

In my last article I started to tell you something about Cardinal Bourne. On Wednesday June 20^th 1928 Cardinal Francis Bourne opened a Grand Bazaar at 2.30pm in the Corn Exchange. Allow me to let the author of the article in Sursum Corda tell the story:

“First Father Louis organised a mammoth fund raising bazaar in the Corn Exchange in 1928. He was determined to put the Devizes Parish on the map and when considering who should be invited to open the bazaar decided to go to the top and he invited Cardinal Bourne, the then Archbishop of Westminster. I suspect that even Father Louis was a little surprised, and I was assured that the Mayor and Corporation were very taken aback, when the Cardinal accepted the invitation. The appropriate protocol for the very first visit of a Catholic Cardinal to Devizes certainly exercised the minds of all involved. The Great Western Railway even offered special excursion tickets to Devizes for the occasion. My personal memory of the bazaar is of being dressed up, with my elder sister, as gypsy children and helping with the Bran Tub Lucky Dip, and also of seeing my mother, together with Mrs Dorothy Curry (whose husband ran Curry’s Motor Works on Bath Road) and one other lady, all in colourful fancy dress singing Three Little Girls From School from The Mikado. It was a most enjoyable and successful day.”

So why did the Cardinal come? Cardinal Bourne was a benefactor of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales. Two years earlier he had entrusted the Parish of Hampton Hill and Upper Teddington to the Missionaries. And yes his love of all things Salesian (i.e. to do with St Francis de Sales.) When consecrating Westminster Cathedral in June 1910 the then Archbishop Bourne inserted in to the High Altar a relic of St Francis de Sales. On the ceremonial Cope that was made for him was embroided a very beautiful picture of St Francis de Sales. In 1912 on the occasion of his elevation to the Sacred College of Cardinals, the Catholic Women’s League presented the Cardinal with a very beautiful Processional Cross in solid silver. On the reverse side of the cross are the coats of arms of St Edmund, Cardinal Bourne and St Francis de Sales. (For about four years is was an altar server at Westminster Cathedral and had the “privilege” of carrying this cross in front of Cardinal Hume, I say privilege because the cross weighs at least thirty pounds.) It is only carried in front of the Archbishop of Westminster. When Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Cathedral a different cross was used. After Cardinal Hume died the Cross was placed at the foot of his coffin and carried at the head of the procession to this grave. After his burial the cross was stored safely until the new Archbishop had taken possession of the diocese.

Sadly he is often the forgotten Cardinal of Westminster yet he is the longest reigning Archbishop to date. He is the ony one who is not buried in Westminster Cathedral. Yet he was the Archbishop who would see his people through the First War, even visiting the soldiers on the western front. Build many Churches and Schools in his diocese. He was a Cardinal elector in the conclaves of 1914 and 1922 electing Pope Benedict XV and Pope Pius XI respectively. And he restored the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham.

In a time when Ecumenism is not what it is today Dr. Randall Davidson of Canterbury would ended his letters “I am, with much respect, Your Eminence’s faithful, Randall Cantuar.” When Archbishop Davidson Died in 1930. Lady Davidson replied to the Cardinal’s letter of condolence with these words: “I should like to tell you how glad he was of any opportunities he had of personal friendship with Your Eminence. . . . I know what pleasure it would have given my husband that you should think of me in this way.”

In a recent publication by Fathers Skinner and Schofield of the English Cardinals they include this little rhyme written by Cardinal Bourne to a child who had told him that she could not pray for him as she was unsure how to pronounce his name:

Though Heaven might well for prayers of yourn

Best blessings speed to Cardinal Boorne,

Or even the man you mean discern

If you miscalled him Cardinal Burne —

Lest Paradisal pedants scorn,

Pray “God be Guide of Cardinal Borne!”

And if, in childhood’s tolerant time,

You choose to turn a Cockney rhyme,

Then, lying on your little bed,

With visions of a fourfold red,

Say, “England’s Wiseman, Manning, Vaughan,

Be brothers all to Cardinal Borne.”

Cardinal Bourne died in the early hours of 1^st January 1935 and was buried in the Galilee chapel of St Edmund’s College, Ware, which he had built. His heart was enshrined in the Chapel of St Francis de Sale in St John’s Seminary Wonersh, for it was said that his heart never left the Seminary he built.

Years later Cardinal Heenan wrote: ‘When Bourne was enthroned Catholicism was hated. When Bourne was buried Catholicism was not only tolerated but respected.’

I hope that I haven’t bored with this but I must admit that I have always had a soft spot for this Cardinal.

As Easter draws near may we as a Parish Family seek the Face of the Risen Christ.

Yours,

Fr P.

Cardinal Bourne

Feb and March

2008-03-05T21:53:00.000Z

On Monday January 28^th I had the special joy of attending the Ordination to the Diaconate of Rev Tom Dubois and Rev Shaju Varkey in St John’s Seminary Wonersh. The two new deacons are no strangers to Devizes sine the have been here many times. Some of our younger parishioners may remember Deacon Tom when he spent a year in Trowbridge, since he was a frequent visitor to St Augustine’s.

The Ordination Liturgy was very beautiful and the singing was lead by the college Schola. The Ordaining Bishop was our own: Bishop Declan. It was interesting to note that since Bishop Declan was not in his Diocese when ever he carried the crozier he turned the head of the crozier towards him.

Going to Wonersh was also the occasion to occasion to renew my links with Cardinal Bourne. I have always had a special liking for Cardinal Bourne. The secondary School I went to had six houses and I was in Bourne House. All I remember from school is that Cardinal Bourne was the Archbishop of Westminster at the time of foundation of Gunnersbury Catholic School for Boys and that his father was English and his Mother Irish.

It was only after leaving school and learning a little more history that I came to know more about Cardinal Bourne. Allow me to let the Cardinal introduce himself:

At first my parents lived in Islington They moved, about 1855, to to Larkhall Rise, Clapham. A4y only brother, Henry Joseph, was born there on November 5, 1856, and baptised by Father Coffin, C SS R, on November 7 My mother nearly died in giving him birth, and he was always a very delicate boy, with very difficult digestion.

I was born on March 23, 1861 My parents had no other children. So far as I know, there was no danger about my birth, though considerable apprehension had been felt regarding it, and the Redemptorist Fathers attributed to the intercession of St. Alphonsus (their large relic of whom was kindly left by them in our house during those anxious days) my mother’s safety and my own. I was baptised the next day, March 24th, at St. Mary’s, Clap ham, by the Very Rev. Robert Coffin, C.SS.R., and received “Alphonsus” as my second name. [‘Francis’ was given me on account of a relative of my father.

I know nothing of this relative. In my early days I used to regard St. Francis of Assisi as my patron, probably through becoming acquainted with the Capuchin Fathers at Peckham and Greenhithe. But when I was 17 or i8, and my vocation to the Priesthood was becoming quite clear, I happened to read the Life of St. Francis of Sales and came more and more deliberately to choose him as my guide and protector, so that long before my ordination to the Priesthood, the thought of him was constantly in my mind and I read with eagerness his life and works. But I claim also the friendship and protection of all the other Saints who bear this name.]

The Young Francis went first to Ushaw, then to St Edmunds College Ware. Having completed schooling, started his studies for the priesthood. Francis wondered if he had a vocation as a Dominican. After a little time of testing in Woodchester, he returned to the Seminary in Hammersmith then on to St Sulpice, Paris, finishing his studies at Louvain. On June 11^th 1884 Francis was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Bishop Coffin (the priest who Baptised him) in the same Church of his Baptism.

After different appointments the Young Father Francis was appointed as rector of the seminary which he latter moved to Wonersh. In 1897 at the age of thirty six Francis Bourne became the fifth Bishop of Southwark and in 1903 following the Death of Cardinal Vaughan he became the forth Archbishop and Metropolitan of Westminster. In the next edition I will tell you more about this special Cardinal and his link with Devizes.

As we enter Lent may the words of St Gregory the Great be our prayer.

“So let this consecrated time bring forth its fruit abundantly”.

Every Blessing

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL

2007-12-31T11:18:00.001Z

CAROLS FROM ST JOSEPH'S

2007-12-31T11:08:00.000Z

Some of the wall displays in our Parish School.

ADVENT - Be Prepared – 100 years of the Scouting movement.

2007-12-21T16:35:00.001Z


On Saturday November 24th last I was very privileged to join our 3rd
Devizes Scouts as they journeyed to London to the Millennium Dome to
celebrate the centenary of Scouting.   I say the Millennium rather than
the O2 Dome since it was built for the Millennium which celebrated the two
thousandth anniversary of the Son of God becoming Incarnate.
After a drive up the M4 and passage through London that took us along the
river we arrived at Waterloo Pier,   There embarked on a Thames Clipper to
continue our journey to the Dome.  As we arrived we met with many other
scouts who had come to celebrate this special anniversary.  Having eaten
our picnic lunch and warmed ourselves since it was perishing, we proceeded
to the arena for the pageant.  This was most enjoyable.  There were lovely
moments during the show.  As a priest the one that touched me most was the
part when we were asked to be silent and remember our beliefs.  During
that moment I remembered the many Akelas (Akeli?) that I have known, in
particular the Akela I knew as a Cub Scout who has since been called to
her eternal reward. Not forgetting also the many scout leaders living and
dead that I have known.
As I scout I remember being invested and making the Scout Promise:
On My Honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen,
To help other people
And to keep the Scout Law.
As I returned form London that Saturday evening the words of the promise
rang in my mind, as we passed the statue of St Thomas More in Chelsea. The
words: To do my duty to God and to the Queen, took on a profound meaning.
Here was a Statue of a Man who was the King’s good servant but God’s
first.  To my duty to God comes first, then to others.  God first!
We are all called to be loyal subjects of the country we come from and
live peaceful and law abiding lives.  This is achieved through a life of
service, service of God and service of others following the example of Our
Blessed Lord.
In celebrating the centenary of Scouting we are also taken back to the
scout motto. – Be prepared.  In Advent he Church asks us to prepare the
way for the Lord. The gospel of Advent Sunday invites us to stay awake and
stand ready.

There are many ways in which we prepare for Christmas.  Our spiritual
preparation is the most important.  Let us live Advent as Advent and
Christmas as Christmas.  Make December 25th the start of Christmas not the
end of Christmas.  As a student I remember the days after Christmas being
called the period of Feasts.  Let us not be afraid to celebrate them in
the light of the Lord birth.

Wishing you the graces of Advent and the joy of Christmas.


Fr Philip.


PRAYER FOR THE CENTENARY OF SCOUTING


Loving God,
In this Centenary of Scouting we come before you as your children.
We come to thank you;
To thank you for our founder Baden-Powell,
For his vision and for his faith;
To thank you for the many leaders and volunteers who have given their
time, their energy, and their commitment,
To the great game that is scouting;
To thank you for all the children and young people who have enjoyed and
benefited so much from scouting through this past one hundred years. And,
loving God, We pray that you may be with us To help us and to guide us
through the next century.
(Written by Fr John Seddon)

ST EDMUND

2007-11-16T22:49:00.001Z

A very Happy Feast Day to our neighbours in Calne who celebrate their Patronal Feast today.

St Edmund was Rector of Calne from 1219-1222 while also being the treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral. He became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1233 and died at Soissy in 1240 on his way to Rome. He was born in Abingdon in 1170. Prior to Bishop Declan Lang's election to Clifton he was Parish Priest of Abingdon.

Click here for a picture of the Church

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

2007-11-09T17:48:00.000Z

This refrain will be heard and said several times over the month of November.

It forms the last line of the forth verse of a poem by Laurence Binyon called “For the Fallen”. Laurence Binyon was born in Lancaster in 1869. After graduating from Trinity College, Oxford, he worked in the British Museum, where he was an art expert. In 1916 he volunteered to go to the western front were he worked as a medical orderly for the Red Cross. After the war he returned to the British Museum where he continued to make great contributions to the study of the arts. He died at Reading in 1943.

The Poem is very much of it’s time and is a poetical rendition of one mans experience of the First World War. While the poet reflects on the consequences of the war for England, the name England could be replaced with any other country. Many of us learned in our history lessons; that the First Word War was to have been the war that would end all wars. Sadly twenty years later there was much unrest, this led to the Second Word War. Since then we have not learned our lesson and the opening of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on October 12^th by Her Majesty the Queen simply brings this home.

The date of the armistice has always struck me as being special, since it is the feast of St Martin of Tours. Martin was truly a son of God since he was a peace maker by the way he lived his Christian calling, especially as a bishop. Coming from what is now Hungry and living in what is now France, he embodies something of a United Europe. Furthermore a reminder of Europe 's Christian Heritage.

November is a month of Remembering and praying for the Dead. Our prayer for the dead is an act of charity and charity endures. We end the liturgical year thinking of our own end and let us pray that when the Lord calls, we will be properly disposed to meet Him.

With every blessing

Fr P.

OUR PARISH SCHOOL

2007-10-03T15:36:00.000Z

A most interesting article about our school, has been published on the website of the Gazette and Herald. Click here to read it. Congratulations to all.

IF THE PEOPLE CEASE TO SPEAK THE STONES WILL SPEAK

2007-09-25T08:08:00.000Z

These words come from St Luke's Gospel and were proclaimed on Palm Sunday. Without boring you with what I did on my holidays the words came to mind when I was looking at ruins of Riveaux Abbey and rung again in my mind on Holy Island, Lindisfarne.

RIVEAUX

Lindisfarne

As I wandered and wondered around these ruins. These stones spoke of Faith, Love of God and service to Him and his people. They also speak of wanton greed and lust. They speak of confusion and courage. The reformation can evokes so many emotions in us. Our history helps us discover who we are and what we are about. Where we have come from and where we are going.

While at Whitby Abbey I walked around taking photographs, as I was taking these photos the sun was shining from the west end of what was the Abbey Church to the east end. The sun was shining through what were once the windows, leaving a sort of imprint on the grass.

The Abbey had long been dissolved but now where monks and nuns had waked and prayed, where these people had sought to built the up the Church – Christ’s body it’s shadow left an imprint on the land.

As I looked on at the other tourists I could not help but wondering if they knew of the wonderful things that happened in these places. At Mount Grace Priory where the Carthusian Monks lived out their amazing vocation. I remembered as a student visiting the Valsainte in the Gruyere region of Switzereland and a lady looking at the model of a cell and stating in a harassed tone to the gentleman with her “what a frustrating life”. On hearing this I wanted to say “Like living with you love”. We have so much to discover about others callings in the Church. I remember one monk saying to me “without us you’d never survive”.

Mount Grace

Do some of you remember the prayer that used to be said on the second Sunday of the month at Benediction. “O MERCIFUL God, let the glorious intercession of Thy saints assist us..”? It went on to say: “Be mindful of our fathers, Eleutherius, Celestine, and Gregory, bishops of the Holy City; of Augustine, Columba, and Aidan, who delivered to us inviolate the faith of the Holy Roman Church.” As I walked round Lindisfarne this prayer came to mind. Especially the name Aidan. All of a sudden he was no longer a name but a person for me.

St Aidan.

I also visited Durham Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle and St Mary's Cathedral Middlesbrough where I was made very welcome.

Durham

Newcastle

Cardinal Hume's Statue

Middlesbrough Cathedral.

September is a month of beginnings it is also the month in which we celebrate five feasts of Our Lady: Her Birthday (8^th) The Holy Name of Mary (12^th) Our Lady of Sorrows (15^th) Our Lady of Walsingham(25^th) Our Lady Star of the Sea. (Last Thursay of September)As we start anew may God’s Blessings go with you.

Fr P

P.S By the way the full text of the prayer:

O MERCIFUL God, let the glorious intercession of Thy saints assist us, particularly the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, to whose patronage we humbly recommend this country. Be mindful of our fathers, Eleutherius, Celestine, and Gregory, bishops of the Holy City; of Augustine, Columba, and Aidan, who delivered to us inviolate the faith of the Holy Roman Church. Remember our holy martyrs, who shed their blood for Christ: especially our first martyr, Saint Alban, and Thy most glorious bishop, Saint Thomas of Canterbury. Remember all those holy confessors; bishops, and kings, all those holy monks and hermits, all those holy virgins and widows, who made this once an island of saints, illustrious by their glorious merits and virtues. Let not their memory perish from before Thee, O Lord, but let their supplication enter daily into Thy sight; and do Thou, who didst so often spare Thy sinful people for the sake of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now, also, moved by the prayers of our fathers, reigning with Thee, have mercy upon us, save Thy people, and bless Thy inheritance; and suffer not those souls to perish, which Thy Son hath redeemed with His own most Precious Blood, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, world without end.

Amen.

Let us pray.

O most loving Lord Jesus, Who, hanging on the Cross, didst commend us all in the person of Thy disciple John, to Thy most sweet Mother, that we might find in her our refuge, our solace, and our hope; look graciously upon our beloved country, and on those who are bereaved of so powerful a patronage; that, acknowledging once more the dignity of this holy Virgin, they may honour and venerate her with all affection of devotion, and own her as Queen and Mother. May her sweet name be lisped by the little ones, and linger on the lips of the aged and the dying; and may it be invoked by the afflicted, and hymned by the joyful; that this Star of the Sea being their protection and their guide, all may come to the harbour of eternal salvation. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.

CONGRATULATIONS

2007-09-22T23:05:00.000Z

Congratulations to our athletes who completed the 5K Hydro active challenge.They were raising funds for Cancer charities at Hyde park on Sunday the 16th September. Julie, Claire, Sarah R & Sarah L and Alice did the running, Linda was team coach.

THE PARISH PICNIC

2007-09-22T22:48:00.000Z

A wonderful time was has by all. A big thank yo to Mike and Judy for making us so welcome. Here are some pictures:

He's fallen in the water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 Gentlemen in a boat!

3 Ladies in a boat!

MSFS RETREAT

2007-09-05T17:35:00.000Z

Last week Missionaries of St Francis de Sales of the English province and other confreres working in England and Ireland, gathered at The Marist Centre (Our Lady's Homestead) Nympsfield for our annual retreat. We were honoured to have Abbot Aldhelm Cameron-Brown of Prinknash as our preacher. His conferences were changeling and consoling.

Limericks about Devizes

2007-08-08T09:26:00.000Z

Devizes is famous for many things, notably the Caen Hill Locks.

or the 6X

and the beautiful shire horses that deliver it to the hotels and pubs.

But Devizes is also famed for several Limericks, about the people and town. There are some nice ones like the ones below and others that are better forgotten.

There was a young man at Devizes
Whose ears were of different sizes.
One was so small,
It was no use at all
But the other won several prizes.

or

There was a young man from Devizes
Who falls, & occasionally rises.
He said "It's my fault.
I am such a dolt.
My legs are of different sizes!"

or

There was an old girl of Devizes,
Whose forte was in little surprises;
She let you come near,
Then cried: 'Bless us, my dear,
Your eyes are of different sizes.

Some weeks ago a senior parishioner handed me this limerick:

There is a young priest in Devizes,
Who is full of many Surprises,
He has is own Blog,
On to which you can log.
And check how he catechizes.

Lord Carter who died in December 2006 was a much loved parishioner and he too was the "victim" of a limerick by Baroness Shirley Williams:

The chief whip's name is Carter,
A fascinating piece of data,
While usually charming,
He could be alarming,
And even on occasion, a Tartar.

DAY OF JUBILEE

2007-06-29T16:08:00.001Z

Father Sean

Father Bernard

Deacon David, Fr J-P, and Fr Saji

Yesterday evening our newly ordained priest; Father Jean-Patrice MSFS was joined by Father Sean Fleury MSFS and Father Bernard Caszo MSFS each celebrating respectively their Golden and Ruby Jubilees. Fr J-P was the celebrant and was assisted by our Parish Deacon Reverend David Wakefield. Fr Sean gave the homily and Fr Bernard said a few words at the end. The other concelebrating priests were Fr Philip Thomas from Marlborough, Fr Saji Mathew MSFS and Fr Philip Baptiste MSFS.

We continued the celebration after Mass in St Joseph's School Hall with a "Bun Fight". I am in trouble with some of the younger member of our community who expressed disappointment in the fact that they could not throw buns at each other.

Fr J-P with Bishop George Stack.

O ROMA FELIX

2007-06-26T15:05:00.000Z

As the feast of St Peter and St Paul approaches I thought I would share with you my account of the Parish Pilgrimage to Rome:

Last month I had the privilege of leading twenty people on pilgrimage to Rome. We left as what seen to be a most un-Christian hour: 130 am in the morning. We flew from Luton to Rome were we arrived at 10am local time. Our first stop was the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls. There we saw the tomb of the apostle Paul and the Mitre of St Francis de Sales.

After such an early start a rest was needed. However at 4pm we had our opening Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart next to Termini Station. The brave then ventured on to St Mary Major’s Basilica, the Church of Santa Prassede and the church of St Alphonsus where the beautiful picture of our Lady of Perpetual Succour is venerated. After our evening meal many retired early for the night.

After Breakfast on the Sunday we set off for St Peter’s. I remember going to Rome as a boy and walking straight up the steps of St Peter’s. Sadly we have to queue while all go through the metal detector. Once inside I had the joy of concelebrating with several other priests. The celebrant of the Mass was Archbishop Comastri. After Mass we tried to go in to St Peter’s Square to hear and see the Pope. Unfortunately we could only hear him since we could not see his window. After Lunch some of us went on a Church crawl of Rome. Among the churches visited was Cardinal Cormac’s Church. Many pilgrims had sore feet that evening.

Monday brought us to the Catacombs and the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and therefore the Pope’s Cathedral. Often St Peter’s is wrongly called a Cathedral. After the rain and lunch break we visited St Mary Majors and St Laurence outside the Walls. That evening we welcomed Mgr Charles Drennan to our table. Mgr Drennan is the nephew of John and Angela Page. Therefore renewing a link with a nephew of our Parish since his mother is a daughter of the parish. Monsignor works in the Secretary of State in the Vatican.

Tuesday was spent in the Vatican Museums, gardens and Sistine chapel. In the afternoon we had a guided tour of St Peters followed by Mass at the altar of the Chair.

Wednesday is the day of the Papal Audience. After an early breakfast we went to the Vatican and found our places in the Square. The parish was mentioned among the various groups present and the Pope gave us a special mention in his speech. This is a wonderful honour for the Parish. When the audience ended we proceed to the Fransalian House near the Vatican where Fathers Jerome, Philip and Varghese MSFS made us most welcome for Mass. A free afternoon was much needed.

We rose early on Thursday morning for Mass in the Sacred Heart Basilica followed by breakfast and departure to the Airport. We returned to Devizes in the afternoon happy and some with sore feet.

FATHER JEAN-PATRICE COULON MSFS

2007-06-15T22:48:00.000Z

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

FATHER JEAN-PATRICE COULON MSFS who was Ordained to the Priesthood this evening in the Church of St Francis de Sales, Hampton Hill, by Bishop George Stack, Titular Bishop of Gemellae in Numidia.

The new priest will offer Holy Mass on Thursday June 28^th 7.30pm, followed by a celebration.

DEO GRATIAS

PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.

A Blessing for Fr Saji

Fr J-P and his Mother cut the cake.

His chalice, a gift from our Parish Family.

AD MULTOS ANNOS.

SACRED HEART

2007-06-15T06:26:00.001Z

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart.
Make our hearts like unto Thine

A happy Feast of the Sacred Heart to one and all.

Today, we keep the Reverend Jean-Patrice Coulon MSFS in our prayers as he is ordained to the Sacred Preisthood by Bishop George Stack this evening.

CORPUS CHRISTI

2007-06-10T11:49:00.001Z

ST ALDHELM AND FR LARIVE

2007-05-24T23:34:00.000Z

For Father Larive's workers St Aldhelm is a very special Saint. In 1861 Father Francis Larive MSFS offered Holy Mass for the first time in Malmesbury on May 24^th 1861. I am convinced that it was by God's providence that this should have happened on this day. Francis Larive was born in 1820 at Hermillion en Maurienne, Savoy. It is often said that Fr Larive was French; in fact this is quite untrue since La Savoie entered the French Republic only in 1860. Fr Larive like St Francis de Sales was a Savoyard. There are many other things I would like to share about Fr Larive but I will leave it to an other post.

ANY DREAM WILL DO

2007-05-17T18:07:00.000Z

Our Parish School Choir has entered the BBC competition . Please vote for them. This link will take you to the page: http://www.josephchoirsearch.co.uk/choirs/1444

3rd Devizes

2007-05-17T17:52:00.001Z

Last night Phil Winchcombe received his Scouting Warrant. 3rd Devizes Scout Group is an integral part of our Parish Community and we are all very proud of their achievements. As we congratulate Phil we wish him well together with Liz, Pete and Dominic.

Thank you Mr T for taking the photographs.

MALMESBURY

2007-05-13T16:12:00.000Z

Today I supplied at Malmesbury. This Wiltshire's town is Reputed to be England's Oldest Borough - established in 880 AD. It is also the cradle of The Missionaries of St Francis de Sales. Fr Larive was the first Parish Priest of St Aldhelm's. The Story is worth a posting or two, so watch this space.

MAY IS THE MONTH OF MARY

2007-05-07T08:21:00.001Z

Dear Parishioners

The month of May has crept up on us and once again we are in Our Lady’s Month. During this month many favourite Hymns to Our Lady are sung, May is not the same with out singing: Bring Flowers of the Rarest or This is the Image of Our Queen. I recently came across another hymn, it can be sung to the tune of the Lincolnshire Poacher. I would like to share one of the verses with you:

The happy birds Te Deum sing
‘Tis Mary’s month of May;
Her smile turns winter into spring,
And darkness into day;
And there’s a fragrance in the air,
The bells their music make,
And Oh! the world is bright and fair,
And all for Mary’s sake.

Brother J-P has left us for Hampton Hill as he prepares for his Priestly Ordination. Before his departure he joined our HCPT group 205 and journey to Lourdes with us. We had a wonderful time and needless to say you were all in our prayers.

I would like to use this opportunity to say a special thank you to Fiona Hillier who have been the secretary of our Pastoral Council. I have always watched in amazement as she takes down proceedings in shorthand. I wish to welcome Maureen Brooks who has very kindly agreed to take on the rôle of Sectary. Fiona and her sister Josette continue to put together this little magazine. There commitment is very much appreciated and they are not taken for granted.

Once again I ask you to consider the Easter Journey we have undertaken in Seeking the Face of Christ. Each one of us has something to contribute. If we are to take ownership of The Pastoral Guidelines that will come out of the process then it is important that we take the time to come to the meetings and contribute.

Returning to May let us always ask the prayers of Mary to lead us closer to her Son; Jesus Christ whose face we seek.

All hail! An angel spake these words
We lovingly repeat;
The song-notes of the singing birds
They are not half so sweet:
This is a music that endures,
It cannot pass away,
For Mary’s children it ensures
A never-ending May.

With every blessing

Fr P.

Mary is is beautiful Mary is fair gladly we praise her in song and in prayer.

PILGRIMAGE

2007-05-06T14:22:00.000Z

At the 10.30Mass today we welcomed two Pilgrims following the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. They were duly blessed and their pilgrim cards stamped. They have promised to pray for us when they see the smoke rising from the great thurible. Botafumeiro

MORE FROM LOURDES

2007-04-14T19:08:00.000Z

HCPT group 206 have had a wonderful week. Here are some pictures of the Grotto Mass. The celebrant was Fr Devon Nash from Kingston Jamaica.

A LOURDES

2007-04-11T19:34:00.000Z

Un grand bonjour de Lourdes!

Group 205 greet you from Lourdes and along the other HCPT pilgrims assure you, that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this holy place.

HOSANNA!

2007-03-31T15:56:00.000Z

ALL GLORY LAUD AND HONOUR TO THEE REDEEMER KING!

CANON LIAM O’DRISCOLL'S RUBY JUBILEE

2007-03-29T14:26:00.000Z

Yesterday evening we had the joy of attending Canon Liam's Jubilee celebrations. We began with Mass in St John's and then continued in St Augustine's College. Canon Liam was the principal celebrant, among the 40 or so concelebrants were Bishops Alexander and Lang. During his homily Bishop Declan Lang paid tribute to the Canon's living out of his priestly vocation. He remarked on how hard it is to say "no" to Canon Liam. As we thank God for his vocation we continue to pray for vocations and warmly congratulate Canon Liam.

PS. Photo taken with a mobile phone sorry for the quality.

HAIL HOLY JOSEPH HAIL

2007-03-19T00:01:00.000Z

A HAPPY SAINT JOSEPH'S DAY TO ALL

ST PATRICK

2007-03-17T00:59:00.000Z

A HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY TO ONE AND ALL

MARCH

2007-03-09T13:44:00.000Z

Dear Parishioners,

The month of March is dedicated to St Joseph and here in our Parish of Devizes, St Joseph has a special place in our hearts

St Joseph is the patron Saint of:

· Fr Saji

· West Lavington

· The Sisters

· The School

· The Presbytery

· The 3^rd Devizes Scout Group

· The Cemetery

· The Road most of our Parish Buildings are situated on.

· And ST JOSEPH’S TALK.

As we honour this lovely saint let us pray to him; that as he held the Christ Child he will hold each one of us. I would like to share these words with you, they were written by St Teresa of Avila:

I took for my patron and lord the glorious St. Joseph, and recommended myself earnestly to him… To other Saints, our Lord seems to have given grace to succour men in some special necessity; but to this glorious Saint, I know by experience, to help us in all: and our Lord would have us understand that as He was Himself subject to him upon earth—for St. Joseph having the title of father, and being His guardian, could command Him—so now in heaven He performs all his petitions. I have asked others to recommend themselves to St. Joseph, and they too know this by experience; and there are many who are now of late devout to him, having had experience of this truth.

While St Joseph’s feast provides us with a little reprieve during Lent. We are to remember that with Our Lady he sought the face of Christ. This of course was true when Jesus was lost for three days. Bishop Declan asks us, over this Lent and Eastertide respond to the needs of our day. He has proposed that the whole Diocese undertake a time of reflection. It has been called Seeking the Face of Christ. A beautiful booklet has been prepared to help us in the reflection. Please take time to join the reflection.

This is something that we are called to do as a WHOLE PARISH. Being a Catholic is much more than going to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. There is also a temptation that when our Faith demands a bit more of us, we want to shy away. We can all improve on having the courage to share our Faith. As we make the Paschal Journey let us recall the words of Psalm 26. It is your face O Lord that I seek hide not you Face. Or the words of the Lenten Preface: As we recall the great events that gave us new life I Christ, you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us.

With every blessing

Fr Philip MSFS

A Prayer for the Diocese of Clifton.

God our Father, you have revealed yourself to us in the

face of Jesus Christ you Son.

Teach us to see your glory, reflected in all people and in all creation.

Help us be a people of grace open to the gifts of your Holy Spirit.

May the wonders of your love be revealed anew in our times; through the people you have made your own

We ask this through Jesus Christ you Son,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

RISE AND SHINE

2007-02-27T17:32:00.000Z

Group 205 prepares to go to Lourdes this Easter they are getting to know the children they will be taking and their families.
The new ones are learning Rise and Shine.

HCPT 205

2007-02-10T20:11:00.000Z

This evening we welcomed the helpers of 205 to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

SNOW

2007-02-08T12:16:00.000Z

After offering a votive Mass of Our Lady of the Snows. Some of these photos were taken.

Blessed Pius IX

2007-02-07T19:12:00.000Z

Today the Church honours the memory of Blessed Pope Puis IX. This one time Bishop of Spoleto , who was to be elected Pope in 1846, consecrated Bishop Clifford on 15th February 1857. The Honorable Bishop Clifford was the third Bishop of Clifton and Welcomed the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales in 1861.

In many ways he is a sort of Spiritual Father for our Diocese since in 1850 when Blessed Pius restored the English Hierarchy, one of the Diocese that he established was Clifton.

Father Nicholas at Roman Miscellany has posted a most interesting article.

Fifth Sunday of the Year

2007-02-05T13:49:00.000Z

Yesterday being Education Sunday our Head Teacher spoke at the end of all the Masses. We have a lovely school founded by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy.

The Avon Kennett Canal yesterday morning

After Mass in West Lavington I offered Holy Mass at St Thomas More's Marlborough.

ST BLAISE

2007-02-03T19:36:00.000Z

Today at all Masses throats were blessed. It was humbling to see so many come forward to receive this special gift from Holy Mother Church.

SJT FEBRUARY

2007-02-03T15:38:00.000Z

Dear Parishioners,

I write these few words at the end of a short break. I am sitting in a cafe at Paddington Station looking at a bear cast in bronze that needs looking after!

I have spent much of today in London looking in Catholic Bookshops. I started in at St Paul’s in Kensington and afterwards attended Mass at Our Lady of Victories. The celebrant was Fr Perry Sykes who as an assistant in Sudbury (my home Parish).

After lunch I walked from Kensington to Harrods, stopping at Brompton Oratory. I did not buy anything in Harrods but had a good old mooch. Always an education!
,
After a short bus ride to Victoria I visited St Paul’s bookshop next to Westminster Cathedral where I inspected some interesting new titles. At 5pm I attended Vespers and concelebrated Holy Mass 5.30pm.

I have always loved the Cathedral ever since I was a boy. Prior to entering the Seminary, I used to be an altar server there. One of the beauties of the place is that there is always a priest available to hear Confessions. When there, I must admit that I use the occasion to go to confession. Vespers is nearly always sung in Latin- the language of the Church. Far from being exclusive I always find it inclusive since the congregation comes from all over the world.

I concelebrated with Fr. Michael Durand, in our short conversation before Mass he shared with me the fact that his Mother lived in Devizes and during the school holidays he would sing in the choir, furthermore he asked after some parishioners whom he remembered.

After Mass one of the altar servers asked me if the servers still wore red cassocks. I was able to respond positively and remind him that during Lent and Advent they wear black cassocks. The famous poet Sir John Betjeman said that the cathedral was a "series of surprises" this was proved true when after Mass I met with a priest of the Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg Diocese. We were in university together. When I asked where he was, he told me he was lecturing in Church History at St Mark's Seminary in Central African Republic. Since it was his first visit to England I thought I would be fitting to go to a pub. There his shared with me the difficulties he has. Life there is hard and Fr Oliver is truly doing the Lord's work.

That's enough of my goings on. Later this month, we will commence the Holy Season of Lent, it is a time when we fix our eyes on Jesus and go with Him in to the desert. A time no only for giving up but also for taking on some thing extra. Our New Year's resolutions might have gone astray! Lent is like a second chance to renew these resolutions and if we have not done so, take on a spiritual resolution.

As the days get longer let us grow closer to Jesus who leads us to the day that will never end.

Every Blessing

ST FRANCIS DE SALES

2007-01-24T20:41:00.000Z

Today, the feast of St Francis de Sales was celebrated both in choir and refectory by Father Larive's workers. Many religious communities have St Francis de Sales as their Patron Saint, among them the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales and the Oblates of St Francis de Sales. He is also the Patron Saint of journalists and writers, (Happy Feast Auntie Joanna) as well as being the Patron Saint of the Deaf.

During the celebrations the following hymn was sung; it can be sung to Aurelia.

We sing the praise of Francis

Sweet Saint of Sales revered,

Priest, Pontiff and Confessor,

To multitudes endeared.

Thy wise and holy ruling

As Pontiff we proclaim

Thy courage and devotion,

Contempt of worldly fame.

Thy winning love for Sinners

Which drew the souls of men

And helped stray sheep to enter

The One True Fold again.

Thy winged words of wisdom

Are potent still to cheer,

Admonish, guide and comfort

As if thyself were here

Saint Francis our dear Patron

Pray for thy Sons, that they

May follow in thy footsteps

Along the self-same way.

That they may guide the erring

By gentle ways like thine,

May touch the hearts of sinners

Inspired by love divine.

40 THIS YEAR

2007-01-16T14:30:00.000Z

Three of Father Larive's workers attended Holy Mass this morning in St Augustine's School, Trowbridge. The Celebrant of the Mass was our Bishop: Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton.
Many children from our Parish have attended St Augustine's and from time to time the priests take their turn celebrating School Masses and Class Masses, well as hearing Confessions during Advent and Lent.

The singing at today's Mass was very beautiful and the atmosphere most prayerful.

On this joyous occasion we offer prayers and congratulations to the school and say

AD MULTOS ANNOS.

P.S. Not having a camera, the photos come mainly from the school website.

SCHOOL MASS

2007-01-12T11:25:00.000Z

Yesterday the Children of our Parish School gathered for Holy Mass in the Church. A votive Mass of the Epiphany offered. During Mass we recalled the gifts of the Wise Men and entrusted the new term to Almighty God.

DIAMOND WEDDING

2007-01-07T18:25:00.000Z

At the 5pm Mass today a Papal Blessing presented to Ray and Gwen Chowney on the occasion of their Diamond Wedding. As we congratulate them we thank the Lord for the blessings they have received.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2007-01-04T15:13:00.000Z

An other one of Fr Larive's workers celebrates the anniversary of his ordination to the Sacred Priesthood. We congratulate him and assure him of our prayers.

CLIFTON CATHEDRAL

2006-12-30T13:40:00.000Z

Here are some photos of Clifton Cathedral taken the other day.

THE HOLY INNOCENTS MATCH

2006-12-29T13:44:00.001Z

An enjoyable morning was had yesterday as many gathered in Easterton for football, beer and buns!

MASS AT ST JOSEPH'S,

2006-12-25T14:34:00.000Z

On this day in 1971 Holy Mass was offered for the first time in the present church. The Mass today was wonderful and the singing was beautiful.

Our thanks go to one of Fr Larive's young workers for the photos. This young man's name means noble.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FR LARIVE'S WORKERS

2006-12-25T01:38:00.000Z

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!

2006-12-24T21:30:00.000Z

Some pictures taken during this evening's Mass.

CHRISTMAS EVE

2006-12-24T08:23:00.000Z

As we prepare for the celebration of Christ's Birth, I would like to share this link with you. click here

MORE OF SUNDAYS EVENT

2006-12-19T21:01:00.000Z

8 today

2006-12-19T18:17:00.000Z

Some photos of the ordination of one of Father Larive's workers. Indeed a successor!!

O RADIX JESSE

2006-12-19T17:22:00.000Z

Today's O Antiphon reminds me to share with you a picture of the Jesse Tree. The children have been working hard, learning about the different biblical persons and of course decorating the tree. Our thanks go to all the catechists and artists for their hard work.

CHRISTMAS CAROL CELEBRATION

2006-12-18T00:33:00.000Z

We had a most wonderful celebration on Sunday. These pictures give us a flavour of the wonderful event.

ADVENT II

2006-12-09T19:21:00.000Z

Having had a wonderful celebration of our Patronal Feast, we have returned to purple and have lit the second candle.

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

2006-12-08T15:51:00.000Z

We will continue our celebration this evening with Holy Mass at 7pm. In the meantime some picture of the Church.

HAPPY FEAST

2006-12-07T18:43:00.000Z

Having just said First Vespers of Immaculate Conception, we commence the celebration of our Patronal Feast.

Nearly every thing else is dedicated to St Joseph on this road, however our Parish Church is dedicated to Our Lady, The Immaculate Conception.

WELCOME

2006-12-04T22:05:00.000Z

Welcome to this on-line version of our Parish Magazine. As we share something of our community life, we hope that you will enjoy reading about it.

St Joseph's Talk

DEO GRATIAS

Fr Saji

Many Thanks to all who supported Father Saji with their prayers.

We have to wait ten days by which time we will have the judge's verdict.

Please pray for the judge.

JUBILATE

May and Mgr Mamie RIP

On March 14th last Bishop Pierre Mamie died in Fribourg. He was the Bishop of Lausanne Geneva and Fribourg from December 1970 to November 1995. Pierre was born in the Chaux-de-Fonds in Neuchatel, Switzerland on March 4th 1920.

At the age of 26 he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood by Bishop Marius Besson. As a priest he spent many hours in study and later lecturing in Fribourg University where he was a professor in Old Testament Theology. He was one of the translators of the TOB[i] edition of the Bible.

Every Blessing.

Fr P.

700 couples 43,000 years of Marriage!

CALLED BY NAME

CLIFTON FACES IN LOURDES

LOURDES

SUNSET

PALM SUNDAY

ASSISI & ROME

Feb and March

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL

CAROLS FROM ST JOSEPH'S

ADVENT - Be Prepared – 100 years of the Scouting movement.

ST EDMUND

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

OUR PARISH SCHOOL

IF THE PEOPLE CEASE TO SPEAK THE STONES WILL SPEAK

St Aidan.

CONGRATULATIONS

THE PARISH PICNIC

MSFS RETREAT

Limericks about Devizes

DAY OF JUBILEE

O ROMA FELIX

FATHER JEAN-PATRICE COULON MSFS

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

FATHER JEAN-PATRICE COULON MSFS who was Ordained to the Priesthood this evening in the Church of St Francis de Sales, Hampton Hill, by Bishop George Stack, Titular Bishop of Gemellae in Numidia.

The new priest will offer Holy Mass on Thursday June 28th 7.30pm, followed by a celebration.

DEO GRATIAS

PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.

SACRED HEART

CORPUS CHRISTI

ST ALDHELM AND FR LARIVE

ANY DREAM WILL DO

3rd Devizes

MALMESBURY

MAY IS THE MONTH OF MARY

PILGRIMAGE

MORE FROM LOURDES

A LOURDES

HOSANNA!

CANON LIAM O’DRISCOLL'S RUBY JUBILEE

HAIL HOLY JOSEPH HAIL

ST PATRICK

MARCH

RISE AND SHINE

HCPT 205

SNOW

Blessed Pius IX

Fifth Sunday of the Year

ST BLAISE

SJT FEBRUARY

ST FRANCIS DE SALES

40 THIS YEAR

SCHOOL MASS

DIAMOND WEDDING

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

CLIFTON CATHEDRAL

THE HOLY INNOCENTS MATCH

MASS AT ST JOSEPH'S,

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FR LARIVE'S WORKERS

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!

CHRISTMAS EVE

MORE OF SUNDAYS EVENT

8 today

O RADIX JESSE

CHRISTMAS CAROL CELEBRATION

ADVENT II

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

HAPPY FEAST

On March 14^th last Bishop Pierre Mamie died in Fribourg. He was the Bishop of Lausanne Geneva and Fribourg from December 1970 to November 1995. Pierre was born in the Chaux-de-Fonds in Neuchatel, Switzerland on March 4^th 1920.

The new priest will offer Holy Mass on Thursday June 28^th 7.30pm, followed by a celebration.