By Peter Jennings

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured for the last time as Archbishop of Birmingham outside the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, Thursday 14 May 2009. Pictures by Peter Jennings

Archbishop Vincent Nichols celebrated his last Mass as Archbishop of Birmingham with more than 250 priests of the Diocese in the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on Thursday 14 May, the Feast of St Matthias, Apostle.

It was in the same Pugin masterpiece that Archbishop Vincent Nichols had been installed as the eighth Archbishop of Birmingham on 29 March 2000.

Now, little over nine years later it was a poignant moment, as Archbishop Nichols gave the final blessing at the end of a memorable occasion in the life of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

After Mass, Archbishop Nichols greeted members of the congregation outside the West Door, as he had done so many times in the past.

Fr Martin Pratt his Secretary then drove him to Aston Villa Football Ground, where he hosted a special farewell lunch for most of the priests who had been present in St Chad’s Cathedral.

How ironic that the football loving Archbishop, a passionate Liverpool supporter since he was a lad, should end his last engagement as Archbishop of Birmingham with a final whistle at Villa Park!

At Villa Park Archbishop Nichols warmly thanked the priests of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. During his last words to them as Archbishop of Birmingham, he said: “I thank you all for our work together.”

He continued: “There are two things I have always admired about the Birmingham clergy: you just get on with the job, and you look after each other.”

Archbishop Vincent Nichols added: “These are great qualities and I know that you will build on them and the good work of the Church in this Diocese will go from strength to strength.”

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Israel on Monday 11 May, during his historic visit to the Holy Land - A BRIDGE FOR PEACE - that began in Jordan last Friday 8 May. To commemorate the event, the Israel Postal Company has released a special "My Own Stamp" personalised stamp sheet, together with a superb "Israel Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI" souvenir booklet, writes Peter Jennings.

The lables adjoining the stamps in the sheet and the photographs in the booklet, show magnificent pictures of the Holy Places visited by countless Christian pilgrims over the centuries. The 12 places are as follows: Grotto of the Annunciation, Nazareth; The Sea of Galilee; Church of the Dormition, Jerusalem; Church of the Primacy of St Peter; Church of the Transfiguration; Church of the Beatitudes; The Rotunda of the Tomb in the Holy Sepulchre; Basilica of the Annunciation, Nazareth; Church of the Holy Sepulchre; Gethsemane - Church of All Nations; The Garden of Gethsemane; The Cenacle - Room of the Last Supper.

This correspondent has been privileged to work with the Israel Philatelic Service, based in Tel Aviv, on the souvenir set project. Thoughtfully designed to look like stained glass and old parchment, the booklet includes Biblical texts selected from the Jerusalem Bible and short descriptions of the Holy Places. These have been carefully translated into Hebrew and the booklet includes both the English and Hebrew text together.

The printing of the stamp sheet and booklet, a wonderful memento of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, was limited to just 10,000 numbered copies.

The non-denominational, definitive "Blue and White" stamp, as it is known, showing the sea and the words "Israel" in Hebrew written in the sand, was first issued on 27 August 2007. It is valid for inland postage only throughout Israel - at present NIS 1.60, for letters weighing up to 50 grams.

A second "My Own Stamp" sheet will be released - shortly after the Papal Visit - in the same format as the first sheet and this will include photographs taken during the visit. A special souvenir booklet - also written by this correspondent - will include quotes from the addresses and sermons given by Pope Benedict XVI. 

The price of both the individual sheet of stamps is NIS 37, while the commemorative stamp booklets, with the sheets includes, is NIS 49.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the new Archbishop-elect of Westminster, has warmly commended the special souvenir set. He wrote: "From 11-15 May 2009 the world's attention will be focused on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Holy Land.  During these days, Benedict will visit the places of Our Lord's life, death and resurrection.  There, in lands which witness such tension and strife, this Man of Peace will pray for peace between all nations."

The newly elected President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of England and Wales added: "This event is marked by the publication of a remarkable souvenir set presenting twelve stamps being issued by Israel Post Philatelic Service.  The stamps picture the holy sites so loved by Christian pilgrims."

Avi Hochman, CEO and President of Israel Postal Company, said: "Israel is proud to present the elegant souvenir stamp set in honour of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the Holy Land. The visit is a testimony to the eternal coexistence of the Jewish nation and religion side-by-side with Christianity and the mutual and deep-felt respect that the State of Israel affords the Vatican and vice versa."

My Introduction to the first booklet states that: "The 82-year-old pilgrim Pope has brought renewed hope, understanding, reconciliation and peace between peoples and religions in the Holy Land.  His visit will encourage pilgrimages and tourism to Israel. In turn, Pope Benedict will take back with him to Rome many vivid memories of the holy Christian and Jewish sites including those in Jerusalem, Galilee and Nazareth."

Turing to the postage stamp I wrote: "The words of leaders, spiritual and secular, have been borne to the uttermost parts of the world by horse, camel, ship, pigeon, and by all the new engines of the modern day. Not least in honour or power in modern history has been that tiny marvel, the postage stamp, first introduced to the world exactly 169 years ago, in May 1840. The postage stamp is the smallest, quietest, but influential engine in the world. No letter ever bore a stamp; always it has been the stamp that bore the letter."

I concluded with these words: "These engaging stamps will be used in the first place to send everyday letters and messages of peace and commerce, but stamp collectors and non-collectors throughout the world will also treasure them as a lasting memento of the bridge-building Papal visit to Israel during May 2009."

Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict's immediate predecessor, who established diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Jewish State, visited Israel in 2000.

Yaron Razon, Director Israel Philatelic Service of the Israel Post said:

"The Philatelic Service also marked the visit of Pope John Paul II to Israel at the beginning of the Millennium with special philatelic products. After the death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the Philatelic Service issued a commemorative stamp."

Mr Razon added: "The visit of the current Pope was officially documented by special postal cancellations and unique philatelic items issued for this occasion."

A range of special philatelic products has been released to mark the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Israel, including a postage label that was dispensed from the ATM machines in Nazareth and Jerusalem only for the duration of the visit. They will be removed from sale on 17 May 2009.

The Israel Postal Company has also prepared decorative postcards for tourists to send back to their friends and family. There are three different sets containing five postcards (each postcard has the NIS 3.80 postage label attached to it). Each set of five postcards costs NIS 25.

There will be four special cancellations: 4 May 2009 cancellation for the ATM label, Nazareth; 11 May 2009 First day of visit, Jerusalem; 12 May 2009 Jerusalem; 14 May 2009 Nazareth.

All these philatelic products are available for stamp collectors, pilgrims and tourists to purchase online at:  www.israelpost.co.il/pope or for UK customers at Harry Allen (Email:enquaries@harryallen.com)

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured at the end of his final Archbishop's Council Meeting held at Archbishop's House, on Friday 8 May.

(Left to right) Canon Patrick Browne, Cathedral Administrator, St Chad's Cathedral; Bishop William Kenney, CP; Bishop Philip Pargeter; Bishop David McGough, Provost, Metropolitan Chapter; Mgr Canon John Moran, Vicar General; Fr John Carlyle, Diocesan Treasurer.  (Picture by Peter Jennings)

ARCHBISHOP NICHOLS LAUNCHES FAMILY "PRAYER BAGS" AT BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL, writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Archbishop-elect of Westminster, launched an initiative to give one thousand specially designed family "prayer bags" to primary schools throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham, on Tuesday 5 May.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Archbishop-elect of Westminster, pictured in the garden outside Archbishop's House, Birmingham, holding the special "prayer bags". Picture by Peter Jennings. 

The prayer bags, masterminded by the Archdiocese of Birmingham's Department of Religious Education, contain suggestions for family prayer, scripture readings and religious symbols to remind families of the continuous loving presence of God.

During his last visit to a Birmingham school as Archbishop of Birmingham,

Archbishop Nichols presided over a special liturgy at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Sheldon, comprised of prayers, scripture readings and hymns.

During a short homily Archbishop Nichols told the children: "The prayer bags will help every family to sit together and pray and know from the inside

that Jesus Christ is with us always."

The Archbishop, the newly elected President of the Bishops' Conference of

England and Wales, told the parents present: "It is not easy to get a family

to sit down and pray together. It never was easy.

"Even for me as a boy in my own family I thought it was boring. But I was reluctantly dutiful. I know that as a family we all gained from it. Prayer strengthened our family life and we sensed our lives had a calling, a purpose."

Archbishop Nichols encouraged the children to take the prayer bag home with them when it comes to their turn. He emphasised: "You have a job to do. You are God's messengers. A messenger for Our Lord. In fact you are the first and the best of messengers. Take the lead. You have something to say and it is this: 'Here it is, it is our turn with the prayer bag, please can we sit down and pray together'."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols added: "Children, I know you can do it. I know you love to say your prayers. I know you feel right to be together and pray together."

At the end of the liturgy, the Archbishop presented a set of prayer bags to children and families of the school before receiving a set to take with him to use in the Archdiocese of Westminster. 

Fr Jonathan Veasey, Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese of Birmingham said: "The project sets out to help schools in their work of encouraging families to pray together."

Fr Veasey added: "Part of our educational task is to support parents as first teachers of their children in the ways of faith and to appreciate that in the ordinary events of family life, the joys and struggles, we discover the presence and life of God."

The Oratory School, founded by Cardinal Newman on 2 May 1859, celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a memorable Mass of Thanksgiving, in a packed Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 2 May 2009, that concluded with the reading of a Papal Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI, writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured outside Archbishop's House, Birmingham, on Friday 1 May, with (left) Thomas Wilson, Precentor and Assistant Organist at Westminster Cathedral and (right) Martin Baker, Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral, during a visit they made to discuss arrangements for the Mass of Installation on 21 May. (Picture by Peter Jennings)

THE EASTER VIGIL ON HOLY SATURDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

Veneration of the Cross during the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday at St Chad's Cathedral. Picture by Peter Jennings

GOOD FRIDAY WALK OF WITNESS

The Walk of Witness made its way in light rain though the streets of Birmingham city centre from St Michael's Church, Moor Street, to St Philips Anglican Cathedral and finished at St Chad's Cathedral, with Stations of the Cross.

Picture by Peter Jennings

HOLY THURSDAY

Archbishop Vincent Nichols -Holy Thursday Mass with the washing of feet. Picture by Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols paid a warm tribute to the priests, deacons and religious in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, during his homily at the Chrism Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on Wednesday 8 April, writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured with the priests of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, in St Chad's Cathedral, Birmingham, after the Chrism Mass, on Wednesday 8 April.

Archbishop Nichols, who was Installed as the eighth Archbishop of Birmingham on 29 March 2000, said: "Today is a day for renewal in the ordained ministry. We priests seek renewal in our fundamental ministry of sanctifying the people, of preaching the Word, of teaching and ordering the life of the Church so that it reflects something of the goodness of God."

The Archbishop-elect of Westminster continued: "Today also has a special poignancy - at least for me. This is the tenth time I have been privileged to lead this celebration. It will be the last."

The Archbishop of Birmingham told the congregation who packed St Chad's Cathedral, including more than 250 priests: "This diocese has a great richness and character.  Among the great figures who stand tall are Cardinal John Henry  Newman and  Bishop William Bernard Ullathorne, OSB, (the first Bishop of Birmingham 1850-1888)."

He emphasised: "This diocese  has a tremendous richness of religious women and inspiring leaders in work among the poor and in education."

He stressed: "This Archdiocese is not afraid of change. There are new patterns of shared ministry.  There is plenty of innovation for parish mission and for the promotion of prayer, and for work with young people.

"People arriving here from many countries throughout the world find our diocese a welcoming place. The face of this diocese, its people and its priests is firmly cosmopolitan and full of the richness and diversity of our human family."

Archbishop Nichols declared: "I am sorry to be leaving this great diocese.

More  poignantly, it will be hard to be no longer part of this presbyterate.

You are a fine body of priests, with different characters and temperaments, dedicated, motivated, generous and spirited.

"I admire the enthusiasm of the young priests. I salute the wisdom and endurance of the older men now in their 70's, 80's and one in his nineties.

I appreciate those, like me, in the mid-years of their ministry, when perseverance and a-day-to-day dedication is called for and  willingly given."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols concluded: "Today at this Chrism Mass we renew our promises and resolve to stay focused on the tasks and challenges of the priesthood. Let us also be resolved to pray for each other. As you know, the claims of God upon me have been made clear. I will need his hand on my shoulder. That is made real in prayer."

At the end of Mass Archbishop Nichols stood outside St Chad's Cathedral for more than 30 minutes and greeted each one of his priests in turn, followed by every member of the congregation. It was a poignant ending to a deeply emotional occasion in the life of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

The new Archbishop-elect of Westminster, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, celebrated Mass for the Polish Catholic Community throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham, at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on Saturday 4 April, writes Peter Jennings.

In his homily Archbishop Nichols told members of the Catholic Polish community who filled St Chad's Cathedral, that the Mass was being celebrated to mark the fourth anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II, on 2 April 2005, and to pray for his beatification.

The Archbishop of Birmingham told the congregation, that he was wearing the red vestments that Pope John Paul II had worn when he celebrated Mass at Coventry Airport on the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday 30 May 1982, during his historic Pastoral Visit to Great Britain.

Archbishop Nichols continued: "We each have cherished memories of Pope John Paul II - as a young priest, as the newly elected Pope in 1979 and his many Pastoral Visits to countries throughout the world.

"We remember his vigour, his intellect, his depth of spirit, his faith and his courage in the face of illness and old age. We remember his message: 'Do not be afraid'."

Archbishop Nichols emphasised that: "Pope John Paul II was a modern world celebrity. He lived in the public eye. But he turned 'celebrity' on its head because even when he no longer enjoyed the attractive gifts of his earlier years, he nevertheless held public attention to the moment of his death."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols concluded: "Today we pray that all sons and daughters of Poland will cherish their Catholic faith.

"All Polish Catholics are welcome in this country and in this diocese. You enrich our shared Catholic life and I am pleased to welcome you all today for this special Mass."

Before the final blessing, Mgr Tadeusz Kukla, spoke on behalf of the Polish Catholic Community. He said: "Your Grace, we are especially honoured and privileged to share with you this Holy Eucharist on the day after your appointment as the Archbishop of Westminster.

"On behalf of the congregation gathered here today, the Polish Catholic Community in England and Wales, and more than one hundred Polish priests engaged in pastoral work here, I should like to congratulate you on your appointment. We wish you all God's blessings and the necessary strength in this new and challenging role, and assure you of our prayers."

Mgr Kukla added: "Polish people have always treasured your friendship and openness towards them. That is why I am particularly happy that the new Archbishop of Westminster, and a great friend of our Polish community celebrated Mass for Poland's greatest Son. I am sure that John Paul II, for whom we pray today, will assist you in your new assignment.

"Polish people have always felt welcomed in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and the Polish Catholic Community has been thriving here since the post war years."

Mgr Kukla concluded: "We know that as the Archbishop of Westminster you will continue to be a friend and protector of the Polish Catholic community; their religious traditions, spirituality and culture. Please permit us to celebrate your appointment with our traditional well wishing song; it translates broadly: we wish you good health, happiness and all God's blessings through the intercession of Our Lady."

The congregation broke into loud applause and as the evocative singing ended a Polish girl dressed in national costume presented Archbishop Vincent Nichols with some beautiful red and white flowers.  It was a wonderful end to a memorable Mass with the Polish Catholic community in the Midlands.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, pictured with the Polish Scouts and Guides.

Picture by Peter Jennings

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured on the 8.10am train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston, on Friday 3 April. The football-loving Archbishop spent part of the journey to Archbishop's House, Westminster, relaxing, by reading the sports pages of The Daily Telegraph.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the retiring Archbishop of Westminster, pictured with Archbishop Vincent Nichols, during the press conference held in the Throne Room, at Archbishop's House, Westminster, at 11.am on Friday 3 April. The Cardinal officially introduced Archbishop Nichols and warmly welcomed him "home" to the Archdiocese of Westminster, where he worked for eight years as the first General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, 1984-1992, and eight years as Area Bishop of North London, 1992-2000. The Archbishop of Birmingham will be the 11th Metropolitan Archbishop of Westminster, since the Restoration of the Hierarchy in 1850.

Faces in the crowd at Euston Station, London - Archbishop Vincent, Archbishop-elect of Westminster, talked to Cardinal Cormac, on the concourse at Euston Station. The Archbishop was accompanied by his Private Secretary, Fr Martin Pratt, and myself, on the 2.03pm train for the return journey to Birmingham New Street. The Cardinal, and his Private Secretary, Fr Martin Hayes, travelled a short time later on a train to Liverpool, Lime Street, for an official engagement in Liverpool Cathedral. 

Pictures and extended captions by Peter Jennings

Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Menevia was Inducted as Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Chipping Norton, by Archbishop Vincent Nichols, on Friday 13 March, writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent and Bishop Mark OSB, the new parish priest of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Chipping Norton pictured with the concelebrants at the end of the induction Mass on Friday 13th March. (Picture by Peter Jennings)

In his homily, the Archbishop of Birmingham, emphasised that it was "very rare" for a bishop to be Inducted as a parish priest.

Fr Mark, as he is known to his new parishioners, was a Benedictine monk at Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire. He was Headmaster at Belmont, the school attached to the monastery from 1969 until 1983. 

Dom Mark was sent to Peru to build the monastery of the Incarnation in Sullana which Belmont was founding. In 1986 he was appointed Prior and then Abbot of Belmont.  

Abbot Mark was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Menevia in South Wales, by Pope John Paul II in December 2000 and installed as Bishop on 12 June 2001.

John Mark Jabalé OSB, was born on 16 October 1933 in Alexandria, Egypt. Pope Benedict XVI accepted his resignation as Bishop of Menevia on his 75th birthday, 16 October 2008.

Archbishop Nichols told the congregation in the lovely little church in Chipping Norton  built in 1836, that Bishop Mark was the first Benedictine bishop to work in the Archdiocese of Birmingham since the death of Bishop William Bernard Ullathorne, OSB (the first Bishop of Birmingham), on 21 March 1889.

"In order that Bishop Mark will feel at home in his new diocese I am wearing Bishop Ullathorne's ring and using his crosier," said Archbishop Nichols with a characteristic smile.

At the end of the deeply moving and historic Induction Service, Archbishop Nichols and Fr Mark had pictures taken with the concelebrants and altar servers.

Archbishop Vincent and Bishop Mark OSB, the new parish priest of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Chipping Norton pictured with the altar servers at the end of the induction Mass on Friday 13th March. (Picture by Peter Jennings)

Afterwards, the  Rural Dean, Canon Mervyn Tower, Parish Priest of St John the Evangelist said: "As the Banbury Deanery, we welcome Bishop Mark amongst us and pray that he will be very happy here in Oxfordshire. We have lost the Jesuits (who came from Heythrop College) but gained a Benedictine."

ARCHBISHOP NICHOLS CHALLENGES THE DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

Archbishop Vincent Nichols emphasised the fundamental differences between trends in society and the truths of faith, in a challenging sermon, on Sunday 1 March.

The Archbishop of Birmingham was speaking at the Rite of Election Service - a gathering of those from parishes throughout the diocese who are becoming members of the Catholic Church this Easter - held at the Metropolitan Cathedral & Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham.

In a packed Cathedral, the Archbishop stressed: "To an increasing extent, our gift of faith puts us at odds with some strong tendencies in our world today.

"For many generations, our society, in its public expressions, has been based on the lingering effects of the vision of Christian faith, experience and conviction. But, in more recent years, it is systematically reconstructing itself around the assumption that there is no God, no transcendent perspective from which the light of truth comes.

"Many aspects of this reconstruction are still in harmony with the vision of faith. Yet this reconstruction enshrines other perspectives and principles which are quite different to those of faith, and which, we believe, are misplaced, ultimately leading to an experience of disintegration.

"Fundamental to the current effort at the reconstruction of our society is a working assumption that, ultimately, we are self-sufficient: everything depends on us and ends when our life ends.

"This self-sufficiency implies that we have a mastery of all that surrounds us, even our very nature as expressed both in the human person and in the created world. We assume, in practice, that all this is ours to explore, manipulate and use to our best advantage."

Archbishop Nichols reiterated: "This self-sufficiency is strongly written into the culture of individualism, within which we live. This culture encourages us to believe that I am at my best when I am strong in myself, over and against everyone else, when I can make my own calculations about what is right and wrong and weigh up my own advantages and disadvantages in every circumstance."

The Archbishop pointed out that: "In the last decades, we have seen a reconstructing of the foundations of our understanding of money. The very notions of credit and debt were re-shaped so that a debt became a credit, a positive, something to be sold on at a profit. We are now living with the consequences.

"We see a reconstructing of the meaning of human sexuality, of marriage and parenting, and the production of new human life in the laboratory. We are now struggling with some of the consequences.

"Yet, in truth, our human nature is not so self-sufficient, nor closed. We cannot recreate ourselves in the image and likeness that we might choose.

We are subject to our deeper selves, and that deeper self opens up to the transcendent, to God.

"The gift of God's revelation casts clear light on the root causes on some of the deep unease we experience today: in the banking system, in family life, in the crucial task of parenting, to name a few."

Archbishop Nichols stressed: "Faith teaches us that we owe a profound duty to each other, in our creation of wealth and in its distribution. This is the unmistakeable truth, in contrast to the motive of total profit for some."

He added: "In faith we find the criteria by which we are to shape and form relationships, especially those of true human love. And a crucial language of such love is our sexuality. It should never be used 'as a pretence'.

Casual, come and go liaisons only damage us. Sex education, as popularly understood, no matter how many millions are spent on it, will never alone guide our youngsters.

"They, like us all, need clear moral principles to guide our actions, principles which arise from our very being and are not, therefore, repressive impositions from without.  But above all else youngsters need the example of parents who can show them in daily living and from an early age, both the beauty and the cost of faithful, unswerving love."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols concluded: "All of us form one body and as parts of it belong to each other. Self-sufficiency and individualism will not do.

They are not the truth of who we are. Our efforts must be aimed not at our own benefit, but at the common good. We are not masters, but servants of each other.

"On this basis, Catholics do not mind being different! We have received a great gift, which we will not relinquish, but rather, in humility and deference, seek to share with others for the good of all."

PROCESSION OF THE RELICS OF ST CHAD IN BIRMINGHAM

The annual Mass and Procession of the Relics of St Chad took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral & Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on Saturday 28 February. Archbishop Vincent Nichols was the principal celebrant and preacher.

In his homily, the Archbishop, reminded the congregation that St Chad, Patron of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, was Bishop of Lichfield during the 7th century.

He said: "It was not a peaceful or easy time in this country. Like today, there was a great movement of people and uncertainty. People, then, as nowadays, looked to the Church to give them stability and purpose. We can draw strength and encouragement from St Chad."

Two new Canons were installed during the monthly Chapter Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral & Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham, on Tuesday 3 February, writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols admitted Canon Mervyn Tower, Parish Priest of St John the Evangelist, Banbury and Canon Michael Neylon, Parish Priest of St Austin, Stafford, as Canons of the Metropolitan Chapter.

Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, and Provost of the Chapter then installed them.

Despite the inclement weather a congregation of more than 400 people, including many friends and parishioners of the two new Canons, packed the Cathedral situated near Birmingham city centre.

The Mass was celebrated by Canon Tom Farrell, Parish Priest, Christ the King, Coventry.

The homily was preachd by Canon Mervyn Tower, a distinguished scripture scholar.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols said: "I welcome the two new Canons, one form the northerly part of the Archdiocese and the other from Oxfordshire."

The Archbishop of Birmingham added: "They bring particular gifts and experience to the Chapter and, therefore, to the wide life of the Archdiocese of Birmingham."

On Saturday 31st January, 2009, Archbishop Vincent celebrated Mass  at St Chad's Cathedral for the Golden Jubilarians in the religious life of the Archdiocese. Bishop David McGough also concelebrated.

In his homily, the Archbishop spoke of the inspiration we can draw from St Paul. The fruit of St Paul's calling, his vocation, was seen in his joy in 'the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord'. This enabled St Paul to re-assess his priorities, becoming free from the pressing desires of this world and reliance on the opinions of others. Paul also demonstrated what it is to live by the power of the risen Christ, who can give a new source of energy and perseverance, well illustrated in the religious life of the Archdiocese. Paul also teaches us how to live by hope and how to persevere to the end. 'I am racing for the finish', he says. He does not 'give up' or relapse into inactivity.

The Archbishop thanked the religious, especially the Jubilarians, for the witness they give in the Church today, which is often a great inspiration to those who are much younger than they are!

Bishop William Kenney, CP, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, a member of the Holy Land Co-Ordination 2009, an important delegation of Catholic Bishops from Europe and North America, who visited Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the Holy Land earlier this month, has added his voice to the refusal of the BBC and Sky to broadcast the Gaza appeal.

"I deeply regret that the BBC and Sky could not see their way to broadcasting the very reasonable humanitarian appeal on behalf of the people of Gaza," said Bishop William Kenney, a member of the Passionist Congregation, in a short statement today, Thursday 29 January.

"At a deep level all human beings are willing to stretch out at hand and help each other, in particular at time when the ordinary people - men, women and children of all ages - in Gaza are facing appalling hardship and suffering," added Bishop Kenney, Spokesman on European Affairs for the Roman Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

The feast of St Paul is the unfolding of his missionary spirit in our lives.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols celebrated and preached at Mass on the occasion of the Congregational Celebration for the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul and the celebration of the Foundress Genevieve Dupuis, at Selly Park Convent on Sunday 25^th January, 2009.

The Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, is a magnificent hidden Pugin jewel that stands on the edge of a thriving city centre and close to the famous Birmingham Jewellery Quarter writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols teamed up with Aston Villa Manager Martin O'Neill recently for a visit to Acorns Children's Hospice in Birmingham, writes Peter Jennings

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured with David Strudley, Chief Executive, Acorns, and Aston Villa Manager, Martin O'Neill, during a recent visit to the Midlands based Children's Hospice. (Picture by Peter Jennings)

The Archbishop of Birmingham visited the hospice with two Villa players - Craig Gardner and Isaiah Osbourne - and their boss, a former Northern Ireland midfielder, to help support the hospice's 'Acorn's at Home' campaign to raise £1 million.  About £200,000 is still needed. 

The visitors met with staff, volunteers, children, young people and members of their families.

The Aston Villa kit proudly displays the Acorns logo on both its home and away shirts thanks to the generosity of Randy Lerner its American owner and chairman.

Archbishop Nichols said: "I am pleased to have had an opportunity to see the good work that Acorns is doing in caring for the child and supporting its family. The staff and volunteers are doing a wonderful work of care.

"Raising awareness and funding is vital to the work of Acorns and I plan to feature this hospice in our diocesan newspaper Catholic Today during 2009."

David Strudley, Chief Executive of Acorns, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our logo is seen during every home and away match throughout the 2008-09 season. It's worth more than £2½ million pounds to us in terms of advertising and public relations."

Aston Villa is in the top four of the Premiership as they began the second half of the 2008/9 football season. 

The Chief Executive added: "Our partnership with Aston Villa is helping to raise awareness of our work and of the constant need by all children’s hospices to fundraise. At present only about 15% of our £12 million turnover comes form the government each year and we have to raise the rest." 

Christopher Reed, Head of Care at Acorns in Birmingham explained that anyone of any faith or none may apply direct to the hospice for admission. The only criteria is that the child is not expected to reach their 19th birthday."

He added: "About one third of the child and young people that we care for die here, one third at home and one third in hospital. We place a lot of importance on bereavement care and counselling."

Martin O'Neill and his players autographed Aston Villa 2009 calendars before they left the Birmingham Acorns in Selly Oak which was opened by the Princess of Wales in 1988.

Villa players also visited Acorns hospices in Walsall and Worcester.

"Reason alone will not lead us to peace' states Archbishop Nichols.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols attacked godless rationalism during his sermon at the Chapter Mass held at the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica of St Chad, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Monday 8 December, writes Peter Jennings.

28.11.08 History of the Diocese of Birmingham, 1850-2000, launched by Archbishop Nichols

The History of the Diocese of Birmingham, 1850-2000, the first full-scale history of any modern English Catholic diocese, was launched by Archbishop Vincent Nichols in the Grimshaw Room at St Chad’s Cathedral on Friday 28 November, writes Peter Jennings.

(Editor Jack Scarisbrick with Archbishop Vincent. Picture by Peter Jennings)

The engaging 192 page book has been produced by the Archdiocese of Birmingham Historical Commission. Members of the Commission and two others wrote the chapters and the fascinating brief histories of diocesan parish churches.

This book is the first venture in England by French publishers Editions du Signe of Strasbourg, which has already produced histories of dioceses in the USA and Ireland.

The General Editor of the Birmingham volume, Professor Jack Scarisbrick, explained during the launch that: “The Archdiocese of Birmingham was able to accept the publisher’s proposal because of the existence of the Historical Commission. It was set up by the far-sighted Archbishop, Maurice Couve de Murville, himself no mean historian.”

Professor Scarisbrick emphasised that: “The publication of this book is an important event in the life of the Diocese. It has spiritual, pastoral and catechetical significance because, by showing what has been achieved by those who have gone before us, it gives us a vivid new sense of our own identity and mission.”

Professor Scarisbrick added that: “Editions du Signe hope that, where Birmingham has boldly led, other English dioceses may follow,”

This lavishly illustrated book has more than 800 colour photographs and consists of chapters on major themes. These include the development of the diocese's population and structures, the bishops, the contribution of the religious orders (male and female), Catholic schools and social care, art and learning.

The second half of the book consists of histories of each parish, including the Birmingham Oratory, where the parish priest, Cardinal Newman, served the sick and poor of Edgbaston and Ladywood from 1852 until his death in August 1890.

Many colourful characters appear in the book, including the prodigious Augustus Welby Pugin and his equally prodigious patron the 16^th Earl of Shrewsbury.

Professor Scarisbrick also recalled Fr John Hughes, who built the present church in Henley-on-Thames. Fr Hughes was parish priest for 55 years until retiring at the age of 94, and had worn no socks until the church debt was paid off.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols warmly thanked the members of the Historical Commission and other contributors present at the launch. He particularly thanked Professor Scarisbrick for his “personal persistence and dogged determination embodied in the project.”

The Archbishop of Birmingham echoed the words of Professor Scarisbrick: “We hope that pride in the past will give renewed hope for the future.”

The History of the Diocese of Birmingham, 1850-2000 (Strasbourg, Editions du Signe), is available from parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham, price £20.

23.11.08 Pray for the persecuted Church in Vietnam

During a special Mass  to mark the 20th anniversary of their Canonisation in 1988,  Archbishop Vincent Nichols spoke of the powerful witness and example of the Vietnamese Martyrs who were tortured and died for their Catholic Faith, writes Peter Jennings.

The Archbishop of Birmingham warmly thanked the 11 Vietnamese priests of the Archdiocese, for their dedication and work in the diocese. The Mass was celebrated in English and Vietnamese.

23.11.08 Civic Mass - Christian faith, guardian of human values in times of austerity. Archbishop of Birmingham challenges the Government to look beyond financial measures.

A group of newly ordained and recently arrived priests were given an insight in to the life and workings of the Archdiocese of Birmingham during a special training day held at Cathedral House, on Tuesday 18 November, writes Peter Jennings.

Mgr John Moran, Vicar general of the Archdiocese of Birmingham (ninth from left) pictured with newly ordained and recently arrived priests of the diocese pictured outside Cathedral House, Birmingham. Picture by Peter Jennings

The wide-ranging programme was co-ordinated by Fr Martin Pratt, Secretary to Archbishop Vincent Nichols.

The sessions, held in the Chapter Room, included: Parish Finance, by Fr John Carlyle, the Diocesan Treasurer; Parish Safeguarding by Mrs Jane Jones, and Diocesan Matrimonial Tribunal, by Fr Gerrado Fabrizio.

 Fr John Sharp spoke about Parish Archives and took the group round the Diocesan Archives.

 Mgr John Moran, the Vicar General, joined the 13 priests for lunch. Afterwards this correspondent, in his role as Press Secretary to the Archbishop and the Archdiocese, invited everyone outside for a group picture.

 He then gave a 30 minute presentation about key things to do and to avoid when dealing with the media – television, radio or newspapers.

After answering questions he invited the new priests present to write a sentence or two about what they had found most useful and helpful. They make fascinating reading for both clergy and laity alike throughout the diocese.

 They included Fr Cecil Rogerson, Chaplain to Selly Oak Hospital, who wrote: “The topics were all pertinent to our ministries and well presented. It felt like we were being carefully and thoughtfully integrated into the Diocese.”

Fr John Peyton, Assistant Priest, St Patrick's Dudley Road, Birmingham, who emphasised that: “The day provided a fascinating insight into the life of the Archdiocese.  I was struck by the level of care available to all clergy.  It has opened my eyes concerning the work being carried out on a day to day basis in the Archdiocese both by paid and unpaid workers.”

 Fr Roger Dawson SJ, Chaplain Oxford University, wrote: “It was really useful to meet other newly ordained priests and get some practical tips about life as priest in the diocese.”

 Fr Ugo Ikwuka, Assistant Priest, St Philip's, Smethwick, wrote: “I have learnt that I should never take things for granted when dealing with minors, vulnerable adults and the media.”

Fr Paul Smith, Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Redditch, wrote: “It was a useful opportunity to speak face to face with people at Cathedral House we would otherwise just telephone.”

Finally, Fr Bob Devaney, Assistant Priest, St Austin's, Stafford, summed up the views of several of the other priests present. He wrote: “It was a valuable day and provided important insights into the practicalities of parish life.”

 Fr Devaney added: “Seminary provides formation, but hasn't the time for educating us on financial matters and how to make use of archival material.”

A second day is now being planned for mid-February 2009 when the new priests will visit Coleshill and receive information about the Catholic Schools in the diocese as well as Religious Education. The priests will also have an opportunity to learn first-hand about the work of Father Hudson's Society and the Birmingham Catholic Youth Service.

The monetarisation of the economy has accelerated the process of globalisation, and it would be unfair to suggest that this has had only negative consequences.  It has made possible the distribution of wealth and technology.  It has been a powerful lever for investment projects in developing countries.

The free market, as long as it respects certain requirements, remains without doubt the most efficient means of using resources and the most effective way of meeting the needs of men and society.

But the crisis reveals to us a good many negative consequences when financial logic taken to extremes is divorced from the economic system and has as its sole aim the search for immediate profit.

Our societies are unsettled.  And as always, in such a situation, the poorest are the first victims – and the innocent ones.

The crisis prompts us to ask questions about our lifestyle, our relationship with money, our ways of making use of our savings and our recourse to credit.

We can only welcome the efforts of governments and politicians to confront the situation.  It is essential that the measures advocated do not merely aim at maintaining a financial system which has exposed its weaknesses and their human consequences. 

This will not be possible:

-       without cooperation between states and, of course, for ourselves in Europe;

-       without establishing national and international institutions which will be effective in managing the financial markets;

-       without restructuring our economic systems so that they are at the service of people rather than profit alone.

This requires an ethical reflection and a commitment:

-       to question speculative practices which look to maximum profitability in the short term;

-       to review the system of remuneration and bonuses for the directors of financial institutions, above all when they have contributed to the crisis or could profit from it disproportionately;

-       to establish systems of greater accountability and better identification of risks;

-       to ensure that the economy develops a more reasonable recourse to credit;

-       to restructure the financial market, by responsible social investments, so that it is at the service of an economic system that is productive and  takes into account the requirements of the environment.

The present crisis may be the opportunity to draw the bonds of society closer together.  When finance claims to be an end in itself and is only driven by the exclusive desire for profit, it loses its head.

When concern for mankind, for man in his integrity and for all men, again becomes the priority, confidence is restored.

The Bishops of the Council for Family and Social Justice

Jean-Charles Descubes, Archbishop of Rouen

Michel Dubost, Bishop of d’Evry

Michel Guyard, Bishop of Le Havre

François Jacolin, Bishop of Mende

Michel Pansard, Bishop of Chartres

The critical issue of migration in England and Wales was the focus of the Fourth Annual Assembly of the Birmingham Justice & Peace Commission, held at St Peter's Catholic Secondary School, Solihull, in the West Midlands on Saturday 11 October, writes Peter Jennings.

(Bishop William Kenney Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, pictured with (left to right) Fr Gerry Murray, Chair of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Justice & Peace Commission, and David Jenkins, Administrator.)

Bishop William Kenney, CP, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, and member of the Justice & Peace Commission, gave the opening reflection on the Assembly theme, 'There Are No Strangers', responding to the Gospel of St Matthew: 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me'

In a thought-provoking dey-note address, Francis dAvis, from the Von Hugel Institute in Cambridge, contrasted widespread perceptions regarding migrants created by both the media and politicians with the reality that was very different.

Mr Davis emphasised that the Catholic Church is radical in its insistence on the right of human beings to migrate in search of a means to sustain their family.

He stressed: “There is a challenge here. The Church expresses the care of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as a priority but needs to match this with the commitment that so many of its parish priests show by giving advice, resources and support that cannot be replaced by words."

The other key-note speaker was Shari Brown, Project Coordinator of Restore, Birmingham, an important initiative of Birmingham Churches Together, that supports refugees & asylum seekers.

Shari Brown displayed a number of newspaper headlines that referred to "Sponging Asylum Seekers” and included statements as: “Most immigrants are not genuine asylum seekers but young men leaving their families and looking for money.”

She told delegates that because of this negative publicity for the term "asylum seekers" the emphasis was now on speaking of "migrants" and "seeking sanctuary".

Shari Brown said: "Our faith challenges us to consider how we ensure new-comers are made to feel welcome and included. Restore gives priority to befriending because many refugees feel that nobody knows them here."

More than 150 delegates from parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham, other Churches and Justice & Peace groups and organisations, then split into workshops and discussion groups.

The wide range of subjects covered included: migrants, campaigning, homelessness, violence and supporting and befriending asylum seekers.

Bishop Kenney led a workshop: “How we can respond to the Bishop’s Conference Pastoral Document on Migrants”.

A groundbreaking 'Poverty and Justice Bible' will be presented in Rome next week to the two delegates from the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales who are attending the International Synod of Bishops, on the theme, 'The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church'. Writes Peter Jennings.

Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool and Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, will each receive a copy of this Bible from Claire Smith, Head of  Communications at Bible Society's head office in Swindon, Wiltshire.

The Bible, published earlier this year, is the first to highlight more than 2,000 passages that relate to poverty and injustice.

The presentation is part of a Bible Society initiative during the Synod of Bishops to establish better links between the 204-year-old charity and the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, a Vice President of Bible Society, welcomed the 'Poverty and Justice Bible'. He said: "A great theme of the Bible is that God 'hears the cry of the poor'. I'm sure that this initiative of the Bible Society will help us to understand and explore this rich theme."

Claire Smith, who will be in Rome from 20-23 October, explained : "Bible Society is a charity that works across all denominations to help people engage with Scripture in a deeper and more meaningful way."

She added: "We believe passionately in making God's Word available to people around the world, and we are thrilled to be part of the International Synod of Bishops in Rome with its strong emphasis on rooting the Bible in the life of the Church."

Delegates from the American Bible Society presented a special one-off Polyglot Bible to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on 7 October.

The 'Biblia Polyglotta' features the Old Testament in five languages displayed in parallel columns (Hebrew/Aramaic, Greek, Latin, English and Spanish) and the New Testament in four languages (Greek, Latin, English and Spanish).

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of United Bible Societies, Rev Miller Milloy, outlined the close relationship between the Catholic Church and Bible Societies around the world, during his short  address to the Synod Fathers on 14 October.

Dr Milloy said that Bible Societies have completed 134 Bible translations in collaboration with the Catholic Church during the past 40 years. He added that many Catholics are now active members of Bible Societies globally, playing a part as staff, volunteers, trustees or supporters.

The International Synod of Bishops also marked the launch of Bible Society's new 'Lectio Divina' ('Spiritual Reading' resource. Based on the Sunday readings for Mark, this year-long resource will help Catholics deepen their understanding of Scripture.

The Bible Society resource has been translated into several different languages, and is available to download free in English, French and Spanish from: www.biblesociety.org.uk/lectio

10.10.08 The Year of St Paul 2008-2009

Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured in St Chad's Cathedral Birmingham with the icon of St Paul given to him by the Society of St Paul and St Paul's Bookshop. Picture by Peter Jennings

The Icon has begun its journey around the diocese. To see dates where the Icon will be displayed in the parishes, please click here.

"Catholic schools in England and Wales must strongly oppose any action or proposal that would sexualize children or be seen as in any way promoting sexual activity outside the context of married relationships", stressed Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Chairman of the Catholic Education Service of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, in Newcastle, on Saturday 27 September.

Addressing more than 300 Governors of Catholic Schools in the North East of England at the Diocesan Conference for Foundation Governors in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the Archbishop of Birmingham insisted: "In Catholic schools sex and relationship education must always be designed and delivered according to the teaching of the Church. It is this alone that gives critical stability to what Catholic schools do and to the coherence of the arguments they make."

The Archbishop emphasized: "This is not simply a matter of responding to or resisting public opinion or widespread behaviour.  It is a conviction of faith that here lies the correct use of the wonderful gift of human sexuality, both as an expression of a conscious and faithful self giving to another, and as an action of such intimacy that it creates human life in partnership with the Creator of all."

Archbishop Nichols explained that the Church has made important representations as part of the Government's review of the provision of sex and relationship education in schools.

"I welcome the fact that the review intends to give greater emphasis to relationships education and to the emotional content of sexuality."

The Chairman of the Catholic Education Service also noted: "The priority of parents and carers as the foremost educators of their children demands we give more assistance to them to fulfill this aspect of their responsibilities. This fits well with the aims of government policies as presented in 'Every Child Matters' and 'The Children's Plan'.

Archbishop Nichols stated: "Above all we must insisted on the need to preserve the fundamental right of governing bodies to determine a school's sex and relationship education programme in accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church."

The Archbishop insisted: "The Catholic school must be centred on the faith. Christ is the centre of a Catholic school and RE is the core of the curriculum, because it is in RE that we seek to systematically understand what it is to live life in relationship to Christ and in the light of the truth that he brings." 

At the start of his lecture Archbishop Nichols expressed his thanks to all those who work as foundation school governors in the schools of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. "I thank you for the time, the effort, and the enthusiasm that you give to this responsibility", he said. 

Archbishop Nichols concluded: "Foundation governors need to be champions of their schools and not afraid to make the success of schools known locally, through the press, through associations, and not least in commercial and professional circles."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols highlighted the meaning and importance of fatherhood, during a special Mass that he celebrated in Lichfield Anglican Cathedral, to mark the Centenary of the Catenian Association, on Saturday 13 September, writes Peter Jennings.

The Archbishop of Birmingham emphasised: “It is here at Mass that we learn who we are - men who wish to follow Christ, men who know that their strength comes from him, men who compete in striving to reach the crown of eternal glory in union with him”.

The Archbishop thanked the Catenians for all that they do for the Catholic Church, especially for their work of fostering vocations to the priesthood.

“I ask you to sustain these prayers, to sustain this effort, to speak boldly of the wonder of the call of God to a man to be a priest and to give himself to the Lord in response to the Lord’s gift of himself to us”.

Recalling that it is a privilege of priests to be called ‘Father’, Archbishop Nichols explained: “Whether as a priest or as a father of children and former of families, the mystery of fatherhood is a reflection and participation in the mystery of God itself”.

The Archbishop continued: “In the embrace of the Cross, God’s unimaginable power is shown in the completeness of his self-surrender.

“A comparable act lies at the heart of human fatherhood and the creation of a new child, which makes demands that last a life time”.

Exploring the connection between fatherhood and security, the Archbishop Nichols emphasised: “We are not a fatherless people. We have a loving father who, in a way that every father tries, oversees our life, holds it in his care and will ensure that our most vital needs are met.”

Archbishop Vincent Nichols concluded: “This is the profound truth that Catholic and Christian men today are called to express.

“We must hope and work for a deeper public and political commitment to support and strengthen marriage and family life in our society. This is a message of truth, the truth of our human nature and therefore the source of our stability and health”

1.09.08

Striker celebrated on world's fastest stamps

Football enthusiast Archbishop Vincent Nichols met Fernando Torres, the prolific Liverpool and Spanish International striker before the Liverpool v Aston Villa match at Villa Park in Birmingham on Sunday 31 August, writes Peter Jennings. 

Football enthusiast Archbishop Vincent Nichols pictured with Fernando Torres, the prolific Liverpool and Spanish International striker, holding the special sheet of Austria Post, Guinness World Record, postage stamps. Picture by Peter Jennings

After a hard fought 0-0 draw, Archbishop Nichols said: "As a life-long supporter of Liverpool Football Club I was delighted to meet Fernando Torres, a player with great skills. On the football pitch he doesn't retaliate or quit. I encouraged him to be a great role model for his many young fans throughout Europe."

Fernando Torres scored the Spanish goal during the final of Euro 2008 played in Vienna on Sunday 29 June. Spain beat Germany 1-0.

Austria Post and OeSD, the Austrian State Printing House, printed the world's fastest postage stamp in just 1 hour 25 minutes and this achievement has now been recognised by Guinness World Records.

The first sheet of ten special "UEFA Euro 2008 Champion - Spain" commemorative stamps was sold from the counter of an Austria Post Philatelic Shop, situated near St Stephen's Cathedral in the heart of the Austrian capital - only two hours five minutes after the final whistle of Euro 2008.

The Archbishop of Birmingham added: "Having a Guinness World Record that connects football and postage stamps shows how football is important to the world of stamps and stamp collecting."

Fernando Torres agreed to have his picture taken with Archbishop Nichols holding a sheet of the special stamps: "GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS - FASTEST PRINTING OF A POSTAGE STAMP".

Torres also autographed a sheet for this correspondent who conceived the world-record idea for Austria Post. The football star also accepted an engaging philatelic memento of Euro 2008, successfully co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.

Fernando Torres became Liverpool's record signing in July 2007 when he arrived from Atletico Madrid, the club he had supported as a boy. He scored 33 goals for Liverpool in all competitions during the 2007-08 season - the highest total ever scored by a foreigner in a debut season in England.

1st September 2008

Bishop William Kenney, C.P., Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, and International Chairman of the Gothenburg Process, has given an important lecture in New York about the engagement of Churches of different denominations in the fight against the spread of small arms and light weapons, writes Peter Jennings.

During the ecumenical lecture, Bishop Kenney, who is also Spokesman on European Affairs for the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, emphasised the contact that the various Churches had with the producers, the control authorities and the users of small arms and light weapons.

Bishop Kenny, a member of the Passionist Congregation, said that he had been "encouraged by the increasing dialogue" between all of these bodies.

He explained: "The lecture took place in the context of the United Nations Review Conference on small arms and light weapons. The last review conference held two years ago collapsed and ended in acrimony. This conference produced tangible results."

He stressed: "If these resolutions are implemented then there will be better control of small arms and light weapons throughout the world."

As the Catholic weekly newspaper The Universe reported in a Leader, Bishop Kenney said that most ordinary people would be horrified if they knew the enormous amounts of resources that were used for the production and distribution of these weapons.

Bishop Kenney added: "It is important that the Churches continue to maintain the dialogue with all involved with this industry so that we can attempt to eliminate the deaths of many, many thousands of innocent people each year."

Bishop William Kenney, was confirmed as International Chairman of the Gothenburg Process in October 2007.

A congregation of over six hundred worshippers, including fifty priests attended the ordination of John Peyton at Sacred Heart & Holy Souls Church, Acocks Green on Saturday 19^th July.

World Youth Day Sydney 2008 has now come and gone. It was a remarkable gathering of young Catholics from over 170 different countries, meeting with Pope Benedict over four days.  A hundred youngsters, four priests and I went from the West Midlands and enjoyed every minute. The event has gone, but I have not yet come home, staying here in Australia a little longer for a holiday.

The event was a fantastic experience. First there was its sheer size. Over 400,000 people came to the Final Mass last Sunday. This was the biggest gathering ever in the history of Australia. 

Then there was the welcome. The organisation of the event, building on the experiences of the Olympics, was really good.  But the welcome and the warmth of the atmosphere were exceptional. Everyone was so welcoming, from civic leaders to thousands of families and parishes. It was lovely to hear a police spokesman say that not only was there no trouble but never before had his officers been so thanked and appreciated on the streets.

So Sydney, a modern city, so cool on religion, took these pilgrims and their joyous faith right to its heart. It was a wonderful experience to be part of the happy, singing flood of youthful humanity moving through the city streets to one or other of the major gatherings.

But most of all this World Youth Day was a religious event. These huge crowds of people came to express their faith in Christ, to be strengthened by one another and to draw encouragement from the teaching and example of Pope Benedict. Time and again they showed beyond doubt that the project of Catholic faith is alive and well in the world. And it is a source of joy and hope. This is a real antidote to those who can interpret faith only in negative terms. These youngsters love and trust the Church. They appreciate the Christian vision of life and the sense of community it gives.

There was a stunning presentation of the Stations of the Cross, the final journey of Christ’s life, from the Last Supper to the Tomb. It was played out with great drama at all the iconic landmarks of Sydney Harbour. The Opera House become Pilate’s palace; the crucifixion took place at the water’s edge, against the last light on the western horizon.

Yet a different moment stands out for me. Last Saturday there was a candlelit vigil, which brought together 200,000 people – and the Pope. For 15 minutes, that huge crowd knelt in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. It was an incredible experience.  A silence descended which was almost tangible and certainly profound. A single focus united that great throng, youngsters and Pope alike. The focus of that silence and that attention was the presence of Christ, nothing more, nothing less.

All of us who were there will remember this for the rest of our lives.

Now the great crowd has dispersed. As one commentator said, the streets of Sydney return to their mixture of work-day crowds and night-time drunks and trouble-makers. Many have said they would much prefer the Catholic youngsters. But our hope must be that as these youngsters return home they will not lose their readiness to speak out, to express their infectious joy and hope. They have such freedom in their faith. It gives them such a sense of purpose. The Pope described this as their mission: it is better to have one clear mission of love than a hundred options.

We can all benefit from World Youth Day 2008.

XVincent Nichols

Archbishop of Birmingham

Archbishop Vincent Nichols has encouraged Catholics to pray for the success of the ten-yearly Lambeth Conference of the world-wide Anglican Communion that opened at the University of Kent in Canterbury, on Monday 21 July, writes Peter Jennings.

In a special message to Catholics throughout his diocese, the Archbishop of Birmingham, who is in Australia where he took part in World Youth Day, said: "Prayers for the success of the Lambeth Conference are so important.

"I encourage Catholics to remember the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and all those attending the Lambeth Conference.

"A weakened Anglican Communion, or Church of England, does not help the proclamation of the Christian faith."

Archbishop Nichols added: "World Youth Day in Sydney has shown the vitality of the Catholic Church and its young people.

"I very much hope that the Anglican Communion can draw strength from these Catholic traditions and the assurance of prayers from Pope Benedict XVI."

APOSTOLIC JOURNEY
OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
TO SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) ON THE OCCASION
OF THE 23rd WORLD YOUTH DAY
(JULY 12 - 21, 2008)

WELCOMING CELEBRATION BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Barangaroo, Sydney Harbour
Thursday, 17 July 2008

Dear Young People,

What a delight it is to greet you here at Barangaroo, on the shores of the magnificent Sydney harbour, with its famous bridge and Opera House. Many of you are local, from the outback or the dynamic multicultural communities of Australian cities. Others of you have come from the scattered islands of Oceania, and others still from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Some of you, indeed, have come from as far as I have, Europe! Wherever we are from, we are here at last in Sydney. And together we stand in our world as God’s family, disciples of Christ, empowered by his Spirit to be witnesses of his love and truth for everyone!

I wish firstly to thank the Aboriginal Elders who welcomed me prior to my boarding the boat at Rose Bay. I am deeply moved to stand on your land, knowing the suffering and injustices it has borne, but aware too of the healing and hope that are now at work, rightly bringing pride to all Australian citizens. To the young indigenous - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - and the Tokelauans, I express my thanks for your stirring welcome. Through you, I send heartfelt greetings to your peoples.

Cardinal Pell and Archbishop Wilson, I thank you for your warm words of welcome. I know that your sentiments resonate in the hearts of the young gathered here this evening, and so I thank you all. Standing before me I see a vibrant image of the universal Church. The variety of nations and cultures from which you hail shows that indeed Christ’s Good News is for everyone; it has reached the ends of the earth. Yet I know too that a good number of you are still seeking a spiritual homeland. Some of you, most welcome among us, are not Catholic or Christian. Others of you perhaps hover at the edge of parish and Church life. To you I wish to offer encouragement: step forward into Christ’s loving embrace; recognize the Church as your home. No one need remain on the outside, for from the day of Pentecost the Church has been one and universal.

This evening I wish also to include those who are not present among us. I am thinking especially of the sick or mentally ill, young people in prison, those struggling on the margins of our societies, and those who for whatever reason feel alienated from the Church. To them I say: Jesus is close to you! Feel his healing embrace, his compassion and mercy!

Almost two thousand years ago, the Apostles, gathered in the upper room together with Mary and some faithful women, were filled with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:4). At that extraordinary moment, which gave birth to the Church, the confusion and fear that had gripped Christ’s disciples were transformed into a vigorous conviction and sense of purpose. They felt impelled to speak of their encounter with the risen Jesus whom they had come to call affectionately, the Lord. In many ways, the Apostles were ordinary. None could claim to be the perfect disciple. They failed to recognize Christ (cf. Lk 24:13-32), felt ashamed of their own ambition (cf. Lk 22:24-27), and had even denied him (cf. Lk 22:54-62). Yet, when empowered by the Holy Spirit, they were transfixed by the truth of Christ’s Gospel and inspired to proclaim it fearlessly. Emboldened, they exclaimed: repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:37-38)! Grounded in the Apostles’ teaching, in fellowship, and in the breaking of the bread and prayer (cf. Acts 2:42), the young Christian community moved forward to oppose the perversity in the culture around them (cf. Acts 2:40), to care for one another (cf. Acts 2:44-47), to defend their belief in Jesus in the face of hostility (cf Acts 4:33), and to heal the sick (cf. Acts 5:12-16). And in obedience to Christ’s own command, they set forth, bearing witness to the greatest story ever: that God has become one of us, that the divine has entered human history in order to transform it, and that we are called to immerse ourselves in Christ’s saving love which triumphs over evil and death. Saint Paul, in his famous speech to the Areopagus, introduced the message in this way: “God gives everything – including life and breath – to everyone … so that all nations might seek God and, by feeling their way towards him, succeed in finding him. In fact he is not far from any of us, since it is in him that we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17: 25-28).

And ever since, men and women have set out to tell the same story, witnessing to Christ’s truth and love, and contributing to the Church’s mission. Today, we think of those pioneering Priests, Sisters and Brothers who came to these shores, and to other parts of the Pacific, from Ireland, France, Britain and elsewhere in Europe. The great majority were young - some still in their late teens - and when they bade farewell to their parents, brothers and sisters, and friends, they knew they were unlikely ever to return home. Their whole lives were a selfless Christian witness. They became the humble but tenacious builders of so much of the social and spiritual heritage which still today brings goodness, compassion and purpose to these nations. And they went on to inspire another generation. We think immediately of the faith which sustained Blessed Mary MacKillop in her sheer determination to educate especially the poor, and Blessed Peter To Rot in his steadfast resolution that community leadership must always include the Gospel. Think also of your own grandparents and parents, your first teachers in faith. They too have made countless sacrifices of time and energy, out of love for you. Supported by your parish priests and teachers, they have the task, not always easy but greatly satisfying, of guiding you towards all that is good and true, through their own witness - their teaching and living of our Christian faith.

Today, it is my turn. For some of us, it might seem like we have come to the end of the world! For people of your age, however, any flight is an exciting prospect. But for me, this one was somewhat daunting! Yet the views afforded of our planet from the air were truly wondrous. The sparkle of the Mediterranean, the grandeur of the north African desert, the lushness of Asia’s forestation, the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the horizon upon which the sun rose and set, and the majestic splendour of Australia’s natural beauty which I have been able to enjoy these last couple of days; these all evoke a profound sense of awe. It is as though one catches glimpses of the Genesis creation story - light and darkness, the sun and the moon, the waters, the earth, and living creatures; all of which are “good” in God’s eyes (cf. Gen 1:1 - 2:4). Immersed in such beauty, who could not echo the words of the Psalmist in praise of the Creator: “how majestic is your name in all the earth?” (Ps 8:1).

And there is more – something hardly perceivable from the sky – men and women, made in nothing less than God’s own image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26). At the heart of the marvel of creation are you and I, the human family “crowned with glory and honour” (Ps 8:5). How astounding! With the Psalmist we whisper: “what is man that you are mindful of him?” (Ps 8:4). And drawn into silence, into a spirit of thanksgiving, into the power of holiness, we ponder.

What do we discover? Perhaps reluctantly we come to acknowledge that there are also scars which mark the surface of our earth: erosion, deforestation, the squandering of the world’s mineral and ocean resources in order to fuel an insatiable consumption. Some of you come from island nations whose very existence is threatened by rising water levels; others from nations suffering the effects of devastating drought. God’s wondrous creation is sometimes experienced as almost hostile to its stewards, even something dangerous. How can what is “good” appear so threatening?

And there is more. What of man, the ap