Mother Irini the Coptic Church's newest saint

It was by sheer accident that I came across information about the late Mother Irini of Egypt. From what I have been able to read so far, she was a wonderful woman. Just reading what information there is about her on the web made me "feel good". When I have such a sense of peace and joy, reading about someone who not only suffered much, but asked God for "the joy of illness", who fasted severely and prayed with such fervour, there must be something more than simple admiration going on. Here is more information about this extraordinary woman.


I have been thinking, on and off, about how important monasticism and the religious life in general are to the well-being of the Church. It seems to me that one of the most welcome signs of late in the Catholic Church is the return to traditional monastic life. Whilst I accept and value the active congregations and especially the religious sisters who are involved in pastoral work and the caring professions (and used to be more involved in teaching) it is the case that the religious communities that have begun to grow again - or the new ones that are emerging - have returned to a more obvious community life, with recognizable habits and a more joyful acceptance of austerity. This is not to say that the reforms of Vatican II were not necessary - just try speaking to a sister in her 70s or 80s if you doubt this - but that some things that were removed or changed should have been truly renewed without becoming something almost completely different. The apparent rush to escape from the real challenges of the founders or, indeed, the radical call of the Gospel (or is it re-interpretation of that call) led to the collapse of many religious communities. The Church needs them and we need to reflect on how valuable they are to all of us. Perhaps Mother Irini, and others like her, will remind us of this.


Egypt, they say, is "on the brink" and Christians are bearing much of the suffering. I first met some Coptic Christians about six years ago. They are wonderful people. May God protect them and bless the Holy Land of Egypt.

Missa Cantata in York Minster

I was one of the priests "in choro" at the Missa Cantata in York Minster yesterday (March 26th). There is a report on the Leeds LMS bog The Mass was celebrated in honour of "The Pearl of York" - St. Margaret Clitherow. She is one of my favourite saints, and is a special saint for the priesthood and, as we were reminded by the excellent homily, the patron saint of the mothers of priests. It is always moving to hear the sentence passed on St. Margaret. Her death was horrifying and terribly undignified. Apart from the actual method of execution, her womanhood was dreadfully abused and denigrated. She remains one of the chief inspirations of my priestly life. Many thanks to the LMS, the Dean of York and the wonderful choir.

There is an excellent article about St. Margaret on this blog. Please continue to pray for priests.

Blessed Dominic: "Shepherd of The Second Spring"

Now that Cardinal Newman is to be beatified, let us pray for the canonisation of Blessed Dominic. He is one of my favourites, and very special to this blog which is concerned with the unity of Christians. Here is a prayer for unity and the conversion of England;



PRAYER TO BLESSED DOMINIC OF THE MOTHER OF GOD PASSIONIST APOSTLE OF ENGLAND

O God, Who so lovingly raised Blessed Dominic to the heights of holiness, learning and apostolic zeal, and made him a powerful minister of Thy mercy for the return of many of our separated Brethren to the Catholic Church, grant to us also an abundant share of his virtues, that we too, according to our state, may contribute to the realization of his desire for the union of all Christians in one Fold, under one Shepherd. Deign now, through his intercession, to grant us the particular grace which we humbly ask of Thy mercy ...
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be (3 times)

Romae 12. viii. 1963, NIHIL OBSTAT