“O Sacred Heart, our home lies deep in Thee”
Our heart is the source of the blood that is pumped around our body to keep us alive but we also see it in another way as the source of love for one another. How often do we read the phrase “I love you with all my heart”? There is heartache when we are separated from someone we love and so many are broken hearted when they lose someone dear to them. However, how much more than the love between couples and in families on earth is the love of Jesus for all mankind! We have in church the beautiful statue of the Sacred Heart with His arms spread wide to welcome us all.
On 6th June we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ). We are so lucky to have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in St Hilda’s – this has been the case since 1929. The light permanently over the Sanctuary reminds us of this. We have the privilege, when not constrained by the lockdown, to be able to take the Blessed Sacrament to those unable to come into church.
To those of my generation we remember the 6th June as “D Day” when our soldiers and their allies crossed the Channel at the start of the campaign in Europe that led to the defeat of the Nazis.
We also celebrate in this month, on 22nd the feasts of Thomas More and John Fisher who died for their beliefs under Henry 8th, on 24th the baptism of John the Baptist and on 29th Ss Peter and Paul.
Let us hope and pray that June lives up to its reputation and we get plenty of sunshine but also that 21st brings us the news that we are all hoping for – the freedom to return to normal life!
God Bless.
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ
I toss on a stormy sea.
O lift thy child as a beacon light
To the port where I fain would be.
May, the loveliest month of the year, is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of our Saviour, and our Mother also. She is there, ready to offer consolation and comfort to all of us, her children. This is terribly important as we come out of the Pandemic with so many suffering the effects of personal illness and grieving the loss of loved ones.
As we set off into May we are still in Eastertide, continuing to rejoice in the wonderful news of the Resurrection. We are the “Easter People” and through our example in everything that we do or say we should be a witness to this glorious event.
In this month are some of the major feasts in the church calendar.
The 16th is the Feast of the Ascension when Jesus ascended into Heaven, and on 23rd we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, giving them the strength and wisdom to go forth to preach the Gospel. We close the month with the Feast of the Holy and Blessed Trinity on 30th.
I extend my best wishes to you all as we draw ever nearer to the blessed day when we will be able to worship together without restrictions; in the meantime, keep safe and keep well.
God Bless.