Welcome to Southwark

Welcome
to
Southwark

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark covers the London boroughs south of the Thames,
the County of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority

Archbishop Peter Smith

Our Archbishop is
Archbishop Peter Smith
who was installed
at Saint George's Cathedral on 10th June 2010

Please click on this picture for our diocesan prayer

The Papal Visit

Please click on this logo for
the Papal Visit official web site

Please click on the logo for
the Southwark Supplement

Please click on this logo to
replay the visit
on the Papal Visit Web Site

Please click on this logo for
the Southwark 'Legacy' section

Homilies and Speeches
from the Official
Papal Visit Web Site

Photos
from the Papal Visit's
Photostream on Flick'r

Vatican Web Site
coverage

Please click on this logo for
the Vatican's YouTube channel

Please click on this logo
for the Parish Directory

Please click on this logo -
a direct link to the maps

Please click on this logo for
our 'New Translation' pages

Please click on the logo
to visit Southwark's
JustGiving page

Please click on this logo
to visit the CCEW faith site

Please click on this logo for
Southwarkvocations.com

Please click on the logo
to visit the OGF web site

Please click on this logo to
visit the International
Eucharistic Congress
web site

Please click on this logo to
visit the CBCEW web site

Please click on this logo
to visit the CCEW news site

Please click on the logo
to read the CCF On Offer
booklet online
or download the .pdf file

Please click on this logo for the Marriage and Family Life section

Please click on this logo for
Southwark's JPIC web site

Please click on this logo for
the Catholic Agency for
Overseas Development web site

Please click on the logo
to visit Missio's web site

Please click on this logo for our Lourdes 2011 section

Please click on this logo for
our WYD 2011 section

Please click on this logo for
our 'Vision' section

This is the official website for the Archdiocese to give information about our activities to further the Kingdom of God.

The Archdiocese of Southwark is not responsible for the content of external web links, nor does it authorise any blogs.

The content of blogs should be considered as personal opinion which may differ from diocesan policy.

Terms and Conditions of use

650th Anniversary
of the English and Welsh Hospice in Rome

Remnants of the original hospice in the back wall

On 27th January 1362, a group of Englishmen who belonged to the Confraternity of Saint Thomas of Canterbury - most of them merchants - bought a house in Rome for the convenience and use 'of the poor, sick, needy and distressed people coming from England to the City'. Its foundation in 1362 makes it the oldest English institution outside England.

The Hospice became the spiritual centre of the English in Rome and was extensively rebuilt in 1450. By the time of King Henry VII it came under the direct control of the English crown and became known as 'The King's Hospice'.

Remnants of the Royal Coats of Arms in the present College

For more than two centuries this site on the via di Monserrato in the heart of medieval Rome was a Hospice for England and Welsh pilgrims, but when the Reformation made it impossible to continue to train priests in England, the Hospice became a seminary in 1579 - it is now known as the Venerable English College.

A weekend to celebrate this anniversary is planned. Cardinal Cormac, a former Rector, Archbishop Vincent Nichols (Westminster) and Archbishop George Stack (Cardiff) will be leading the English and Welsh contingent and will be joined by many distinguished guests.

Much more information in the Press Release (.pdf available)

Safeguarding the traditional understanding of marriage

On Monday, 23rd January 2012, Archbishop Peter, Chairman of the Bishops' Conference Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship, met with the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to discuss the Government's plans to introduce legislation to permit same-sex marriage.

The Archbishop, representing the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, expressed opposition to any change to the traditional understanding of marriage as being a contract between a man and a woman. Furthermore, he questioned the need for such change as civil partnerships already offer broadly the same legal rights as marriage.

During the meeting the Home Secretary confirmed that it was not Government policy that Churches who refused to conduct same-sex marriages would have their ability to issue marriage licences withdrawn.

Mr William Fittall, Secretary General of the Church of England’s General Synod, was also present at the meeting which had been suggested by the Church of England.

The Standing Committee of the Bishops' Conference discussed ways on how to campaign against the Government's plans at its meeting this morning (Wednesday, 25th January).

Two London born Nuns on the path to Sainthood

Southwark is blessed by the many saints who have been closely associated with the diocese. Now the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints has asked for the files of two London-born Bridgettine nuns to be sent to Rome to be studied by historians and theologians.

Mother Riccarda Beauchamp Hambrough is remembered especially for helping to hide about sixty Italian Jews from the Nazis during the Second World War in her Rome convent, the Casa di Santa Brigida.

Born in 1887, she was baptised at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Brighton, at the age of four after her parents converted to the Catholic faith. The parish was then in the Southwark diocese.

She was guided towards the Bridgettine Order by Father Benedict Williamson, who was the Parish Priest of St Gregory's Parish, Earlsfield, between 1909 and 1915.

Sister Katherine Flanagan was baptised at St Gregory's Church, Earlsfield. She, too, was guided by Father Benedict Williamson and joined the Bridgettine sisters.

She spent many years at the Bridgettine convent in the Piazza Farnese, Rome, and later became the Mother Superior to various Bridgettine communities: Lugano (1928), England (1931), and Vadstena (1935).

Father John Henry, Parish Priest of St Gregory's, Earlsfield, said: 'To have a possible saint from the parish is wonderful.'

The Order of the Most Holy Saviour, better known as the Bridgettine Order, was founded in the fourteenth century by the great Swedish Mystic, Saint Bridget. Their famous pre-Reformation monastery at Syon Abbey, on the north bank of the Thames at Isleworth, was established in 1415 by King Henry V and dissolved by King Henry VIII on his decision in 1534 to break with Rome.

More information on the Bridgettine Sisters web site

Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Book Launch

On Monday, 23rd January 2012, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Archbishop Kevin and Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, who co-chair the Catholic-
Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum launched a book which brings together Joint Statements issued by the Catholic and Oriental Orthodox Churches.

Archbishop Kevin used the occasion to emphasise the international dimension of ecumenism, particularly today with the Arab Spring and with the impact of those unfolding events for all the Christian churches in North Africa and the Middle East.

The launch took place at the offices of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales in Eccleston Square and was attended by Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham, Bishop Paul and representatives of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Press release on the CCEW News web site

More photos of the launch on CCEW Flickr page

Meditations on the Stations in time for Lent

Mgr Matthew Dickens, our Vicar General and Chancellor, has written a series of meditations on the Stations of the Cross which are being published by the St Albert’s Press, the publishing house of the British Province of Carmelites.

The book includes a foreword by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor and illustrations by Anne Kelly, who created the textile presented to Pope Benedict as a gift from the Archdiocese when he visited St Peter’s Residence in Vauxhall in September 2010.

Mgr Matthew hopes that the Stations will be used by parishes, groups and individuals in the coming season of Lent. Each Station has a short scripture passage, a reflection on the experience of living the Christian faith, and concludes with a brief prayer.

Copies may be ordered from the St Albert’s Press Distribution at Faversham.

All sale proceeds are for the British Province of Carmelites.

Please click here to download the flyer which includes an order form

London Bishops visit Olympic Park

On Thursday, 19th January 2012, with just 190 days to go before the opening of the Olympic Games and 223 days before the Paralympic Games, the London bishops were invited to tour the Olympic Park.

Pictured above are Bishop Richard (Forces), Bishop Thomas McMahon (Brentwood), Archbishop Vincent Nichols (Westminster), Bishop John Arnold (Auxiliary in Westminster), Bishop Paul and Bishop Patrick.

Bishop Richard Moth is the 'liaison bishop' for the Olympic Games.

The Southwark contingent: Bishop Patrick, Cristina Gangemi (Disability Advisor at the Centre for Catholic Formation), Father Michael Scanlon (Parish Priest at St Peter the Apostle, Woolwich) and Bishop Paul.

More photos of the visit on the CCEW Flickr page

Inspirational Mission at St Anselm's, Canterbury

John Pridmore with students from the school

St Anselm's Catholic School in Canterbury is holding a school mission from 9th - 20th January 2012 which is being led by John Pridmore, international speaker and best-selling author, and the St Patrick’s Community Group, who helps young people experience God’s love through talks and retreats in schools, prisons and parishes.

The aim of the mission is to help young people know how much they are loved and valued and realise that by using their gifts they can make a difference to society.

Comments from the students include:

'At first the Mission was very emotional, but the videos really opened your eyes to what goes on in our world today, how much better it is from years ago. After confession, I think a lot of people felt better. Many people are really glad John and his team came in.' Rebecca Burton

' I found The Mission very interesting. I was amazed how God could change people’s lives. Also, it made me think just how lucky I am to live the life I do.' Daniel Hulme, Year 10

John Pridmore is a former London gangster who, after a life-changing experience, is well placed to reveal the secret to finding happiness in life.

He says: 'Young people need to know that their identity does not depend on what kind of trainers they wear or how good looking or successful they are. My message is simple: you are unique and you matter.'

His biography From Gangland to Promised Land has become a best-seller and has been published in French, German, Italian and Hungarian. In his latest book, Journey to Freedom, he explores relationships, forgiveness, reconciliation and healing wounded emotions.

Visit St Anselm's Catholic School web site

Consultations about new Catholic Schools in Richmond

The River Thames flows through the London Borough of Richmond and forms the natural boundary between the dioceses of Southwark and Westminster. The North-East of the borough is in the Southwark diocese and the South-West of the borough is in the Westminster diocese.

Consultations about the provision of two new Catholic schools in the borough are to take place.

The consultations will allow people to express their views about the provision of a new 11 - 18 Catholic Voluntary Aided Secondary School and a new 3 - 11 Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School on the Richmond Adult Community College premises at Clifden Road in Twickenham.

During the informal (pre-statuary) phase of these consultations, the Diocese of Westminster, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Southwark, will be hosting two drop-in sessions as follows:
• Tuesday, 24th January 2012 at St James Catholic Primary School, Twickenham, TW2 5NP between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
• Tuesday, 7th February 2012 at St Elizabeth Catholic Primary School, Queens Road, Richmond TW10 6HN between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Further information on the Diocese of Westminster web site

Filipino Communities celebrate Santo Niño

On the afternoon of Sunday, 15th January 2012, Filipino communities from around the diocese and beyond packed St George's Cathedral for an exuberant celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño.

The celebration also marked the World Day for Migrants and Refugees.

After the Novena Prayer and Benediction, images of the Child Jesus, venerated in the Philippines since 1521, were carried down the aisle during a Sinulog dance.

Archbishop Peter was principal celebrant at the Mass and gave the homily.

The celebrations were organised by the Scalabrini Fathers and the various Filipino communities under their pastoral care.

This year's Organising Committee included the Filipino communities from Roehampton (St Joseph), the Oval (Holy Redeemer), Peckham (Our Lady of Sorrows), Woolwich (St Peter), Mitcham and Farm Street; the Lord of Pardon and Santo Niño Prayer Groups, the Filipino Club of Westminster (Westminster Cathedral) and Couples for Christ.

More photos of the occasion on the CCEW Flickr page

The Southwark Archdiocesan Commission for Schools and Colleges is seeking to appoint a Media and Communications Officer to develop and maintain a strong presence across all forms of communication.

A job description is available as is an application form (.doc).

The closing date for applications is 6th February 2012.

Please contact Donna Gray (PA to the Director) for further information:
Donna.Gray@rcsouthwark.org.uk

Archbishop Peter's concerns for social justice

In a letter published in The Times on Wednesday, 11th January 2012, Archbishop Peter expressed his concerns over welfare reforms being debated in the House of Lords.

He said that the proposed cap on household benefits would 'especially hurt larger families because it takes no account of family size, potentially forcing them to cut back on essentials such as heating and food, and in many cases resulting in the loss of their home'.

He also expressed concern over the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, saying that restricting legal aid would 'affect thousands of children whose parents are involved in civil cases, as well as victims of domestic abuse'.

Full text of the Archbishop's Letter:

Sir,

In coming weeks Parliament will take crucial decisions on amendments to two Bills, which will have a profound impact upon thousands of families.

The proposed cap on household benefits in the Welfare Reform Bill will especially hurt larger families because it takes no account of family size, potentially forcing them to cut back on essentials such as heating and food, and in many cases resulting in the loss of their home. This impact will at least be mitigated if the Bill is amended so that child benefit is not counted towards the capped amount. There are other issues, too, not least claimants being liable for the cost of official errors, even if they are unaware of those errors.

At the same time, restrictions to the availability of legal aid outlined in the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will affect thousands of children whose parents are involved in civil cases, as well as victims of domestic abuse, fewer of whom will be entitled to support. The result is likely to be increased long-term public costs as well as greater suffering.

The experience of the member charities of our Caritas Social Action Network has underscored the increased poverty facing our society as a result of these changes.

While we all recognise that difficult decisions have to be made, it is vitally important to meet the fundamental needs of the most vulnerable families to prevent them from being pushed into further hardship.

THE MOST REV PETER SMITH
Chairman, Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship
London SW1

News release from the CCEW News web site

Parishes are enriched by migrant communities

This Sunday, 15th January 2012, is the World Day for Migrants and Refugees.

Bishop Patrick, who is the lead bishop for migrants, has issued a statement in which he reflects that the Catholic Church in England and Wales has greatly benefited from ‘the faith and witness’ of migrant communities not only in our present day, but down through the years.

He says that parishes have been greatly enriched by 'the strong sense of community and commitment to family life within many of our migrant communities, by their love for the Scriptures, by their devotion to Our Lady and especially by their joyful participation in the celebration of the Eucharist.'

Coinciding with the World Day for Migrants and Refugees is the great Filipino Feast of Santo Niño de Cebú - a statue of the Child Jesus which has been venerated in the Philippines since 1521.

Central to the celebrations will be Mass in St George's Cathedral at 3:30 pm at which Archbishop Peter will be the principal celebrant. Bishop Patrick, Canon John O’Toole, Cathedral Dean, the Scalabrini Fathers and Filipino priests will be among the concelebrants.

Over a thousand people from Filipino communities across London and the South East are expected to attend, together with the Filipino ambassador, his Secretary and representatives from the Philippine embassy. The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Amigo Hall.

Before Mass, the Novena Prayer will be said (2:30 pm) followed by Benediction and a Sinulog Dance (3:00 pm) carrying the images of Santo Niño.

Press release from the CCEW New web site with a link to the full text of Bishop Patrick's statement

Archbishop: 'Assisted dying' is not an option

The Commission on Assisted Dying, chaired by Lord Falconer, has proposed new legislation which would provide people with greater choice and control regarding how and when they die.

Archbishop Peter issued the following statement in response to the Commission's Report on 10th January 2012, on behalf of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales:

'Many people have understandably questioned the credibility of the Falconer commission. Its set-up was promoted by Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society), it was bankrolled by one of that organisation's Patrons, and three quarters of its members, including Lord Falconer himself, are on the public record as supporting the legalisation of assisted suicide. It will have come as little surprise to many that they have recommended a regime for legalised assisted suicide that is even laxer than the one proposed by Lord Joffe six years ago - which was roundly defeated in Parliament.

'I have been impressed and heartened by the wide range of thoughtful critical responses to the report, particularly from those with disabilities, and medical and legal experts of all faiths and none. They are right to point out that to legalise is to normalise, and that our society cannot change such a fundamental law which is there to protect the vulnerable without grave long term consequences. We must do more to care well for those who are dying, and support more and better hospice and palliative care. Legalising assisted suicide is not the answer.'

Archbishop Peter is the Chairman of the Department of Christian Responsibility and Citizenship of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

Helping provide accommodation for our retired priests

Last year the diocese registered with JustGiving - the on-line fundraising service.

This initiative now makes it possible to donate directly to our Clergy Support Fund, which helps to provide accommodation and support for our retired priests. There are two ways to make a donation:

Either by visiting the main JustGiving page for the diocese by clicking on the logo on the right (or on the sidebar).

This page gives the options of giving a single or a monthly donation of the amount of choice.

On-line donations can be made from anywhere in the world but currently only in £ sterling. A bank/credit card company may charge extra fees for international transactions.

Or by texting RCDS27 followed by the amount you wish to give (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10) to 70070 eg RCDS27 £5.

JustTextGiving is currently free for those sending text donations to charities from any of the UK mobile networks, but they can only be made by mobile users on UK networks.

A reminder ... and please promote this code

Please be generous in your support of our retired priests.

Statement on the death of Stephen Lawrence

From Bishop Patrick Lynch SSCC
President of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ)

"The death of Stephen Lawrence was a tragic event and our thoughts and prayers at this time are for his parents and family who have suffered greatly for the last eighteen years. They have conducted themselves with great dignity over those years and worked tirelessly in the face of huge obstacles and prejudice to ensure that justice was done.

"It is a great pity that it has taken so long and that in itself has contributed to the frustration and anger felt by many. It is also a reminder to all of us that we must do our best to repair and heal the damage done to our communities and society and continue to work together - as faith communities; as local councils, as police authorities, as community leaders and schools - to forge stronger partnerships so that our streets and neighbourhoods will be safer, our community relations will be stronger and racism and racial injustice will be eliminated from our society."

†
Please pray for the repose of the soul of

Monsignor John Elliott KCHS

who died on 25th December 2011

His body will be received at St James Church, Petts Wood,
on Thursday, 19th January 2012 at 5:30 pm.

His Funeral Mass will be held there
on Friday, 20th January at 12 noon.

May he rest in peace

Archbishop Peter's Christmas Message

Fra Filippo Lippi - Adoration of the Child - c. 1455
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

As we celebrate the great solemnity of Christmas, we remember that Jesus took on our wounded humanity to be our brother, our closest friend and our companion on the road. He came to us as a man to share our lives intimately; to show us how to carry our burdens and to share the difficulties of life with us. He came to address our deepest longings and desires, to give us a new hope and a new vision of what it means to be truly human. He came to meet us where we are, and immersed himself in our confused and messy world, asking us to open our hearts to receive him, so that through the gift of the Holy Spirit he could transform us and lead us from our self-centredness to a new way of life centred on our love for God and love for our neighbour.

May our Incarnate Lord fill your hearts with his peace and joy this Christmas and bring you, your families and all whom you love every blessing and happiness throughout 2012.

With an assurance of my prayers,

Archbishop of Southwark

On the morning of Christmas Day, Archbishop Peter presided at the Family Mass in the Cathedral at 10:00 am, after which he gave each child a Christmas gift in imitation of Saint Nicholas.

More photos of the Christmas Family Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

The Cathedral Sanctuary decorated for the Christmas Solemnity

More photos of the Cathedral's decorations on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Archbishop Peter presided at the Christmas Midnight Mass at the Cathedral, which this year was televised by BBCone. Monsignor Matthew Dickens, Vicar General, Canon John O'Toole, Cathedral Dean, and the Cathedral clergy, Father John Diver and Father Chukwuemeka Nnaji, concelebrated and the Cathedral Deacon James Sheahan was joined by the two deacons who were ordained just a week ago, Deacon Oladele Craig and Deacon Kurt Barragan.

Canon John places the bambino in the crib and blesses it

The Christmas Proclamation

Deacon Kurt proclaims the Gospel

The Archbishop gives the homily

The Archbishop concluded his homily with the words:

' ... the good news that we celebrate tonight is simple yet profound: that no matter how deep or oppressive the darkness in our world or in our own hearts, the light of God's love and compassion is always brighter, stronger and more enduring. That is the good news we celebrate tonight.'

The Bidding Prayers

The Bidding Prayers expressed the rich cultural diversity in the Cathedral parish, as indeed in the diocese, with intercessions offered in Yoruba, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Polish and English.

The Final Blessing

The Recessional

These photos are screen captures from the BBC television broadcast.

The service marked the broadcast premiere of Missa Sancti Nicolai by composer Nicholas O'Neill who served as the Cathedral's organist for ten years until 2010. Also broadcast for the first time was James MacMillan's motet In splendoribus.

Full text of the Archbishop's homily (.pdf available)

The Mass is available on BBC iPlayer until Saturday, 31st December 2011

Before Midnight Mass, Canon John O'Toole led a short vigil of lessons and carols.

Download a copy of the service from the Cathedral web site

More photos of Christmas Midnight Mass on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Bishops offer Christmas Day Mass in prison

Recognising that Christmas is a particularly difficult time for those in prison and wanting to share with them something of the joy and hope of the Incarnation, our bishops offered Mass on Christmas Day in prisons: Bishop John at both HMP Stanford Hill and HMP Swaleside, Bishop Patrick at
HMP Belmarsh and Bishop Paul at HMP Wandsworth.

We pray for those in prison and for all who are away from their families and friends this Christmas.

Friday, 23rd December

Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the one whom the peoples await and their Saviour. O come and save us, Lord, our God.

Emmanuel: 'God-is-with-us'

Brief explanation

Two Southwark students ordained Deacon

Archbishop Peter with Deacon Oladele Craig and Deacon Kurt Barragan before the Shrine of Our Lady in the Ambulacrum at Wonersh

On Saturday, 17th December 2011, Archbishop Peter ordained to the Diaconate two Southwark students who are training for the priesthood at Saint John's Seminary, Wonersh. The Ordination Mass was celebrated in the Seminary Chapel.

Archbishop Peter with Ola and Kurt in the sacristy before Mass

Ola with his family

Kurt with his family

We congratulate Deacons Ola and Kurt on their ordination to the diaconate and keep them in our prayers. They hope to be ordained to the priesthood next year.

More photos of the Ordination on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Advent Reception for Diocesan Agencies

On Thursday, 15th December 2011, Archbishop Peter hosted an Advent reception at Archbishop's House for the staff of the Diocesan Agencies.

The Archbishop thanks the Diocesan Agencies for their work

More photos of the reception on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Father Gregory - Graduate in Canon Law

Father Gregory Verissimo is a priest from the Ijebu-Ode Diocese in South-Western Nigeria, who is working as an assistant priest in St John the Baptist Parish, Purley.

He has graduated in Canon Law from Heythrop College, London.

He described the studies as 'challenging' and his dissertation was based on the rights of the laity in the Church.

Fr Gregory is pictured below with Dr Helen Costigane, SHCJ, a religious sister and Canon Law lecturer at the College.

St Paul's Academy - New Chapel and Peace Garden

On Tuesday, 13th December 2011, Archbishop Peter visited St Paul's Academy, Abbey Wood.

During his visit, he blessed the new Chapel and the Peace Garden in the Academy's grounds.

He also had the opportunity to chat with groups of students from Years 7,8 and 9 and Years 10 and 11.

Archbishop Peter unveils the commemorative plaque with Mr Patrick Winston, Principal, and two of the senior students

The Archbishop blesses the Peace Garden ...

... and relaxes on the bench bearing a commemorative plaque

The Archbishop meeting a group from Years 7,8 and 9 ...

... and a group from Years 10 and 11

More photos of the visit on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Visit St Paul's Academy web site

Confirmation at Holy Cross, Carshalton

Father Paul Sanders, parish priest, and parishioners of Holy Cross, Carshalton, welcomed Archbishop Peter to their parish on Sunday, 11th December 2011, where he presided at Mass and conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Photos from RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Blessing of Conway Hall

On Saturday, 10th December 2011, Archbishop Peter visited Conway Hall, the new London residence for students of the London Undergraduate Program of the University of Notre Dame (USA).

During his visit, the Archbishop celebrated Mass and blessed the building, which is in Waterloo Road, SE1.

Archbishop Peter is pictured with Professor Greg Kucich, Undergraduate Program Director, and Fr John Dickson SDB, Chaplain to Conway Hall, in front of a picture of Mr and Mrs Conway, benefactors of the University.

A few more photos of the occasion on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

(posted 17-12-11)

Papal honour conferred on Dr Dilys Wadman

Dr Dilys Wadman, who retired as Southwark's Director of Education in the summer, has been honoured as a Dame of St Gregory.

Archbishop Peter presented her with the insignia and certificate of the Order in the library of Archbishop's House on Wednesday, 7th December.

Pictured at the presentation are Mgr Canon Martin Lee (Diocesan Finance Secretary), Mgr Matthew Dickens (Vicar General), Bishop Paul, Dr Dilys Wadman DSG, Archbishop Peter, Bishop John and Bishop Patrick.

A few more photos of the presentation on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

(posted 17-12-11)

Southwark's Catholic Directory for 2012

The 2012 edition of the Southwark Catholic Directory has been published and is available in most parishes throughout the diocese.

The Directory gives details of the Diocesan Curia and Offices and of all parishes, religious houses and schools in the diocese.

It includes a Liturgical Calendar for 2012.

In the Foreword, Archbishop Peter writes:

'God calls us to holiness and to a mission. He calls us to be holy by building a personal relationaship with him in prayer. He gives us the mission to proclaim the Gospel with confidence, and to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom. We do that by serving and witnesssing to the whole community, especially by supporting the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable. That call and that mission applies to all of us - laity, religious and clergy. In today's society and world we need to be "confidently Catholic", ready and willing to work together in proclaiming the Gospel to our society which is in such need of that good news.'

With standard binding: £3:00;
with spiral binding: £3:50.

Congratulations to Monsignor James Cronin

Canon James Cronin has been appointed a Papal Chaplain with the title of Monsignor.

The appointment is in recognition of his many years of dedicated service in the Southwark diocese and in the light of his national role as Director of Missio, which he undertook in the summer.

Canon Cronin ministered as Cathedral Dean from 1996 and a farewell Mass in thanksgiving for his ministry was celebrated at St George's Cathedral early in July.

Visit Missio's web site

New Diocesan Newspaper is launched

Archbishop Peter has written to parishes announcing the launch of our new diocesan newspaper - The Pilgrim. The first edition will be available in parishes this weekend, 10th - 11th December 2011. It will then be published monthly from February 2012.

The Archbishop writes:

'This weekend the first edition of the new monthly Diocesan Newspaper will be available after every Mass.

I am asking you to support this new venture in the Archdiocese which I hope will help to improve communications within and between parishes. It will also in time be a means of developing catechesis so that we all become more knowledgeable about our Catholic faith and the teaching of the Church.

I hope that every family in the parish will buy a copy, and then perhaps pass it on to others who do not come regularly to church. The price is 50p, which I think even in these days of austerity should not take too much out of the monthly family budget, so I do urge you to support this new venture.'

Bishop John Jukes' body was received into the Cathedral on
Sunday, 4th December 2011, at 5:45 pm before the 6:00 pm
Parish Mass at which Archbishop Peter was principal celebrant and
Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia concelebrated.

Archbishop Peter with Bishop Tom Burns and Deacon Michael Kennedy

On Tuesday, 5th December, Franciscan Vespers was celebrated
at 7:00 pm. Fr. James McCurry OFM Conv, Provincial, presided at the service.

Fr Jude Winkler, OFM Conv, Assistant Minister General, Bishop Howard, Bishop Alan Hopes (Westminster), Fr. James McCurry OFM Conv,
Provincial, Archbishop Peter, Bishop John Sherrington (Westminster),
and Bishop Patrick

The Franciscan Friars, the Poor Clares of Arundel and the congregation await in silence the beginning of Vespers

Fr Jude Winkler, OFM Conv, Assistant Minister General, gave the homily

Bishop John Jukes' Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, 6th December, at 12 noon. Archbishop Peter was the principal celebrant and concelebrants included the the archbishops emeriti, auxiliary bishops and priests of the diocese, Franciscan priests, Cardinal Cormac, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic Nuncio, and bishops and priests from England, Wales and Scotland.

Bishop John Jukes was buried in the crypt below the Cathedral sanctuary.

May he rest in Peace

Obituary for Bishop John Jukes OFM Conv

Text of Bishop Howard's homily at the Funeral Mass (.pdf format)

More photos on the RCSouthwark Flickr page

More photos on the CCEW Flickr page

Blessing of Tenterden's new Parish Centre

Archbishop Peter with Mgr Edward Hill (parish priest) and the professional team who helped the Parish with the planning and building of the Centre

On Sunday, 4th December 2011, Archbishop Peter was welcomed by Monsignor Edward Hill (parish priest) and parishioners of St Andrew, Tenterden, where he celebrated Mass and blessed the new Parish Centre.

The people gather for the the blessing of the new Centre

The Blessing of the new Centre

Archbishop Peter with Mgr Edward Hill

More photos of the occasion on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

First Religious Profession of Sister Shainy Sebastian

On Saturday, 3rd December 2011, Bishop Patrick celebrated the Mass of Religious Profession of Sr Shainy Sebastian at Virgo Fidelis, Upper Norwood.

Sr Shainy joins the Convent of Our Lady of Fidelity as the fifth newly professed sister since 2008. Bishop Patrick was joined by Monsignor Matthew Dickens VG, Provost Joseph Collins, Canon Michael O’Dea, Fr. Joy Alappat CMI (chaplain), Fr. Jim Nolan, Fr. Cornelius Boyle and Fr. Joseph Matthew CMI who concelebrated. Present also were Sr Heidi Koller, Superior General and Sr Shelia Maloney, Vicar for Religious.

Bishop Patrick in his homily spoke of the call, the response and the challenge of the religious life in the world of today and how it was as relevant as in the 19th Century when the Congregation was founded.

Sr Shainy hails from Kerala and joins the growing community of fourteen. The choir of Virgo Fidelis Senior School provided the music and members of the parish were actively involved in the celebrations.

Visit the web site of Our Lady of Fidelity (Upper Norwood)

The Teresian Association celebrates 100 years

The Teresian Association is an international Catholic lay association of men and women called together to make Jesus present in today's world through living out the gospel values in everyday life.

It was conceived by St Pedro Poveda in Covadonga, Spain, in 1911, and today is present in 30 countries on four continents.

To celebrate their centenary, the members and friends were joined by Archbishop Peter, Bishop Howard, Mgr Brian Udaigwe (representing the Apostolic Nuncio) and priest and deacon friends for Mass in the chapel of Wimbledon College on Saturday, 3rd December 2011.

Br Thomas More OFM Cap (of Greyfriars, Oxford) gave the homily

Archbishop Peter, Bishop Howard and Mgr Brian Udaigwe
with members of the Teresian Association UK

More photos of the occasion on RCSouthwark's Flickr page

Visit the Teresian Association UK web site

Seminar on Human Trafficking

On Thursday, 1st December 2011, a seminar was held in the Amigo Hall on human trafficking, organised by the Office for Migration Policy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, whose chairman is Bishop Patrick.

Its aim was to raise awareness of the impact of human trafficking in the UK and the rest of the world. Human trafficking now ranks as the second most profitable worldwide criminal enterprise after the illegal arms trade.
It is estimated that 2.4 million people are trafficked globally and that annual profits generated from trafficking in human beings are as high as $32 billion.

Speakers included Bishop Patrick; Detective Chief Inspector Nick Sumner and Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland from the Metropolitan Police; Sr Eugenia Bonetti MC (Italian Union of Major Superiors), ‘Counter-Trafficking Office’ in Rome; Mrs Mariela Neagu, Child Rights Expert from the Children’s High Level Group Association and Baroness Scotland of Asthal.

© Mazur/www.catholicnews.org.uk
Bishop Patrick, Sr Eugenia Bonetti MC, Baroness Scotland of Asthal, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Sumner and Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland

© Mazur/www.catholicnews.org.uk
Mass in the Cathedral with Fr Michael Scanlon, Chairman of Southwark's
Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, as principal celebrant

Report of the Seminar on the CCEW News web site

More photos of the Seminar on the CCEW Flickr page

Bishop Patrick's address (.pdf)

Sister Eugenia's address (.pdf)

Bishops' Conference launches two new web sites

The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has recently authorised the launch of two new web sites.

A news and media site ...

... and a site for those enquiring about the Catholic faith.

The sections on this site provide a first contact with the Catholic faith and describe how the Church gives meaning to life. Links include the way to find a local parish church, contacts to help answer questions on Baptism, Marriage and becoming a Catholic, guidance for further reading and details of courses and retreat centres.

To check out these sites, please click on the images above or on the links on the right sidebar.

For news prior to this entry please visit the
News Archive

Elsewhere on this site

Background information about Archbishop Peter Smith

The page for Diocesan Organisations and Agencies has links to those working in the Diocese in education, catechesis, youth work and the administration of the Diocese.

The Parish Websites page lists all those parishes that have a website.

The general Catholic information page gives a few links to major Catholic Websites.

The Bishops page tells you a little about our area Bishops and our Archbishops and Bishops Emeriti.

The Nullity of Marriage page gives a brief introduction, answering some common questions about the process.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark is a Registered Charity No. 235468