The Rite of Election

On the First Sunday of Lent several hundred people gathered in Arundel’s beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady and St Philip Howard to participate in and witness a key stage of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

Watched by their godparents, sponsors, catechists, priests and families, the Candidates (who were validly baptized in other Christian denominations) and the Catechumens (who were never baptized) publicly attested to their desire to join the Catholic Church. This RCIA Rite of Election and Enrolment of Names was presided over by Archbishop Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark.

A total of 143 individuals from A&B Diocese shared their intention to become Catholics, while, on the same day, it is estimated that more than 3,000 people nationally made the same declaration as part of their journey to joining the Catholic Church at Easter.

In his homily the Archbishop spoke of this day as a special window of opportunity for the participants, a chance to allow Jesus to mold them in his likeness. The Holy Spirit guides – often in hidden ways – and gives the gift of faith. He reminded them of Pope Francis’ request to shun indifference and deepen their personal encounters with Christ this Lent. In conclusion, he spoke of his desire that the day be one of great joy and strength for the candidates; while there will be challenges, he concluded by asking them to hold firm to the words of Jesus: ‘Courage, do not be afraid for I am always with you until the end of time.’  

Following the testimony of the godparents and sponsors that their catechumens and candidates were properly prepared, the Archbishop greeted each candidate personally, together with their supporters.

It was fitting that the Rite of Election took place in Arundel Cathedral, which is dedicated to St Philip Howard and holds his relics. In his youth St Philip was a bit of a playboy and indifferent to religion until the prayers of his saintly wife and the preaching of St Edmund Campion converted him. Some of the candidates shared their journeys and stories of conversion; as the Archbishop observed, the Holy Spirit guides, often in hidden ways.

The Consecrated Life – Worth Celebrating!

Earlier this week, on Monday, I made my way to Worth Abbey, founded just over 80 years ago by a community of monks who follow the Rule of St. Benedict, written more than 1,500 years ago. The brothers live a community life of prayer and service, running a school, a parish and a retreat house, as well as a variety of other activities including working with young people, refugees and the poor of Peru.

The Abbey is in my backyard, just over 20 miles away from where I live, and I had been there a couple of times before, to worship in the Abbey Church, which is one of the finest examples of 1960s church architecture – and is also the largest church in Sussex with a seating capacity of 900. It offers Mass and monastic prayer daily (for details, see www.worthabbey.net/ml/ch-liturgy.htm).

Pope Francis has dedicated this liturgical year as the Year for Consecrated Life and Monday 2^nd February 2015 was the 18^th World Day for Consecrated. That very special day was marked with a solemn Mass at Worth Abbey attended by around 200 religious from Arundel & Brighton Diocese, including the Benedictine monks from the Abbey, and representing 30 separate Orders, Institutes and Congregations. It was celebrated by Archbishop Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark, with Abbot Dom Luke and the community of Worth Abbey.

Archbishop Peter Smith

(On a personal note, as I was there on business, I had my cameras with me. I try not to use flash in churches but the Abbey was quite a challenge. Around the walls, particularly near the entrance, it was dark and shadowy. The church is circular in shape with a high vaulted ceiling immediately above the Sanctuary. In the centre of the ceiling is a raised circular lantern with windows around all the sides – which lets in a perfect blaze of pure white light. It is this contrast between the shadowy edges and the brightly lit centre of the church that makes calculating exposure rather tricky! See below!)

 

In his homily Archbishop Peter spoke of how the ministry and witness of women and men Religious has enriched the life of A&B Diocese and been a great witness to the Gospel and an encouragement to both clergy and laity. He offered his thanksgiving and deep gratitude for the work of the Religious and paid special tribute to older Religious. He also spoke of his encouragement at the new religious communities coming from abroad, especially from Africa and Asia.

Pope Francis, in his recent Apostolic Letter ‘To All Consecrated People’ spoke of the ‘gift which is the presence of our many consecrated men and women.’ and went on to say that the Year for Consecrated Life is not solely for religious, it also includes the laity ‘who share with them the same ideals, spirit and mission.’ As might be expected, he had some specific suggestions for us: ‘...draw close to these men and women, to rejoice with them, to share their difficulties and to assist them, to whatever degree possible, in their ministries and works, for the latter are, in the end, those of the entire Church. Let them know the affection and the warmth which the entire Christian people feel for them.’

...So, there’s a fine idea. How about using 2015 to find out more about the priests and brothers, the nuns and sisters who live near you? Maybe even meet some of them, worship with them and find out more about their lives?