newsletter 18th January 2015

Newsletter 18th January 2015
After the Christmas season, we continue with the Sundays in Ordinary time – today is the Second Sunday of the year. (Last week was the First week in Ordinary time). You will notice that the green vestments have returned for the time being.
Congratulations to the Children who receive the Sacrament of Penance for the first time yesterday and thanks to the parents who helped to organise everything.
Some saints this week – Wednesday is the Feast of St. Agnes and Saturday St. Francis de Sales. I am sure that you will remember to read your Keats on Tuesday evening.
Everything is packed away now – the crib in the garage, the figures in the loft and the costumes for the plan back in the cupboard. I am still looking for some new swords for the soldiers – if you have any ideas please let me know. They have to be strong in order to survive the sword fights.
I am sure that you have your own recipe for scrambled eggs but you might be interested in mine. Heat a thick bottomed frying pan and add a good lump of butter. Whilst this heats, whisk a couple of eggs in a metal bowl until they are creamy and add a pinch of pepper. Pour into the pan as the butter begins to foam and stir all the time with a wooden spoon. Take care that the mixture does not burn and as soon as it is set, turn on to some toast.
Lots of things to note during my travels of late. The Overgound trains at New Cross now have five rather than four coaches. Deliveries of the new buses continue – the latest route seems to be the 137 – but this is operating without a conductor. At least 350 buses seem to have been delivered. A journey recently when the 453 was diverted by way of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. A very tight turn at Cambridge Circus for such a large vehicle, but the new buses have a very good steering lock.
Some advice from Francis de Sales:
Our work is rarely so serious that we cannot now and then stand aside from it and enter the place of divine solitude. When St. Catherine of Siena’s parents deprived her of the time and place for prayer and meditation, Our Lord inspired her to make her soul a shrine to which she could retire with him in spirit in the midst of her exterior occupations.
Now here is some Keats describing the Beadsman:
His prayer, he saith, this patient, holy man:
Then takes his lamp, and riseth from his knees,
And back returneth, meagre, barefoot, wan,
Along the chapel aisle by slow degrees;
The sculptured dead, on each side seem to freeze,
Emprisoned in black, purgatorial rails;
Knights, ladies praying in dumb oratories
He passeth by and his weak spirit fails
To think how they may ache in icy hoods and mails.
And now a prayer:
My Lord, I ask you for myself and those dear to me the grace to fulfil your holy will perfectly and to accept for love of you both the joys and sorrows of life, so that one day we may be united in heaven for eternity. Amen
The first signs of spring are beginning to appear the gardens – with the shoots of the early flowers and the beginnings of the daffodils. I will have to look for some ne herbs soon – last year the parsley and the basil did well – and I was able keep the snails away. Maybe I can try some other things this year.
Just room to mention that the Archbishop of Valladolid, Ricardo Blazquez, is one of the new Cardinals. Prayers and congratulations.
Best wishes to you all
Monsignor Nicholas Rothon