We welcome Fr Emilian Kibiriti IC visiting our Parish, who is the Rosminian Provincial of East Africa Province.  Fr Emilian is going to speak about the Rosminian Mission in Africa during this weekend Masses, please be generous to support their work

A Conversation with a Religious (3) How is it like living in a monastery? It is a community life, and we have set daily schedule for prayers, work, rest etc. Our life could be a surprise to some and there will be hardships because it is a very different and constant life routine, but as long as we are on this earth, don't we all have different sufferings too? However, if it really is the Will of God you have this Vocation, and with your love to God, you will persevere and overcome all obstacles. As well as you will find your true happiness and your own meaning of life. Is there anything you would like to tell others who think they may have a Religious Vocation? What I want to say is for all who are discerning, not just women. If you do feel God is calling you to religious life or Priesthood, do not ignore it, do not think too long by yourself. Instead, start praying about this and start talking to a Priest or a Sister in your local Church about it, or if you have an Order or Congregation in mind, get in touch with them. Think of the Apostles, when Jesus suddenly called: "Follow Me", they literally left everything behind and followed Him. At the end of the day, even if you have been granted admittance, it is not like you will become a Sister or a Priest the next day, there will still be a long process of discernment. Do not worry, but pray, pray and pray. Let the Holy Spirit guide you every step of your way. I always remember what St John Paul II said: "Open, open wide the doors to Christ. Be not afraid."

Pope Leo XIV has sent a special message to Catholics and people of goodwill celebrating Day for Life. “In this Jubilee Year focussed on the theological virtue of hope, it is fitting that your theme, ‘Hope does not disappoint – finding meaning in suffering’, seeks to draw people’s attention to how the mystery of suffering, so prevalent in the human condition, can be transformed by grace into an experience of the Lord’s presence, for God is always close to those who are suffering and guides us to appreciate the deeper meaning of life, in love and closeness (cf. Message of His Holiness Pope Francis’ XXXIII World Day of the Sick). His Holiness prays that, through your common witness to the God-given dignity of every person, without exception, and to the tender Christ-like accompaniment of the seriously ill, all in society will be encouraged to defend rather than undermine a civilisation founded on authentic love and genuine compassion. The Holy Father entrusts your efforts to the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and to all supporting this ‘Day for Life’, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of fortitude, joy and peace in the Risen Lord.” There will be a Second Collection THIS weekend for ‘Day for Life’ It provides financial assistance each year to organisations working to support the Church’s mission to protect human life from conception to natural death. These range from educational workshops to advocacy campaigns, practical support services to commissioning research.