Welcome

Dear Friends,
I hope you managed to watch some of the funeral last week of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – if not you can watch it here. It was a solemn affair, very simple, like that of any Catholic Requiem Mass, yet poignant and was attended by many thousands of people, gathered together in St. Peter’s Square. The misty weather and low clouds swirling around the dome added to the atmosphere, but through it all shone the light of Christ’s death and resurrection. It was touching to see in attendance the Emeritus Pope’s household who looked after him, Archbishop Gänswein and the four women members of the Memores Domini. Cardinal Nichols was there and many others from across the world. The Holy Father preached but was not well enough to be the chief celebrant – let us keep him in our prayers. You can read his homily below. One of our seminarians Ryan Hawkes was present at the Mass and offers a few reflections of his own. You can also read below the homily I preached at the Mass and Prayer Vigil and as a book recommendation, you could try Peter Seewald’s biography. In other matters, Peace Sunday is this Sunday and next week we begin the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. And don’t miss this Thursday the Laudato Si Group’s Zoom meeting. Happy New Year – let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew us with His gifts.