Dear Friends,
Please find the introduction to this week’s Newsletter from Mary Greaves
I had a conversation with a friend this week and I’d like to share some of it with you. In the discussion we talked about how, given the constant stream of suffering portrayed in the media, we can become somewhat desensitised to the stories of tragedy, violence and hardship. It’s almost as if our minds build up a protective barrier to shield us from the emotional merry-go-round of the daily news.
The danger here lies in the risk of becoming numb to the human experience behind those stories. When we become anaesthetised to suffering, we risk losing our empathy and compassion. We need to remind ourselves that each story is a chapter in someone’s life, a person experiencing real pain. When we care it connects us to our shared humanity, binds us together as a society, allowing us to understand and support one another in times of need. We can become advocates for change, pushing for solutions to alleviate the suffering we witness.
Moreover, caring prevents the normalisation of injustice. When we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, we inadvertently contribute to a culture that accepts cruelty and neglect. By caring, we can become catalyst for change, inspiring others to fight against injustice.
In today’s world fraught with conflicts and wars, while practical constraints may prevent us from physically going to the aid of those affected, compassion, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, can transcend geographical boundaries and I believe it can be a way for us to bridge the gap. In a world that is divided, compassion has the potential to unite us in our shared humanity and inspire a collective effort to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire of conflict.
Maybe this week when we celebrate Remembrance Sunday take some quiet time to remember and perhaps say a little prayer for all those who have died, and all who suffer because of discord and wars; both past and present.
Mary Greaves
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Next weekend we have a wedding on Sunday lunchtime so we will not have any Children’s Liturgy of Tea and Coffee after Mass. There will be no Adoration in the Shrine at 12.00 noon on Sunday. The following week will be the Christmas Fayre so again There will be no Adoration in the Shrine at 12.00 noon on Sunday. Thanks to all those who prepared Shoeboxes for Children’s presents for Christmas. You can still bring boxes next Sunday.
Some of you may have heard that while visiting the Lake District
Brian Maher was knocked down by a car which careered off the road and ended up in a shop window. He is recovering in Hospital. We keep him and Marie in our prayers.
God Bless
Fr Reginald and Fr Bryan