Archbishop John Wilson statement on Pope Francis

“The death of Pope Francis fills me with great sorrow. This pain and sadness will not only be felt within our Church, it will also resonate deeply around the world, especially in the poorest and most marginalised communities.

“Like the Lord, when the poor cried, Pope Francis heard them. But as the Lord Jesus taught us, it is not enough just to hear these cries, we must commit ourselves to responding to them too. That is exactly what Pope Francis did and it is why he meant so much to so many.

“Pope Francis life is a reminder to us all that as Christ’s disciples, we need to put the marginalised and vulnerable at the centre of the Church’s ministry. His commitment to walk with the poor, to shine a light on their suffering and to offer a way forward is why so many considered him a Pope for the poor.

“Yet, Pope Francis has not just been a Pope for the poor, but also a Pope for peace and mercy. Whenever war tragically broke out across the world, the Holy Father led the call for peace.

“His calls for peace were always filled with a closeness to people suffering violence and despair. His calls for peace were a constant reminder that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. His calls for peace were always a reminder that God wants us to live as brothers and sisters, not enemies.

“I am grateful to God that He sent us such a ferocious advocate for the poor and for peace. I join the millions praying for Pope Francis as he returns to the Father’s House, and I pray that he may rest in eternal glory in the Kingdom of Peace.

I ask Catholics across the Archdiocese of Southwark to pray for Pope Francis and for our priests to offer Mass for the repose of his soul.”

Holy Mass will be offered for Pope Francis on Tuesday morning 29 April at 10am followed by refreshments.

Parishioners

Divine Mercy Sunday 

Sunday 27 April at 3pm

To celebrate Divine Mercy during this Jubilee Year of Hope we have a special Holy Hour of prayer starting at 3pm.

There are many great promises attached to this devotion which has the full approval of the Church.

From St Faustina’s Diary

My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My mercy.

There will be light refreshments after the Holy Hour.

Fr Behr

Fr Behr