8th November

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In our Mass as Jesus speaks to his disciples, we hear the words, “Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you, look not upon our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will.”

If only the people of the world would listen to his voice and not harden their hearts as the people at Massah in the desert! These words reflect the sadness of war, the loss of life and the trauma brought about by conflict.

Today we honour those who would have preferred peace to war but nonetheless gave their lives for the sake of freedom and democracy. I give thanks that I have lived in a time of peace and feel a tear of sadness whenever I study the history of the great wars. “Lest we forget” are words that need to be said and acted upon time and time again. The world in which we live can always learn from history and that history must reveal the truth and not be covered up by propaganda and deceit.

We honour and give thanks for all who gave their lives in service of our nation. May the whole country take time to ensure they are remembered and given the due honour that is theirs.

Please note this coming Tuesday there is a Mass for the deceased clergy of this Deanery, and it will be held at Holy Trinity Church 12 noon. This month of November is the time to pay special attention to those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Please bring the names of those you wish remembered at November Masses to the prayer box and where possible have a Mass said for them at some time. Envelopes are provided at the back of church for the lists and Masses.

Please note that there will not be a school Mass on Thursday as the Priests of the Deanery are attending safe-guarding training for the whole of the day.

Let us all continue our prayers for the faithful departed this month of November!

God bless and stay safe!

Father Anton s.c.j.