About 18 months ago, after leaving the parish of St. Catherine’s, I felt called to go and explore opportunities of volunteering with groups which are responding to the various needs of the communities in Birmingham, England, and in particular in the Saltley, Alum Rock area of East Birmingham. One of the first places I visited was an Anglican Community, of Sisters of St.
September 1, 2018
O my God, I believe in You;
strengthen my faith.
All my hopes are in You;
secure them in Your name.
I love You with my whole heart;
teach me to love You daily more and more.
I am sorry that I have offended You;
increase my sorrow.
August 31, 2018
Church Built for 200 Families Serves 4,500
August 31, 2018
All praise and glory are Yours, almighty Father:
You have given us Your Son Jesus to save us from sin.
We praise You for choosing Mary to be His mother,
for teaching her to believe Your message,
for helping her to accept Your holy will.
August 30, 2018
In my opinion love and kindness are the two words that most clearly express the life of Jesus. The dictionary describes love as, "the emotion that most clearly values a person or a thing," and kindness as, "the attitude that treats others most tenderly and dearly." Love and kindness are the most effective ways by which I can live out my life as a Columban lay missionary.
August 30, 2018
Dear Jesus,
When we received the Sacrament of Baptism
we were given new life in You
and became part of the Christian community.
Thank You that You love us so much.
Thank You for giving the church the sacraments,
those special signs that help us to know
Your love and the love of one another
in so many ways.
August 29, 2018
O God, You raised up St. John the Baptist
to prepare a perfect people for Christ.
Fill Your people with the joy
of possessing His grace,
and direct the minds of all the faithful
in the way of peace and salvation.
August 28, 2018
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.
Amen.
August 27, 2018
All praise and glory are Yours, Lord Jesus:
You have made us Your body, Your Church,
And help us to bear fruit for our heavenly Father.
August 27, 2018
An African saying is my reminder: "If I go alone I go faster. If I go with others I go farther." This year, I hope to go a little farther so here is a reflection on a key moment in the life of Jesus – His call to mission within the Trinity. It is our call to Columban mission too.
Jesus' Baptismal Call to Mission
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.