A Crazy Idea

I had a crazy idea recently.  Sadly, the Former Maryvale Institute in Birmingham closed a while ago and the buildings (strongly associated with St John Henry Newman) are lying empty.  They include two chapels – one of which is the first  in England to be dedicated to the Sacred Heart.  There is an empty convent building which could accommodate the friars (I am told it is quite modern), conference rooms, a broadcasting studio, a dining room, accommodation, and a car park.  Why don’t the Friars move from Boars Hill to occupy these buildings?  They would be at the heart of a big city, they could be involved in local communities, they would be accessible.  Boars Hill is wonderful to visit but inaccessible by public transport and it has various other disadvantages.  The move would require a financial investment because there are Health and Safety issues with the Birmingham buildings but I imagine that could be overcome.  The Archdiocese is apparently having to fork out large sums just for the security of the premises.  I have mentioned this idea to the Friars and given it up to the Lord.  It is all His work.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, Theresa K

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.