Celebrations at Boars Hill

I spent much of the weekend at Boars Hill Carmelite Friary outside Oxford.  On Saturday we had a meeting of Secular Group leaders in the Central Region – Northampton, four Oxford communities, and Romsey.  The meeting was summoned by Armelle, the Region’s Representative to the National Council – her story is the first one in the ‘Stories’ section of this website.  On Sunday morning there was a big outdoor mass to celebrate the recent ordination in Nigeria of two of the Friars.  The sun shone warmly and they had erected a large gazebo on the lawn at the back of the buildings to accommodate us.  Music was provided by a spectacular African choir.  The mass was followed by a buffet lunch.  A memorable and truly delightful occasion.   Many of us remember when the numbers of friars at Boars Hill fell drastically and it is heartening to see a strong contingent residing there.       

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,

Kevin (heart attack), Theresa K

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, 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.