The inner cell

“Build a cell inside your mind, from which you can never flee", advised St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380 – feast day today).  I guess spiritually-minded persons are obliged to create this inner cell as a defence against an indifferent and sometimes hostile environment.  I certainly resorted to it myself from a young age.  On the other hand we must not make it a retreat from the wounds and the suffering of those around us.  A cocoon that insulates us against the pains of our fellows lets us enjoy our armchairs but not does not encourage us to love.  The spirit of Carmel is a spirit that calls us to combine a deep interior prayer life and an involvement in works of charity.    

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

Kevin (heart attack)

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.