Dear Members,
Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle, writes:
The word “service” has appeared a lot recently. Cardinal Nichols and the Pope spoke of service in their Easter messages last weekend – with both men reflecting on the ultimate example of service in the cross and the invitation to lead lives of service inspired by the resurrection. Service is perhaps on people’s minds more this year on account of the pandemic, and the countless acts of service that are helping people through these difficult times – something which many of our churches are helping to organise. The Duke of Edinburgh seemed to embody that sense of service, and his death is a great loss to Her Majesty, the Royal Family, our country, and people around the world. We need role models of service more than ever at a time when success seems to be judged more and more by what people are able to take from life, rather than what they are able to give.
HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Tributes to Prince Philip. Cardinal Vincent Nichols said yesterday: “At this moment of sadness and loss I pray for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip, Her Majesty the Queen’s faithful and loyal husband. I pray for the Queen and all of the Royal Family.” Cardinal Parolin sent a telegram on behalf of Pope Francis recalling Prince Philip's devotion to his marriage and family, and his distinguished record of public service (see here). The Catholic Union is sending a letter to Her Majesty with our condolences and the assurance of our prayers. The Archbishop of Liverpool will be celebrating Mass for the repose of the soul of Prince Philip this afternoon at 4pm (Saturday) with details about live streaming here. Parliament has been recalled for Monday and tributes will be led by the Prime Minister.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
COVID
Congregational singing to return in June. Faiths Minister, Lord Greenhalgh, has said hymn singing by church congregations indoors could be allowed again by late June. He was eager to see the restrictions eased when it was safe to do so and pinpointed June 21 as the earliest possible date for that to happen. Lord Greenhalgh said of the June 21 date: "I'm very hopeful then that we will be able to return to singing. It is of course quite strange to go through a service and not be able to sing. It's an integral part of an act of worship, really." Read the full article here.
More visits to care homes allowed. The next steps in easing lockdown measures will include greater visiting options to people in care homes. From Monday 12 April, two named adults will be able to visit relatives in addition to babies and toddlers. Visitors will need to be tested and will be required to wear PPE. The Government is aiming to make visiting care homes in England “as normal as possible” by the summer. Guidance on the new visiting arrangements can be found here.
Good Friday liturgy shut down by police. Worshippers at a Polish church in Balham were told to leave by police during their Good Friday liturgy. A priest from the church believes that police “grossly exceeded their powers” when they entered Christ the King church and ordered parishioners to go home. The Archbishop of Southwark, John Wilson, visited the church the day after the incident. The Catholic Union understands Archbishop John is continuing to talk to those involved before making a full statement.
EASTER
Easter messages and prayers. Leaders from around the world offered their reflections on Easter. A summary of main commentary from political and religious leaders is below.
The Vatican. The Pope in his Easter Vigil sermon reflected that: “Going to Galilee means going to the peripheries. Galilee was an outpost: the people living in that diverse and disparate region were those farthest from the ritual purity of Jerusalem. Yet that is where Jesus began his mission. There he brought his message to those struggling to live from day to day, proclaiming this message to the excluded, the vulnerable and the poor.” Full text here.
Westminster Cathedral. Cardinal Vincent Nichols in his Easter message said: “In our lives, service is sacrifice in the small print of everyday living. The things we do for each other in service involve a little sacrifice, but it all comes together in the person of Jesus, in the Risen Lord who restores our poise and strengthens our confidence and gives us again a true hope that He is indeed our way, our truth and our life beyond death for eternity.” Full text here.
10 Downing Street. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “This is Christianity’s most important festival… If there is one thing British Christians have shown this year, it’s that Jesus Christ ‘is the way, and the truth, and the life’ not just today but every day. His teachings, and the message of his death and resurrection permeate through every aspect of daily life.” The video message can be found here.
Clarence House. In support for Christians around the world, The Prince of Wales has contributed to this year’s Easter Meditation at Stonyhurst College. His Royal Highness read ‘God’s Grandeur’ by Gerard Manley Hopkins, “And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs — Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.” Full video message can be found here.
“Mean-spirited” Good Friday tweet challenged. Professor Tina Beattie has written an open letter to Professor Alice Roberts – the author and broadcaster – for a tweet on Good Friday, which said “Just a little reminder today. Dead people - don’t come back to life.” Professor Roberts, who is also the President of Humanists UK, defended her comments, saying that no one should be beyond scrutiny and criticism. Professor Beattie’s letter can be found here.
ENTERPRISING CATHOLICS
"Enterprising Catholics" is a new initiative aimed at matching aspiring Catholic entrepreneurs of all ages with mentors. If you might wish to volunteer as a mentor or mentee, please see their website for further details here.
IMMIGRATION
More asylum seekers set to arrive at Napier barracks. A former army barracks in Kent being used to house asylum seekers, is set to house more people “in due course” the Home Office has confirmed. The facility has been widely condemned and there have been calls from action groups, MPs, and the asylum seekers themselves, for the site to close. Local MP and Catholic parliamentarian, Damian Collins, commented: "This is a temporary facility and I would rather see a managed closure of the site now, something that I have made clear both in Parliament and to Home Office ministers."
LIFE
Supreme Court blow for life support case. A pro-life group described the UK Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a mother’s appeal over the removal of life support for her 5-year-old daughter as “a tragedy". The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) said that Paula Parfitt was “a heroic example of a loving mother” after her legal battle on behalf of her daughter, Pippa, ended on 1 April. SPUC said that the family was considering seeking "asylum" in Canada, “where there is a possibility of treatment.” The Catholic Herald has a write up here.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Virtual prayer breakfast with Special Envoy for Religious Freedom. New group, Catholics in the Conservative Party, are hosting a prayer breakfast with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Fiona Bruce MP. The event is largely to support candidates and those involved in elections in May, but the event is open to anyone. It’s taking place on Thursday 15 April from 8-9am. The event is free, but people need to sign up in advance. More information here.
WESTMINSTER
Ayes and Ears: A Survivor’s Guide to Westminster. Conservative MP, Sir David Amess, has recently published a book about his career in Westminster spanning almost 40 years. Sir David says “my Catholic faith has sustained me throughout my period as a Member of Parliament, guiding me in all aspects of my life.” There will be a virtual book launch on Thursday 15 April at 6pm, where Ann Widdecombe and Lord Alton will be interviewing Sir David about the book and my life in politics. The event will be taking place on YouTube and is free to watch. The event can be streamed live here.
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