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Assisi, a beautiful town in the Italian province of Umbria, was the birth-place in the twelfth century of two of that country’s greatest saints, Francis and Clare. Francis first, and then Clare, discovered the liberating effect of release from the burden of wealth. For them simplicity, a godly poverty, was the way to blessing. Their...

In the year 1212 Clare, the 18-year-old daughter of a local Count, heard a young preacher called Francis. A few years earlier he had caused a sensation in the centre of the town where they both lived, Assisi in Italy, by stripping himself of his wealthy clothes and declaring that from now on he would...

The Transfiguration From the Vicar Spiritual Disciplines: Rest Reflecting faith – the Pulpit pt. 2 Be still and know… A.S.A.P. Do you need a new painkiller?< What’s your next step? ** Editor:  Canon Paul Hardingham considers a dramatic story from the gospels. The Transfiguration This month we celebrate Jesus’ transfiguration, when Jesus took Peter, John...

Clare (1194 – 1253) was the famous virgin foundress of the Minoresses or Poor Clares.  Born at Assisi of the Offreduccio family, Clare grew up to hear the teaching of St Francis of Assisi, and at 18 she renounced all her possessions and joined him at the Portiuncula, where she became a nun.  Soon Francis...

If you have a strong sense of calling from God, then you will well understand Florence Nightingale. At the age of 16 she felt God was calling her to some great lifework, and so she determined to avoid marriage, and thus be available to obey Him. Florence had been born in Italy in 1820, while...

This month we celebrate Jesus’ transfiguration, when Jesus took Peter, John and James with Him up a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36). Jesus was transfigured alongside Moses and Elijah: ‘As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.’ (29). Jesus’ Transfiguration: Watch! The...

St Radegund (518-87) is a saint for anyone who has suffered domestic abuse. She is also a reminder that domestic abuse can occur in any family, however wealthy, and can span the generations, so that some women go straight from violent father to violent husband. Radegund was born in 518, the daughter of Berthaire, king...

Some people’s lives seem to epitomise the suffering of millions, but also to shine with a Christian response to it.  One such person was Maximilian Kolbe, 1894 – 1941, a Franciscan priest of Poland, and publisher extraordinary. Maximilian was born at Zdunska Wola, near Lodz, where his parents, devout Christians, worked in a cottage weaving...

This month we celebrate Jesus’ transfiguration, when Jesus took Peter, John and James with Him up a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36). Jesus was transfigured alongside Moses and Elijah: ‘As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.’ (29). Jesus’ Transfiguration: Watch! The...

Church of England sets out hopes for Flourishing Schools System Lead bishop for housing backs Prince of Wales homelessness project Church Commissioners and C of E  Pensions Board announce fossil fuel disinvestment  Church Commissioners for England to exclude oil and gas companies< Church of England Pensions Board disinvests from Shell and remaining oil and gas...

All in the month of August 60 years since “I have a Dream” Remembering Ralph Vaughan Williams Big anniversary for the World Council of Churches The wife of William Shakespeare International Bat Night:  26th-27th August Allotments come of age as 2023 marks the 21st year of National Allotments Week ** Editor:  We continue our column that...

It was: 400 years ago, on 6th August 1623 that Anne Hathaway died. She was William Shakespeare’s wife. 125 years ago, on 23rd August 1898 that the British Antarctic Expedition set off from London and became the first to spend winter on the Antarctic mainland and cross the Ross Ice Shelf.  It was the first...