Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Rogation means an asking of God – for blessing on the seed and land for the year ahead. It is appropriate in any emergency, war, plague, drought or foul weather. The practice began with the Romans, who invoked the help of the gods Terminus and Ambarvalia. In those days a crowd moved in procession around...

Here is a great saint for all teachers, head teachers and principals of educational institutions, and indeed anyone whose vocation is to train and equip others. For Comgall (c 516 – c 601) was founder and first abbot of Bangor, which became the largest monastery in Ireland. And large means LARGE – for including several...

40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. These are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and again to His disciples, following His death and resurrection. (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20.) The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during those 40 days. Jesus was seen...

Have you ever happened to be in the right place at the right time, with certain qualifications, and suddenly realise that God is singling you out for a special task? If so, Matthias is a good patron saint for you! In Acts 1 (15 – 26) the apostles had a task to do: Judas had...

If you’re saying to yourself, ‘Who?’ you’ll be in good company. May 15th is the feast day of St Matthias the Apostle, and in describing him thus we have said just about all there is to know about him. He gets just one mention in the Bible, in the first chapter of Acts, immediately prior...

If you want an example of someone who can show you their faith through their works,  Caroline Chisholm is a saint for you. This doughty little 19th century English woman had such a compassionate heart that she helped tens of thousands of people, from India to Australia. Caroline was born in Northamptonshire in May 1808....

Church of England backs VaccinAid campaign Majority of mourners during pandemic unable to say goodbye properly Leaseholders face crippling bills for problem they did not create – bishops react Bishop of London welcomes plan to make non-fatal strangulation a crime C of E to provide National Professional Qualification for school leadership C of E responds...

Dunstan (909-988 AD) stands out as an example of what just one person can achieve when they follow the call of God on their life. Dunstan was born near Glastonbury, of a noble family with royal connections and church connections; his uncle was Archbishop of Canterbury. But in 935, at the age of 26, he...

Here is a saint for all primary school teachers who have a passion to help children learn to read and write. Alcuin was born near York in about 735. His family were of noble stock, and they sent him to York Cathedral School, which had the best teachers in the land. They soon realised that...

THY KINGDOM COME (13th – 23rd May) Foreigners? Pope’s visit underlined why martyrs still matter Millions join worship online during the pandemic CMS honours its women missionaries who are working for a better world Displaced Christians starving in Tigray, Ethiopia ** THY KINGDOM COME (13th – 23rd May) Editor: If your church is taking part...

Helena should be the patron saint of all mothers who help their sons achieve great things. Helena was born at Drepanum in Bithynia about 250. Although only a stable-maid or innkeeper’s daughter, she caught the eye and affections of a Roman general, Constantius Chlorus, while he was stationed in Asia Minor on a military campaign....

Pentecost From the Vicar We Chose to Go to the Moon Reflected Faith:  Hiding, waiting, hoping – FREE! Being brave? How long, O Lord? Be kind to each other ** Editor: The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham considers how the Holy Spirit can change our lives. Pentecost The celebration of Pentecost this month could be described...