By Fr. Michael Morgan P.E.
The celebrated novel “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens begins “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going the other way”. How apt these words are as they capture the emotions and decisions taken by Government and ecclesiastical authorities to try to cope and deal with the ever spreading globally of the Coronavirus.
During the worst years of bombing and suffering of Britain in World War Two, Prime Minister Churchill declared: “Never let a good crisis go to waste”. So, let you and me as we take proper care of our health and life, not be overcome by fear, but use this time of challenge to our lifestyles to bring in positive changes to our personal, family and community living.
For example, improve the quality of prayer in our personal and family lives. Be creative with spontaneous prayer, for example, at mealtimes, or even pray a decade or more of the Rosary. Instead of eating out, have a go as a family in preparing and cooking a family meal together. Instead of spending hours in T.V or I.T surfing choose a good book to read. And don’t forget your neighbours, especially the elderly. I was deeply touched to find a hand-written note on my door at home last Thursday from my neighbour, very much younger than me, offering to help me with shopping, etc. Yes, what golden opportunities are open to all of us in this most critical of times.
Here in Holy Family Parish I convened last week a small group of Parish leaders to look at the best ways that all parishioners can be supported spiritually and materially. I have called them our “War Cabinet”! We’ve decided to leave the Church open every day at specific times for private prayer, even though no public Masses etc. are now permitted. The Bishops have dispensed all Catholics from the obligation of Sunday Mass during the Pandemic. Also, I’m not abandoning you; rather I am continuing to celebrate Mass every day in Holy Family Church for God’s blessings on us at this critical time. I do so when the Church is locked. Furthermore, I am making times available in the Presbytery for anyone wishing the Sacrament of Penance, or to speak of personal or family need. I have arranged with Father Nicholas Pearce to remain in this Parish until he returns. I shall happily visit any sick or home shut-ins upon request. So while feeling deprived in some ways, you and I are going to ride out this trying time with deep trust in the loving prayer and care of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Our Parish “War Cabinet” is committed to our weekly meeting; so do feel free to pass on any comments, suggestions, etc.to the Parish Office by email or through the letterbox at the Presbytery front door.
St. John Henry Newman, recently canonised by Pope Francis has given us this Prayer: “Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on. The night is dark and I am far from Home; Lead thou me on.”
Face this week with confidence in the words of the Psalmist: “Keep me Safe, O Lord, You are my Hope.” Amen!