Mary in Monmouth: EPIPHANY AT TEWKESBURY ABBEY-Festival of 1000 Lights!

PODCAST IMMINENT OF THE VISIT OF THE RELICS TO CARDIFF

I took recordings of the various Masses and liturgies in the Church as the relics were being received in Cardiff on Tueday and have only lightly edited them. I was doubly glad so many people, who were not able to get in and hear the service of reception and so forth will have the possibility of listening to the Masses for Priests and Vocations, Evangelisation, and personal sanctity, Angelus, Rosary , Litany and Benediction. It was extremely crowded, but I think it captures all the excitement of that day when thousands descended on Cardiff, clapped the little saint for her Christian witness and brought her candles, red roses and many other flowers, incense and beautiful music at the evening Mass.People streamed in until the Cathedral closed at Midnight, and devotions continued all evening, with people praying for conversion of sinners, confessions, praying for priests and praying that all would accept Jesus as their personal friend and Saviour. A Mediaeval style day none will forget. And Bravo to the superb organist!

DO YOU KNOW WHY BISHOPS WEAR POINTY HATS CALLED MITRES?

Truth about Relics

Relics have often been a stumbling block for people trying to understand the church. It is no different than keeping a special photo, item or clothing etc from a loved one when they have passed on. Kissing a picture or reverencing it, lighting a candle next to it or putting a poppy by it on remembrance day, just brings them alive again to you, shows them honour and respect. In the case of relics, if you can ask a living person to pray for you, then we can ask the souls who have made it to heaven to pray for us too, Having a small item which has actually touched their body or even a part of that body brings them especially close to them. The Holy Spirit has completely infused their body, So you ask this person to add their prayers to yours up above, and sometimes there are miracles as a result, although it is the prayer to Almighty God that works the miracle if there is to be one and it is his Will.

Hello! The first ten pictures

Thursday, January 20, 2011

EPIPHANY AT TEWKESBURY ABBEY-Festival of 1000 Lights!

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, an Epiphany Carol Service (complete with mulled wine and mince pies was held at beautiful Tewkesbury Abbey) This former (now Anglican)Benedictine Abbey has a very close connection with Gwent, as its monks once inhabited Goldcliff Abbey and served it, as the monks of Gloucester were granted St Gwynlliw's (Woolos') monastery in Newport and administered it. This included Marshfield church near Peterstone and various other churches including Bassaleg. The singing of Lullay mine lyking by Holst and many other wonderful carols in the spaces around the abbey church was stunning and a worthy tribute to Carlton Etherington, Choirmaster and Benjamin Nicholas the superb organist. Choirs from all over the Anglican spectrum in the area joined together to promote an audio visual feast. The singing of Bethlehem of Noblest Cities and The First Noel, complete with choir kings and full organ was very inspiring as was the work of hundreds of volunteers, providing all the candle displays and mince pies. It was very happy and ecumenical occasion, as many Catholics attended, complete with Christians of all Protestant denominations! At the end chalk was blessed and each Christian given a piece of chalk to draw over the lintel of their house , proclaiming it to be Christian.A wonderful evening enjoyed by many, and much credit must be given to Rev Paul Williams the vicar and all his team for organising it for the whole community!