More on the Friars of the Renewal

If you would like to learn a little more about the work of the Friars with the poor and the homeless please follow these links to slide shows on their web site.

If you look carefully in this first slide show you should be able to spot Br Francis who was among the group of Friars who visited us.

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/gallery/Jan_2007.html

This second slide show shows photos of a Way of the Cross led by the Friars in New York.

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/gallery/way_of_the_cross.htm

The final slide show gives a 'snap shot' of the Friars' way of life and the work they do

http://www.franciscanfriars.com/frontpagefriars.htm

There is a lot more information on the web site, http://www.franciscanfriars.com

Mission - Healing

Father Augustine and Brother Barnabas visited Downs Cottage Nursing Home. The Friars were able to visit many of our local Nursing Homes and the sick and housebound in their own homes.

Our final evening mission event on Saturday was on the theme of 'Healing'. Br Barnabas referred to several instances of Jesus' healing ministry as related in St John's Gospel; the healing of the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof by his friends; the healing of Jairus' daughter and the woman who had suffered from hemorrhaging for many years. He continued by saying that this same Jesus we hear about in the gospels is still interested in healing us today.

After a testimony by Br John Bosco about his own personal experiences of healing, members of the congregation were invited to come forward and kneel at the steps to the sanctuary while Fr Raphael prayed over each one individually with the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance.

On Sunday, the final day of our mission, in spite of the rather wet and miserable day, we had a packed church for all the Masses, many parishioners returned for a second Mass in the evening to say goodbye to the Friars.

We look forward to a return visit by some of the brothers in the autumn.

More on the Mission

It's difficult to find all 8 Friars in the same place at the same time but we managed it for this photo call!

It has really been a delight to have the Friars around the past few days. They have managed to achieve a lot in such a short period. They were delighted to visit some of the local Nursing Homes; and the sick and housebound in their own homes. They also found time to visit our parish primary school of St Anne's and our Deanery Secondary School, St Andrew's. All these visits have been well received with everyone very happy to see them.

Last night's Mission event was a great success. Over 200 people were in church to hear Fr Bernard who is a wonderful speaker. He spoke to us about God's mercy and the Sacrament of Reconciliation - all good, solid Catholic teaching. This was complimented by testimonies by some of the other Friars and a very comprehensive Examination of Conscience. All this once again to the accompaniment of beautiful music thanks largely to Br John Bosco and Br Barnabas and Br John Paul.

Throughout the evening many people took the opportunity to go to Confession which is always a great joy. Plus of course the whole evening event took place with the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance on the altar - perfect!

Parish Mission

First there were 3 Friars. Allow me to introduce you to

(from l to r) Br Dominic, Br John Paul and Fr Raphael.

Then 3 became 6 as we welcomed Br John Bosco, Fr Augustine

and Br Barnabas.

... and finally, we were joined by Br Francis (seated left)

and Fr Bernard.

Our Parish Mission got off to a wonderful start with the Holy Hour at St Anne's School on Thursday evening. About 100 parishioners were there to welcome, and be welcomed by, the Friars of the Renewal. It was a wonderful atmosphere with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament followed by inspiring talks, beautiful music and concluding with Benediction. More later on this evening's Holy Hour on the theme of God's Mercy and the Sacrament of Reconciliation; and the following two days events.