A Message from Bishop Mark Dear Parishioners, we have all been deeply moved by the scenes of refugees, from Syria, Iraq and North Africa, fleeing their war-torn countries and trying to make their way into Europe. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has encouraged Catholic communities and parishes to be generous in receiving these refugees. Thankfully, the Prime Minister has now indicated that the UK will receive 20,000 more refugees over these next years. The Bishops conference will be coordinating efforts with the Government on behalf of the Catholic community. At present we have been asked to identify in each diocese a point of local contact, who will also assist in liaising with local government agencies. I have asked Mary Conway, our Diocesan Justice and Peace Coordinator, to be this local point of contact for our diocese. She will be working with me and our diocesan officers to see what assistance we can give in diocesan terms. It would be good, too, if parishes and any private individuals could let Mary Conway know of any local help that is available, her email is Mary.Conway@prcdtr.org.uk. Let us keep all those seeking a safe home for their families very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you for your cooperation and your generosity. Yours devotedly + Rt Rev Mark O’,Toole Issue 218 October 2015 ` Cornwall District Society of St Vincent de Paul lunch Page 6 Tony Warran - 50 Years a Catenian Page 8 Refugee Crisis

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The AoS Catholic seafarers’, charity is encouraging its supporters and well- wishers to make an in-memory donation so that its ministry supporting seafarers continues in the years ahead. Every November, AoS celebrates a special Mass for supporters who left legacy gifts in their Wills and for everyone for whom they received in- memory donations. Alastair Emblem, AoS Legacy and In Memory Officer says: “,AoS invites anyone to make an in- memory donation, regardless of whether they are a previous supporter. If you give AoS the name of your relative or friend who has died (either recently or in the past), they will be included in prayers at Mass during the week. They will also be included in the special annual Mass of Remembrance next November.”, Fr Chris Thomas, General Secretary of the Bishops’, Conference of England and Wales, was one of the co-celebrants of last year’,s Mass, he said: “,When a loved one dies, it can be comforting to celebrate their life by helping others in their memory. AoS carries out a wonderful ministry of spiritual, pastoral and practical help to seafarers from all over the world. So making an in-memory gift to them, or leaving a legacy in someone’,s memory, is a wonderful way of keeping alive the values of departed loved ones.”, Alastair adds: “,You can also set up a tribute fund for others to contribute to, in memory of your loved ones, and include memories and pictures of them on a special website, free of charge.”, Leaving a legacy to AoS in memory of a loved one is a very special way of ensuring their values live on. Details can be found on the AoS Legacy Page at www.bit.ly/aoslegacy. AoS has produced a poignant video which shows why leaving a legacy helps ensure its ministry supporting seafarers can continue in the years ahead. The film can be viewed by going to the AoS on Film Page: www.bit.ly/aosfilm or a free DVD can be sent by post. Sympathy cards are available to buy on its Online Shop www.bit.ly/AoSshop. For further details contact Alastair Emblem Mail: Legacy and In Memory Officer, AoS, 39 Eccleston Square London SW1V 1BX Tel: 0207 901 1931. Please remember in your prayers the AoS Chaplains in our Diocese and those to whom they minister: John Pinhay (Falmouth and Fowey), Ann Donnelly (Plymouth and Teignmouth) and Rev Roger Stone (Weymouth and Portland). Editor: In September and October AoS will hold several Masses to celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Star of the Sea and to pray for seafarers. In our Diocese Bishop Mark will celebrate the Stella Maris Mass on Thursday 8th October, 5pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth. All are welcome. 2 - Catholic South West September 2015 ‘,Catholic South West’, is the monthly newspaper which serves the communications needs of the clergy, organisations and people of the Diocese of Plymouth. EDITORIAL Editor: Felicity Stead 07906 234 210 01803 326929 felicitystead@btinternet.com Your letters, articles and photos are most welcome. Ideally please send by email, otherwise by CD or paper copies to the editor, c/o The Presbytery, Priory Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 4NY ADVERTISING Sales Manager: Ray Lambert rayl@cathcom.org PUBLISHER &, DISTRIBUTOR Published by: CathCom Limited, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, CB9 7BN Tel. 020 7112 6710 Website: www.cathcom.org REGIONAL MANAGEMENT Deanery Contacts Cornwall Deanery Rev Adrian Dyer, 01209 213698 adrian153@Live.com Dorset Deanery Bridport: Pat McEvoy, 01308 424358 pat.mcevoy@bluebottle.com Poole: Brian Condon, 01202 687392 brian.condon@uwclub.net Weymouth: Esmé,e Nicholls 01305 834098 Exeter Deanery Exeter: Frances Canning, 01392 209542 francesandedward@blueyonder.co.uk Plymouth Deanery Monica Evans, 01752 663388 monrobin@Hotmail.co.uk Torbay Deanery Richard Stead, 07952 670292 rfv.stead@btinternet.com Editorial Panel Canon Michael Lock (Chairman), Rev Tony Irwin, Susanne Kowal, Sue Walsh, Adrian Wardle COPY DEADLINE: First day of the month Please note that opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Publishers, Editor, The Diocese of Plymouth or the Roman Catholic Church. www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk Diocesan News Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) Prayer of the Month O Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared by Him who calmed the sea. As we set forth upon the oceans of the world, show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are lost. Pray that we will never fail on life’,s journey, that in heart and mind, word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say “,Who is this that even the wind and sea obey him?”, Pictured below is Hamani Fodi, 74, who three years ago had to compromise. Having spent his life working hard to feed his family and rightly proud of his achievements a devastating drought brought his small, remote village in Niger to the brink of starvation. He was forced to ask for food and, thanks to the Catholic community in England and Wales, CAFOD’,s local partners were able to support Hamani, his family and their neighbours. But, as Michael Mondengele, CAFOD’,s head of region says: “,taking a handout is a very difficult thing. I have seen myself how, despite being hungry, people in a remote village will not want to rely on a food donation.”, Now CAFOD is aiming for a more permanent solution. In Doutchi, a small community in south-west Niger, our Hands On project, which will benefit from this year’,s Fast Day donations, will help people to discover new farming skills. The plan is to ensure that the community will learn how to care for chickens that will provide families with eggs, goats to supply milk and training to learn how to anticipate and prepare for extreme weather. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you. If you’,re not already a CAFOD supporter and would like to be involved please contact Simon Giarchi, CAFOD Diocesan Manager Tel: 01364 645440 email: plymouth@cafod@cafod.org.uk website: www.cafodplymouth.org.uk Devastating Drought

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September 2015 Catholic South West - 3 Diocesan News DVDs of Plymouth Diocesan Pilgrimages to Lourdes email: johnlindencawsey@gmail.com postal: Rose Cottage, 34 Overgang,Brixham, TQ5 8AP 2014 Pilgrimage (85 minutes) £,6 (including postage) 2015 Pilgrimage The Candlelight Procession (23 minutes) The Bernadette Story, The Cathedral in the Trees, St Joseph`s Chapelle (23 minutes) Mass at the Grotto (the Birmingham Group), the river Gave (2011 floods), the Underground Basilica, group photos - Plymouth pilgrims and Middlesbrough Coach trip to the Pyrenees - including St Savin church and history £,5 for each DVD (including postage) Catholic Women’,s League (CWL) Celebrating the Feast Day of St Margaret Clitherow Each year the Devon Branch of the CWL celebrates the feast day of their patron Saint St Margaret Clitherow on 30th August. This year the feast fell on the Sunday of the August Bank holiday weekend, but in spite of all the other calls on their time, over 40 members some with spouses and other family members, together with guest clergy joined the celebrations which took place at Buckfast Abbey in the afternoon. Members gathered for coffee in the Violet Evelyn Hall and were then treated to an inspiring talk by Julia Beacroft, a local catechist and author, on how she has been moved to write a book “,Sanctifying the Spirit “, which deals with how everyday situations can be used to deepen our spirituality and so enhance our relationship with God. Julia hopes to publish her book in the New Year and more details about publication can be obtained from Adrian Wardle (ref. STS) Cathedral House Plymouth Cathedral 45 Cecil Street Plymouth PL1 5HW. We then joined members of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham for Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel. We were made very welcome, with two CWL members taking part in the Offertory Procession. The liturgy brought back memories of our youth as the Mass was sung in Latin using the plainchant of our childhood. The Gospel of the day dealt with one of Jesus’, encounters with the Pharisees, the one when they complained that Jesus’, disciples had not washed and were therefore defiled. The sermon preached by Fr Ian Hellyer emphasised the importance of inner cleanliness and sanctity which echoed the theme of Julia’,s talk. After Mass we returned to the Violet Evelyn Hall for a traditional cream tea and more happy conversation and encounters including two members who met for the first since being at teacher training college fifty years before! St Margaret Clitherow, who was a very sociable hostess, would have approved of our celebrations. Frances Canning CWL Branch Liaison Officer Fr Denis died on the 7th July in the last stage of Parkinsons at the age of 85. For nearly sixty years Fr Denis served the Church as a parish priest, most of it in the Diocese of Plymouth. He was 5 times elected Vicar Provincial for England of the Augustinian Recollects. Of all his priestly jobs the one he loved most was working in a parish. He practiced his priesthood as parish priest and confessor and minister of the sacraments all his life with great compassion, kindness and understanding. Fr Denis loved people, he liked nothing better than to stand chatting with people, anyone. He listened to people’,s stories, their life or their problems no matter how difficult. He was always interested and his face was a mirror of people’,s joy or suffering it was as if he could read your soul. He made time for people and whatever he was doing he would stop and make you feel you were the most important person in his life. His prayer life was intense and every Mass he said is as if it were the first. He faithfully said his prayers in community with his brothers and never missed one day or even one prayer unless through serious illness. He loved to sing Salve Regina every Saturday at morning office. His greatest joy was sacred music and the Sunday hymns were selected and sung with great care and beauty. In 2009 he was informed that he was suffering from Parkinsonism but it would progress so slowly that it might never affect him. After his retirement as parish priest of Honiton he suffered his first ‘,Parkinson’,s Freeze’, and that severely restricted his movement. His ailments became such that he was moved into Honiton Hospital on 16th March this year. On the 5th June he was moved to ‘,The Old Rectory’, in Exeter where he was visited by the newly elected Provincial, later on the 24th June he was moved to Nazareth House in Plymouth, run by the Sisters of Nazareth. He was cared for there with great compassion and comfort. He was anointed on the morning of 6th July and died early in the morning the next day. On Monday 13th, Bishop Christopher led the reception of the remains into the church of the Holy Family, Honiton, in the evening. The service was beautiful and packed. On the next day Fr John Docherty OAR led the funeral Mass with 22 concelebrating priests. The church was overflowing and many of his family come over from Ireland for the occasion. His coffin was then taken to Ivybridge where Fr Sean Flannery OAR performed the burial ceremony and he was buried in the Recollect plot. One week later Fr Gerald Wilson OAR said a memorial mass in Ireland at Mount Argus church, Dublin. About 150 of his family and old friends attended. There were about 15 ‘,Old Boys’, former students to the priest hood at St Rita’,s Seminary who loved him when he was their prefect in the 60’,s. He is deeply missed by his community and his many friends and parishioners. May he rest in peace. Fr Gerald Wilson OAR St Rita’,s Honiton Fr Denis Caddle OAR 1930 –, 2015

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4 - Catholic South West September 2015 We stock a large selection of religious books, Christian resources, Cards, Jewellery, CDs and DVDs. We also sell Religious Items including gifts for Baptisms, First Holy Communions and Weddings. The Monastic Produce Shop has now joined our premises on a permanent basis. The Monastic Shop sells goods from Abbeys and Monasteries from Europe and beyond. It is an ideal place to buy unusual gifts and items whilst supporting small Monastic Communities. Please call in and visit us opposite the Abbey. Car Parking and entry to The Abbey is free. Alternatively telephone us on 01364 645506, email us on bookshop@buckfast.org.uk, monprod@buckfast.org.uk or visit our website on www.buckfast.org.uk Buckfast Abbey Bookshop Diocesan News Every Easter HCPT organises a Pilgrimage Holiday to Lourdes for Children with a wide variety of special needs. The children, from all parts of the UK and many other countries, are supported by voluntary carers and helpers during what is possibly the largest Pilgrimage of its kind to visit Lourdes. Each year a different Region or Country host the major ceremonies during the week including the Marian Torchlight Procession and the Trust Mass. HCPT Westcountry Region has been chosen to host the 2017 Easter Pilgrimage when they hope that Bishop Mark will join them to celebrate Mass. Christopher Woodman, Chairman of HCPT Westcountry Region, said: “,preparations have already begun and one of our first tasks is to bring together a group of young musicians and singers to support the liturgies that enrich the pilgrimage and, importantly, to serve as additional helpers supporting the five HCPT Groups of our Region. One young helper said of their week with Group 706 that Lourdes was a life changing experience in so many ways and that they can’,t wait for the next time. If you would like to be part of the Lourdes experience at Easter 2017 please contact me via westcountry@hcpt.org.uk or group706@hcpt.org.uk Pilgrimage to Lourdes To advertise in the next issue of Catholic South West please contact Ray at CathCom on 01440 730399 Book Review THE SYON BREVIARY Daily Office of Our Lady REJOICE WITH MARY! Rare medieval prayer book now in English For 600 years, the rare and unique daily prayers of the English community of the Bridgettine Sisters of Syon were heard only in the church or chapel of Syon Abbey. Their ‘,Daily Office of Our Lady’, has been translated from Latin and is now published for the first time in English. This Office –, which is known as The Syon Breviary –, is taken from the original ‘,Breviarium Sacrarum Virginum’, of the Order of the Most Holy Saviour, the Bridgettines, named after their founder Saint Bridget. Individuals will now be able to use the ‘,Daily Office of Our Lady’, for their own private prayers. They will be reciting in English a form of Divine Office instituted by Saint Bridget herself in the mid-1300s. To celebrate the community’,s 600th anniversary this year, the beautiful hardback edition of The Syon Breviary –, with illustrations and 100 pages of plainchant music –, was be released around the time of Saint Bridget’,s feast day, 23rd July. The English community of Bridgettines was founded in 1415 by King Henry V in the same year as the Battle of Agincourt. It is the only English religious community to have survived the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries. The Sisters never surrendered their abbey to the Crown although they spent many years in exile on the continent before returning to a new Syon Abbey in Devon in the Diocese of Plymouth. The site of their pre- Reformation abbey, on the banks of the Thames at Isleworth, is occupied by Syon House which is now the London home of the Duke of Northumberland. For more information contact Sister Anne Smyth, OSsS email: bridgettines@hotmail.co.uk. For all media enquiries contact Adrian Wardle Tel: 01364 73913 email: arwardle@catholicsw.fsnet.co.uk.

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September 2015 Catholic South West - 5 FUNERAL SERVICES COTTON &, SON (Jane Cotton) Independent Funeral Directors since 1912 Tel: 01305 767676 The NCSC published its annual report on 30th July. Highlights of the report include: 1. The working party on pastoral support for survivors is proposing a model of support for victims and survivors, based on the Hallam Project which could be implemented gradually across all Dioceses and Religious Communities. 2. The Commission has approved the setting up of a Survivors Advisory Panel which will help inform the work of the NCSC and the safeguarding policies and practices within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. 3. Over 95% of Catholic parishes in England and Wales have at least one safeguarding representative. 4. This is the 11th year we have collected and published safeguarding data. The NCSC is overseeing the introduction of a national electronic recording system of data. Acting Chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission, Chris Pearson said: “,This report highlights in full the work of the Commission and this announcement is just a snapshot of some of that work and findings over the last year. We are moving towards a much more consistent and sensitive approach in response to the victims and survivors of abuse.”, A copy of the annual report can be downloaded from: www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk. 5. The Commission has also launched its E-learning programme. The NCSC has worked with EduCare to develop a bespoke e-learning package available to all members of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. The launch of the E-learning programme is part of the Church’,s ongoing commitment to safeguarding. The NCSC wants every member of the Catholic Community in England and Wales to have the opportunity to access safeguarding learning with a view to raising awareness, increasing understanding and promoting best practice. The Catholic Church in England and Wales is possibly the first Church in the UK, to offer safeguarding e-learning to every parishioner free of charge. National Catholic Safeguarding Commission (NCSC) Diocesan News The CTS launched its Prison Appeal 2015 at Easter this year with an Appeal to Members and Supporters of CTS. So far we have raised just over £,12,000 of our target of £,30,000 by Christmas 2015. There is some way to go! We wish to widen the Prison Appeal to all the dioceses and parishes in the country and need your help to do this. Offering Hope to People in Prison Many prisoners (as many as one in four) in a Youth Offenders Institution are held in conditions bordering on solitary confinement spending 23 hours out of 24 confined to their cells according to the Howard League for Prison Reform . HM Inspector of Prisons reports that: “,One in four boys in Feltham Prison is spending 23 hours a day locked up in his cell in conditions which amount to solitary confinement”,. This is also reported as taking place in Rochester Young Offender’,s Institution and, in the Prison Reform Trust Report ‘,Strangeways 25 years on which states: “,A prisoner who is unemployed because there is no activity available for him might spend 22 hours a day, and eat all his meals, with another prisoner in a small cell designed for one, perhaps eight foot by six foot, with an unscreened toilet.”, Against this background, prayer groups become very difficult to organise, and prisoners struggle on their own. Roman Catholic Prison Chaplains are begging for Catholic Bibles and other catechetical resources to support the prisoners in their care in their journey of faith, a faith re awakened by their time inside and away from home. Mark HMP Isle of Wight “,Thank you for the Catholic Bible. It is beautiful and has helped me with my faith. It has been a long journey and it has put me on the track to rightness, faith, hope and goodness”, HOW YOU CAN HELP Please publicise this Appeal in all your parishes including the following links in all communications. http://www.ctsbooks.org/filedepository/appeals/prison%20appeal%20(interactive).p df for donations to the CTS Prison Appeal 2015 via the CTS website http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/catholictruthsociety/prisonappeal for the leaflet which tells you more about the appeal and other ways of donating to the CTS Prison Appeal 2015 Catholic Truth Society (CTS) Prison Appeal 2015 A Call to Action (ACTA) - The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World As part of ACTA’,s consideration of issues and prayerfulness prior to the October Synod in Rome, Dr Jacqui Stewart, Hon. Research Fellow in the Dept of Theology and Religions at Exeter University recently gave us a lucid and informative short presentation on the Catholic Church’,s standpoint regarding marriage over the centuries, how it has evolved, the factors influencing it, and the nuances which all combine currently to influence the diverse and heartfelt views which have been expressed prior to the upcoming Synod. Over tea and biscuits we then enthusiastically continued the discussion in small groups. Many thanks to Jacqui, and to the Friends Meeting House which kindly provided a central location in Exeter for us. If you would like to learn more about our group, its commitment to promoting open and respectful dialogue within the church , and hear about future meetings and events, please contact Peter Farrell Tel: 01626 369478 email: petane@o2.co.uk. World Youth Day Krakow The Dioceses of Plymouth and Clifton are hoping to work together to organise a two-week pilgrimage to Krakow in July 2016. To register your interest visit: http://wyd2016.plymouth- diocese.org.uk/ Parish communities across the dioceses have been asked to consider assisting two young people (aged 16 by July ‘,16) from their parish to meet the cost, which will be in the region of £,1,000. If you can help sponsor a young person please contact either the Editor email: felicitystead@btinternet.com Mob: 07906 234 210 or your own Parish Treasurer.

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6 - Catholic South West September 2015 Cornwall Deanery On Saturday 4th July 2015, members of the Cornwall District SVP met at the Princess Pavilion Falmouth for their annual lunch. Organised by the hosting Falmouth Conference under Matt Higham, the guest speaker was a PCSO who talked on modern day slavery. Guest priests were Fr Kieron of Bodmin, and Fr John of Falmouth. Traditionally, the framework of Catholicism has been devoted to the needy, (salvation by faith and works of mercy). This fits comfortably within the ethos of the St Vincent de Paul Society which ensures a safe and organised method of delivering help to those in need. Furthermore, the society exists in many countries, and conferences here support overseas conferences in poor regions. If your parish does not have an SVP conference, then why not speak to your priest with a view to starting one. Much help is available from the society who will in effect set up the conference for you. Geoff Provis Cornwall District Cornwall District Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Annual Lunch St Mary’,s, Falmouth - International Party in Falmouth Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together Justice &, Peace group, organised an International Day to celebrate the cultural diversity of Falmouth and the surrounding area. The gathering took place in St Mary’,s Church Hall on a sunny Saturday. Thirteen countries were represented, Honduras, France, Poland, Bahamas, Philippines, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Italy, Lithuania, Spain, Ukraine, Romania, and Ireland. The gathering included a broad mix of ages from babies to seniors. Beautiful International cuisine and music from around the world was enjoyed by all. Balloons, international flags, multi-lingual board and word games, soft ball tennis, colouring books, bubbles, and football (for adults and children) added to the party atmosphere. A self-led quiz was also on offer based on the test foreign nationals have to undergo when applying for citizenship of the United Kingdom. Everyone was invited to put their name and their country on a leaf which was added to a barren tree. By the end of the afternoon the tree was covered in leaves and was transformed into a tree of life –, a very symbolic representation of our time together. We had a fun-filled and very happy day. Special thanks go to Sarah for her expertise in making it so successful. Patricia Fitzpatrick Falmouth A Mission with a Difference - “,Why were the Jesuits here?”, The team of 5 Jesuits visiting Falmouth came from a meeting of 100 Jesuits from the British, Dutch, Flemish and Irish Provinces having dispersed to ‘,go out’, working together, on mission. Called by the Lord in a new way –, in a variety of settings, from capital cities of the provinces, to the far end of countries, as far south as Falmouth and as far north as South Uist in the Hebrides, sharing their faith in local parishes. The team called to minister in Falmouth comprised Fr Peter Randall, from Preston, Fr Johanne Verschueren, Provincial of the Flanders province, Fr James Conway from Guyana and on home leave, Fr Chris Pedley, Jesuit Centre, Mount Street, London and Fr Paul Fletcher, Superior of the Jesuit community in Wimbledon. The theme of our mission was “,Finding God in everything and being found by God in everything”, - the basic premise of Jesuit spirituality. The programme for the week consisted of morning Mass followed by 2 sessions ending at mid-day, afternoons were free and we gathered again at 7pm for Mass followed by another session. About 45 people came to the morning sessions and 30 to the evening session, as the week progressed the word spread and new faces appeared each day –, travelling from St Austell, Penzance and Truro. It was a wonderful week and it’,s impossible to relate all of our experiences in this article but the highlights were: Journey in Prayer, Discernment, Lectio Divina, Personal Vocation, Looking Back, Looking Forward, Service of Reconciliation and Spiritual Direction. During the sessions, it was not just ‘,talk and chalk’, but much dialogue, interaction, and sharing in small groups based on Ignatian spirituality. The final session was led by Fr Paul, who helped us to reflect on and evaluate our experience of the whole week. We considered: Where the Lord was present for us in these days? What difference might this week make for us as a faith community? and Where do we go from here? In conclusion Fr Peter told us how the Jesuit team had been evangelised by us. He said “,the spirit was here and the Gospel alive and well”,. The Parish Mission at Falmouth was a new venture for them and they had learned much from our feedback. They thanked us for our welcome and hospitality and Fr Jon’,s enthusiasm. A joyful party celebrating the feast of St Ignatius followed. And then it was time to bid farewell to the mission team who were off at 8 am the next morning to Dublin! Mary Bradley Falmouth

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September 2015 Catholic South West - 7 Dorset Deanery Fr John Rice After Mass on Sunday 16th August the Dorchester Section of the CWL presented Fr John with a Spiritual Bouquet. Fr John is moving to the parish of Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran, Truro in September. Anita Finnigan Dorchester Holy Trinity, Dorchester Stories to reflect on to help you prepare for Proclaim ’,15, Eric’,s story…,…,. For years I’,d walked past Our Lady’,s Church on the way to work. I wasn’,t a church-goer and neither were my family, so what did it mean to me? Until one day I was walking past and I saw a sign next to the door. I wasn’,t in a good place that day. I’,d got involved with some people and situations that I wasn’,t very proud of. I felt really low and I didn’,t think anyone could help. As I walked past the church that day the new sign struck me –, it just said: “,For sinners only”,. I felt as though someone had put it out there for me. I didn’,t do anything that day, I just carried on to work as usual, but something had changed in me. The next day the sign was still there so I tried the door and it was open. I went in. There was no one else in the church so I just sat down in the quiet –, a few candles were flickering and I kept looking at them. After a while I left. The next day, and the day after, I did the same. On the fourth day, after I had sat for a while, the priest came over and said: “,I’,ve noticed you popping in –, can I help?”, I told him my story and felt a bit better, but that was it. I didn’,t go back and in fact my life got worse until one morning I decided not to get up. As I lay in bed I found myself saying to God: “,I need to sort my life out.”, Within minutes the postman came and put a letter through the letter box. I wondered what it could be –, so I got out of bed and found it was an invitation from the church to come along and learn what it meant to be Catholic. I felt my prayer had been answered. The next Easter I was baptised, confirmed and made my Holy Communion. Life hasn’,t always been easy since, but I know there is a place for me in the heart of God –, and it was all started with a banner outside a building I had walked past for years! (The story related is true, however, some details have been changed to protect privacy) Jesus is alive –, go and tell my brothers Diocesan News The Holy Spirit &, St Edward, Swanage What a gift! The parish of The Holy Spirit and St Edward, in the seaside town of Swanage, said goodbye, at a sumptuous tea with a presentation and entertainment, in August, to Fr Tony Delsink who has been their parish priest for 7 good years. In his time with us, Fr Tony had seen the parish finances increase, as well as church attendance and welcoming of the Catholic youth, children and babies. He was also instrumental behind the scenes encouraging the secondary school provision in the area and has been a general community agent in Swanage. Fr Tony will be sorely missed and the parish wishes him good luck in his retirement to New Zealand. The parish also welcomes with joy, Fr. Ralph Candy, (or Ray, when you get to know him), who is being promoted from Assistant Priest at St Josephs, Poole, to join the parish in September and has already shown himself to be an amenable character and well named as a very ",sweet", man! Alexandra Lejeune Swanage St Catherine’,s, Wimborne On the Feast of the Assumption, St Catherine`s, Wimborne welcomed Fr Colin Groombridge to say Mass. During his time as a seminarian and after he was ordained Deacon Fr Colin spent some time in our parish. He is pictured with Canon Kenneth Noakes and Deacon Michael Allen. Fr Ralph (L) and Fr Tony (R) Fr Colin (L), Canon Kenneth (C) and Deacon Michael (R)

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8 - Catholic South West September 2015 In our refurbished restaurant, with its covered outdoor terrace, you can enjoy tea and homemade cakes or choose from our tasty range of hot meals and light snacks produced by our chefs. All in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey grounds. Grange Restaurant and Tea Rooms, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE. 01364645504 Watch EWTN Live TV at ewtn.co.uk 020 8350 2542 A-level and GCSE RCRS Home Study Courses: Religious Studies (RS) Edexcel GCSE RS (Roman Catholic Units) OCR A-level RS: Philosophy &, Ethics (tutored from a Roman Catholic perspective) learn from home –, all books included –, use of online resources –, start anytime –, tutored by email or post –, 15% parish discount Full details on the RCRS website: www.romancatholicreligiousstudies.co.uk RCRS Director of Studies: Dr Paul Dixon Roman Catholic Religious Studies Home Study Courses Dorset Deanery Tony Warran - 50 Years a Catenian On the 13th July Weymouth Catenians celebrated Tony Warran’,s anniversary as a member of the Catenian Association for 50 years. Catenians came from all over Dorset to congratulate Tony, including brothers from Poole, Bournemouth, Plymouth, Basingstoke, New Forest, Axminster, Salisbury, Cornwall, and Blandford and further afield from Malvern. Tony and Mary attend Mass at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Weymouth and were delighted that Fr Stephen Geddes could join them for this special evening. President Michael Peden of Weymouth Circle along with Mike Hart, Mike Fisher, Malcolm Smith and many others were warmly congratulated for a highly successful evening. The visiting Grand President, Peter Woodford presented Tony his scroll for 50 years membership and service to the organization. The evening was a special ladies night and we were also very fortunate that Ann, the Grand President’,s wife, along with the wives of many other brothers in attendance. Tony was also presented with a 50-year tie and a 50-year miniature while his wife Mary was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Weymouth president Michael Peden. Tony commented that being a Catenian has meant that he and Mary have met and enjoyed the company of many people who they would not have otherwise encountered and have made good friends and life-long friendships. Tony also said that for the last 9 and half years when he has had a lot of difficult health problems many prayers have been said for them both, by so many brothers on a regular basis, that it has been a real support and strength for him. He finished by saying: “,what more can anyone ask for?”, Chris Warran Weymouth Our Lady Star of the Sea, Weymouth Peter Woodford (L) with Tony Warran (R) Leweston School, Sherborne Another Year of Exceptional Results Leweston School, Sherborne, is celebrating excellent A Level results. Sixth Form girls achieved a 100% pass rate with 92% of the exams passed at grade A* to C or Pre-U equivalent and 77% at A* to B or Pre-U equivalent. 63% of the results were passed at A* or A grades or Pre-U equivalent, more than double the national average of 26%. Average UCAS points per candidate were 372, the equivalent of over three A grades per candidate. These results have enabled almost all Leweston’,s leavers to win places at their chosen universities or specialist colleges. The outstanding achiever was Alina P with 3 A* and 3 A grades who will read Natural Sciences at University College London. Many girls are going on to the more selective institutions including Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, St Andrews and University College London to study degrees such as Accounting, Architecture, Economics, English, Modern Languages, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Nursing, Philosophy and Politics, Psychology and Theology. The school is also delighted to be celebrating an excellent set of GCSE results. 34% of examinations were passed at A* with 59% of all entries passed at A* or A. 84% of examinations were passed at A*, A or B. Congratulations to the 30% of all candidates who achieved 9 or more A or A* grades and to the 17% of girls who got 9 A* grades or more. Particularly notable were the results in the subjects of Latin and Further Maths. 100% of the pupils taking Latin achieved an A* with 94% of the candidates taking Further Maths (representing 37% of the year group) achieving an A* or A. Congratulations to Beth McMillan and Elizabeth Hobbs who both achieved 11 A* grades. Beth and Elizabeth are both academic scholars at Leweston. Retiring Headmaster Adrian Aylward said “,I am delighted with what is another strong set of results at Leweston across the whole ability range further building on our record of success. These outstanding achievements pay testament to the hard work of the pupils and the work ethic of the school. These girls should be justifiably proud of their success and they will undoubtedly continue to thrive in their further studies.”, Mrs Reynolds, Leweston’,s new Head added: “,I am thrilled that the girls’, and teachers’, hard work and aspirational attitudes have been rewarded.”, There will be an opportunity for parents and students to find out more about Sixth Form Study at Leweston and the Cambridge Pre-U, at the forthcoming Open Evening on Friday 2nd October at 5pm. Please contact the Registrar on 01963 211010 or email admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk for more information.

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September 2015 Catholic South West - 9 To advertise in the next issue of Catholic South West please contact Ray at CathCom on 01440 730399 Church Pews Uncomfortable? Why not try top quality upholstered foam pew cushions? Safefoam, Green Lane, Riley Green, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0SN www.safefoam.co.uk Freephone 0800 015 44 33 Free Sample Pack of foam &, fabrics sent by first clss mail When phoning please quote MV101 The Plymouth Circle has had a busy and very enjoyable summer. Presidents Weekend: Eric Tope`s Presidential Weekend began with a Golf competition at Boringdon Golf Club which was won by Rachel Shields, Kathy Riley and Philip Shields. The competition was followed by Mass at St Peter`s, Crownhill on the Sunday and an excellent lunch at Boringdon Golf Club. It was a great weekend of fun and fellowship. Spreading the news: to help raise awareness in the local community of the Catenians and their work John Modley, Membership Officer, and Trevor Davies attended the local Summer Fayre at Holy Cross RC Primary School, Plymouth where they ran a Lucky Dip Stall. It was a great day and they hope to be at future events. The return of Bursary Award recipient James Ronan: James a student from Tavistock, Plymouth and a member of HCPT joined the Catenians July meeting to report on his pilgrimage to Lourdes. James was responsible for the care of a eleven year old boy with severe Autism and explained how he had found the experience very rewarding especially as the young lad enjoyed himself so much, James excellent presentation helped us to appreciate the work of the HCPT. Celebrating 50-years as a Catenian: Brian Blades was presented with his 50- year Membership Medal from Province 13 Director, Vince Walsh. Brian was enrolled in The Duchy of Cornwall Circle on the 1st July 1965 having been introduced by his father- in-law Leonard Warren, founder member and 6 times President of Plymouth Circle. Brian transferred to Plymouth Circle in 1969 where he introduced his son Simon as the third generation Catenian. Our thanks go to Brian for his loyalty over the years. John Luscombe Plymouth Catenians Can you give a good home to a complete boxed set of second-hand snooker balls in very reasonable condition? Ideal for school, youth or social club with full-size snooker table. Donation acceptable. Tel: 01752 830223. Plymouth Deanery Plymouth Catenians Vince Walsh and Brian Blades Eric Tope and James Ronan Catenians after lunch at Boringdon Golf Club

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10 - Catholic South West September 2015 My visit to Turin to see the Holy Shroud was one of those special times that jolts you out of your selfish concerns and confronts you with the all-encompassing love of God for mankind. The thousands of us who thronged to the shroud had timed entry tickets. On the afternoon of my visit the jostling, chattering queue gradually thinned out at the security scanners as people hurried ahead eager to reach their destination –, I walked more slowly, my Guide Cane sweeping the path ahead and bouncing over the uneven bits! Through the open sides of the tented walkway I glimpsed building and statues before the pathway turned up a hill and along a tree-lined lane. In the marque we settled down to watch a silent film explaining what we see and in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud everyone was still and quiet. A few people took photos but I just spent my time gazing at the Shroud wondering if it really had been wrapped around Our Lord after his death? Many believe that it was and the Shroud does portray the suffering of some poor soul –, someone who died as horrendous a death as Our Lord. For me it hammered home the truth of what he did for love of us and I found it a powerful and spiritual experience. Our visit wasn’,t rushed and a prayer was said as our time drew to a close and we moved silently into the bright sunshine to make way for the next group of pilgrims. Ray Heath Paignton Torbay Deanery Sacred Heart &, St Teresa of the Child Jesus, Paignton The Shroud of Turin Sacred Heart, Kingsbridge South Hams Catenians On Monday the 20th July the South Hams Circle held their Summer Ladies night at the Seven Stars Public House in Kingsbridge. Our regular meeting was followed by a very enjoyable meal and draw and we were royally entertained by a Barber shop quartet including Mike Vere one of the South Hams Brothers. The Group call themselves “,Jigsaw”, and when asked why they use that name they stated that there is always somebody or something missing!!! They sang many of the old classics which we could join in with and a very good time was had by all. We were also able to sing a very Happy Birthday to Brother Jim Coyne who was to celebrate his 80th birthday on the 21st July. Trevor Davies South Hams Catenians Our Lady Help of Christians &, St Denis, St Marychurch ‘,First Mass’, On Sunday 5th July, newly ordained Fr Colin Groombridge returned to his ‘,home’, parish at St Marychurch and concelebrated Mass with Canon Michael Lock, Parish Priest, and Mgr David Silk. After Mass Fr Colin gave ‘,first blessings’, to parishioners. The parish had organised a BBQ in the Presbytery gardens after Mass during which Fr Colin was presented with a cheque from the Parish by Canon Michael. He also received a number of generous gifts from individual parishioners. We keep Fr Colin in our prayers as he begins his priestly ministry as Assistant Priest at St Mary’,s Parish, Poole. Felicity Stead Editor Mgr David (L), Fr Colin (C), Canon Michael (R)

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September 2015 Catholic South West - 11 Diary Dates October 2015 If you would like an entry for your Parish or Deanery to be included in the Diary Dates section please email details to the Editor at felicitystead@btinternet.com by the last working day of each preceding month. MARRIAGE CARE SOUTH WEST (MCSW) MCSW preparation course dates for 2015: , Torbay Saturday 17th October For further details of this event please contact Jenny Allen email: jenny.allen96@btopenworld.com , Plymouth Saturday 21st November For further details please contact Clare Danes email: claredanesuk@yahoo.co.uk MCSW also offers FOCCUS, a guided questionnaire-based exploration and essential relationship know-how for individual couple with a trained facilitator. For more information contact mcsw.admin@marriagecare.org For all other enquiries about MCSW please contact Sue Burridge, head of MCSW centre Tel: 01395 272799 Mob: 07875 161 595 email: sue@marriagecare.org.uk. September 2015 Thursday 24th September to Sunday 27th September, St Augustine of Hippo Church, St Austell: Flower Festival, themed Reflections. Saturday 26th September, St Augustine of Hippo Church, St Austell, 7.30pm: Concert by the Mevagissey Male Choir. Both of these events are all part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the building of the lovely Church of St Augustine of Hippo. For more information Tel: 01726 73838 or contact Janet Regan Tel: 01726 815532 Saturday 26th September, Church of the Holy Spirit, Bovey Tracey, 10am to 1pm: Celebrations for the 500th Anniversary of the life of St Teresa of Avila. October 2015 Friday 2nd October, Queensway Catholic School, Torquay, 9am (for 9.30am) to 11am: Patchwork (Catholic Children’,s Society, Plymouth will be running a taters session for the ‘,Pushchair &, Primary’, short course for Early Years Parents. For more information Tel: 01364 645420 or visit www.ccsplymouth.org.uk/patchwork-parenting Saturday 3 October, St Boniface House, Ashburton, 10.30 am until after lunch: Deacon Enquirers Day for men aged 30 to 60. Bishop Mark will be among the Speakers, talking about who deacons are what they do and the formation involved. For more information contact Fr Richard Meyer Tel: 01308 863669. Saturday 3rd October, Buckfast Abbey, 10am to 4pm: A Day with St Benedict - for more information about this year’,s ‘,Quiet Days with Dom Christopher Delaney OSB, contact the Warden’,s Office Tel: 01364 645532. Thursday 8th October Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth, 5pm: STELLA MARIS MASS celebrated by Bishop Mark to pray for seafarers and for the work of Apostleship of the Sea who support their faith and welfare needs. All are welcome. Saturday 10th October, Holy Ghost Church, Exmouth, 7pm: concert ‘,IN GOD ALONE featuring the famous Jo Boyce &, Friends, CJM Music. This uplifting, hope filled concert offers music from Jo`s first ever solo EP, following the death of her singing song-writing partner Mike Stanley in June 2013. Tickets (Cost £,7) available soon and offered to parishes from across the area via Exmouth Parish Office Tel: 01395 263384. For more information visit www.cjmmusic.com Saturday 10th October, Richard Reynolds Centre, Exeter, 10am: Lourdes Autumn get- together beginning with coffee at 10.00am, Mass at 11.00 followed by a light lunch. This for anyone interested in Our Lady of Lourdes and Lourdes. Enquiries to Sheelah Tel: 01392 431927 Saturday 10th October, Belmont Chapel, Exeter, 7.30pm, and Monday 12th October, Truro Methodist Church 7.30pm Baked Alaska, a vivid, sharp and deliciously entertaining play by Riding Lights on issues of Climate Change. Box Office Tel: 01904 613000 email: boxoffice@rltc.org Saturday 17th October 9am to Sunday 18th October 5pm, St. Cuthbert Mayne School, Torquay: Torquay Celebrate Weekend 2015. For more information contact Janet Phare Tel: 01803 405557 email: torquay@celebrateconference.org Saturday 31st October, St Joseph`s Church Hall, Newton Abbot, 11am: A Call to Action (ACTA) meeting, for more information contact Peter Farrell Tel: 01626 369478 Future events Saturday 21st November, Exeter University Great Hall, 6.30pm: Unbroken Praise Tour featuring Matt Redman, a contemporary Christian singer-songwriter, for more information about the event and to book tickets (cost £,15) go to www.bigchurchnightin.com Saturday 12th December, TOADS Little Theatre, St Mark’,s Road, Torquay, 7.30pm: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe –, a performance in aid of HCPT. More information available shortly from Christopher Woodman, HCPT Westcountry Regional Chairman email: westcountry@hcpt.org.uk REGULAR EVENTS Cornwall Deanery , New life House Groups focusing on prayer, scripture and fellowship (Acts 2): contact Sheona 07790 413562 for more information and directions o Wednesdays 10am to 12noon 13a Pentire Rd, Newquay, TR7 1NX. o Wednesdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm (during term-time) 18A Ferris Town, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3JH or , New Life Praise and Worship Evenings: o First Wednesday of each month 6.15pm to 7.15pm Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by praise and Worship at 7.30pm: Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran Catholic Church, Truro. Contact Sheona Mob: 07790 413 562 for more information or visit www.newlifecatholiccommunity.com , First Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Afternoon Tea Club: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , Second Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm, Justice and Peace/Poverty Meeting followed by prayers for persecuted Christians: St Mary’,s Church Hall, Killigrew Road, Falmouth. , Third Tuesdays from 12.30pm to 2pm, Parish Soup Lunch: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , First &, Third Fridays 7pm to 9pm, Prayer Group, Mary’,s Eucharistic Renewal: St Paul’,s Social Centre, Tintagel. , Third Saturdays from 1.30pm to 4pm, Women’,s International League for Peace and Freedom, Penzance group: CHYMORGEN, Botallack, St. Just, TR19 7QJ. For more information Tel: 01736/788438 email: brigittemorrigan@talktalk.net , Wednesdays, 11.30am to 4pm, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - with Rosary at 12noon: Church of St Mary Immaculate, Falmouth. , Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Table Tennis: Church Hall, Falmouth - parishioners of all ages welcome. , Thursday evenings at 7.30pm, after evening Mass, Film Evening: The Church Hall, Our Lady of the Portal &, St Piran RC Church, Truro. , Saturdays, after the 10am Mass, Rosary: St Cuthbert Mayne Church, Launceston, all are warmly invited to join a small group of parishioners and pray the Rosary. , Saturdays at 11am, Legion of Mary: St Paul’,s Social Centre, Tintagel. , Sundays from 6pm to 7pm, “,Come and See”, evening, St Mary’,s Church Hall, Killigrew Road, Falmouth: Soup/Roll and chat, for anyone of all faiths and none, especially welcome are strangers and those on the margins of society. Followed at 7pm by prayers with intercessions and thanksgiving with Exposition. Dorset Deanery , First weekend of every month, after weekend Masses, PRAYER MINISTRY for healing or any other need: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Weymouth. For more information contact Mike Newbery email: miknewb@btinternet.com , Monday evenings at 8pm, Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation Adult Education: Murray Muscat Centre, Glen Fern Road, Bournemouth. Admission free and all are welcome. For details of the topic for each session please contact Spencer Nathan email: spencer.nathan@lineone.net , Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, Inspire 20s to 40s Church Friends Group and Home Group: St Mary’,s Church, Poole after the 7pm Mass. Exeter Deanery , Third Saturday of each month, 4.30pm, Kerala Community Mass: Blessed Sacrament Church, Heavitree, Exeter. , Monday evenings at 7.30pm, Meditation Group: Richard Reynolds Centre, Heavitree Road, Exeter. , Tuesday evenings from 8pm to 9pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Mount St Mary Convent, Wonford Road. Plymouth Deanery , Second Monday of each month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Knights of St Columba: Cathedral Centre. , Third Monday of each month at 7pm, FOCOLARE –, Word of Life Group: Cathedral Centre. , Second Tuesday of each month, Patricians - Legion of Mary discussion group: Cathedral Centre, for more information please contact Raad Binham Tel: 07816 542 349. , Normally First Friday of each month after the 7pm Mass –, St Padre Pio Prayer Group: Cathedral, for more information contact Rev. Deacon Tony Irwin Tel: 01548 853413. , Second Saturday of each month, 11am to 12noon –, SPUC Anti-Abortion Prayers, Derriford: For more information contact Christine Hudson Tel: 01752 224018 , Second Sunday of each month, Sunday Lunch Club, Efford: for individuals, couples or families who would like to come, to book please contact Deacon Simon Fletcher or Suzanne Tel: 01752 667433. , Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Union of Catholic Mothers: Cathedral Centre. , Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, Discussion Group: Jeremiah Centre, Stott Close, Efford, Plymouth to reflect on the liturgical readings for the coming Sunday. , Thursday mornings at 10.30am (coffee from 10am) Bible Study Group: Cathedral Centre. , Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8.30pm, Legion of Mary: Cathedral Centre. , Friday evenings at 6pm, Holy Hour: The Cathedral , Sunday evenings, after the 6pm Mass –, CREDO: A forum for young adults wanting to deepen their faith and spiritual life in the Catholic Church through prayer, discussion and community. CREDO meets in Cathedral Centre. Torbay Deanery , Third Monday of every month, 7.15pm, South Hams Catenians: Seven Stars Public House, Kingsbridge. Please note new venue. , First Saturday of every month (except January) 7.45am for an 8am start, Christians Together in Torquay: Prayer Breakfast at St Luke`s Parish Church, St Luke`s Road. , First Sunday of every month, Polish Mass: Church of the Assumption, Abbey Road, Torquay at 4pm with confessions from 3.30pm. , Wednesdays from 6pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (with Vespers at 6.30pm and Benediction at 6.50pm): Holy Angels, Chelston, Torquay. RETREATS IN THE DIOCESE OF PLYMOUTH Silent and individually guided retreats by members of the Plymouth Diocesan Ignatian Spirituality Team: offering each person the opportunity for space, SILENCE and prayer with a spiritual companion to help you pray and reflect. Contact details for bookings and general information post: The Presbytery, 19 Fosse Road, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1NG Tel: 01548 852670 email: mjbutler@yahoo.com or adriantoffolo@yahoo.co.uk. *Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October: Weekend Retreat, Buckfast Abbey. *Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October: Midweek Retreat, Buckfast Abbey. * these 2 retreats can be ‘,joined’, together to form a 6-day retreat. Friday 13th to Sunday 16th November: Weekend Retreat, Buckfast Abbey Chemin Neuf Community, Sclerder Abbey, Looe, Cornwall: Formed in 1973 and established internationally in 27 countries the Chemin Neuf Community specialises in Marriage &, Family days, youth work, evangelisation. For more information about events at Sclerder Tel: 01503 272238 or visit the website www.chemin-neuf.org.uk/annuaire/united- kingdom/sclerder-abbey. PILGRIMAGES 2015 Sunday 4th to Saturday 10th October : Cornish Pilgrimage to Walsingham, the oldest Marian Shrine outside the Holy Land and a place of pilgrimage since 1061. Cost, to include travel, accommodation and most meals, is £,400, an initial non-refundable deposit of £,20 is required to secure the booking. For more information and to make a booking contact Christine Tel: 01736 362619.

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12 - Catholic South West September 2015 The Church of the Holy Angels –, although small in size –, is home to a vibrant parish community including a large number of parishioners whose roots are in Kerala, situated on the extreme south-west peninsula of India. On Saturday 4th July Fr John Smethurst, Parish Priest of Holy Angels, Chelston, was joined by Fr Sunny Paul MSFS, Canon John Webb and Fr Michael Cullinan for the celebrations of the Feast of St Alphonsa, who was born in 1910 in the parish of Kudamaloor in the state of Kerala. The evening began with Mass in the Syro-Malabar Rite celebrated by Fr Sunny Paul, after Mass the Blessed Sacrament and the relic of St Alphonsa were carried in procession through Chelston –, a wonderful witness to our Christian faith –, and, on return to the church Fr John presided at Benediction. The celebrations concluded with a wonderful ‘,feast’, of Kerala food generously provided by Fr John’,s parishioners. Richard Stead Torbay Deanery Torbay Deanery Holy Angels, Chelston St Alphonsa Feast Day Celebrations Fr John carries the Blessed Sacrament in procession through Chelston Canon John Webb, followed by Fr Michael Cullinan, carries the relic of St Alphonsa in the procession Parishioners provide music for the procession

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