Reflection
On Pentecost Day the Apostles spoke a new language. It was the language of peace rather than war; the language of cooperation rather than of competition; the language of forgiveness rather than of vengeance; the language of hope rather than of despair; the language of tolerance rather than of bigotry; the language of friendship rather than of hostility; the language of unity rather than of division; the language of love rather than of hate. Through the gift of the Spirit, people of different languages learned to profess one faith, to the praise and glory of God. This is the real miracle of Pentecost, and it is a miracle which, thankfully, still happens.
Sunday Obligation
The bishops of England and Wales are to re-introduce the Sunday obligation at Pentecost, months after it was restored in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The resolution was issued last week, in which the English bishops said the ‘reasons which have prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no longer apply.’
The obligation was suspended due to the pandemic whilst many Catholics watched Mass online. The resolution states that the ‘Virtual viewing of Mass online does not fulfil the Sunday obligation’. England and Wales are the last in the British Isles to reintroduce the obligation, which was reintroduced by the Scottish bishops on the First Sunday of Lent and the Irish bishops on Easter Sunday.
The reintroduction does not apply to those unable to attend Mass due to health concerns.” We understand there will still be some members of our congregations who, for reasons of health, do not feel safe enough to return to Mass,” the letter reads. “It has always been the understanding of the Church that when the freedom of any Catholic to attend Mass in person is impeded for a serious reason, because of situation such as ill-health, care for the sick or legitimate fear, this is not a breach of the Sunday obligation.”
Two cathedrals Pentecost service
Join us on Sunday 5th June 2022 for the Pentecost and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The celebrations start with an act of worship on the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral at 2:30. Worship continues with a family service at Liverpool Cathedral starting at 3:45. Following this, we have the Big Picnic for the Platinum Jubilee. With fun for all the family, we will be having a massive street party inside the cathedral. There are giant games like snakes and ladders, skittles and quoits, alongside crafts and a trail…. fun for all ages to celebrate.
