14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection

‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’ (Matthew 11)

The sacraments are powerful tools in the battle against weariness. When my soul feels overburdened, and I feel regret or remorse over the mistakes I have made, the Confessional is available to wash it all away. And if I feel alone, far away from God, I can reconnect with Him in a most magnificent way by receiving the Eucharist—no one who acts as a living tabernacle is alone or separated from God.

Finally, my Catholic community acts as a nurturing surrogate family; it’s a place where I know I am loved and accepted, and where I can indubitably find the support I need, no matter what. I can find solace in the numerous friends (and strangers) who provide me with spiritual, emotional, and practical assistance in countless ways when I am in need.

St James’ Reopens

We are glad to welcome you back at St James'. The church reopens tomorrow (Monday 6th July). Initially we are open for Mass on weekdays.

Monday - 10am
Tuesday - 7pm
Wednesday - 10am
Thursday - 7pm
Friday - 10am
Saturday - 10am.

Readings for Today’s Mass

Public Worship resumes on Monday 6th July

Updated - 25/08/2020

We are delighted to inform you that Mass and other acts of public worship have resumed on Monday 6th July. We are looking forward to welcoming you back at St James'!

Following the initial period of adjustments, Sunday Mass is now available as well, but please keep in mind that the number of places is limited. The maximus number of persons allowed in the church for Mass is 56. The Mass times have been altered as follows due to covid-19 restrictions:

Sunday - 10am
Monday - 10am
Tuesday - 7pm
Wednesday - 10am
Thursday - 7pm
Friday - 10am.

Make sure to subscribe to our free parish newsletter to stay updated:

Note that reopening requires caution and therefore a number of measures have been put in place in order to ensure the safety. Please see the guidelines and video below to get an idea of what to expect.

The Sunday obligation has not yet been restored. Initially we may not be able to welcome the same number of people at Mass due to social distancing restrictions. The Maximum number of persons allowed in the Church for Mass is 56.

If you are 'clinical risk' of Covid-19 or have been advised to shield, please do not visit Reasonable precautions have been implemented to reduce the risk for everyone attending the Church. We would be grateful for your strict compliance with the social distancing rules. We would also ask that you take the time to use the hand sanitiser provided.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this trying period in the life of the Church.

Stay safe, God bless,

St James’

Cautious reopening of our churches

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Sts. Peter and Paul. This Feast Day (traditionally celebrated on 29th June) commemorates the martyrdom of the two great Apostles, assigned by tradition to the same day of June in the year 67. They had been imprisoned in the famous Mamertine Prison of Rome and both had foreseen their approaching death. Saint Peter was crucified; Saint Paul, a Roman citizen, was slain by the sword.

Reflection. Saint Peter is the author of two profoundly doctrinal epistles. He still lives on in his successors who maintain the same holy teaching; he still rules and feeds the flock committed to him. The reality of our devotion to him is the surest test of the purity of our faith. St. Paul complains that all seek the things which are their own, and not the things which are Christ's. See if these words apply to you, and resolve to give yourself without reserve to God.

Readings for Today’s Mass

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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

“We therefore urge all Our children in Christ, both those who are already accustomed to drink the saving waters flowing from the Heart of the Redeemer and, more especially those who look on from a distance like hesitant spectators, to eagerly embrace this devotion. Let them carefully consider, as We have said, that it is a question of a devotion which has long been powerful in the Church and is solidly founded on the Gospel narrative. It received clear support from tradition and the sacred liturgy and has been frequently and generously praised by the Roman Pontiffs themselves. These were not satisfied with establishing a feast in honour of the most Sacred Heart of the Redeemer and extending it to the Universal Church; they were also responsible for the solemn acts of dedication which consecrated the whole human race to the same Sacred Heart.”

“When so many evils meet Our gaze - such as cause sharp conflict among individuals, families, nations and the whole world, particularly today more than at any other time - where are We to seek a remedy, venerable brethren?“

“Can a form of devotion surpassing that to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be found, which corresponds better to the essential character of the Catholic faith, which is more capable of assisting the present-day needs of the Church and the human race?”

“What religious practice is more excellent, more attractive, more salutary than this, since the devotion in question is entirely directed towards the love of God itself?”

(Pius IX, Haurietis Aquas)

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Reading for Today’s Mass

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The Most Holy Trinity Sunday

Every Sunday is dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, and is called accordingly the Lord's day; but the first Sunday after Pentecost is appointed by the Church a special feast of the Most Holy Trinity, because this mystery, began at once to be preached by the apostles, as soon as they had been enlightened and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. God's Triune Nature has been fully revealed, and now we can celebrate, hearing in today's Gospel,

“All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all the things whatsoever I have commanded you; and behold I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world”

Let us then begin this Day, by giving glory to the one God in Three Persons.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning and is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

Readings for Today’s Mass

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Pentecost Sunday

O God, who this day hast taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit we may be always truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, birthday of the Catholic Church. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ. Pentecost was originally a Jewish feast, celebrating the giving of the Law fifty days after the killing of the paschal lamb (cf. Ex. 31:18). The Church Fathers saw a deep connection between the giving of the old Law and the coming of the Holy Spirit at the new Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection of Christ.

At the Christian Pentecost, the promise of Christ that

“the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name … will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind”

is fulfilled. Before this coming, the apostles were cowering in fear, afraid that they would meet the same fate as their master. But after Pentecost and led by St. Peter, they boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ’s Resurrection in spite of persecution. The old Law, written on stone, had no power to change hearts; it only revealed the depths of human depravity and our need for a Savior. But the coming of the Holy Spirit writes a new law in the hearts of Christ’s followers, as prophesied by Ezekiel centuries before the time of Christ (cf. Ez. 36:26).

The promise of Pentecost is not just in the past — it is given to every Catholic at his Confirmation. In that sacramental mystery, we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and are given His gifts; we no longer need to cower in fear, but can proclaim that

“Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:11)

(read more)

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Readings for Today’s Mass

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Listen to the Sixth Chapter from the life of St John Bosco

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The Feast of Mary Help of Christians

Today we celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians (May 24).

The tradition of remembering Our Lady under this title goes back to 1571, when  the whole of Christendom was saved by Mary Help of Christians when Catholics throughout Europe prayed the Rosary. The great battle of Lepanto occurred on October 7th 1571. For this reason this date has been chosen as the feast of the Holy Rosary. In 1573 Pope Pius V instituted the feast in thanksgiving for the decisive victory of Christianity.

St. Pius V and the Battle of Lepanto

Near the end of the 17th century, Emperor Leopold I of Austria took refuge in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Pasau, when 200,000 Ottoman Turks besieged the capital city of Vienna, but a  great victory occurred thanks to Mary Help of Christians: on September 8th, Feast of Our Lady's Birthday, plans were drawn for the battle. On September 12, Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, Vienna was finally freed through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. All Europe had joined with the Emperor crying out "Mary, Help!" and praying the Holy rosary.

The Battle of Vienna – 11 September 1683

In 1809, Napoleon's men entered the Vatican, arrested Pius VII and brought him in chains to Grenoble, and eventually Fontainbleau. His imprisonment lasted five years. The Holy Father vowed to God that , if he were restored to the Roman See, he would institute a special feast in honor of Mary. Military reverses forced Napoleon to release the Pope, and on May 24th  1814, Pius VII returned in triumph to Rome. Twelve months later, the Pope decreed that the feast of Mary Help of Christians, be kept on the 24th of May.

In 1809, Napoleon's men entered the Vatican, arrested Pius VII and brought him in chains to Grenoble

St. John Bosco the founder of the Salesian Order had many prophetic dreams, beginning at age nine, guided his ministry and gave insights on future events. On May 14, 1862, Don Bosco dreamed about the battles the Church would face in the latter days. In his dream, the  Pope of those days anchors the 'ship' of the Church between two pillars, one with a statue of Mary (Auxilium Christianorum or 'Help of Christians') and the other with a large Eucharistic Host.

The Prophetic Vision of St. John Bosco: The Two Columns

St. John Bosco wrote about our congregation, the Salesians:  "The principal objective is to promote veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary Help of Christians. This title seems to please the august Queen of Heaven very much." The Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco or Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are the sister order of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Mary, Help Of Christians

St. John Bosco, himself, on June 9 1868, dedicated to Our Lady Help of Christians, the mother church of our congregation at Turin (Italy). As Salesians we carry this devotion to our numerous establishments.

Another Order which has big devotion to Mary Help of Christians are the Sisters of Marie Auxiliatrice, present in our parish. We wish them many blessings on this special day!

Readings for today’s Mass

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Sixth Sunday of Easter

Reflection

“If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, that Spirit of truth that (a sinful) world can never receive. But you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.”

Soon we shall celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, we shall remember the manifestation of Christ’s promised Spirit of truth. In the uncertainty of our days may we surrender our lives to the hope that accompanied that promise.

“On that day you will understand that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.”

For many Pentecost will come after a prolonged period of social isolation, an isolation that has cruelly demonstrated our need to be held in life-giving communion. Through the Holy Spirit, and in the power of Christ’s resurrection, may we find healing in the Father’s love.

(read more…)

Readings for Today’s Mass

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Listen to the Fourth Chapter from the Life of Don Bosco (read by Fr Duggan):

Fifth Sunday of Easter

To doubt is human. The most famous doubter in history was Christ’s own apostle, Thomas. We all know the story about Thomas’s doubting the reports of the Resurrection. But the colloquy between Jesus and Thomas after the Last Supper and before the Crucifixion, as recounted in John, Chapter 14, is more instructive for these times.

Jesus begins, “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.”

Jesus explains that He is going ahead of the apostles to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. He assures the apostles, “I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be.”

Thomas protests that they do not know the way to where Jesus is going. Jesus answers, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me.”

Then Jesus doubles down, making His divine identity clear. “If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also; and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him.”

Lest there still be doubt about His divinity and incarnation, Jesus says, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and I go to the Father.”

We are here confronted with the direct, personal testimony of Christ Himself regarding His identity and the eternal joy that will belong to those who believe in Him. It was meant to reassure the apostles in the near term and the faithful down through the ages against the turmoil and persecution that awaited those who believe. “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world.”

Do we take Him at His word or not?

(read more…)

Readings for today’s Mass:

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Listen to the Third Chapter from the Life of Don Bosco (read by Fr Duggan):

The Feast of St Dominic Savio

Happy Feast of St Dominic Savio!

Did you know that Don Bosco has first met Dominic Savio during pandemic? In 1850s cholera has reached Italy among other countries. Many young people of Don Bosco volunteered to help those in most need during the epidemic. It was around that time John Bosco met Dominic Savio. If you're interested in the story, you can find the full account here.

St Dominic Savio, pray for us!

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