Newsletter - 13 July 2025
The unofficial “Patron Saints” of our Parish
The feast days of two saints, who have had a great impact on our parish, are celebrated this month - St Benedict on 11 July and St Ignatius on 31 July. The Parish was founded in 1936 by a Dutch Benedictine community, the Olivetans. In 2014, the Parish was entrusted to a French community, Chemin Neuf, which is rooted in the Ignatian tradition. Through these two communities, the spiritual legacies of both these men have nourished and shaped the life of our Parish. Who are these saints and what is their legacy?
Benedict lived in the uncertain times (480- 547) after the fall of the Roman Empire. As a young man he retreated to live as a hermit monk, but soon gathered others to form a community. The Rule that bears his name become the norm for monasteries throughout Europe. Benedictine monks played a vital role in the evangelisation of many European countries.
Ignatius also lived in difficult times (1491-1556) when the European church was divided by the Reformation. He led a worldly life as a knight until experiencing a profound conversion. He soon gathered a community of young men - the Jesuits, who initiated evangelisation beyond Europe, in distant places like the Americas and China. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises became the guide for Jesuits and many other communities.
Benedict’s Rule is contemplative, written for monks living in enclosed communities whose daily life centred on prayer and work (0ra et Labora) and on offering hospitality to all by recognizing Christ in each person.
Ignatius’ Exercises are apostolic, intended to guide and prepare those who would go out to proclaim the Gospel to whole world; doing all things “for the greater glory of God” and seeking to ‘find God in all things.
Deacon Ted Wood ccn
Focus of the week
THANK YOU
Thank you for the wonderful farewell and your kind words last Sunday. Many of you have asked about our departure dates. Afraid you will have to put up with us for a while longer. We will be here for the next two weekends, then away until 3 September, with final departure for Canada set for 8 September.
Blessings, Ted & Nancy
COLLECTION FOR TED AND NANCY
A number of Parishioners have expressed an interest in contributing towards a gift for Ted and Nancy.
If you would like to contribute either use this link https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/TedandNancy, leave at the Parish Office or the QR code below.
The money will help Ted and Nancy transfer back to Canadian life.
