Dear Parishioners, We have begun to reflect upon the Apostolic Exhortation on the Call to Holiness in Today’s World which Pope Francis published earlier this year. In No.16 Pope Francis gives a simple and appealing example of holiness in everyday life. After reading the paragraph, how could you apply it to your own life? Gaudete et Exsultate No 16: “This holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures. Here is an example: a woman goes shopping, she meets a neighbour and they begin to speak, and the gossip starts. But she says in her heart, ‘No, I will not speak badly of anyone’. This is a step forward in holiness. Later, at home, one of her children wants to talk to her about his hopes and dreams, and even though she is tired, she sits down and listens with patience and love. That is another sacrifice that brings holiness. Later she experiences some anxiety, but recalling the love of the Virgin Mary, she takes her rosary and prays with faith. Yet another path of holiness. Later still, she goes out into the street, encounters a poor person and stops to say a kind word to him. One more step”.

May God bless you all, Fr Denis