THE RECTOR WRITES
7 February 2010
The bishops of each country are required to visit Rome (“ad Limina”) once every five years to give an account of the situation of the Church in their areas of responsibility. The bishops of Scotland have begun their quinquennial visit this week just as the bishops of England and Wales return from theirs. As well as reporting to the various congregations, and visiting the major basilicas, each of the bishops has an audience with the Pope – emphasising the communion that exists between the Successors of St Peter and the local church. The Pope also takes the opportunity to give a charge to the bishops at the end of their “ad Limina” in which he reflects on what they have told him, and sets an agenda for their future pastoral ministry.
In his remarks to our bishops last Monday. Pope Benedict looked forward to his pastoral visit, which we now know will be from 16th-19th September. The Holy Father talks of Cardinal Newman and the prospect of his beatification, holding him out as a model of integrity, but one sentence he used has been picked up by the media and been the cause of much comment: “Your country is well known for it firm commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of society, yet, the effect of some of the legislation designed to achieve this goal has been to impose unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs”. It is unusual for the Vatican to intervene directly in the politics of a particular country, and the Pope’s sentiments are a measure of his, and our own hierarchy's, concern that the freedom to practice religion is being chipped away significantly in this country.
The Holy Father urged our bishops “to ensure that the Church’s moral teaching be always presented in its entirety and convincingly defended. Fidelity to the Gospel in no way restricts the freedom of others: on the contrary, it serves their freedom by offering them the truth”. As was to be expected, the secularist lobby have been quick to react and accuse the Pope of meddling in affairs that are of his concern (a dress rehearsal, probably, for those elements which will find what Pope Benedict has to say here in September far from digestible) but the point he makes goes to the very heart of the Gospel. It is the truth which brings genuine liberation. The dignity of the human person (every individual life, without exception) must be guaranteed in a civilised, humane society by sound legislation, and enhanced by the general commitment of a compassionate society (particularly towards its more vulnerable and needy members). The Church reserves the right to establish a critique of society and her voice must always be raised to provide a voice for those least able to speak for themselves. The current pressure for a change in the law on assisted suicide is a case in point. It is clear that the coming months will be challenging for the Catholic Church in Britain, but now is the time for us to assume a higher profile in the debates about education and healthcare and fundamental human rights.
Wednesday of this week (11th February) is the feast of our Lady of Lourdes which is designated as World Day of Prayer for the Sick. Here at St James’ we have a chaplaincy to four local hospitals, and with so much medical excellence to be found in the Harley Street and Wimpole Street area, and a whole host of other institutions for research and the care of the sick, our parish should feel a profound responsibility to offer intercession for those who suffer in mind and body – and also to thank God for those whose vocation is to medicine and the service of the sick.
Christopher Colven
Our Church
Our Church is right in the heart of London. It is a spiritual oasis to many people who come in for silent prayers and personal devotion. It serves the deep needs of those who desire to get away from the hurly burly of city life. On the other hand, the various parish liturgical services reflect the richness of catholic traditions and its pastoral orientation caters for all categories of people especially the young and those searching for truth.
The location of the church is not actually in Spanish Place as its predecessor used to be, but in George Street, almost at the corner of George Street and Marylebone High Street. Nearest Subway or Underground stations are Baker Street and Bond Street. For directions click here.
Access to the Church: The entrance to the Church is in George Street. The Blandford Street door does not give access to the Church.
There is no wheelchair access to the Church as yet. This has been put in hand, but there has been a considerable delay, while negotiations take place about the architecture of the Church and the best way to install the lifts that would be necessary.