Conferral of the Carmelite Scapular
On Saturday I had the Carmelite scapular conferred on me, which means that I now share in all the spiritual benefits of the Carmelite order. St Josemaria Escriva encouraged all Catholics to wear on their breast “the holy scapular of Carmel” pointing out that few Marian devotions are so “rooted among the faithful” or “have received so many blessings from the Popes” (The Way, 500). Pope St John Paul II, who himself wore the scapular, pointed out those who wear it “are associated more or less closely with the Order of Carmel and dedicate themselves to the service of Our Lady for the good of the whole Church” (Message to the Carmelite Family, 2001).
Must-Reads
Bishop John Arnold considers what is at stake at the COP26 meeting in Glasgow in this article for Adamah.
Dr Michael Carter questions the Hilary Mantel version of Reformation history in this Guardian article.
What are you reading?
I’d be very keen to hear from you, my readers, as to what you are reading at the moment or if you have any suggested spiritual reading. Please let me know and if you like I can even feature a comment from you and a link to the book in my next newsletter.
Gaudete - Francophone young adults
Gaudete est destiné aux jeunes professionnels francophones et aux étudiants qui souhaitent vivre, partager et développer leur foi. Leur prochaine réunion aura lieu le lundi 1er novembre à partir de 20h à Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place, Londres, WC2H 7BX. La réunion commence par une période de prière et de louange, puis à 20h30, il y a temps d’enseignement suivi d’un échange en petits groupes. La réunion se termine à 21h30. Les réunions ont lieu les premier et troisième du lundi du mois.
Gaudete is aimed at French-speaking young professionals and students who wish to live, share and grow their faith. Their next meeting will take place on Monday 1st November from 8pm at Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX. The meeting begins with a period of prayer in the church, then at 8.30pm there is a talk followed by small-group discussion. The meeting ends at 9.30pm. Meetings take place on the first and third Mondays of the month.
Institute of St John
The Institute of St John are running a series of classes every Tuesday morning from 10.30 to 12.30 in the downstairs hall of St Patrick’s Soho. The next one will take place on Tuesday November 2nd and will given by Br Michael Paul CSJ on Thomas Aquinas on the Life of Christ. For those unable to make it in person a Zoom link can be acquired from Claire Bruce on claire.bruce@gmail.com.
Effatha initiative - 40 days of perpetual adoration
I would like to invite you to take part in the Effatha initiative - 40 days of perpetual adoration that will start on 2nd of November till 12th December. Please check it out here and share with the whole world. They have flyers in 20 languages and want to spread it as far as they can and create an intercessory chain with people praying 24/7 for 40 days. People can adore in any church in the world (or online if not possible in person), they just ask people to sign in on their website for a specific hour/day you are available to adore, so they can ensure continuous prayer 24/7 over the 40 days. They have people from more than 20 countries participating (China, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Russia, African Countries, Ukraine).
Rosary Group
Jesuit Young Adult Ministries host an online group recitation of the Rosary for young adults every Thursday at 9pm. If you wish to join email yam@jesuit.org.uk.
Chemin Neuf Young Adult Weekend
Chemin Neuf are hosting a young adult weekend at Our Lady of England Priory in Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4LN from 3pm on Saturday 6th November till 4pm on Sunday 7th November. An opportunity to step away from your daily routine and meet like-minded people of a similar age who wish to grow in their faith. If interested please register here.
Deo Gratias
The Deo Gratias group will be meeting at the Rosary Shrine at 4pm on Saturday 6th November to discuss what true humility is all about. They will be looking at how C. S. Lewis speaks of this in The Screwtape Letters as well as what St Teresa of Avila has to say about the subject. The discussion will be followed by a time of prayer and a pub social.
Loretto Worship Nights
Praise and worship every Sunday night from 7pm in the crypt of St Mary’s University Chapel in Twickenham.
Retreat for Men
From 8.30pm on Thursday 11th November till 3.30pm on Sunday 14th November Thornycroft Hall are hosting a residential retreat for men. If you wish to book a place please do so here.
Theology of the Body Conference
On Saturday 13th November TOB Network UK are hosting a Theology of the Body Conference at St Patrick’s Soho from 9am till 4.30pm. The Conference includes Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, keynote talks, and a discussion panel. Tea and coffee will be provided, but you will have to bring a packed lunch. Book your tickets here.
Nightfever
On Saturday 13th November St Patrick’s Soho will host Nightfever from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Nightfever is a night of music, adoration and personal prayer. Volunteers stand on the street inviting passers-by to come into the church and light a candle. For more information have a read of this article which appeared in the Big Issue a couple of years ago.
Fra’ Angelico Art Group
The Fra’ Angelico Art Group will meet at St Patrick’s Studios in Wapping at 10.30am on Saturday 27th November for a day of creativity and companionship. Please bring your own materials and lunch. For more information please contact Irene Novelli at irenenovelli@hotmail.com or call 07481 763845.
Looking for flatmate
Flat on Kew Road (with balcony!) and only a 10 minute walk to Richmond station. Rent is £800pcm including council tax, but excluding utilities. Available from 5th December. Let me know if you are interested or know anyone who might be.
Year of St Joseph
It being the year of St Joseph and the month of the Most Holy Rosary you may want to finish your daily recital of the Rosary with this prayer:
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.
Plenary indulgences can also be obtained for the following devotions this year:
Contemplation of the Lord’s Prayer for at least 30 minutes, or participation in a spiritual retreat of at least one day which involves meditation on St Joseph.
Fulfillment of a corporal or spiritual work of mercy, after the example of St Joseph.
Recitation of the Rosary in families and between engaged couples.
Daily entrustment to the protection of St Joseph, and invoking his intercession so that job-seekers may find employment.
Recitation of the Litanies to St Joseph or Akathistos to St Joseph, or some other prayer to St Joseph, for the relief of Christians suffering from persecution.
Recitation of any prayer legitimately approved in honour of St Joseph on the 19th of every month and every Wednesday.
Novena for Work
This novena for work has recently come to my attention and seems particularly apt this year as St Joseph (whose year it is) is the patron saint of workers. It may be of particular interest to those who are job-hunting or for those who are keen to sanctify their work.
Tuition
I have been giving private tuition since May this year (having worked in educational settings prior to that) and am offering tuition in History, English, Religious Studies, and Politics. I can provide tuition online or in-person (so long as you are in reasonable distance). Let me know if you or anyone you know might be interested, and please spread the word.
London Shrines
Westminster Cathedral (shrine of St John Southworth)
Rosary Shrine (diocesan shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary)
Corpus Christi Maiden Lane (diocesan shrine of the Blessed Sacrament)
Tyburn Convent (Shrine of the Martyrs at Tyburn)
Volunteering Opportunities
Accommodation
Netherhall House (male)
Ashwell House (female)
Quote of the Week
“Apostolic zeal is a divine craziness I want you to have. Its symptoms are: hunger to know the Master; constant concern for souls; perseverance that nothing can shake.”
St Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 934
Pope’s Prayer Intention for November 2021
People who suffer from depression
We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
Postscript
Inevitably I will have left out events, prayer groups, and volunteering opportunities so please feel free to get in touch with me at edwardckendall@gmail.com if you know of anything worthy of inclusion in this newsletter. And please subscribe and share this newsletter with all your friends and anybody who you think might be interested by clicking the buttons below.