Saturday 14th October– Saturday 21st October 2023
- jonathonrouth
- Oct 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16, 2023
OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY.
Twenty-eighth Week of Ordinary Time
Dear parishioners,
THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: Message of Our Lady of Akita, Japan to Sr. Agnes Sasagawa.
On October 13, 1973, following a series of visions* and some extraordinary signs, Sr Agnes Sasagawa experienced one more and final vision of Our Lady. This is some of the message Sr Agnes heard:
"My dear daughter, listen well to what I have to say to you. You will inform your superior."
After a short silence:
"As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as no-one will ever have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead. The only arms which will remain for you will be the Rosary and the Sign left by My Son. Each day recite the prayers of the Rosary. With the Rosary, pray for the Pope, the bishops and priests."
"The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Church in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, bishops against bishops. The priests who venerate me will be scorned and opposed by their confreres...churches and altars will be sacked; the Church will be full of those who accept compromises and the demon will press many priests and consecrated souls to leave the service of the Lord.
"The demon will be especially implacable against souls consecrated to God. The thought of the loss of so many souls is the cause of my sadness. If sins increase in number and gravity, there will be no longer pardon for them"
"Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach. Those who place their confidence in me will be saved."
Many are seeing the fulfilment of these warnings in what is – incredibly - happening in the church in our times: the infiltration of secular and revolutionary ideologies and the embracing of faithlessness in compromises with the morals of the world advocated by some participants chosen by the pope to attend his ‘synod on synodality’. We have also seen in recent times convents and monasteries forcibly closed by Church authorities. In France, Canada, USA, India and other countries churches have been vandalised or burned down by church-haters while cardinals are speaking up loudly against other cardinals. In the world, there have been man - made disasters of every kind, including the ominous evils taking place in the Land of Our Lord’s birth. For many, these events can now be recognised in the words spoken to Sr Agnes Sasagawa, as I write today, exactly fifty years ago, on Friday 13th October, feast of St Edward the Confessor of England.
We can though unite in prayer in accord with Our Lady of Akita’s wishes as expressed to many visionaries in recent times by coming to our PARISH ROSARY, LITANY OF LORETO and BENEDICTION. Bring your family! Let us pray together as a parish and unite to ask Blessed Mary, Queen of Peace, for Peace in our hearts, in our homes, in our families, in the Church, and in the world. The service takes place this Sunday 15th October, 3.00 p.m.
This holy hour of devotion will also include the enrolment of some of our altar boys into the Guild of St Stephen and we will thank God for their graceful service at God’s altar. Afterwards, there will be a party for the Servers in the Church Hall with tea & coffee for parents.
Let us, in this Month of the Holy Rosary, act on the words of Our Lady of Akita to Sr Agnes and say our Daily Rosary and pray for the pope, the bishops and priests attending this novel ‘synod’ that they will fulfil their calling as authentic proclaimers of the faith and genuine guardians of Sacred Tradition. Very few men now are inspired by the current church to offer themselves for priesthood and too many are abandoning their calling. Let us hope that the bishops in this ‘synod’ inspire vocation by staying true to the faith of our fathers and mothers as they resist this ‘hostile takeover of our church’** foretold by Our Lady of Akita. We ask Mary, Our Mother, Queen of the Holy Rosary and Queen of Peace to pray for the Church and the world as we place our confidence in her Immaculate Heart.
* Ecclesiastical Approval for the visions at Akita, Japan:
February 27, 1978 — Pope Paul VI approves the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's Norms of the Congregation for Proceeding in Judging Alleged Apparitions and Revelations. These norms provide the criteria for evaluating such phenomenon and establish the local Bishop as the competent authority to do so.
April 22, 1984 — After eight years of investigations, Rev. John Shojiro Ito, Bishop of Niigata, Japan, recognised in his Letter "the supernatural character of a series of mysterious events concerning the statue of the Holy Mother Mary" and authorized "throughout the entire diocese, the veneration of the Holy Mother of Akita, while awaiting that the Holy See publishes definitive judgment on this matter."
For the full account of the Apparitions to Sr Agnes Sasagawa see: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/message-from-our-lady--akita-japan-5167
** The words of Cardinal Gerhard Muller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, who again this week asked for ‘clarity’ in the many ambiguous statements from Rome, quite reasonably asking that they be grounded in scripture, canon law and the teaching of popes through the ages.
God bless,
Fr Jonathon
UPCOMING EVENTS
THREE EVENING SESSIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AT ST JOHN VIANNEY CHURCH HALL, HEATHFIELD ROAD, BEXLEYHEATH. All are welcome to attend on:
Thursday 2nd November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. Staff from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust will be talking about Mental Health Services and Support available within Bexley area.
Thursday 9th November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. This session will be about looking after ourselves and each other and then focus on the work of Re-instate Ltd and the services offered by them in this area.
Thursday 16h November 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. This will focus on upon Children’s mental health and be led by Bexley Counselling Matters and conclude with three themes for discussion.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available.
If you are interested in taking part, yellow programmes are available on the table in the porch.
DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK The Divine Mercy Apostolate, London is hosting a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co Mayo from November 9 to 14 to pray for the Holy Souls. It will be led by the Marian Fathers. Package includes: Return flights by Aer Lingus from Heathrow Airport, half board, 5 nights, accommodation in en suite twin rooms, hand-luggage (10 kgs), all transfers and Airport Development fee. The Retreat will include daily Mass and Hour of Mercy and retreats at Glendalough and Kylemore Abbey. Cost £800. All Welcome. Please call Millie Fernandez on 07957594646 for more information.
The Macmillan Coffee Morning: next Sunday. I hope our parish will greatly support these wonderful nurses who are with us in our time of need by coming to our fundraising coffee morning next Sunday.
ST JUDE’S DAY (the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude) is celebrated on 28th October. The feast day is the high point of the calendar in Faversham, and hundreds of pilgrims come here in devotion to the Apostle. Although most come from London and the southeast, many others come from across Britain and even from abroad to celebrate this special time with God and with one another, in the company of the Carmelites.
The programme of activities during the feast includes regular celebrations of the Mass, blessings with the oil of St. Jude, and other devotions. During the celebrations there is a piety stall, a display of Carmelite books, and light refreshments available.
This year, St Jude’s Day falls on a Saturday and there will be celebrations on the Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday 28th October 2023 FEAST DAY
Saint Jude Mass at 12.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.
Sunday 29th October 2023
Saint Jude Mass at 12.30 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Please call 01795 539 214 or email shrineoffice@stjudeshrine.org.uk or visit www.stjudeshrine.org.uk for more information.
SHRINE OF ST.JUDE, WHITEFRIARS, TANNERS STREET, FAVERSHAM, KENT
PARISH NOTICES
MISSIO second collection on ‘World Mission Sunday’ 22nd October 2023
Missio is the Church’s official organ for the support of foreign missions. The collection taken on World Mission Sunday goes in its entirety to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor. Missio works through local bishops, churches and missionary congregations to ensure that resources are distributed equitably and justly on the basis of need. The money goes directly from England and Wales to the bishops in the mission territories: local church directly helping local church.
Make your donation to support the good works of Missio online at: https://missio.org.uk/donate/
Or pick up an envelope after mass to make your donation by cash or cheque
Or donate using your card and our contactless payment devices.
FOOD BANK. The Bexley Food Bank currently particularly requests (please notice the new items at the end):
CARRIER BAGS/ TINNED TOMATOES / RICE / NOODLES / JAM / CUSTARD /TOOTPASTE / SHOWER GEl/ DEODORANT/ TOOTHPASTE/ SUGAR / WASHING PODS/ LONG LIFE MILK / BISCUITS / SWEETS- CONFECTIONARY.
Please follow the link below to view the food donations page of the Bexley food bank site. https://bexley.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
NOTICE FROM MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE SOUTH EAST: Planning a catholic marriage? Marriage preparation courses are available by emailing mflse@rcaos.org.uk.
BEXLEY CRISIS CAFÉ Experiencing emotional or psychological distress? Access mental health support and advice after hours. Open every day from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. including bank holidays. MIND IN BEXLEY at 2A Devonshire Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8DS
Liturgy of the Word for Children. The Liturgy of the Word for our children will meet again this Sunday during the 9.00 a.m. mass.
EMBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST
Dear Friends This morning Embrace issued the following statement in response to the latest developments in Israel-Palestine. Statement 13 October 2023
There are courageous people on all sides and in all communities calling for an end to the violence in Israel and across all of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, especially now Gaza. We stand with them and ask you to do the same – the voices calling for restraint must be heard.
Our own government has failed to show leadership, preferring simplistic responses to constructive, considered, measured and collective action. The UN itself is being ignored by the UK, US and France its Permanent Security Council members.
The news today that half of the civilian population in Gaza is being told to move or risk being caught up in further, escalated and deadly military action is unprecedented, and legally and morally indefensible. And yet the Defence Secretary supported it this morning on the Today programme.
Israel has the right to respond to the barbarous events of the weekend. It does not have the right - on this international law is very clear - to act indiscriminately, without due regard for the safety of innocent civilians. It cannot for example erase whole neighbourhoods, starve or move an entire population from their homes. Notwithstanding its support for Israel, it is the duty of our government to make this clear. It has failed to do this.
When the violence is over, Embrace the Middle East, along with many other NGOs, will continue its mission to support partners, in our case Christian partners, on the ground in Gaza, in the West Bank, in East Jerusalem and in Israel to provide for people’s basic needs, including their human right to self-determination.
We urge the government in the meantime not to abandon international law and not to turn a blind eye to the potential humanitarian disaster which is imminent.
With best wishes, Tim Livesey CEO Embrace the Middle East
Embrace the Middle East is the Christian charity which works for Peace in the Holy Land through support of many projects and who many parishes support at Christmas time with the purchase of their famous ‘Bethlehem Carol Sheets’.
As a Christian development charity, EMBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST partners with Christians in the Middle East as they work to transform lives and restore the dignity of the most excluded and marginalised communities. Where there is a need – for refuge, a home, for health care, for education, for justice and human rights EBRACE THE MIDDLE EAST responds with its partners. Their goal is to contribute to a culture of human flourishing in a troubled region.
They have a vision of love in action. It is rooted in, and inspired by, Christ’s invitation to care for those most in need.
SPUC NOTICES
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN of the SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
'Please contact your MP and implore them to reject the British Pregnancy Advisory Service's call to completely decriminalise abortion. BPAS successfully campaigned for the pills by post scheme (active during covid) to be made permanent. We argued that without proper examination women would be sent the pills after the cut off period. BPAS have done just that, leading to the death of a totally viable child and a prison term for the mother. BPAS have made a tool for people to contact their MP so we need to respond. There is advice about this on www.spuc.org.uk but no tool as it's important you use your own words.
Rob Hills
Bexley SPUC Branch Chairman
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
SPUC is asking for volunteers to help them with labelling and packing letters and other office duties at HQ in Kennington, London SE11 4AB. This would suit all ages over 16. Lunch is provided and fares refunded. Please contact Elizabeth Foody on 020 7091 7091 or email lizfoody@spuc.org.uk
Note of Thanks
'The Bexley Branch of the SPUC would like to thank Fr Jonathon and the parishioners of St Thomas More for their support during the China petition. I was amazed when I saw all the signatures and head office were equally chuffed when they received them.'
DEATHS
For all our brothers and sisters who ate the Body of Christ, the bread of Life, that they may be raised up on the Last Day. (Drawn from the intercession of the Funeral Mass)
Please pray for the soul of:
Vivi Oruche, cousin of Esther Oruche, who died recently. His funeral will be held in October.
Brian Edward Simpson, who died on 24th August 2023, aged 80. His funeral was on Monday 11th September 2023 at Kemnal Park Crematorium.
Noel Stephen Ryan, who died on 28th August 2023, aged 78. His funeral was on Friday 22nd September 2023 at Eltham Crematorium.
May the divine assistance remain with them always, and may their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
MASSES AND INTENTIONS FOR THE TWENTY- EIGHTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
Instaurare Omnia in Christo: "to restore all things in Christ." Saturday 14th October St. Callistus, pope & martyr. [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) His Grace, Archbishop John Wilson P.I. 6.00 p.m. Confessions. + 6.30 p.m. TWENTY- EIGHTH SUNDAY SAID Colleen Keepax P.I. Sunday 15th October 8.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary + 9.00 a.m. SUNG with Liturgy of the Word for Children in Church Hall. Marco Balsanti R.I.P. +11.00 a.m. SOLEMN (in Latin with English Readings] The people of the parish. 3.00 p.m. OCTOBER DEVOTIONS TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY with PARISH ROSARY, LITANY OF LORETO, ENROLMENT OF SERVERS INTO THE GUILD OF ST STEPHEN and BENEDICTION. Followed by Servers’ party in the Church Hall. 7.00 p.m. Parish Social Evening in the Hall. All welcome. Monday 16th October St. Hedwig, religious. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Joaquim & Helen D’Souza TG Tuesday 17th October. St Ignatius of Antioch, bishop & martyr, memorial. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Clare Cullen R.I.P. Wednesday 18th October St. Luke, evangelist, feast. The Daily Rosary at home. NO PUBLIC MASS TODAY. Thursday 19th October St. Philip Howard, martyr. 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Marie Collins R.I.P. No Lunch Club this week Friday 20th October. feria 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary +10.00 a.m. Alex D’Souza R.I.P. (birthday anniversary) 6.00 p.m. Choir Practice. Saturday 21st October Celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary with comm. of St Hilarion, abbot & Ss Ursula & companions, virgins and martyrs. [TC]. 9.00 a.m. Confessions 9.30 a.m. The Daily Rosary (in Latin & English) + 10.00 a.m. (Latin 1962) William Pinto W.B. 6.00 p.m. Confessions. + 6.30 p.m. SAID TWENTY- NINTH SUNDAY ‘World Mission Day’, second collection for Missio.The people of the parish
OCTOBER PRAYER
