The Church today remembers at Mass and in its prayer the victims of human trafficking on the memorial of St Josephine Bakhita who was canonised 1st October 2000 by Pope John Paul and made Parton saint of survivors of human trafficking. Her story began in Darfur, modern day Sudan where she was kidnapped as a young child and subject to the cruelty of slavery for many years of her life. By the grace of God an Italian family rescued her from slavery and took her to Italy where she came to be baptised and a member of the Church. She went on to become a religious sister dedicating her life God. She died on this day 1947, aged 77. We ask St Josephine's prayers for an end to trafficking.

You may find the link below of interest as we pray for an end to this awful problem in our world:
https://www.renateevents.net/an-economy-without-human-trafficking 

The Scripture readings this weekend help us tackle the reality of suffering and the presence of God in the midst of it. There is no doubt that the Pandemic has brought suffering and hardship to many people. Very few people have been left unscathed by the challenges that this time brings. Questions continue to be asked: Why do people suffer? Where is God? 
In the first reading we meet Job, the holy man of God who is inflicted with suffering and tries to make sense of it all. God seems to have abandoned him and yet, clinging to God is his hope. 
The healing of Simon's mother in law by Jesus in the gospel,  and the account of the crowds of people who come after sunset for healing, show the compassion and tenderness of God's beloved Son. He truly enters into the darkness of peoples lives and does not abandon them. His own acceptance of the darkest hour of suffering on the cross brings a healing and peace that will transcend all human suffering. 
How keen are we to crowd round the door where the Lord is present in our lives? Are we eager to bring others to him with their questions, pain and sufferings at this time? 

We celebrate this great feast on Tuesday. Candles will be blessed at Mass at 10am and there will be a special evening Mass in candlelight at 6pm.
On this day we remember the presentation of Jesus in the temple and Simeon taking him into his arms and recognising Jesus as the light of the nations. Join us for Mass in church or via the livestream.

​

It is not enough to just oppose racism we need to end it. 
The theme for this Racial Justice Sunday is ‘A Time to Act‘. Racial issues and inequalities were identified nationally and internationally in 2020 generating awareness, emotion and outrage. In light of this Racial Justice Sunday 2021 is particularly significant. Action is needed to further the cause of racial justice but what can we do? See the resources from the Bishops' Conference and ask yourself the question, "What can I do to promote racial justice in society?"  Click here for more information.