Back from Ushaw

We're back from the British Seminarians' Football Tournament, which happened at Ushaw Seminary (by Durham). Thanks for the prayers, the said injured has recovered and we were all able to come back together. We beat Ushaw and lost two games, including one to the fleet-footed Scots from Dun Scotus who swept the tournament. It was a wonderful chance to talk to seminarians from other seminaries, to see how things differ for them, and how much of what we do is the same. Most importantly, it encouraged us in our vocation and helped us realise that we are not alone as future priests in Britain, while at the same time allowing us to relax in a normal setting and just have a bit of fun. Ushaw's lack of Latin, Greek and Hebrew classes had at least one Oscotian considering a transfer up north ( sed non mihi est...). All seminarians have academic study as an integral part of their formation, as is called for in Pope John Paul II's Pastores Dabo Vobis. It is important today as ever that we are able to 'give an account of the hope that is within us' through a clear and studied understanding of our faith. Another important aspect of formation is pastoral work, which Ushaw seems to have a lot of. At any rate, a good time was had by all of us at the tournament, and we thank Ushaw for putting it on, at the same time looking forward to a chance to redeem ourselves against the footie victors!