11 Young Men

Well, here we are at Good Friday already, the hour when the Father will be glorified in the death of His Son. A lot has happened already this week; on Wednesday the four East Anglians went to the Chrism Mass in Norwich cathedral, where the Bishop blessed and consecrated the oils used for baptism, confirmation, ordination and anointing of the sick. The priests and deacons of the diocese renewed their promise to faithfully minister the mysteries of God and serve joyfully those who have been entrusted to them, following the example of Christ. It was wonderful to see the clergy of the diocese before and afterwards, as well as to behold a packed cathedral (hinted at when we walked down the road by the vast queue of coaches waiting there)!

This year for the Triduum we have had 11 men join us at the seminary, who are interested in the priesthood and want to know more. As well as being part of the community at seminary and taking part in our prayers, they will also accompany us to Birmingham Cathedral for the Triduum liturgy. Last night at the Mass of the Lord's Supper the Archbishop greeted them and the seminarians in his homily, reminding them that the priesthood consisted of a life of faithfully loving as Christ loved us, in humility. Please keep these 11 men in your prayers as they seek to discern the Lord's will for them!

At the end of last night some of us followed the Seven Churches tradition (going to seven different churches to pray at the altar of repose before midnight), while others just stayed in one church. It really is an encouragement for the parish priest to see people coming to watch and pray, especially if it's a small parish and the priest is left watching on his own! Today, as well as going to the Cathedral, we will take part in an ecumenical walk of witness in Sutton Coldfield.

I hope you are all having a blessed start to the Triduum, and that it will be a unique time of God's grace for you on the doorstep of the Paschal season!