Monday, 27 September 2010

Crawley Pilgrim Papal Pictures


Parishioner Francis Fernandes has taken some wonderful pictures at Cofton Park...the Pope even helped him by opening the Popemobile window!

A Crawley Pilgrims view

The Beatification of John Henry Cradinal Newman in Birmingham. Picture taken by Frances Fernandes.


Saturday, 25 September 2010

Papal Parishioners


Over the next few days we will be adding pictures and memories from the many parishioners who attended the Papal Liturgies and events last week. If you would like to be included please email: crawley.parish@dabnet.org

Parishioners attend the Beatification in Birmingham

I first saw Pope John Paul II at Wembley. He was inspiring and magnificent. I then saw him at St. Peter's in Rome for his 25th Anniversary and the Beatification of Blessed Mother Teresa, not long before hsi death. He was dependent on help from others. At his side constantly was Cardinal Ratzinger, a man with a hard reputation.
To actually see the loving kindness and hear the sensitivity and understanding intellect of Pope Benedict XVI stirs me with humble gratitude to God for our Holy Father and his successful visit to us at a time when we really need him. I am so grateful.

Crawley Parishioners at Hyde Park


“...The pilgrims were arriving in their thousandsand you could almost taste the expectancy in the air. Around 2pm the giant TV screens came to life and the comperes presented the "liturgical entertainment" for the next four hours or so. This comprised singers and dancers from various backgrounds and ethnicity that was most enjoyable...”
“My experience of the Holy Father’s visit to Hyde Park was the overwhelming peace and joy of all who were present and the powerful witness of thousands of the youth of this country, gathered together in prayer and worship. Praise God.”

“…The atmosphere was really great; all the youth groups (including us) were having a good time ... Soon after, all the diocesan youth groups processed down to the area near the front. …The pope-mobile drove round us and then to the stage where Benedict XVI got out and began the vigil. After the liturgy of the word, the pope gave a homily on the now Blessed John Henry Newman after which the Blessed Sacrament was venerated. Overall, the day was enjoyable and a spiritual enrichment, especially for the A&B youth group.”

“..He blessed us and led us in prayer and the singing of the two great hymns of Cardinal Newman The Dream of Gerontius and Lead Kindly Light, the latter being sung during the festival of the candles. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrement closed the Vigil and we travelled home spiritually refreshed.

“VIBRANCY & SERENITY.
The experience said so much about our church.”