Since coming to St Vincent’s I have been touched by a devotion to St Joseph. I think back to the itnroduction of the New Missal and how Pope Francis emphesised
the naming of St Joseph as “spouse of Mary” in the Eucharistic Prayer, so he is present for us each day, understood as an important player in the great “scheme” of things… I think of a young couple I married a while ago, they had an intense relationship to St Joseph…. I think of my own devotion to Mary and a constant inquisitiveness in the man who was her “spouse”
St Joseph is so topical today. The questions of the world and work, the issues of family and society, the question of the centrality of the reality of fatherhood in the wold today, and the issues around human sexuality and our part in “salvation history”.
Convent of Mercy…
In May I was asked to give a reatreat day for the Oldham Walsingham Society at the Convent of Mercy in Werneth. Oldham. I had heard that the convent was about to close. The reatreat day for the Society was held there most years – and this was to be a last vist – quite emotinal for many.
I too had had some contact – not so much with the convent – but with sisters who worked from their. These sisters supported – with Fr Jim Rawson the Parish Priest of Corpus Christi, Oldham – the little Schoenstat Family on its journey at it’s very beginnings. In the convent you see the odd unity corss, or other signs of that connection through the convent still.
As well as the Walsihgham society, some of the sisters took part in the day of recollection – filled with their own sense of a change being afoot.
The topic ot the reatreat day was – Do not let your hearts be troubled.
When I think of the courage of the women who pioneerd these places from which so much learning and healing happened. I think of the many lives touched. It is clear that their intention was not the retention of prpoerty and buildings – but of the spreading and lived example of the messege of the gospel – and that courage is demanded of us today.
There can be many ways that this mission can continue…
The day after the retreat I tentativly – and as sensitively as possible – asked if it owuld be possible to have the statue of St Jospeh from teh chapel… It is a very beautiful depiction
Things wer uncertain then, but the sisters would let me know if and when things wiht the sale of the convent progressed…
As it transpired – the buyer wanted to leave the chapel as it was – something quite wonderful when you think about it – but there were two other statues that I could have a look at…
Finally I visited and chose to give “St Joseph the worker” a chance to find a home in St Vincent’s…
Church Loo…
All I can say is – Joseph got straight to work.
If there is one challagene that has nearly beat me – it is the provision of a loo in our Church. Many attempts have geen made – many plans rejected. Things seemed to go backwards and forwards without end…
But on the day we got the statue from the Convent – Friday, 27th August – news came therough from the Dicoes – we can go ahead with the latest scheme we have had planned for a while – let’s see if the council can intervene…
Coincidence?????
I am so grateful to the Sisters of Mercy – not just for the statue, but for the many years of service to so many people….
I wonder what St Joseph has in store for them and for us next….
