St David’s Church resounded to the singing of Christmas Carols and the reading of Scripture as people gathered together for a service of lessons and carols. After the service dry vocal chords were eased with mulled wine and tired bodies with mince pies!
Brs Micael Christoffer and Simeon have just returned from a visit to Sweden where they were welcomed in various Parishes and by the Franciscan Sisters in Klaradals Kloster.. In addition to speaking to various groups, leading a Quiet Day in Prästgården in Algutstorp and visiting historic sites associated with Franciscanism the Brothers were able to speak about the Religious Life and explain something of the Franciscan charism.
Last week the Brothers set off for Pitlochry to join the clergy of the Diocese of Edinburgh for the annual clergy conference. The Brothers participated in discussion groups, heard presentations by Steve Aisthorpe (author of Rewilding the Church) and Fr Gero McLaughlin SJ and enjoyed the beautiful countryside during breaks in the conference schedule.
The Bishop of Edinburgh (the Rt Rev’d Dr John Armes) came to bless St David’s Friary in Edinburgh. Members of the congregation, the Third Order and other guests prayed God’s Blessing on the new Friary before enjoying some refreshments together. People are always welcome to join the Brothers for the Office and Eucharist in St David’s Church which are offered at the following times:
|
Day |
Holy Eucharist | Morning Prayer | Midday Prayer | Evening Prayer | Compline |
| Sunday | 10.30am | 9.00am | 12noon | 6.00pm | Private |
| Tuesday | 6.00pm | 9.00am | Private | 5.00pm | 9.00pm |
| Wednesday | 10.30am | 9.00am | Private | 5.00pm | 9.00pm |
| Thursday | 11.00am | 9.00am | Private | 5.00pm | 9.00pm |
| Friday | 6.00pm | 9.00am | 12noon | 5.00pm | 9.00pm |
| Saturday | 12.15pm | 9.00am | 12noon | 5.00pm | 8.30pm |
Please do email the Brothers by clicking here if you intend to come because times of service may need to change depending on our outside commitments.
On Wednesday 4th October a large congregation gathered together in St David’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Pilton to mark the re-establishment of a Franciscan house in the area (and in Scotland). Br Joseph Emmanuel was licensed by Bishop John Armes (Bishop of Edinburgh) as Priest-in-Charge and the Brothers of St David’s Friary were blessed. The Friary itself will be blessed on Sunday 15th October. The Brothers say the Divine Office in Church four times each day and the Eucharist is also celebrated each day. They are busy exploring the many opportunities for service and mission in the area and in the City of Edinburgh.
Finnian writes:
Sr Elizabeth died peacefully on Saturday 9th September. She joined the Community of St Francis in 1955 and was Professed in 1957 in Dalston, London. Elizabeth led the Community through a time of change and expansion, as Minister Provincial and ‘Mother’ from 1971 until 1986. Latterly she lived again in the East End at Stepney and then in Plaistow. She was 92 years old and in the 65th year of profession in vows. May she Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!
Elizabeth’s funeral will take place on Monday 16th October at 12.30pm in St Paul’s Church, Bow Common (Burnett Road, London, E3 4AR; nearest tube station Mile End). It will be followed by refreshments in the church hall and the committal will be at 3.00pm in the East London Crematorium. Please note that there is no car parking available at the Church.
Here is further information on Elizabeth’s obituary and there is space to add memories and if you wish.
If you would like to make a donation to the Community in memory of Sister Elizabeth, you can do so online at: https://www.franciscans.org.uk/donating-to-us/. Please select the ‘pay with card option’ and put “CSF in memory of Sr Elizabeth” as the destination. This may be gift-aided. Cheques are to be made payable to The Community of St Francis and sent either to a Sister with whom you are in contact, or to The Sisters CSF, St Matthew’s House, 2 Yukon Way, Leicester, LE1 2AF
On 26 August 2023, Br John SSF was blessed in his new role as Guardian of Hilfield Friary by the European Minster Provincial, Br Micael Christoffer SSF.
The simple liturgy taken from the Daily Office SSF was incorporated into the midday Eucharist. During the service, heartfelt thanks were given to God and Br Clark Berge for his ministry as Guardian over the past six years. He was commended to God in prayer for the next stage of his journey as he prepares to move to the USA. The Hilfield community and local friends witnessed the day, as John knelt for the blessing.
Br John commented: “I am happy to be back living at Hilfield after a gap of fifteen years, listening to the owls hooting at night and praying for wisdom. My deep gratitude goes to all of the community members for the warmth of the welcome I have received, and the kindness and patience shown to me. Together, we look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.”
A few days later, on the 30 August, Br John was licensed by the Bishop of Salisbury who joined the Hilfield Community to share in their hospitality.
Br Clark the outgoing Guardian, said: “I’ve had a wonderful six years as Guardian. It has been a full and rich time. I learned much and I hope I have given love and encouragement to the community. Where I have failed, I ask pardon. John and the community are much in my thoughts and prayers!”
In the next couple of weeks, Clark will be walking the Camino de Santiago, after which he will be returning to the USA. The Community and Brothers and Sisters of the First Order wish him well and thank him for his service.
Br Micael Christoffer who led the blessing, added: “I am pleased on behalf of SSF, to bless John in his new ministry.”
To find out more or to consider taking a retreat or course at Hilfield please see their website.
For the first time Alnmouth friary hosted part of the Alnmouth Arts Weekend (June 16-18). The arts festival started in 2005 and has grown to hosting 50 artists in different locations around Alnmouth village. This year Alnmouth friary hosted 17 artists, who sold their wares.
The brothers along with a small team of volunteers served tea, coffee and cake alongside running a book and plant stall. We offered hospitality and a listening ear as well. Over 1,000 passed through the friary over the weekend.
A lot of local people had never been into the friary before so it was a great way to get to know the local community. People marvelled at Alnmouth friary gardens and the view from the library window. Guests kept on saying how peaceful the friary was and how they’d like to come back. Out of the weekend we’ve already seen fruit, some people have made retreat inquiries, and others have popped around for a chat.
Recently on 21st-24th April, members of the first and third order Franciscans joined 85,000 people at the Big One protest, with more than 200 organisations outside Parliament about various aspects of the Climate Crisis that are engulfing our planet.
SSF Brothers Hugh, Samuel and Magnus, and CSF Sisters Maureen and Sue joined the Third Order and hundreds of Christians with people from other faiths at St John’s Waterloo at the start of the weekend. Joining more than 1,000 Christians, they marched to Parliament, first stopping at the Shell building to present the oil company with a petition. Later at the much bigger protest aimed at raising awareness and demanding that the UK government take actual action, they manned a Faith Tent in the Corner of the Square.
Smaller protests across the weekend highlighted that continued burning and use of fossil fuels destroys on our earthly home. Together we campaigned to stop new UK coal mining sites and to stop supporting mega-corporations and their consumption of our natural resources. We highlighted that it will destroy God’s Creation for everyone and that time is running out to stop this.
To round off every evening, the Franciscans led a walk around Westminster to pray at Government Departments for the Holy Spirit to guide the workers. Also many people made small paper boats and presented them to the Home Office, saying that Refugees Are Welcome here. On the Monday, Brother Magnus joined a Mass Lobby at Parliament to see his MP. Finally to close the weekend, Sisters Sue and Maureen CSF presided at a Franciscan Eucharist outside the Supreme Court.
The Franciscans have traditionally sought to protect the Environment and God’s Creation, following the example set by St Francis. We realise that those most affected by the planet’s destruction are the poor and marginalised communities of the earth. Find out more by viewing our Caring for Creation pages here.
