Br John SSF attended the Requiem Eucharist for Br Thomas Anthony SSF in St Philip’s, Plaistow on Wednesday 13th May and his burial on Thursday 14th May in Hilfield cemetery. He took the following photographs, including the words of one of Tom’s poems called “No Comeliness” from the Order of Service.
The Funeral and Requiem Eucharist of Br Thomas Anthony SSF on Wednesday 13th May 2026 will be livestreamed and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: https://www.shealolin.co.uk/brother-thomas-anthony
The stream will also be available for up to 30 days afterwards and can be watched on any device.
The Franciscan Peace Pilgrimage is a prayerful and symbolic journey being organised by the Society of Saint Francis to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi in 1226. Rooted in the enduring Franciscan charism of simplicity, reconciliation, and love for all creation, this pilgrimage seeks to renew the saint’s timeless call to peace in a world still marked by division and conflict.
Inspired by the life and witness of St. Francis—who crossed boundaries of culture and religion, most notably in his encounter during the Fifth Crusade—the pilgrimage invites participants to become instruments of peace in their own time. It is not merely a physical journey, but a spiritual one: a walking prayer shaped by contemplation, fraternity, and reverence for the natural world.
Pilgrims will walk together in a spirit of humility and joy, embracing the Franciscan values of poverty, simplicity, and care for creation. Along the way, times of silence, shared prayer, Scripture, and song—especially in the tradition of Taizé—will create space for reflection and renewal. The pilgrimage is open to all who seek peace, regardless of background, offering a gentle yet profound witness to the possibility of reconciliation in everyday life.
As the global community commemorates this significant centenary, the Franciscan Peace Pilgrimage stands as both remembrance and response: remembrance of a life wholly given to Christ, and response to the urgent need for peace in our world today. In walking together, participants echo the prayer so often associated with St. Francis—“make me a channel of your peace”—and carry its hope forward into the present age.
A message from the brothers in Plaistow:
Br. Christopher John SSF (not pictured), Br. Micael Christoffer SSF, Sr. Sue Berry CSF, and Sr. Sophia Rose nCSF were deeply honoured and truly delighted to be present at Canterbury Cathedral for the Installation of Archbishop Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
It was a profoundly beautiful and grace-filled occasion—marked by reverence, joy, and a deep sense of hope. In the stillness and splendour of the Cathedral, we were reminded of God’s faithful presence guiding the Church through every season.
We give thanks for the privilege of sharing in such a significant moment, and we hold Archbishop Sarah in our prayers as she begins this sacred ministry.
Simeon, Finnian and Tobias attended the latest gathering of SSF Brothers in First Profession, which took place in February at St Mary’s Convent in Wantage, Oxfordshire, home of the Community of Saint Mary the Virgin. The four-day group retreat included prayer, shared meals and additional opportunities for conversation and discussion. The CSMV Sisters gave a fascinating talk about their time in India in the 20th Century. They were based in Pune (previously spelled “Poona”) in Maharashtra, and their time there coincided with the presence of the Christa Seva Sangha, one of the forerunners of SSF. It was a joy to see an original copy of the rule of the Christa Seva Sangha written by Jack Winslow, much of which is still used today in the form of SSF’s Daily Principles.
Three men were admitted to the Noviciate of the Society of St. Francis during Evening Prayer at Hilfield Friary on Tuesday 3rd February.
Our new Novices are: Br. Leo, Br. Jude and Br. Thomas Aidan, pictured below, in the front from left to right, with Br. Cristian Michael (Novice Guardian) and Br. Micael Christoffer (Minister Provincial of the European Province) behind.
Please pray that God will bless them in their vocations to SSF.
