Category: Latest News

This weekend Brother Michael Jacob made his Profession of Life Vows. He writes:

“On Saturday 5th November I made my Life Profession at Alnmouth Friary. Bishop Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark and our Bishop Protector received my Life Profession on behalf of the church. Fr Harri Williams SSC preached a powerful and challenging homily.

“After the ceremony, a delicious lunch of biryani – and a stew, for those who like less spicy food – was expertly prepared by Br Vincent Paul and his team of excellent helpers. It was a very happy time of worship and fellowship. To God be the Glory.”

Whilst on Retreat in Alnmouth Friary our friend and Brother Br Paul Coleman OFM.Cap took this wonderful picture of Alnmouth Friary from the beach. If you are interested in visiting Alnmouth Friary the Guestbrother (Br Finnian) would be glad to hear from you. He can be emailed by clicking here

Brs Finnian, Jason Robert and Michael Jacob attended the Walsingham Regional Festival in Durham Cathedral today. Finnian wrote: “…It was a wonderful day. There was a sung Mass. We then went out for lunch at an Italian restaurant, we then returned to the cathedral for a procession and Benediction. The cathedral was packed. Everyone had a great time…”

A service of Thanksgiving for the Community of St Francis’ time in the Diocese of Lincoln, was held in St Peter’s Church, Dunston, on 1^st October. In place of a sermon, there was a ‘sharing of memories’ by Sr Maureen, and by several people from Dunston and Metheringham. It was good to remember the contributions from Sisters Liz, Judith Ann and Catherine Iona, as well as Maureen who continues to be resident in the Metheringham house (San Damiano). Sisters from Southwark and Leicester were also able to attend the service, which was followed by ‘tea and cake’ at San Damiano. About 30 people were at the church, and a slightly different 30 people had tea and cake, and it was a good afternoon of reminiscing and catching up. Unfortunately, a glitch in the selling process to do with another house in the selling chain, combined with the current uncertainties around taking out a mortgage, mean that the sisters will not be moving from San Damiano quite as soon as expected.

Br Nicholas Alan (the Guardian of Glasshampton) has written a book entitled Being Franciscan. Priced £14.99 it is published by Canterbury Press and provides a series of vignettes into the lives of various Franciscan Holy men and women.

‘Here are examples to imitate in whatever way we can, as we seek to follow Jesus in the spirit of Francis.’ From the Foreword by Bishop David Walker

‘a series of wonderful vignettes into the lives of various Franciscan holy men and women… offering insights into the ways people have been inspired to give expression to their own calling in Christ’

 John-Francis Friendship, author of What Do You Seek?

‘witnesses and guides to Franciscan spirituality speak with poignant urgency of human frailty, divine suffering, and the glory of a world ‘pregnant with God’

J.P. Williams, author of Seeking the God Beyond

‘invites readers to explore some of the key figures in the early Franciscan tradition, each offering their own contributions to the beautiful and multifaceted tapestry of Franciscan spirituality’

Daniel Horan OFM

‘Honesty, integrity and authenticity shine out.’

Andrew D. Mayes TSSF, author of Journey to the Centre of the Soul  

Br Joseph Emmanuel was licensed today as Assistant Priest of St Salvador’s Church in Stenhouse and Holy Cross Church in Davidsons Mains by the Bishop of Edinburgh (Bishop John Armes). Joe (who is serving as a ‘Brother on Detached Service’ with the permission of the Provincial Chapter) was born and brought up in Edinburgh and is delighted to have returned home. It is his hope that the return of an SSF Brother to Scotland might mark a reinvigoration of Religious Life in the Scottish Episcopal Church. Joe is pictured here with Bishop John and his colleagues Deacon Ross Jesmont and Frs Stephen Holmes and Mariusz Wojciechowski.

Br Michael Christoffer (Minister Provincial of the European Province of SSF) realised a long cherished dream when he ran the London Marathon. Micael was raising funds for L’Arche (with whom he worked whilst in Canterbury). He is pictured here having said some final prayers in front of All Saints’ Church in Blackheath.