Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Surpassing Expectations

The Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer
remember in their prayers today
and wish a very happy feastday to all
the many 
Mothers, Expectant Mothers and Hopeful Mothers-to-Be
who have requested relics of St Gerard and prayers 
during this last year. 

If you are that soul who 
like Holy Anna, Sarah, Rebecca and Elizabeth
longs to bear yourself 
that long desired little infant,
take heart on this
beautiful feast of the Church 
when we remember that on the eighth day from hence
Most Holy Mary Immaculate
will bring forth into the world a Saviour, 
"now" still hidden in her spotless womb.

Ask of her that long sought for blessing.
She will surely
surpass all your expectations!

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
 that never was it known that anyone
 who fled to thy protection,
 implored thy help, or sought thine intercession
 was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
 to thee do I come, before thee I stand,
 sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
 despise not my petitions,
 but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

Tuesday, III Week of Advent


Saturday, December 15, 2012

III Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday

He turned the Storm into a Breeze

"And He turned the storm into a breeze: 
and its waves were still."
wrote the Holy Psalmist King David.
Today we had a spot of bother with the tide.
 Last night there was a storm to the east of Papa Stronsay
 which meant that this morning
as our Heavenly King
"turned the storm into a breeze"
 the great rollers of the North Sea
 still came crashing into the east of the island.
(If you click the above photograph to enlarge it
 you will see how tall the waves are in comparison
 to the little ruined house on the horizon.)

This, coupled with extremely high tides
 produces some interesting results!
The force of the sea between
 the pier and the monastery gatehouse
 drives big rocks up into the roadway.
The last remaining herring shed is engulf buy the sea
 as it come spewing inland through St Brigid's Bay.
The rough weather prevented our morning Rorate Mass,
 however by evening the sea was calmed
 but for a strong swell and an awful lot
 of seaweed and sand churned up in it.
 A large bull seal played near the boat as we crossed over,
 eager to find some delicious morsel thrown up by the storm.
 
Our 4pm Rorate Mass in the northern darkness (by 3.30pm).

Once again the words of the Holy Psalmist set the scene for us.
"Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight..."
  "...the lifting up of my hands..."
 "...as Evening Sacrifice."

Saturday, II Week of Advent