Viewing all items in Resource Category: Editorial

Just 80 years ago, on 9th Nov 1938, Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass) began, when the Nazis burned over 1400 synagogues and destroyed thousands of Jewish homes and businesses in Germany and Austria. More than 30,000 Jews were transported to concentration camps, and by the end of the year, Jews were prohibited from schools...

The early Church was slow to dedicate a liturgical day to offering prayers and masses to commemorate the faithful departed.  But in time prayers were offered on behalf of dead monks, that they might attain ‘the Beatific Vision’ through purification, which the Church later described as Purgatory.  Odilo, the powerful abbot of Cluny, (d 1049)...

The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is encouraging people to individually commemorate over one million Commonwealth Service men and women who were killed during the First World War. The losses were felt in almost every town and village in the UK and throughout, what was then, the British Empire....

The morality of hunting has made the headlines in recent years, but here at least was one man who was converted while hunting.  Hubert (bishop, d 727 AD) was out on Good Friday hunting stag when he came across a stag with a crucifix between its antlers.  This so shook him that he converted to...

As autumn begins to head towards winter, spare a thought for any older person in our community who has been bereaved. They may be struggling with some depression just now. A recent study has found that older bereaved people, particularly those aged over 85, are four times more likely to experience depression than those who...

Why should being a ‘lay’ person stop you from as full a ministry as being ordained?  Here is a saint for all lay people who suspect they can do as good a job…. Charles Borromeo was an Italian who lived in Milan from 1538 to 1584.   His uncle, Pope Pius IV, made him Archbishop of...

Back in 1605 Guy Fawkes managed to stow a good few barrels of gunpowder under the House of Lords without anybody noticing.  He was part of a Roman Catholic plot to murder James 1 of England and his parliament at the state opening.  Fortunately, Guy Fawkes was found – and stopped – in time.

Kea was an early Christian and a monk from a good family who left Glastonbury to work in Devon and Cornwall, where Landkey (Devon) and Kea (Cornwall) bear his name.  He founded several Christian centres in the area before going on to Brittany to become the saint known there as ‘Saint-Quay’.  It seems that Kea...

When did you last talk to your local pharmacist?   If it has been some time, now may be the month to pop in and share with them any health concerns that you have. ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ week is an awareness week aimed at reminding communities of the wide range of services that pharmacists can offer. ...

During the Second World War, Winston Churchill was Britain’s Prime Minister. At the same time, William Temple was Archbishop of Canterbury. While Churchill led the country against Germany, Temple encouraged the British people to trust the Lord for their deliverance and strength. Like Churchill, Temple was a great leader, a gifted orator and a prolific...

Not many people have heard of Illtud, but perhaps we should make him the patron saint of all Christian NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) who work in emergency and famine relief. Illtud did not set out to be an action hero – he was a gentle and learned abbot heading up a monastery in Glamorgan.  Illtud spent...

By Catherine Campbell, IVP, £9.74 Catherine Campbell invites you to journey with her through the year as she shares 365 Bible meditations that have touched her heart and changed her life. Using an eclectic mix of readings, character cameos and anecdotes, Catherine takes us across new terrain every day. As with life, some paths will...