Author: Anne Coomes

Jesus saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9). This month we remember Matthew’s call as one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. It consisted of a simple invitation, ‘Follow me’, and an immediately response. The resulting meal at Matthew’s house also […]

This month we celebrate Jesus’ transfiguration, when Jesus took Peter, John and James with Him up a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36). Jesus was transfigured alongside Moses and Elijah: ‘As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.’ (29). Jesus’ Transfiguration: Watch!  The disciples’ […]

           St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15th July, it will then rain for 40 days after that. It all began when Swithun was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex. It was an important […]

21st May:         Protector of the Holy Places Helena should be the patron saint of all mothers who help their sons achieve great things. Helena was born at Drepanum in Bithynia about 250. Although only a stable-maid or innkeeper’s daughter, she caught the eye and affections of a Roman general, Constantius Chlorus, while he was stationed in […]

14th May:       (Sunday before Ascension) In the Anglican Church, Rogation is celebrated on the fifth Sunday after Easter. Rogation means an asking of God – for blessing on the seed and land for the year ahead. It is appropriate in any emergency, war, plague, drought or foul weather. The practice began with the Romans, who invoked […]

On 6th May His Majesty King Charles III will be crowned alongside Camilla, The Queen, in Westminster Abbey. How can we pray for him? Paul says: ‘I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all […]