St Oswald's
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 […]
‘What is a Christian? The richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father. If you want to know how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God’s child and having God as his Father.’ (J I Packer, Knowing God) The month […]
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 […]
Catherine of Siena, who was born on 29th April, 1347, should be the patron saint of anyone who has grown up in a large family, and mastered the two vital skills for survival: how to stand up for yourself, and how to make peace with others. Catherine had siblings! At least 19 of them, and […]