Visit to a Troubled Land On the afternoon of Tuesday 31 January, Pope Francis arrived in Kinshasa for the start of a 4-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR) and South Sudan. Catholics make up around half the population of each country. The Church also owns and runs an extensive network of hospitals,… Read More
Category: Missions
A Glance Behind Peter’s Pence
A Glance Behind Peter’s Pence Last Sunday at Mass the second collection which is usually for Share was replaced by one for ‘Peter’s Pence’. This is an annual suggested offering which is taken up throughout the Catholic world either on 29 June, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, or on the Sunday closest to… Read More
A Message From Our Prior Provincial – Fr John Harris OP
We know from the life of St. Martin that he was a great supporter of the younger brothers in formation. Those preparing for the priesthood always found him encouraging and a source of comfort when they found life difficult. We also know that he was well able to converse with them on theological matters. One… Read More
Special month for the Missions
October The Special month for the Missions. Two years ago on World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis said: “For the month of October 2019 I ask the whole Church to live an extraordinary time of missionary activity”. He also explained that it would mark the hundredth anniversary of Pope Benedict XV’s Apostolic letter, Maximum Illud, a… Read More
What is Life like for a Dominican Student Priest?
Life as a Dominican Student Priest For over 800 years the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans have been following in the footsteps of their founder Dominic Guzman, under the special care and patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1216 he established the Friars Preachers with approval from Pope Honorius III and later Pope Innocent… Read More
A Helping Hand – You have helped us to help others
A Helping Hand – St Martin Charities At the St Martin Apostolate we have as our Patron a man who is an inspiration not only because of his humility, but also for his care of the poor and suffering. We still strive to live by his word and example and are very proud to… Read More
The Virtue of Kindness
I recently learned that February 17, last Sunday, is the date on which National Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated. It is celebrated by individuals, groups and organizations nationwide to promote acts of Kindness. Originating in New Zealand it has spread to other countries and indeed it is encouraging to know that the observation… Read More
Getting Ready for Christmas
Is it just me or did Christmas begin even earlier than usual this year? By that of course I mean the run up to it, when a choice of goods go on sale in the shops. For a long time now, it seems that Christmas gifts and cards have positively swamped the display stands in most… Read More
Homelessness in the City
Homelessness We are probably all familiar with the phrases ‘No place like Home’ and perhaps it is understandable that we take the concept of ‘home’ for granted but there are a lot of people who do not have the luxury of a roof over their head. Sadly the numbers are on the increase and the… Read More