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Gospel of 30 August 2026 Matthew 16:21-27 At that time: Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, 'Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.' But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind m... Read More

Every autumn, Palestinian farmers bring in the olive harvest - a vital act of cultural survival, carried out under mounting pressure from settler violence and land seizures. This October, the Amos Trust is running two trips to Palestine during harvest season, each offering a different way to stand alongside our partners and see the situation on the ground for yourself. Whether you're new to Palest... Read More

Winston Churchill was a great statesman, soldier, and writer. He had many interests and hobbies including painting which became a vital part of his life during World War I. 'Painting is complete as a distraction," he explained, "I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body, more entirely absorbs the mind.' The Wallace Collection, London, displays nearly 60 of his works in this absorbing ex... Read More

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 124 Jeremiah as he appears in our first reading today is a very sad figure, and pondering on that passage, we have to accept the very real negativity found there and perhaps honestly admit, that we can be very like Jeremiah in this mood of despondency and internal anger which he articulates by chastising God for having 'seduced', 'duped' or deceive... Read More

Gospel of 29 August 2026 Mark 6:17-29 At that time: Herod had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing t... Read More

Usama Nicola writes in Updates from Bethlehem: The Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother was for many years among the holiest and most beloved of traditions for us as Christians in Bethlehem. It was no ordinary day. It was a walk of faith, a walk a journey of our land, our community and also our Heavenly Mother Mary. A devout group of faithful would march at 3am on August 28 each year, o... Read More

Pope Leo XIV met on Friday with a delegation from the St Vincent de Paul Society of the United States of America. Founded in 1833, the global organisation seeks the sanctification of its members by personal service to the poor, and forms part of the Vincentian Family of Catholic organisations dedicated to St Vincent de Paul. In his address, Pope Leo thanked the group's members for their devoted se... Read More

Radio Maria UK broadcast its Worldwide Rosary live on Wednesday 26th August from the National Shrine of Our Lady of Willesden in north-west London, uniting listeners across the globe in prayer for the five Glorious Mysteries. Five contemporary Catholic composers premiered original music for the Glorious Mysteries at the historic London shrine The event was presided over by Fr Stephen Willis, Rect... Read More

Fr Javier Giraldo Moreno SJ died in Bogotá on 25 August after a fall in his home. Born in Colombia in 1944, is mother was an artist and his father was a hydro project administrator. He had three brothers and a sister. He decided to join the clergy when he was 15. After his ordination, his pastoral and research work led him to work with communities most affected by poverty, exclusion and violence.... Read More

A reception took place recently to mark the retirement of Brentwood Cathedral organist Stephen King. He had been in the post for 33 years and eight months, coincidentally the age he was when he first arrived at the newly built cathedral. His partnership with Musical Director Andrew Wright over that time has proved to be extremely fruitful and he will be much missed. The reception was attended by ... Read More

With temperatures topping 32°C, only three hours' sleep and a headwind pushing against him, Andrew Foote could be forgiven for seeing his 2,246-mile cycle ride to Jerusalem as an endurance challenge. Instead, the 32-year-old gardener insists it is something very different - a pilgrimage inspired by Christians who travel much further, and face far greater risks, simply to worship. Andrew set off f... Read More

Gospel of 28 August 2026 Matthew 23:8-12 At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himse... Read More

Mongolia is hosting the UN Convention to Combat Desertification for the first time, with nearly 77 percent of its land already degraded. Its theme is 'Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.' A World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation is in Ulaanbaatar for the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17). "We have still too much land degradation all over the world, from Africa to, yes, North Am... Read More

Anyone fortunate enough to be at the Greenbelt festival this weekend will be able to see the British premiere of Francesco, a most moving play with music based on the 'Little Flowers of St Francis, in this the beloved saint's 800th anniversary year. I was fortunate to see a special preview of the piece, written and composed by Daniel Zappi, performed for Palestine in London in June. Superbly direc... Read More