Celebrating Brother Michael Strode

Brother Michael Strode

Source: CBMC

Today, 5 June 2023, is the century of the birth of Brother Michael Strode.

On Saturday several hundred of his family, friends and admirers defied the rail strikes and successfully made their way, perhaps against the odds, to Westminster Cathedral for the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Mark O'Toole of Cardiff and others to commemorate this day and his remarkable life and legacy. Over 400 more were present virtually through the live streaming facility. At the outset, all of them were warmly welcomed by Archbishop Mark who gave thanks to God for Brother Michael's Cistercian vocation and legacy.

Fr Jan Rossey, recently appointed the superior of the Cistercian community at Caldey Abbey, preached a homily described by Fr Perry, former Trust Chaplain of HCPT and CBMC member, as the "pièce de résistance".

During a marvellous insight into Brother Michael, Fr Jan referred to the recently published book, 'Who are you looking for? - an introduction to the life and spirituality of Brother Michael Strode', written by his friend of 60 years, John Wolff. He described it as "a delightful book, so beautiful, so full of insight, so full of faith and hope, of charity and friendship, so full of inspiration". He encouraged everyone to buy the book and "to read it, and reread it, and pray it, for it is a book full of prayer, to absorb it and try to live it". He told everyone to buy several copies to give away because "it is a perfect present for those who are open to the message of Brother Michael's life".

The carefully selected hymns included Brother Michael's favourite, "Be still for the presence of the Lord". At the end of Mass, Archbishop Mark spoke warmly of Brother Michael, adding that the cause for his canonisation would come to him as Archbishop of Cardiff. Richard King, Chair of CBMC (Committee for Brother Michael's Cause) also spoke to thank all those who were present, and of CBMC's desire to gather evidence over the next 19 months by way of testimonials, ready for the formal launch of the Cause at the beginning of 2025 after the fifth anniversary of Brother Michael's death.

HCPT, as the organisers of the Mass, have since confirmed that it remains available for all to watch and to hear Fr Jan's inspirational homily at: www.youtube.com/live/JsyXzo5Bi4Y?feature=share where all can truly experience this very special celebration.

After the Mass, CBMC held the Centenary Reception in the Cathedral Hall where captioned pictures of Brother Michael and his portrait were displayed and a slide show of quotations of or from him were shown. These will soon be added to the CBMC website with the recording of the Centenary Celebration Mass and the new Testimonial leaflet.

John Wolff's book is now available at: www.brothermichaelstrode.org/news/the-latest-news where you can follow Fr Jan's advice at a cost worth every penny of £15 +£4.75 for package & posting.

A new flyer was issued at Westminster to prompt all those who were influenced by Brother Michael to consider now writing a testimonial in support of the Cause for his canonisation. Please do consider this:

Brother Michael - an advocate for disabled people, a retired doctor and later a member of the Cistercian community at Caldey Abbey died on 27 December 2019, aged 96. The CBMC was formed to prepare a case for him to be declared a saint. The 'Cause' can only be formally launched five years after his death. CBMC is keen now to collect testimonials as to his sanctity from all those who feel their lives have been influenced by his life, even if they never met him.

To create a body of evidence that speaks of Michael's saintliness, we welcome signed, written statements that would help to:

- build a picture of his Christian life and spirituality - showing that he might be worthy to be considered for the path to canonisation

- show how his example has encouraged people privately to seek his spiritual intercession on their behalf.

Please send your submissions to CBMC c/o HCPT, Oakfield Park, 32 Bilton Road, Rugby CV22 7HQ

Email: secretary@brothermichaelstrode.org