IESVS HOMINVM SALVATOR

New Blog...

2009-11-16T07:25:00.001Z

I should have told you earlier but, as you may have guessed this blog is no longer *open*. Instead I have a new-ish blog. veni-sancte-spiritus.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there.

Happy New Year.

2009-01-05T14:58:00.004Z

Happy New Year to all my readers! And a belated Merry Christmas as well! I would have blogged sooner but I've been so busy with family business and generally enjoying my time away from university!

I was looking forward to a fairly quiet time in the run up to Christmas, and for the most part it was. Christmas 2008 will forever be remembered by myself and parishioners of St Patrick's, Grangetown, Cardiff. The Parish priest of St Patrick's sadly passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Fr John (Jack) Fahy
Requiescat In Pace

Fr. Fahy served the parish of St Patricks for just over 20 years. This was a particularly bad time for me and many of my age as Fr. Fahy brought us into the Church through the sacrament of Baptism.

His body will be recieved into the Church this Sunday (11th) with the funeral taking place Monday (12th).

After this bombshell Christmas Day itself was overshadowed by us remembering those who were not with us, in fact at Christmas lunch the toast was "To absent friends and family".

Boxing on the other hand was quite jovial. Not forgetting those who weren't with us, my brothers came to the family home with their families. For a wonderful celebration.

It was a reminder that Christmas is a time for family, but also a time for remembering those who aren't with us. We mustn't dwell on the fact they're not there with us,but rejoice for having known them!

Faith.

2008-12-09T23:13:00.003Z

I am often asked, by family members and friends of mine, "How can you have faith, when you see global terrorism, poverty, famine etc...?" and my answer is always the same; "I don't know".

But after some reflection on it over the past few months, i came to realise that my faith isn't as rigid as i like to make out, it fluctuates. Sometimes i'm filled with a great zeal and want to go out and convert (or try to at least) thousands of people. Then at other times i'm left wondering what is it all about? Where was God when the planes hit the Twin Towers? Where is he in Africa, with thousands dying every day?

I can't answer any of these questions, even though i try. However, everytime i think of this i am drawn to the crucifix on my desk. Christ suffers with us. We're not alone. When i see children on the News suffering, or when i see grieving persons, or even when i grieve myself i do not just see the person, but Christ. Christ suffering with us. I believe it is because of His sacrifice, that I can do that, that i know that Christ suffers with us, and i take great comfort in the fact that i'm not alone.

So to answer their question, i would ask them, "why do you not believe?" granted, there is no evidence to support my beliefs, but if there was, they'd be facts rather than articles of faith. I believe not because i HAVE to, but because i want to. Because i want to believe that there is a God, who would send his only Son to die for us sinners, and because of that suffering endured by Christ, i believe.

Great Silence

2008-12-05T17:17:00.003Z

So far, since the revival of IHS it has been very poor on my part and will strive to, in the near future, start blogging at the normal rate again! This next year looks like it could be a very interesting one especially with rumours circulating about the Cardinals successor!

But i won't go into that, there has been much on-line speculation and i don't wish to add to it. Damian Thompson covers it quite extensively, if slightly biased. When it comes to our faith however, we all are.

Basically this blog post will contain a few little snippets;

Firstly, congratulations to Abbot Paul Stonham OSB, who was re-eleced by the community at Belmont Abbey, for his second Abbatial term!

Abbot Paul is a fascinating man, humble and contemplative. The perfect Benedictine, although no doubt he'd say he has many faults! I have never seen a man so at peace, and so happy when taking his dogs for a walk!

Secondly, news as reached my ears of the death to of Patriarch Alexiy II. The question on most peoples minds is - "who will be his successor?" i'm not entirely sure how the Orthodox 'elect' their Patriarchs, but i'm pretty sure he'll keep to the same path as Patriarch Alexiy. Alas that means that relations between Rome and Moscow will still be bad! Fr Ray Blake, has an interesing theory as to why this will be the case!

IESVS HOMINVM SALVATOR

2008-10-27T15:29:00.007Z

I was sat awake in bed last night after concluding compline, contemplating the universe as usual, and i decided that i would re-open IHS. And i would continue from where i left off! Many things have happened in the weeks since i closed IHS, but I'm glad to say I'm back.

Let us begin with a meeting that took place, one bitterly cold Monday evening in London, after evening mass in Westminster Cathedral i had agreed to meet up with Joee Blogs! We went for dinner and numerous [totally random] topics came up, and of course many laughs were shared!

Unfortunately i had to travel home a week after this joyous event for the funeral of a very dear relative. Laura [pronounced the Spanish way] Crew was a great aunt of mine, and before the dementia 'set in' has been like more of a grand mother to me than a great aunt. However as her condition deteriorated i ceased to be Robert and in her eyes i became 'John' - because Robert had gone off to seminary (supposedly).

I would ask your prayers for the happy repose of her soul!

Laura Crew (nee Garcia)
April 25th 1925 - October 12th 2008

I have now settled in Canterbury (Cant-er-bury) and am finding the walk to University every morning thoroughly uplifting ... of course the more exercise i get the better! so yes i say I'm settling in quite well!

You'll all be glad to know that i have not ditch my faith in favour of drugs and alcohol, I'm still going strong!

I leave you all to the intercession of St Thomas of Canterbury.

St Thomas of Canterbury

pray for us

So long, fair well, auf...

2008-09-26T16:25:00.003+01:00

Well i could go on but i have decided against it. Alas dear readers this shall be my final post (well for the time being anay way).

Alas IESVS HOMINVM SALVATOR (the blog ... not actually Jesus, Saviour of Man) is to be put to rest as i begin my academic studies in Canterbury.

I ask for your prayers as i embark in this next stage of my life and remind you to be assured of mine for you.

I leave you all to the intercession of our Blessed Mary, virgin and mother.

and of course for the swift return of the UK to Catholicism...

In Christ

Robert

Revelation 17

2008-09-10T14:23:00.008+01:00

I was stood, minding my own business in Waterstones (a book shop) yesterday. I was eyeing up a book about Benedict XVI when a random chap walked over to me and asked "Are you a Christian?" my reply was short and sweet "yes". I thought that was it but what he came out with next shocked me!

He said, "I wouldn't read a book about him then". When i pointed out i'm Catholic he apologised! Not for saying that but for me being a Catholic! The conversation got more bizarre when like most crazy 'Christians' he brought up Revelation 17 which from what I remember refers to the Woman and the Beast (I've toned down the language). After this i realised he just wanted a ride out of me and i therefore ignored him, he kept on rambling about something.

It reminded me of the time when i was stood in the bus station and a man with a few leaflets came up to me and asked why i wore a crucifix. So i said to him that "it's a sign of my faith" he went on and on about how we shouldn't use the crucifix as a symbol because he's risen.

My answer to this was "yes, i know He rose from the dead. But he didn't rise for our sins, he died for our sins. Without His death, there would be no resurrection!" and he wandered off.

So be warned if you come to Cardiff and you in anyway way wear something or do something that marks you out as a Catholic!

Cassocks and Habits!

2008-09-04T17:27:00.004+01:00

After reading a blog the other day (here's the link) i started thinking about the cassock and the habit and have decided to have a little bit of a rant! I agree wholeheartedly with Fr. Ray, i love to see clergy wearing their cassocks and religious wearing their habits!

I wish to focus on the habit in particular! the habit is a symbol as much as it is a piece of clothing! I am a firm believer that religious should wear the habit most of the time, i understand that there are time when it would not be appropriate - however the on the whole the habit should be worn!

A religious has devoted their life to Christ through the charism of the order to which they belong. Therefore they should wear the habit of that order, the habit that their founder wore. The habit that defines them as a Dominican or Benedictine.

Some believe my view to be old fashioned, however you're more likely to stop if you see someone wearing a cassock or a habit if nothing more it is a great conversation starter!

Vatican and solar panels...

2008-09-01T20:16:00.004+01:00

It sounds like the title of an awful book. Perhaps Dan Brown could use it as a title to one of his newest far-fetched conspiracy novels, in which he would blame the Catholic church for global warming by stealing all the solar panels around the world...

...any way! The actual story is that the Vatican has decided to install 2,4oo Solar Panels on top of the Paul VI Audience hall - it is a major step forward as it will produce 300,000 killowatt-hours of electricity a year. Th Vatican engineer points out however that it is no where near meeting the electrical demands of the building which uses 2,000,000 killowatt-hours of electricity every year however it is as i mentioned earlier a major step forward!

The man reason for this is so that the Vatican can meet the target of the European Union which is to produce 20 per cent of its energy needs with renewable resources by the year 2020.

I think the Vatican should be applauded for it's efforts.

Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue...

2008-08-28T21:37:00.004+01:00

...finally a Bishop speaks out and instead of floating around the issues he points out the actual faults, in the vast majority of Catholics both lapsed and practising! I don't pretend to be the perfect Catholic and I don't blame anyone, but myself for my lack of accurate knowledge on Church teaching regard a lot if issues!

Bishop Patrick points out that the Church in England and Wales has lost its way in a document entitled "Fit for Mission? Church" - it is a diocesan review of his Diocese of Lancaster, however it applies to the whole Church!

I read the story on the Catholic Herald website - i found it fascinating that for once a Bishop was standing up and confronting the laity! And even the clergy to look at themselves!

Here is a link to the actual document - Fit for Mission? Church

Mr Cameron and the abortion limit...

2008-08-28T02:56:00.008+01:00

I am often questioned about how my political views and religious views conflict! I am a Catholic and a member of the Conservative Party, and i defend the fact that i'm a 'Tory' and a 'Papist' by arguing that the Conservative party places a strong emphasis on the family. They acknowledge the importance of the family - however reading an article recently on Catholic Herald Online I have had to question how compatible the two are.

Whilst i agree with David Cameron that the abortion limit should be reduced from 24 to 20 weeks (ideally abortion would be illegal!) I can't ignore the fact tha he says he doesn't agree with a limit on aborting the life of a disabled embryo.

I don't pretend to be some great scientist, theologian or moral philosopher however the very fact that the leader of the party i proudly pledge my support to is infact giving the 'thumbs up' to abortions up to full term conflicts with my faith! And unless Mr Cameron realises this the better for the party as a whole!

Unless he promises to put a limit on aborting the life of a disabled embryo i'm afraid i will have to withdraw support of them!

What i find even worse about this whole issue is that Mr Cameron has a disabled child himself, and infact has commented on the joy he has brought his life!

I would be very interested in what my readers have to say - either e-mail me at iesvshominvmsalvator [at] googlemail.com or leave a comment...

...i leave you all and indeed Mr Cameron to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

St David's Cathedral

2008-08-27T00:23:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago between the hours of 13:00 and 15:00 one Tuesday St David's Catholic Cathedral [Cardiff] (which remains open all day Monday-Saturday) faced it's worst act of vandalism in recent years. In the space of two hours, 4 related acts of vandalism took place;

1. The wooden crucifix behind the Cathedra was taken from its place and smashed on the steps that lead to the cathedra. The cross broke in two and the corpus was completely shattered.

2. A rose bush (there were two in the Sanctuary) was placed in the middle of the altar.

3. The lectern was pushed over.

4. Not even the statue of St David was 'left alone'. The crozier which was in his one hand was snapped into three pieces!

I simply could not believe it when I found out! A house of God that I regularly pray in whenever i am in the vicinity and a church at which i serve on the altar had been vandalised in such a way! It is truly disturbing.

However as Fr. Ray O'shea said we should pray for those who perpertrated these most disgusting acts of vandalism! Is nothing sacred any more?!

Hopefully i will see Fr. Ray sometime soon and will ask him if he can send the pictures to me and I will then upload them for you to see.

New layout.

2008-08-21T15:45:00.003+01:00

I thought i'd create a new layout for my blog =) I hope you, my faithful readers are well. As you can see it's a Dominican theme this time. I believe the image of the Church is Santa Sabina the 'mother Church' of the Order of Preachers and the painting is of St Dominic obviously the founder of the Order of Preachers (aka. Dominicans).

Well there is a reason for the new layout and it is in celebration of the fact that through clearing i have been accepted at the University of Kent (Canterbury campus) to read/study, Theology/Religious Studies - i am very pleased with that and look forward to exploring the ancient city!

As well as that it is a stones throw away from London so i plan on visiting there a few times over the three years that i'll be in Canterbury in particular to visit the mother Church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales - Westminster Cathedral!

I shall kep it short and leave it there for now. I think it important that we keep the Irish Province of the Order of Preachers in our prayers of the coming weeks as they ready themselves for their chapter!

Yours fraternally in Christ and his blessed Mother,

Rob

CCC - Yippeee

2008-08-15T12:43:00.004+01:00

Hey all I thought I'd post today being as it's been a while to share with you my results. Some of you may know that i sat my A-Level examinations this year and you will be pleased to know, that by the grace of God I received a C in all three subjects (History, Politics and Religious Studies).

I was accepted to study for the LLB (Hons) at Manchester Metropolitan University, however on reflection I decided that Law definitely was not for me! And have thus asked MMU to release me for clearing which means the search begins for a University course i believe myself to be suited for. I have begun searching for History or Theology related degrees! Or even them both combined!

So I am fairly pleased and i thank each reader of the blog for your prayers! You are always firmly in mine!

I'm as confused as ever regarding my vocation and would therefore ask for your prayers concerning that matter as well! You may have noticed i created a new 'graphic' which has a direct link to the Holy Fathers pages on the Vatican website! Please go there if you haven't already! =)

I suppose i should leave it there I will blog more often I promise! The job hunt continues!!

Papal personalities

2008-07-29T11:33:00.003+01:00

Hey all it is me again! back for yet another rant!

I was chatting to some Catholic friends of mine recently, and the topic quickly turned to Benedict XVI. No one mentioned either of his Encyclical letters, or even the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum

In stead the conversation was about how much of a 'crowd pleaser' he was. Nothing at all to do with him in the role he performs as 'Successor of the Prince of the Apostles'. It was about how he composed himself at World Youth Day, and whether or not he really rallied the crowds. Or whether his personality as quite a quiet and contemplative man got in the way. I think they were comparing him to John Paul II

I decided not to say anything but I had a burning desire to say what follows:

I wanted to point out the fact that, the personality of the Pope doesn't matter. Benedict knows this! We see this in the liturgical changes he's made surrounding Papal celebration. The change regarding his pastoral staff and the addition of a crucifix to the Altar, which blocks part of him from view. These are significant changes, because he's showing the public - "your focus should not be on me. But on Christ"

This isn't to say that John Paul IIs focus was solely on crowd pleasing! Because he had a great love of Christ and the youth! But one must understand that when the Pontiff goes to World Youth Day he is there to spur the young Catholics on, to make them understand that the Patriarch of the West is walking with them, through trials and tribulations just as Christ is!

When in the Vatican however he assumes a different role. No longer does he assume the role of 'crowd pleaser' instead he must govern the whole Church according to the will of the Father. As the Pope interprets it.

Basing your opinion of the Pontiff regarding whether he pleases the crowd is wrong and in my view a heresy! The Pope is not a rock star he is our spiritual leader on earth!

In entrust readers of this blog to the intercession of St Peter and the Pope who's basilica I visited and whilst there felt the call to religious life.

St Peter Pray for Us
Pope St Clement I Pray for Us

Another...

2008-07-23T13:10:00.002+01:00

new layout. Indeed! Well when i'm at home, being as I currently have no job i like to mess around with Paint Shop Pro 8 and this time I decided to create a new layout. Featuring the great Apostle and Martyr Saint Paul.

I thought it was apt being as we are in the year of St Paul. And being as it was this year 2008 that I visited the Patriarchal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and had the opportunity to pray before his tomb. An opportunity which I grasped with both hands!

I can not forget the fact that as well as praying before the tomb of St Paul. I also prayed before the tomb of St Peter and whilst in Assisi before the tomb of St Francis of Assisi. Each time asking for specific intercessions and guidance from these three great Saints!

In this year of St Paul it is important to focus on unity. Repairing the great rifts in Christ's Church which bring sadness to so many! During this year of St Paul we should pray especially for unity between Rome and the Orthodox Church because this is where the biggest problems are! It appears that for the time being anyway the Anglican Communion have problems of their own to sort out!

I shall leave this post here for the time being dear readers! And wish you all a very happy Wednesday, or whatever day it is when you read this!

I entrust this blog and all its readers to the intercession of St Paul.

St Paul Pray for Us

Prayer...

2008-07-22T12:51:00.002+01:00

Hey all! I know what you're thinking! Two blogs in two days?! What's going on! Has he got blogging fever?! Alas no i haven't caught 'blogging fever' instead i have decided to update it more regularly. Not because i believe i hold some divinly instituted Wisdom, but it gives me great relief to be able to type how i feel on here. Talking to essentially 'strangers' through my blog fills me with a great sense of connection with the outside world! I can type things here i can't say to my parents! It's sad I know but that's how things are. Being non-religious they wouldn't understand what I'm going through!

Anyway. as the blog title suggests i shall talk about prayer and no doubt go completely off topic! But lets stick with prayer for now.

Prayer as i'm sure you know is one of the most important means of talking with God. Prayer allows us to focus our minds on a specific part of our lives. For me i enjoy praying the 'Office' and of course the Rosary. Each one allows us to connect with God in totally different ways.

Divine Office - the Universal Prayer of the Church. Its a great sign of unity with each member of the Church who prays it offering their prayers for the Church as a whole.

Rosary - This is a more personal style of prayer, or so i find anyway! The Rosary allows one to get lost in the Mysteries which have been revealed to us. And to remember and reflect on what happened! I do love the Rosary, the prayer beads focus your mind on the task at hand and the prayers are beautiful. I especially like the Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our Sins and save us from the fires of Hell. Especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen"

It is a truly beautiful prayer!

..Last night after completion of the Rosary I entered into a state of quiet prayerful reflection on my day. I usually do this but rarely do I open my eyes and scan my room. All of a sudden my gaze fell upon my television and games console. And a question rushed into my head, "why do I have them?" not once did my eyes fall upon the Rosary beads in front of me, the bottle of Holy Water, the statue of St Patrick or the icons of our Blessed Lady and Christ. Nor did they fall upon the multiple crucifixes that adorn my room! And for once I could not answer my own question!

Don't worry I'm passing into some state of asceticism but it is an interesting question, next time you're in your room have a look around at some of the pointless things that may be in there. I still can think of no answer. There really is no need to have a television in my room or a games console apart from when my parents are downstairs and I want to watch something but am sent upstairs to watch it!

Moving on before I confuse myself! I recently received a lovely comment on my post "Sunburn and Icons". I'm not hinting that you should all comment on my postings! Although they would be appreciated. However it is nice as a young person to be recognised by those who are more mature in years than ourselves!

I leave it there for now dear readers, and entrust you all as ever to the intercession of Our Blessed Lady.

Mary, Queen of Heaven - Pray for us

Madrid! 2011!

2008-07-21T12:38:00.004+01:00

Hey all! I was delighted to read that the next international World Youth Day will be held in Madrid in 2011! Hopefully I will be able to attend! But who knows where I will be by then?! I could be anywhere! Essentially it is up to the Lord.

Recently, as I am sure you have all noticed Pope Benedict XVI has made some dramatic changes! The most noticeable change is that of his pastoral staff. He changed from the crucifix style pastoral staff, which was smaller than him, to a more substantial cross with no Corpus. Many believe this is His Holiness saying "you should not focus on me, but instead focus on the cross".

He also insists that whenever he celebrates the Holy Mass that a crucifix is on the altar. Watching EWTN Live sometimes you can see the Holy Father glancing up to the Crucifix - he looks as though he is constantly reminding himself of who he is offering the Mass too and why!

And finally you will also have noticed the increasing use of deacons. I quite liked it when he walked from San Anselmo to Sante Sabina in Rome and he had a Cardinal Deacon either side of him, holding his cope as he walked.

He's also recently changed the Pallium he wears from the rather long one to one not to dissimilar from the one that a Metropolitan Archbishop wears however the neck is more circular.

Pope Benedict XVI doesn't do any of this as a fashion statement! He does it through love of Christ and through love of his flock!

Oh. I think I went on a bit of a rant there! I shall leave you all now to the intercessions of three important Saints of Europe.

St Benedict Pray for us
St Cyril Pray for us
St Methodius Pray for us

Sun burn and Icons!

2008-07-07T22:45:00.002+01:00

Right well hello all. I'm back from Greece now and what a glorious time i had! Temperatures reaching and exceeding 35oC, not a single cloud in the sky, however i was a bit liberal with the use of my sun tan lotion and burnt almost everywhere! However there was a silver lining! I purchased for myself a beautiful Icon of Our Lord! I will take a picture once i find and ideal location in my room for it and post it on here!

Firstly i'd like to point out that my vocation has left me rather confused of late but i believe i'm back on track and where i was before - i casually remind myself, that what i'm trying to discern, actually what countless people are trying to discern is something we are not expected to understand, but to listen to God and see where he leads us!

Secondly, i'd like to thank anyone who reads this blog, i know of a certain few [literally a few] who read it and keep coming back for updates so thanks to them in particular!

Over the past few months i've had wonderful times at two religious house, St Saviour's, Dominican Priory, Dublin and Belmont Abbey, Herefordshire i had wonderful times at both locations!

I do however ask any reader at this time to pray for me as i delver deeper in discernment!

Right i think that is enough for now - until i upload pictures!

Greece and more...

2008-06-27T20:33:00.002+01:00

Hey all! I will departing in the morning for Greece the journey begins at 6am with the Noble Family of James (hmmm) leaving and making our way to Heathrow! I will no doubt be in the back with my nose in my new book!

Right so first message is that i will NOT be here for a week, so i will not be blogging - however! when i come back i should have some pictures of my holida and myself in the lovely warm weather that is expect! 35oC i think!

I thought i'd also mention John Pridmore! He is a very impressive person in that he was a gangster but he had a conversion of heart - i liken him to St Paul on the road to Damascus when he was converted! Yes i'm saying John Pridmore is a modern day St Paul! I'm sure there's a heresy in there somewhere, if you'd like me to clarify where i'm coming from then e-mail me!

Being as i've mentioned one of them already i wish you all a happy feast day on Sunday! Ss Peter and Paul - i will be in Greece and will seek high and low for a Catholic Church! However i believe i can if desperate and unable to find a Catholic Church recieve communion but i'll have to clarify that by Sunday! Oh great maybe i'll have my nose in the Catechism rather than my new novel!

I really want to find a good icon on holiday or two depends on what i find if i find one with Ss Peter and Paul in i will be very happy! If i find one of St Peter and on of St Paul i will be equally pleased!

Right I hope you all have a good week and i'll write a new blog (thing) when i get back!

I leave you all to the intercession of St Christopher! And i pray that you all ask him to intercede for myself, my family and any other travellers that we may all have a safe and peaceful journey!

St Christopher
Ora pro nobis

Pilar Schofield R.I.P.

2008-06-25T15:48:00.002+01:00

Today marks the exact day 5 years ago of the death of Pilar Schofield (nee Garcia) more commonly known to me as "Nanny". She's my maternal grand mother, please join me in praying for the happy repose of her soul.

Eternal Rest, grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her, may she Rest In Peace.
AmenAnd may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.Amen

e-mail address

2008-06-23T11:58:00.004+01:00

Want to tell me anything about yourself? Or chat? E-mail me

Belmont Abbey - weekend

2008-06-22T20:16:00.007+01:00

Hey all! I spent this weekend (20th June - 22nd June) at Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire. What a place! So peaceful, so calm! Small yet grand! The community was fantastic and i had a wonderful time! I was the only visitor and the community embraced me with such warmth!

Belmont is an Abbey of the English Benedictine Congregation. Its Abbot is the Rt Rev. Paul Stonham OSB - what a man - a truly humble person, very warm and inviting, relaxed and VERY down to earth. I first met Fr. Abbot when he came to Cardiff to celebrate the Latin Mass in the Cathedral we only exchanged a few words, but we somehow came about one anothers e-mail addresses and hesubsequently e-mailed me and invited me to spend a weekend at the Abbey.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside i immediately fell in love with the place! I think had i visited Ampleforth or Downside i would have felt out of place in such huge settings, but the Abbey Church was small but beautiful! A Pugin Church that some regard to be one of his best and i can see why!

In the picture above there is a statue of St Michael the Archangel from which the Abbey gets it's name.

At breakfast this morning the Abbot invited me to meet with him after the conventual mass. I waited after mass and the Abbot turned up to the reading room and invited me to walk with him to his 'living room' once there the '5 minute chat' we agreed on earlier turned into a conversation which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes! I was so enthralled by all he had to say! So much has happened to him!

He then introduced me to his beloved dogs! Bertie and Badger - so full of like, Abbot Paul released them into the Abbey gardens and the played and barked at the dogs being trained in the next field. The Abbot and i continued to talk this time the conversation turned to sport!

Eventually (here's the reason for the picture of the gardens) - after Abbot Paul took the dogs back in, he thanked me for spending time with him and ascended the stairs to his quarters i then went back out from whence i'd came and went out into the gardens to pray my rosary.

I would like to thank the community at Belmont for the welcome i recieved and their hospitality in particular i'd like to thank: Fr Abbot Paul Stonham, Fr. Brendan, Fr. Cadfan, Fr. Dyfrig, Fr. Wulstan, Fr. Joseph, Br. Andrew and Br. Paul!

St Michael the Archangel

Ora Pro Nobis

*I have a new Picsa account on which i will place all my pictures so you can see more than what i just put in the blogs click here to see it.*

pokes

2008-06-18T19:31:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone - i hope you are all well! and naturally full to the brim of the missionary zeal of Christ! For some random reason i am today! So much so i've decided to create an e-mail account specifically designed so i can sift my way through all the fan mail i recieve (naturally i'm joking)

iesvshominvmsalvator@googlemail.com - yes this is really an e-mail address now attributed to me so feel free to e-mail me about anything! Even if its to say you think i'm an heretical lunatic who should be banned from blogging *big smiles*

*ponders*

Right you lot its time for change - next time a Bill comes before Parliament i don't want you to just write letters to your MPs or e-mails, granted letters are excellent - when you know what you're talking about - but no, the thing to do is protest! Turn up at Parliament with placards the Americans do it to Capitol Hill why can't we do it?! So i propose that next time something major comes up - we protest!

And i shall leave you now with one of my FAVOURITE songs! And it is true - it makes me smile, and gives me goose bumps everytime i listen to it - one day you may listen to it live at World Youth Day! I rather wish i was going to Sydney!

Vocations?! Crisis?!

2008-06-14T17:50:00.004+01:00

I was recently reading the blog of the Vocations Directore for the Irish Dominicans. His most recent post he talks about the 'vocations crisis' in the Church in particular in Ireland.

He starts however by mentioning the student brother of the Irish province studying in France and how during a conversation with him, Fr Gerard Dunne OP discovered that far from shrinking the province was infact growing. He then makes comparisons with the Irish province, he of course is right! They currently have 3 novices and a handful of students, the Irish church is not growing rapidly but it certainly is not shrinking!

Its time for those in thehurch to stop being negative and open up to the fact that the Church has enough vocations, however more still need to be 'harvested' and the fault in part lies with the grass roots Catholics.

Religious, Priests, Bishops and even the Pope can only do so much, strangely enough there are more lay people than clergy. The lay people have to take responsibility as well, i'm not having a rant but Christians even I could live a more Christian life and hopefully the people we meet will be inspired by our faith! And want to learn more!

Also Happy Father's Day to any fathers who may read this!

I entrust this blog to by far the most understanding and well known foster-father known to man.

St Joseph

pray for us

Roma '08

2008-06-09T12:59:00.005+01:00

Hey all! I thought i'd bore you with some photographs i took whilst in Rome in March 2008...

Here is a statue depicting San Sebastiano. I took this picture in the Church which shares his name, on the opposite side of the Church to this were numerous relics but alas i didn't take any photos of them! The Church of San Sebastiano is located directly above the Catacombs of the very same a name. A very moving experience especially for anyone who is struggling with their faith as its a reminder of the struggle the 1st Century Christians had to go through!

The domb of the worlds most famous church. St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. WOW i was impressed with the building when i first saw it in March 2007 and i can gladly say the building never fails to impress! The sheer size of the Church is immense and the domb is literally the cherry on top!

This is an 'illegal' photograph taken in the Sistine Chapel..by illegal i mean well i don't know if it is i don't think i had my flash on. As you can tell or maybe not it is a bit small but this fresco refers to "Tu es Petrus" just after Peter's declration when Christ gave Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

I thought i'd show off by showing you all a picture of the Baldaccino (i so know that is spelt wrong) in St Peter's Basilica. Beneath it is the Pontifical High Altar and beneath that is the tomb of St Peter!

I thought i'd end this blog with the most amazing picture i have ever taken. It features the domb of St Peter's Basilica. Something not everyone spots about the dome is the scripture quote which reads...

TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM. TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM

or in English

"you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven"

Being as he is mentioned in this blog i entrust it to St Peter.

Yet again...

2008-06-08T23:02:00.002+01:00

Yet again dear readers time seems to be flying by! I can jump for joy at the fact that I am coming to the end of my life at St David's College, however i am also sad but as the Principal said on our last day

'What God has joined together let no man put assunder' sure what was meant by these words related to marriage but we can relate it to you, here, today. As you wait to embark on new life experiences away from here, maybe away from home the bonds of friendship you made whilst here will be with you forever.

And he was right. Although i am leaving, i am leaving having made numerous new friends, who i am happy to call friends!

In other news this month i will be away from the 20th June - 22nd June as i shall be on a retreat at Belmont Abbey, and from the 28th June - 6th July i shall be on holiday so during these periods i will not be blogging!

re-vamp...

2008-06-08T00:44:00.003+01:00

Hey y'all i know it's late, 00:45 (12:45am) but hey. I thought before I pop to my bedroom for a quick Rosary i'd re-vamp my blog, please tell me what you think via the usual method of commenting!

Photography...

2008-06-07T22:46:00.006+01:00

I have decided that i shall now use my phone to go around Cardiff or wherever i am and take pictures of places i think are quite interesting! The first two pictures i'm going to publish on here will be two i took around the time of Pentecost in the Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff.

As you can see from the picture above the sanctuary area of the Cathedral is HUGE! and one can make out the wooden Cathedra right at the back. Currently it doesn't show the Coat of Arms of the Archbishop but being as he has had them made it is likely they will be placed there soon.

In this picture we see the huge stained glass window at the entrance of the Cathedral. At present all who attend the Cathedral wait in expectation for the Cathedral to close for a while so that certain parts of the Cathedral can be reordered, mainly the Sanctuary and the entrance.

So as i say being as the camera on my phone is rather good i may have to take up going around the city of Cardiff and taking pictures that i think are interesting!

I hope you are all well and that the Lord is keeping you well during the month of his Sacred Heart!

God bless!

Good Lord alive!! It's June...

2008-06-03T10:51:00.004+01:00

..well hey people what a month, i can't believe how quickly it has flown past! But we must wave good bye to june and open our hearts to June! Especially i call on your prayers yet again dear readers for tomorrow i sit my first A2 exam! Joy of joys!

Some of you may be aware of a wee bust up between the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the LMS. I am appalled at the LMS. Since the cancellation of the TLM in the Cathedral they have attempted to damage Canon Peter's name and even going so far as to damage the Archbishop's name.

It all 'kicked off' when the LMS discovered that one of the Altar Servers who would be serving the TLM is female...i hear some of you ask but why is that a problem? I ask the question myself, surely had this happened in a place of work, if something had been cancelled because there was a woman who wanted to participate then the sexism card would have been played? But no the jumped up society that the LMS is so fit instead to say that they were hard done by, that they would be invoicing the Dean of the Cathedral and they even went so far as to publish Canon Peter's e-mail address and telephone number on their webiste, he recieved at last count 163 damning e-mails from around the world! Imagine if you can how disheartening that would feel if it were you...we are supposed to be a united Church, we face critism from outside Catholicism and now it appears that it has infultrated the faith!

I'm not sure what annoyed me more. The fact Canon Peter told them that the regular servers would be serving meaning they knew a female server would be there or the fact they waited until the friday before the sunday it was due to take place to tell him!

All in all i believe Canon Peter should have gone ahead with celebrating the mass with Abbot Paul Stonham OSB celebrating as was the original plan! However Canon Peter decided in his wisdom instead to hold a Latin mass but according to the current missal..

Well i'm glad i got to vent my anger!

I hope all is well with you and i entrust this first post of the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, long may it remind us of the love Christ has for us...

"Blessed be his Most Sacred Heart"

AMEN

May? Mary!

2008-05-01T09:55:00.003+01:00

Wow the 5th Month already! May and October have to be my favourite months! They're dedicated to the one who by saying a simple "Yes" made Christianity possible. Mary Mother of Christ is that woman who said "yes" to the Archangel!

This month in my college the Rosary will be recited every day (except fridays) in the College chapel! There is something mystical about the Rosary that draws people to it. We must not forget that these are the only prayers of the Church however, of course there are the Liturgy of the Hours and private meditation as well!

So i'm happy because what i started off as being a once-weekly will now be a daily event in the college Chapel. The numbers aren't that great but as Christ said "where two or three gather in my name i am with them"

However i shall miss the first recitation today because i'm not going in to college. I fell down a set of stairs yesterday and have done something to my ankle which makes it pointless me attempting to walk because i get a sharp shooting pain everytime i do! I can't even curl my toes! Also my foot has gone a light shade of purple...hmm...

So May..i have my first exam this month and then 9 in June. I am sad that my college life is coming to an end. I made some wonderful friends both in teachers and students! All of whom i will miss! But i'm glad i've met them, whether we've had disagreements or not, whether we've been friends or not i'm glad to meet everyone i do because they teach us something about ourselves!

So my faithful readers i shall leave it there for now and undoubtable blog another time during the coming days/weeks heck even months they seem to be going so quick;y these days!

I entrust the prayers of every reader of this blog to the Intercession of Mary, Queen and Mother.

Papal travels and another week...

2008-04-26T15:08:00.006+01:00

Wow the Pope was busy last weekend! Very busy in fact! I must comment EWTN on their coverage of the Pontiff in the United States! The commentary was as wonderful as ever! Although my parents pointed out how biased the commentary was...i didn't quite understand what they meant and then they realised it wasn't the BBC we were watching!

So what happened this week, the attendance at the Rosary totaled 3. I recieved inspiring words from the college chaplain on Friday. He told me to carry on because it doesn't matter how many turn up what matters is it's being said! He's great Canon Ieuan, i will have known him 15 years in September.

As every dear readers i am confused about my vocation and where it is leading me! Honestly i am extremely confused! I know if in the end it is to be the Dominicans i join it will be in Ireland. However the OFM Conventuals have been on my mind of late! If i joined them it'd be in England!

I beg of you to pray for me as i pray for each reader of this blog. I also beg that if you have any person you wish for the Rosary group to pray for every tuesday please comment and we'll remember them as we pray!

Until such a time i entrust this thread to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ask for her protection of me, my readers (you), the Pope and i beseech her to search the hearts of men and women to consider their vocation.

Saint Mary
Pray for Us

Rosary

2008-04-19T16:49:00.006+01:00

The Rosary. I love it! I can think of nothing better during a busy college day than retiring to the chapel during my lunch break and praying the Rosary. Last week i did it every day apart from Friday which is when i serve at Mass in the Chapel.

The college chapel creates a perfect peaceful setting for individual prayer, mass or even communal prayer. I have even managed (with the permission of the College Chaplaincy team) to arrange a communal praying of the Rosary during the lunch break every tuesday.

But back to why i love the Rosary. Most get confused and think they prayer is solely directed at Mary. But this is wrong. Of course whilst praying the "Hail Mary's" we are beseeching Mary to interceede for us! But let us not forget that the majority of Mysteries are infact about Christ's life. We reflect on the Mystery of Christ!

The Rosary is an easy method of prayer, but it it one that requires a lot of meditation to be prayed properly.

According to legend the Rosary was presented to St Dominic, hence the reason the Order of Friars Preacher attach a Rosary to their habit!

I beseech any reader of this blog who has perhaps not prayed their Rosary in a while to light a candle at the next opportunity, sit or kneel before it, medidate for a few minutes, clear your mind, pick up a book/booklet containing the Mysteries of the Rosary and pray for peace, for vocations and for an end to world poverty.

I entrust this blog to the intercession of the Mary, Virgin and Mother in her capacity of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary.

Sanctae Maria
Ora Pro Nobis

How time flies!

2008-04-19T16:11:00.004+01:00

Well. How time flies i can't believe it's been 10 days since i last posted on this blog! But here we go this post shall be aimed at the plight of those in countries less off than the majority of those in the West and Vocations.

Let me start with a visit recently to England and Wales by His Excellency Archbishop Ruben Salazar. Archbishop Ruben is a Colombian Archbishop, a country which as i'm sure we all know has severe problems both social and political. Being one of the poorest countries in the world Archbishop Ruben came over to strengthen links between CAFOD and the Colombian Catholic Church.

Whilst watching EWTN this week it was mentioned by Raymond (the commentator) how the Catholic Church is second only to the USA in the amount of aid the Church gives to places in need of help! This astounded me! I would have expected Raymond to atleast have said the Church was third. After the US and EU! But no it would appear the Church really does give more aid to the poor of the world than the EU, an institution which has vast amounts of money at it's disposal! However that money is used to feather our own nests!

I shall now move on to Vocations. As ever the confusion has spread! Remember before i had narrowed it down to Dominicans vs Secular/Diocesan. Well we can now throw in the Franciscans Conventual! As if my life wasn't hard enough with tests coming up at the end of the academic year God has decided to give me his test as well! I'm sure however i can count on your prayers in this matter!

I dedicate this thread to the memoria of the Blessed Virgin Mary and i invoke her intercession as I pray...

Hail Mary,

Full of Grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blesséd art thou amongst women,

and blesséd is the fruit,

of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour,

of our death,

Amen

April...

2008-04-09T23:40:00.002+01:00

Well it would appear that this month is vanishing just as the other have and as of next month my exams will begin joy of joys! Numerous exams in History, Politics and Religious Studies! Don't get me wrong i love each subject and the knowledge and understanding they bring, i just don't like the amount of work one has to put it! :P

Whilst trawling around Youtube i came across the videos of the English Dominican Students and i found a video that filled me with joy...Exsultet.

I know it is 7 days late but i offer this blog for the repose of the soul of the previous Holy Father of blessed memory John Paul II.

Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he Rest in Peace.

Amen

31st March?!

2008-03-31T12:52:00.007+01:00

I really can not believe the rate this year is flying past - pretty soon we'll be putting our Christmas trees! I trust that any reader of this blog had no trouble putting the clocks forwards. I was reminded before bed "don't forget Robert. Spring forwarf. Fall back" i thought they had gone crazy but it finally clicked.

I trust you all as well has a wonderful "low Sunday" yesterday. The liturgy in the Cathedral was as beautiful as ever and with me as thurifer it was just made that little bit more special =P

As i'm sure you're all aware tomorrow is the first day of April. The month of significant rememberance for Catholics. Because it was on 2nd April 2005 that our beloved Holy Father Giovanni Paolo II (John Paull II) was take from us and as the Archbishop who announced his death so beautifully said "at 21.37 this evening John Paul II returned to the House of the Father" The days that ensued from this were particularly exciting for me. My faith which had dwindled to but a flicker in my heart had had a burst and ad reawoken. I along with the rest of the Church mourned the Death of John Paul II. Yet anticipated the election of his successor.

And then it happened. On 19th April 2005, on my arrival home froms school i was greeted by a rather excited *supposedly* atheist brother of mine with the words "Rob, they've elected the Pope"

HFE Bill

2008-03-28T03:40:00.002Z

As i'm sure any Brits who read this will be very aware of the problem facing the Church in the last few months in the United Kingdom. This is that of the HFE Bill. Note solely the moral questions it raises but also about the British Governments 'democratic' status.

In the UK for those that don't know a political party can call a three-line whip on an issue they need to get through the the House of Commons. If a member of that political party then votes against the party the whip will be withdrawn and they will be for a set amount of time 'cut-off' from the Party.

This raised questions currently due to the fact that the Catholic Bishops were calling for a free vote so that an MP could vote with their conscience rather than with what the Party believed to be right! The Government granted a free vote to the members of the Governmental Party. But surely this raises questions about how democratic Britain is, if a political party can force its MPs to vote against their conscience and even against their constituents in some cases!

Of course the very essence of the bill is immoral. The using of embryos to find cures for diseases or to even create so called 'designer babies' goes against every ethical band of this country!

The Church takes the view that an embryo is a potential human life and should thus be treated as so as one of Gods creatures! And quite right as well.

Archbishop Peter Smith, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Cardinal Keith O'Brien and Archbishop Vincent Nichols the most outspoken critics of the proposed legislation have my full support in this matter!

Statement from Archbishop Peter Smith
Joint Statement from Archbishop Peter Smith and Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor
Homily of Cardinal Keith O'Brien
Statement from Archbishop Vincent Nichols

Vocation

2008-03-25T17:48:00.003Z

The last few years have been, very confusing! I have since 2005 believed myself to be called to the Priesthood. At first i thought it was easy - i was going to apply to the Archdiocese after University, hopefully be accepted and then begin my 6 years of Seminary study. However as any religious believer knows Gods plan is always totally different to yours.

I told the school chaplain Fr. Chris Delaney OSB that i believed myself to be called to the priesthood. He asked me if i'd considered monastic life - i laughed it off. Secular priesthood was for me and that was that.

I entered college and still had the idea that there was only one type of priesthood for me Diocesan. Then the college had a trip to Rome - i couldn't pass this chance up! So i went. Arround the corner from the hotel in Rome was a church. The Basilica of St Clement run by the Dominicans of the Irish Province. All i can say is wow. The liturgy although not terribly well attended during the week is beautiful!

Mr O'hare the teacher in-charge of the trip asked me if i'd ever considered religious rather than secular priesthood. I laughed it off again. Upon returing to college after the trip the idea of Religious Priesthood was all i could think about!

I enquired. The more i enquired the more i liked. The Franciscans, Dominicans and Benedictines all replied enthuasiastically. I think i have whittled it down to Dominicans (if i were to become a religious) there way of life whilst strict in parts allows alot of freedom. So essentially its Religious Vs Secular. Dominicans Vs Archdiocese of Cardiff!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-25T13:55:00.002Z

I trust you all took part in the greatest of Church events. The Easter Triduum. In the Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff the Archbishop presided with the Cathedral Dean (Canon Peter Collins) concelebrating. As last year the liturgies were truly moving!

Thursday was a very busy time in the Cathedral. With the Chrism Mass in the morning and the Mass of the Lords Supper in the Evening, Canon Peter really had a busy day with regard to preparing the sanctuary!! But he managed much to the gratification of everyone!

I was at the Mass of the Lords Supper recommisioned as an Eucharistic Minister i feel like i have a heavy burden on me! As i strive to be more like Christ in my life - but i know it is a cross i do not bear alone! The solemn prosession to the Altar of Repose gave one a chance to remember the sacrifice that was offered on behalf of everyone!

Good Friday was the second truly moving liturgy of this most Holy of Weeks! The protration before the Altar - made by the Archbishop and Canon Collins was moving as the rest of the congregation knelt there was a sense of truly being in communion with one another as we gave ourselves to Christ in a moment of silence and prayer. Not even the drilling outside could make us lose concentration!

And soon enough after a long week we arrived at the Vigil. The most Solemn Vigil of Easter. As the congregation gathered (more like huddled) around the Easter Fire once again the sense of communion with one another was ignited! Truly we were gathered not for a social event! But for a rememberance of the fact that Christ rose from the Dead. Yes he died! But he Rose as well!

The Exultet was truly moving. Canon Peter Collins sang it and it truly added to the Solemnity!

I was one of the bell ringers when the Archbishop intoned "Gloria in excelsis Deo" my hand hurt a lot serves me right for holding the bell wrong though!

After the Vigil the Choristers and we Altar Servers were offered Cadburys Creme Eggs by Canon Peter. I've never seen the Choristers move so quickly in all my life! His Grace after hearing an earlier conversation offered me a lift home. It was about 10:40pm! Time for a rest i thought. But remembered i had to serve at mass in the morning at 11am!

I don't think of it as work. More an honour!

IESVS HOMINVM SALVATOR

New Blog...

Happy New Year.

Faith.

Great Silence

IESVS HOMINVM SALVATOR

So long, fair well, auf...

Revelation 17

Cassocks and Habits!

Vatican and solar panels...

Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue...

Mr Cameron and the abortion limit...

St David's Cathedral

New layout.

CCC - Yippeee

Papal personalities

Another...

Prayer...

Madrid! 2011!

Sun burn and Icons!

Greece and more...

Pilar Schofield R.I.P.

*e-mail address*

Belmont Abbey - weekend

*pokes*

Vocations?! Crisis?!

Roma '08

Yet again...

re-vamp...

Photography...

Good Lord alive!! It's June...

May? Mary!

Papal travels and another week...

Rosary

How time flies!

April...

31st March?!

HFE Bill

Vocation

Happy Easter!

e-mail address

pokes