These last two weeks have been a profound time for the Church with the death and funeral of Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ and 266^th Successor of St Peter. We continue to pray for the repose of his soul, and as sons and daughters of the Church, we entrust him to the infinite mercy of God. And now, as is our sacred duty, we turn our attention to pray fervently for the Cardinals who will next Wednesday be gathering in Conclave to elect a new Pope. It’s important to remember, that contrary to what some may think, the Holy Spirit does not directly ‘choose’ the Pope. As Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) once wisely said, the role of the Holy Spirit is to guide and assist, but the free will of the Cardinal electors remains. They can choose to be docile to His voice, but they can also make errors.  I understand that outside secular forces and the media, hostile to the mission of the Church, are already trying to influence the election, hoping to steer the Church away from her divine mandate. This is why our prayers are so vital, that those Cardinals entrusted with the heavy responsibility of the election of the Pope may have courage and be open to God’s Will, and choose a holy man of deep faith, courage and fidelity to the truth, and not vote based on political and ideological pressures.

At the same time, we rejoice at a historic moment in our own parish. Last Thursday, during this centenary year of our present Church of St Mary’s, Bishop Patrick solemnly consecrated the church and High Altar. The church was packed, and the ceremony was rich and full of meaning and symbolism, deeply rooted in the Church’s sacred tradition. The Bishop consecrated the walls of St Mary’s with the Sacred Oil of Chrism in twelve specific places, each marked by a newly placed brass cross and lighted candles. These are no mere decorations. They are a visible reminder of the sacredness of the space and the blessings poured out upon it. The High Altar was then sealed with the relics of three saints, and then anointed with Sacred Chrism. Incense, symbolising our prayers rising to God burned upon it. The altar was then dressed in linen cloths and lit candles, symbolising Christ our Light. The Holy Sacrifice was then offered for the first time on the newly consecrated altar. How fitting at the main entrance to the church we find the words in mosaic, “My House is a House of Prayer.” Each time we enter St Mary’s, we are reminded that this is sacred ground, a place to encounter God, to adore Him in the Holy Eucharist, and to offer Him our lives. The music was excellent, and we were also joined by members of Nottingham Cathedral Choir who have sung here before.

So as the Church prepares for a new Pope, and as we mark this new chapter in the life of St Mary’s, let us rededicate ourselves to prayer, sacrifice and fidelity. Let us ask Our Lady, under whose patronage this parish is placed, St Joseph and all the saints to intercede for us, that we may be faithful witnesses to the Gospel in all we say and do.

Fr Paul Gillham, IC