Jubilee Mass at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Dolgellau
On Friday 15th September 2017 the closure of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Jubilee Year of was marked by a special evening Mass celebrated by the Right Reverend Peter Brignall Bishop of Wrexham. During his homily Bishop Peter reminded us “If we are to come with Jesus to the glory of his resurrection then we must be strong in our discipleship in sharing his death, as was Mary his Mother.” He explained that Mary is our protector and intercessor, who answers our calls for comfort and peace. The Bishop added “…and hope in moments of sorrow and difficulty in our lives and in the life of the Church.” He then said “And it was to bring that message of hope and to see that message of hope live among that very small Catholic Community nearly ninety years ago that Father Joseph Scalpell was appointed to Dolgellau.” Bishop Peter went onto describe how this young priest’s intention was to build a community to serve the local Catholics and in particular those who came as visitors and holiday makers. The Bishop continued “…we know the first church he acquired and built was from a combination of a barn and a fish and chip shop!” He commented how apt the setting was given that Jesus was born in a stable and spent much time among fishermen! He described how Father Scalpell after some forty years of collecting, begging and fund raising was able to see the church built and again dedicated to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows. Bishop Peter described him as an ensign and a standard to the community. He added “….not only in the presence of the Christian Church here in this town, together with the other denominations and communities. To be a presence in this town and a witness that in the love of God and in the gift of Mary his Mother, those with need; small or great would find the compassion of God, would find hope, even in the greatest of tragedies and sorrow, would find peace and joy.” The Bishop closed by saying “Our Mission today is to continue to be that standard to the community of this town. To share that message of hope and give thanks for that message with the other Christians and proclaim that which we can together, from the love of God, is to be a witness to the cross of His Son and to the love and compassion shared through his Mother.”
Pictured above - Fr John Bosco, Cllr Delwyn Evans & Bishop Peter Brignall
|
(Article kindly contributed by Mr Peter Chadwick.)
To read more please click on the link http://online.fliphtml5.com/aqap/yviq/#p=1. which will take you to the monthly newsletter 'Monthly Reflections' - the Magazine of the Deanery which is very informative and interesting! |
|
