Today, especially in this diocese (where it’s not optional) is the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a feast which marks the foundation of the Carmelite order in the Middle Ages. Mount Carmel in northern Israel, the scene of the dramatic confrontation between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal which we heard about at Mass a few weeks ago, was where a small group of hermits chose to begin a new path in religious life in the 12th century. It’s important in this diocese because of the sanctuary at Aylesford Priory in Kent, which many of you will know. Please pray for the Carmelites today, for peace in the Holy Land, and for the shrine at Aylesford.
As many of you will know from next Monday the morning Mass in church will be at our normal time of 10am, not 9am.
God bless and take care
Fr Ashley
