NEWS FROM WOODFORD FRIARY
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Dr PAUL DOHERTY IS AFFILIATED TO OUR PROVINCE
- Dr Paul Doherty and his wife Carla before the ceremony
Dr Paul Doherty is not only the Head Teacher of Trinity Catholic High School which is situated right next to the Friary at Woodford but a prolific author of many mainly historical books. He has always been a fervent supporter of the Franciscans and has always insisted that Trinity High School is a Franciscan School. Every school day begins with a Mass in the School Chapel celebrated by a friar and open to any of the boys and girls of the school as well as parishioners and which he usually attends. The friars, wanting to recognise this devotion on the part of Dr Doherty, affiliated him into their Province in a ceremony on Friday, 27th November 2009, in the retro-chapel of the church at Woodford. As an affiliate, he will become part of the fraternity of the Province and share in all the friars' Masses, prayers, sacrifices and other good works.
- The family joins in the happy occasion
- The little gathering which includes all the friars from Woodford and Stratford sings a hymn
- The Minister Provincial presides and after the Gospel reading explains what is happening
- The Minister Provincial hands Paul a scroll
- in token of his affiliation to the Order
- The scroll affirms his admission to the Fraternity
- Paul accepts the scroll
- Flowers are given to Carla Doherty
- The friars present greet Paul as a brother
- as does Frank Fitzpatrick already affiliated to the Province
- Paul with his new family
- and his old family
- At the reception in the Friary refectory he expresses his thanks
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THE TRANSITUS OF ST FRANCIS PRESENTED BY STUDENTS OF TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
As has now become a tradition, the students of Trinity Catholic High School on the eve of the Feast of Saint Francis presented a dramatic retelling of the story of the passing or transitus of the Saint drawn from the early sources. There was a good turn-out of friars and parishioners to watch and applaud the presentation.
- The role of Saint Francis
- was played by Bradley Hall
- The group of singers and
- the School orchestra
- provided the music
- The production team of staff members ensured a smooth performance
- The complete cast acknowledges the applause
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A RENEWAL OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION
Brother Michele Maria Pini, a member of the Tuscan Province of the Order of Friars Minor dedicated to the Stigmata of Saint Francis, has been spending a couple of months with us in order to learn English. He is still a student in temporary vows and these had to be renewed at the end of August until next year, when he will make his Solemn Profession of final vows for life. His own Minister Provincial in Florence delegated our Minister Provincial to receive Br Michele's vows on his behalf. The ceremony was carried out on Sunday, 30th August 2009, in the presence of the Franciscan community in Woodford. Our congratulations go to Br Michele and we wish him perseverance in the Franciscan life to the end.
- Our Provincial explains to Br Michele that he is making his vows to the whole international Order but in his Province
- Br MIchael receives Br Michele's renewal of vows for one year in the name of his own Provincial
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THE BISHOP'S PASTORAL VISIT
The Bishop of Brentwood, Mgr Thomas McMahon, made a pastoral visit to Woodford parish on the occasion of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Br Antony Jukes on Saturday, 27th June 2009 (for a full report of this with pictures click here). On the Sunday morning the Bishop celebrated the 11.30 a.m. Mass with the parishioners and greeted them afterwards. Then in the afternoon at 3 p.m. he celebrated the Mass of Confirmation at which 74 teenage candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- The Bishop presides at the morning Mass
- and greets the people on their way out
- The scene in the church during the Mass of Confirmation
- The boys of Loyola School provide the choir
- The candidates are supported by their sponsors, families and friends
- The Bishop has a special word of congratulation for the newly confirmed
- as they leave the church
- The Bishop with Frs Brian and Austin Linus who concelebrated the Confirmation Mass
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