Corpus Christi

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Corpus Christi No better present than his presence. There is a new trend that is gaining more and more followers, I am sure you have all heard about it, it is the world of “superfood”. A collection of fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, oils… which are claimed to have almost miraculous powers to make you younger, fitter and nicer looking. Jokes aside, some of these foods do have beneficial properties, although there are also few problems around them. Firstly, the impact they have on local economies and in the global environment. 2 avocados leave a CO2 footprint of 846.36g. Which inevitably makes you wonder why we don’t start charging ULEZ to avocado eaters rather than car drivers. And then, there is a second even more pressing issue. Many people genuinely believe they can simply eat some of these superfoods and live better without having to change their bad habits. Which takes me to the real reason why I am writing this: “Corpus Christi”. This Sunday the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. I wouldn’t want to sound pretentious, but if you are looking for a proper superfood with real miraculous effects, then don’t go to your local store, come to Mass. In all seriousness, it is environmentally friendly – surely much more than a grocery store – and it will genuinely help you to make your life better. That is, if you believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, of course. Unfortunately, there has always been people who question the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Maybe not so much because it is intellectually difficult to grasp, but simply because it is more convenient. If there is no real presence of Jesus Christ, then there is no need to worry about what our conscience tells us, no need to change, or to give up vices and uncharitable behaviours and thoughts towards others. Indeed, it would be a lot easier, if we came to Church just to spend some time together, and we were never challenged. But on the other hand, that would be a terrible disaster! Surely the presence of God challenges us and the way we live, but there is a lot more to it. God wanted to become human precisely because he wanted to be physically present among us and share our life – not only the nice bits but also the ugly. Surely, it requires a lot of humility to allow God into our lives, especially when they are so messy, but let us not reject this great gift God has given us. Instead, let us pray that we may defend our faith and rejoice always in the greatest gift God could have given us: His presence among us. Fr Daniel Herrero Peña   Parish News: Fr Daniel Herrero Pena. The Vicar General of the diocese has announced some clergy appointments which will take effect from September 2021. After 3 years as assistant priest with us Fr Daniel will take up a new appointment in September. He has been appointed as the assistant priest to Our Lady of Grace, Chiswick and also serving the parishes of Grove Park and Gunnersbury. The Cardinal has appointed the Rev Marco Salvagnini who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 26th to succeed Fr Daniel as the assistant priest for our parish.   We have so much to be grateful for to Fr Daniel, but he is not gone yet. We will have an opportunity to thank Fr Daniel. in the meanwhile we pray for him and deacon Marco.   For news and prayer list for the sick and our deceased go to the notice board section of our website.    Please, pray from our children and young people, who will be receiving their First Holy Communion and confirmation in the next months of June and July.    Settlement Scheme for European Citizens   EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK by 31st December 2020 have until 30th June 2021 to apply for the Settlement Scheme. Those who do not apply are at risk of losing their rights to live and work here or access important services such as healthcare.  Relevant information can be found on the official government website (https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status), from the European Commission (www.eurights.uk/what-you-need-to-know) or from the charity Settled (https://settled.org.uk/en/). Tech Appeal Thousands of students can't access e-learning. Donate your old laptops to Caritas Westminster. Your old tech can change lives.  MORE DETAILS NEXT WEEK   Our Lady of Victories 16 Abingdon Road London W8 6AF 020 7937 4778  [email protected]