I have made a late start to Term 4, having taken a couple of weeks of Long Service Leave. It was a very special opportunity to be in Rome during the Jubilee year and complete the pilgrimage through the Holy Doors. I wasn't the only one with the same idea and while Rome is always busy the week I was there was frantic with the Rome Marathon, a royal visit from Charles and Camilla, seven canonisations and Pilgrims from around the world. It was insightful to see the rich diversity of the Church that gathers in Rome at the great Basilica of St Peter. I attended a Papal Audience with Pope Leo (I have to state, not an intimate chat) as part of a large gathering of thousands standing in the pouring rain. But I was close enough to see in him the face of Christ. It was very special and he impelled us all to combat sadness wherever we encounter it in ourselves and others. In his words, to bring the 'warmth of hope to all we know are experiencing the coolness of despair.
While I was away, I was very sorry indeed to miss the production of "This Murder was Staged". As No. 1 ticket holder for so many student events, the production is always an annual highlight and I am looking forward to sitting down over the weekend with a pot of tea and watching the video. Congratulations to the cast and crew and especially Ms Johnson for her masterful roles of director and producer.
Enjoy the weekend. The big Feast of All Saints and All Souls occur this weekend and provides us with an opportunity to look with gratitude to the living and the dead who have shaped us and nurtured us with love.
