P E N T E C O S T
27th May 2007

Wednesday - St Joan of Arc
Thursday - The Visitation

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Gospel Reflection for Pentecost
The Extraordinary.

How often have we heard the claim ... "I never knew he had it in him!" The astonished claim is usually made when someone seemingly ordinary has achieved something extraordinary. Some may have thought those depths were always there. Others might be reminded that Jesus promised to leave us his Spirit to strengthen and guide us.

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples and how the Holy Spirit inspired them to reach out around the world regardless of language, culture, race, age or class. Suddenly a group of frightened and inactive disciples stepped out of their comfort zones and began to do amazing things. These once ordinary people began to communicate in word and deed with seemingly little regard for their own safety. The early Christians were so inspired that they attracted the interest of non Christians who added their numbers day by day.

Can the Holy Spirit work similar wonders day? Can the Holy Spirit lend courage where there is fear, clarity where there is confusion and unity where there is diversity? Could the Holy Spirit help us find new ways to reach out? Acknowledging that the Holy Spirit could work through us is a very powerful belief. Empowered in baptism, could we be ordinary people capable of the extraordinary?

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THANK YOU

Last weekend was a remarkable and memorable occasion for me. I have to say that whatever I may have to give you from the great limitations of my storehouse is as nothing to what I receive everyday from the parishioners of Saint Theodore's.
May we always remain united in Christ in the service of God and neighbour and in our commitment to the poor of this world.

Father Bernard

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Saint Joan of Arc - Patron of France - 30th May

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from Domremy in France, was burned as a witch and a heretic aged nineteen, after leading a French army against English invaders. Claiming the guidance of 'heavenly voices' her extraordinary heroism changed the course of the 100- years war. St. Joan, one of the most remarkable women in history, was canonised in 1920

A jar inscribed, "Remains found under the stake of Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans," was discovered in 1867, containing pieces of rib and linen, and housed at a parish museum at Chinon. In February 2006, permission was given for an investigation of the remains to decide whether or not they really were those of a nineteen-year-old girl. However, after forensic testing, the remains were found to be spurious. The Church had never regarded them as relics....nor had they ever been objects of devotion. The Church has always maintained that the mortal remains of the Saint were burned and scattered.

Second page to follow shortly: