Cheerful in penance, and in precept winning:
Patiently healing of their pride and blindness,
Souls that are sinning.
This is the Saint, who, when the world allures us,
Cries her false wares, and opes her magic coffers,
Points to a better city, and secures us
With richer offers.
Love is his bond, he knows no other fetter,
Asks not our all, but takes whate'er we spare him,
Willing to draw us on from good to better,
As we can bear him.
When he comes near to teach us and to bless us,
Prayer is so sweet, that hours are but a minute;
Mirth is so pure, though freely it possess us,
Sin is not in it.
Thus he conducts, by holy paths and pleasant,
Innocent souls, an sinful souls forgiven,
Towards the bright palace, where our God is present,
Throned in high heaven.
(Cardinal Newman, 1857)
Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of St Philip Neri, Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory.
Please pray in a special way that if it be God's will the Congregation of the Oratory may be established at the Church of the Holy Name, Manchester.
In the meantime we ask the prayers of St Philip for the community at the Holy Name, that through his intercession God will continue to bless the marvellous work they are doing.
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