Peace protect, call for volunteers and rosary crusade.

Latest news of interest across the Diocese of East Anglia includes a peace protect, a call for volunteers and a rosary crusade.

A peace vigil (pictured above) to remember all those who have died in the ongoing conflict happening in the Holy Land, was held in Wisbech on December 16, sponsored by Catholic peace movement Pax Christi, Stop the War locally and Wisbech Interfaith Forum.

Sean Finlay said: “Despite the biting cold some 15 people came for various periods in the late afternoon. It was held at the Clarkson memorial which honours the great anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Clarkson who was born in Wisbech.  

“Among the attendees was Robin Jamison from Watlington Norfolk, who is a Jew and who stated that he is appalled at  the loss of life and the failure of our government and many others to demand a  ceasefire now and the commencement of real negotiations,” said Sean. One of the peace candles from the vigil will be carried in procession at the carol service at the local parish church on Christmas Eve.  

Sean,  from Pax Christi, has written to his MP Stephen Barclay, who is the Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, saying: “I appeal to you to use whatever limited influence our government has to call for a ceasefire, to be followed by serious efforts by the world community to ‘lance this boil’ once and forever.”

The SVP are looking for volunteers willing to help children put their faith into action. The St Vincent de Paul Society have primary school groups called Mini Vinnies, and volunteers would support teachers or youth leaders wishing to start a group in their school or parish. They will talk to children about how they can make a difference to those living in poverty and share resources to support the group.

The role is flexible but does need people with some availability during school hours (at least two mornings or afternoons per month) who are willing to travel within the diocese (all costs are covered). If you are passionate about helping children discover how they can make a difference in their communities, please email Sarah for more information on youngvincentians@svp.org.uk.  You do not have to have previous experience of working with children as all training will be given. Our next initial training day is on Tuesday February 27.

The parish of St Pancras in Ipswich launched a rosary crusade to pray for the conversion of souls in Ipswich and beyond on Friday December 8.

Fr Joseph Welch said: “Beginning on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, when the Church celebrates the fact that Our Lady was filled with grace from the moment of her conception, and continuing all the way up to the feast of Our Lady of Ipswich, which is also the feast of Our Lady of Grace, on May 15, 2024, rosaries will be said for this intention by parishioners and visitors alike. Gathered together into a spiritual bouquet, the prayers will be presented to Our Lady in May on the same day that Bishop Peter will come and bless the new statue of Our Lady of Ipswich.”

Pictured below are parishioners saying the first rosaries of the crusade before the statue of Our Lady of Ipswich in St Pancras church. (Picture credit: Stephen Griggs).

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