Friday, 14 Dec-07. John of the Cross

Now John of the Cross was a Spanish Carmelite Religious.  He was born in the village of Fonteveros near Avilia.  He is known for helping Theresa of Avilia re-start the Carmelite Community for women there, which of course, then spread throughout the world.   Well, that's only one aspect of him;  there were others.

Wednesday 12 Dec-07. Ember Day.

After a quite early ( well, for me ) Morning Office there was the 10.oo hrs Holy Eucharist in church with Colin Curtis, our Assistant Priest as Celebrant.   Today is an Ember Day, When they occur, they occur on Wednesday, then Friday and Saturday of the same week.   They are a curiosity to many folk as they seem to pass them by.   As a teenager we always prayed for the Ministry of the Church, and in particular for Ordinands.   There became so few Ordinands that the practice lapsed, although still appears in the Church Calendar.   It is a practice which I hope is returning for last year within the Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway I recall being asked to give a talk to the Ordinands at a Retreat House near here and there were about 10-12 there, so perhaps there is a revival.   It follows from prayers for Ordinands and the Holy Priesthood, that there would be such an increase - surely?   Now I hadn't made that connection until I typed that!   How we soon forget to give thanks to God:   'O give thanks to the Lord for he is gracious'   "And his mercy endureth for ever.   Amen.