Remembrance Sunday
‘They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them’
It is more than a century since the end of World War I and our acts of remembrance for all those who have sacrificed their lives in service of their country in conflicts since then are not a glorification of war but a constant reminder that we should pray and work for peace amongst nations and communities.
The main Civic Service for Remembrance is held outside St George’s Hall and Archbishop Malcolm will attend this to represent the whole catholic community of our diocese. We will lay a wreath and hold a minutes silence at the start of the 10am and 11am Masses in the Crypt and Cathedral. The Solemn Mass incorporates prayers for the dead and Mozarts’ Choral setting of the Requiem Mass – his final composition before his own death in 1792. Our Remembrance Service is offered for all the faithful departed.
Following the Conference on the Liverpool Good Food Plan last week it has reinforced some simple ways that we all can as individuals play our part in some of the elements of the plan which can also have small impacts on our care for the environment. The statistics on the amount of food that is wasted and thrown away by households is on a vast and alarming scale. We could all make a real effort to reduce/stop the amount that we waste and perhaps save some money. As the Archbishop pointed out recently, if it is possible, it is better to shop locally with locally sourced produce when available – which is often fresher and helps the local economy, supporting local farmers and community cooperatives. A growing proportion of families within our community are struggling to put food on the table due to low wages and changes to social security support. It is important that within our workplaces and spheres of influence that we all champion the paying of the ‘Living Wage’ which is a more realistic minimum hourly rate as opposed to the basic wage that is a legal requirement. Lots more information can be found on the feeding Liverpool website (www.feedingliverpool).
Archbishop Malcolm will be presiding at the 11am Mass next week as we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, our patronal Feast.
Canon Anthony O’Brien
Cathedral Dean
