Our joyous completion of our Festival of Prayer

The TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS

"Shall we... Shan't we?" - and the obsessive checking of various weather forecasting websites marked the days leading up to the Patronal Feast of Holy Cross, the Triumph of the Cross on 14 September.

The plan had been to have Mass outdoors on the bandstand on the Recreation Ground followed by a family picnic - but it was not until the last minute that the decision was taken to take the risk and hold the Mass outside...

It was a massive feat of organisation, ably coordinated by people from the Liturgy and Stewardship Groups... Banners were bought - bunting made and brought back from Mauritius - the Taizé cross suspended from the bandstand roof and portable altar, benches and chairs transported across in an electric van to create a bandstand sanctuary. Welcomers and ushers ensured that people who needed seats found them and that everyone had service sheets and a "Cross in my pocket" prayer card (until they ran out) - and guided Fr Michael to those who were unable to come forward for Communion. Singers and musicians positioned themselves on a groundsheet and were probably among the few who didn't get wet feet... which our liturgical dancers certainly did, leading the Procession of Gifts in bare feet!

People walking dogs or strolling to the shops turned to look at what was happening as an estimated 300 people from across our whole Pastoral Area celebrated the Triumph of the Cross in prayer and song - click on the movie below

- a powerful witness to the town of our God who loved the world so much that he sent his Son to save it - so that those who believe will have eternal life.

It was resounding success -even if the sunshine was only fleeting, the warmth of the everyone there and willingness to lend a hand where necessary more than made up for it. There was a real sense of unity building on the powerful Festival of Prayer earlier in the week... And a desire to do something like it again...!

Festival of Prayer - 40 Hours of prayer
from Sunday 7th September and on through the week until the Sunday of the TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS

To view the act of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament to start 40 hours of prayer, please click on the 'Play' button below the [don't forget to check that your sound is on.]

Join us in Prayer

SUNDAY EVENING PRAYERS

To view please click on the 'Play' button below the [don't forget to check that your sound is on.] 

MONDAY EVENING PRAYERS

CLOSING BENEDICTION

Closing words from our own dear Father George

Reflections and invitation to the Prayer Festival from our own Father George:

Some weeks ago a person spoke to me after Mass. “You are always talking about the spiritual life but what is it?” he asked. I was put on the spot. In a few seconds I had to give a reasonable reply.
“I consider the spiritual life is the life of your real self. The life of your interior self. It is no more than being yourself and not apologising for your existence.” “Oh, I see”, he said, but with eyes of confusion.

Having given it more thought, in many ways the spiritual life is often allowed to be smothered under the ashes of anxiety and futile concerns. I would define the spiritual life as living life on life’s terms according to the will of God as you understand him. To live the spiritual life to the full is to develop your conscious awareness of God on a daily basis. St. Teresa of Avila said “We find God in the pots
and pans of life”.

Today we cannot take for granted that everyone is familiar with the words of the basic prayers of the Catholic tradition, e.g. “The Lord’s Prayer”, “Hail Mary”, “Glory Be”, “I Confess”, etc.
However, there is no substitute for prayer that comes straight from the heart which can sometimes never be expressed in words.

As for meditation, this is often regarded as meant for the “extra holy”. Nonsense! Meditation is a gift given to all of us. It just takes practice. Henry Nouwen once defined meditation as “Just sitting there and getting distracted”. The point is that we must hold on to the discipline of daily prayer and meditation so that we can grow into a new intimacy with God.

Our festival of prayer is an unique opportunity by coming to Holy Cross Church, Eastleigh, and becoming absorbed in continuous prayer of the 40 hours before the Blessed
Sacrament.

I beg you to take advantage of this Festival of Prayer. We begin at 12 noon Sunday 7th September, and conclude with Benediction starting at 7pm on Tuesday, 9 September 2008.

During the Festival of Prayer there will be an opportunity to go to Confession. You may avail yourself of this Sacrament by asking any of the priests who will be in the church.
“Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer or withhold his love from me”. Psalm 65.

We look forward to praying with you and for you.

Father George.

Please note: Holy Cross Car park will be open for the duration of the Festival of Prayer - click here for a location map.
 Requests for prayers to be said during the Festival can also be emailed to prayers@3rivers.org.uk

Click here for:

• more about St. Teresa of Avila
• the church of St Teresa of Avila in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
• more about Henry Nouwen

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