Newsletter - 22nd August 2021
Lead Kindly Light
Many of you know the poem Lead Kindly Light by St John Henry Newman. It is better known as a hymn, set to several different melodies and sung in churches for nearly 200 years. The story of how the poem came to be written is an inspiring one.
Newman was only 32 at the time, a young Anglican priest travelling in Italy with friends when he fell seriously ill and almost died. During his long recovery, he experienced much inner turmoil – homesickness, uncertainty about his mission within the church, and a desire to be guided more closely by God. By the time he was ready to go home, he was convinced that he had been spared for a special mission that would be shown to him in God’s good time. Lead Kindly Light was written on the return voyage to England.
Upon his return, Newman, together with a few friends, was led by God’s light to found the Oxford Movement for renewal in the Anglican Church. Later, he would be led into the Roman Catholic Church. He was declared a saint in 2019.
Newman faced many difficulties during his long life but he sought to be led each step of way by the kindly light he glimpsed during this time of crisis. As we read his comforting words, let us pray that we too may put our trust in that same light.
Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home —
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene, — one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray’d that Thou
Should’st lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
Deacon Ted, ccn
Focus of the week
Parish Celebration & Giu
lia’s Farewell
This will be an opportunity for all those who have known Giulia over the years to come along and wish her well.
Please save the date : Saturday 18th September.
We are all very sad to see Giulia leave us at the end of August. We know many of you have wonderful memories of her working with your families. We are organising a Farewell Thank You collection for her. If you would like to contribute to this please leave your gift with Suzanne in the parish office. Thank you!