Drawing Closer to Jesus - A Day Retreat to Woodchester (28th March 2009)

The SVP once again graciously organised a day out for us, this time a Lenten retreat with the theme ‘Drawing closer to Jesus’ in the most peaceful setting of the Convent of the Poor Clares, Woodchester.

Having been warned that the narrow country lane leading to the Convent could only accommodate a small minibus, the driver carefully plodded along to the directional sound of Adrian’s built in satnav which logically enough brought us to the convent gates- were we glad that there was no oncoming vehicle!

Stepping into the warmth of the beautifully maintained Convent, Caroline who led the Retreat, welcomed us with coffee and biscuits which went down very well! Our meeting room was bright and cosy. Drawing our attention to the picture of Jesus washing Peter’s feet helped to remind us to give in totally all our fears to Jesus, in order that we could receive the healing, purifying mercy of God.

A fitting end to our day was to spend time with Our Blessed Lord in the chapel with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. This was followed by Mass. Fr.’s homily was based on John 3:16. This was illustrated most poignantly by the man who in saving a bus-load of factory workers fatally hit a little boy. When asked why he did not sound the horn, he replied, “I could but I know it wouldn’t work because he was deaf, he was my son.” “FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE”.

As a small group, Fr. Casimir invited us to gather around The Lord’s Table for the Eucharistic Prayer, lifting up and joining our hands for The Our Father. The closeness to Jesus and to each other was felt. The Mass ended with a special blessing from Fr. Casimir with his Mission Cross. The day has given us greater strength to love God and our neighbour.

Thanks to Caroline for leading the retreat, the Sisters of the Poor Clares for the use of a quiet and most appropriate venue, Fr. Casimir for spending the day with us and celebrating Mass, and not least to Adrian for organising the day out. (By Guay Tan)

Photos: 

a). Photos at St Mary's taken by Nilora. 

b). Photos at Woodchester taken by fr. Casimir

Civic Interfaith Celebration 18th March 09

This year our theme is "Spirit of Service: Working together for Justice and Peace" The evening is presided over by the Lord Mayor of Bristol and the Lady Mayoress. It is an evening of readings, prayers, music, dance and sacred songs, reflecting the teachings of faith communities about what we share in common, on the different paths we take. It is followed by an informal meeting over a light buffet.

This celebration takes place every year and for many years , and as a member of Bristol Interfaith, I feel privileged and honoured to be part of it and more privileged and happy as our brothers and sisters from far away places, the Filipinos, who are members of St Mary on the Quay's congregation, honoured us with their presence and their wonderful music and dance. Their performance was the crowning glory as it happened at the end. We could have watched them over and over. They were excellent and very much appreciated and praised. As I said before they are not only good at serving Mass but they have hidden talents too.



They oozed confidence and they were happy to be there. It was a breath of fresh air from those far away shores!

I would also like to say a special thank you to Vivian who in her introduction, explained very clearly what the dances were about and her Catholic faith and St Mary on the Quay. I must not forget to thank all the ladies who taught the intricate steps of the dance to the children. It was a fantastic success and my heartfelt thanks to all of them.

(By Marie Hackett, member of Bristol Interfaith and Bristol Multifaith Forum)
Photos: Taken By Fr. Kazimierz

All for Love of You

Whilst meditating on the Word and searching for God in prayer I felt inspired to draw.

This image of the Face of Jesus emerged it seemed from out of no-where, revealing to me an intimate encounter with Christ on the road to Calvary.....and His gaze spoke lovingly to me .......it's "All for love of you" (Geraldine Farrell)

Picture for Lent by Geraldine Farrell

A Polish Night

On 11th March at the invitation of the Polish Society of Bristol University, we (Fr. Nico, Fr. Casimir and I) attended the Polish night at the Bristol University International Student Union in Clifton.

This was certainly a night to remember, with the Polish students showing hospitality to their international friends with a delicious variety of Polish food. The main course included ‘Bigos’ a traditional seasoned “hunter” stew made from sauerkraut with chunks of various appetizing meats and sausages. This was followed by a short talk accompanied with pictures which gave us an insight of Warsaw, Krakow and Masuria.

The evening finished with most entertaining Polish music. Much credit must be given to Ella, a very accomplished guitarist. Fr. Casimir, Amelia and Ewa contributed to the guitar solos joined in wholeheartedly by the audience.

(By Guay Tan)

Father Nico's Induction as Parish Priest

"A full Church and beautiful music greeted the Induction of Father Nico, when he was inducted as the 29th Parish Priest of St Mary on the Quay, by Father Michael Fountaine,the Dean of South Bristol, on Sunday 22nd February.

Big number of worshippers attended the 5.15 mass. The church had been elegantly decorated with flowers. Singing was lead by the combined church choirs together with groups from Filipino and Indonesian community.

After the Mass an inviting buffet of refreshments were generously provided by parishioners, including some homemade delicious cakes.

There was a festive air, with the many children who had attended the Mass playing together in the Church Hall and the newly inducted Parish Priest resplendent in a new sportscoat.

It was a memorable day and we all wish Father Nico well for the future as Parish Priest, following the sad loss of Father Michael Cleary in October 2008." (Bill Barlow)

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"Last Sunday, February 22nd, there was a ceremony of induction of our colleague Fr. Nicodemus Lobo Ratu as parish priest of St Mary on the Quay Bristol. It was for me a very moving ceremony as I looked around the church at people from so many different parts of the world who were part of that parish community. The choirs who participated in the ceremony were from Britain, The Philippines, and Indonesia. And just before the final blessing Nico spoke and thanked the people, and he did so in Tagalog, Indonesian and English. Our SVD confreres who live and minister at St. Mary on the Quay are from Indonesia, Philippines and Poland. A number of the local clergy were also present, as well as many of the S.Sp.S.

... Let us continue to remember to pray for and support our confreres in Bristol and in our other communities. ..." (Fr. Brian O'Reilly, the provincial of the Irish-British Province of the Society of the Divine Word).

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"My personal thanks to all who made the Induction ceremony so enjoyable, memorable, and significant. It was for me a very moving ceremony. Thank you for supporting me, sharing the celebration, and being part of my special day. I truly hope that we may work together hand-in-hand for the good of our church & our community". (frnicosvd)

Photos: Taken By Joey Hongganata