Weekly Record 97 - 20 November 2011
18 Nov, 2011
THE TITULAR FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING
The term ‘A Cathedral of our Times’ has often been used to describe our Cathedral. This is not solely based on its modern architecture and post Vatican II interior, but also by the fact that it is dedicated to Christ the King. The Feast of Christ the King was only incorporated into the liturgical calendar at the end of the Holy Year in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. In that period between the two World Wars it was a response to concerns of growing nationalism and secularism. So many had thrust Jesus Christ out of their lives and denied his teaching having any place in their private lives or in politics. The new feast proclaimed Christ’s Sovereignty over all things. In his encyclical at the end of the Holy Year Pope Pius expressed real concern regarding the need for social justice and lasting peace. He wrote that: The kingdom of Christ is opposed to the powers of darkness. It demands of its subjects a spirit of detachment from riches and earthly things and a spirit of gentleness. They must hunger after justice and more than this they must deny themselves and carry the cross’.
It was the Holy Father who asked that our Cathedral be dedicated to Christ the King. Pope Paul VI moved the feast from October to the final Sunday of the Church’s year, symbolising that in the end all things will be reconciled in Christ. The feast gives real expression to the needs and challenges of our times – how we give witness to the values of Christ’s Kingdom in our personal and public lives. Our building is a constant reminder of this in the midst of our City and Diocese.
I wish you all a Happy Feast Day and on behalf of the whole Cathedral Community extend a warm welcome to His Excellency Archbishop Antonio Mennini who joins us on this celebratory weekend.
I have heard third hand that the cameras on the bus gate lane alongside the Convent and Cathedral House become operational this week. This will mean that cars will not be able to access Upper Mount Pleasant and the car park from Brownlow Hill, but only from Oxford Road and Hope Street and also that they will only be able to exit right out of the car park when leaving the Cathedral. Anyone passing through the bus gate will receive an automatic fine so please be careful. The Council have received enough money from our Cathedral congregation in parking fines over recent months without people falling prey to this latest extortion.
Next weekend we begin the season of Advent, a favourite but busy time of the year. Our Sunday Masses during Advent will focus on the importance of family and faith. On the third Sunday there will be the opportunity for a special blessing for expectant mothers within one of that week’s Sunday Masses. On the fourth Sunday the focus will be on grandparents and their role in supporting faith in the family and there will be votive candles blessed for families to take home with them. Next Sunday the Advent Sequence at 5.00pm will replace the normal afternoon evening prayer.
Canon Anthony O’Brien Dean