The Lion's Roar
Special Edition
25th Anniversary of Church Building - November 2001
St Leo the Great, Beech Avenue. Your Parish magazine.
Report of the Justice and Peace Group
| 1 |
The aims of the Justice and Peace Groups are "to
seek a world in which all people respect the integrity of creation
and especially the dignity and freedom of each human person...people
live free from fear...people live in peace..the development of material
resources is sustainable and used for the benefit of all and individual
freedom is tempered by the command to love our neighbour as ourselves" |
| 2 |
These aims are to be pursued through prayer, raising
awareness in our church community; campaign for justice locally,
nationally and internationally; and providing a Justice and Peace
response to current events. |
| 3 |
The St. Leo's Justice and Peace group began just over
18 months ago with a small group or 4/5 people forming the nucleus.
Our start was marred by the death of one memeber shortly after we
began, and the serious illness of another. However we have tried
to overcome this shaky beginning and achieve some concrete results
which form a base from which we would develop. |
| 4 |
In our first 18 months we have; |
| a) |
Made contact with Fr. Hugh O'Donnell in Kenya and
donated £500 to his parish towards the building of a school.
We also sent details of our parish, copies of parish magazines etc.
Fr. O'Donnell's parish and work were the subject of a series of
articles in the Glasgow Observer as a result of a visit by Fr. Sharkey
to the parish - just a pity we did not get a mention! However, we
did have the pleasure of having Fr. O'Donnell visit the parish during
his annual leave in Scotland when he came to thank St.Leo's for
its help and to present us with a lovely batik picture of the Virgin
and Child. We were able to give Fr. O'Donnell a further £600
to take with him on this return. He has promised, despite being
a poor correspondent, to do better for the future and burture the
contacts between our parishes. |
| b) |
We prepared an Evening Prayer service during Lent
and also evening weekly masses with a Justice and Peace theme in
th eliturgy and bidding prayers. We would have to admint that we
failed to make this a settled feature of the community's liturgical
life at St. Leo's but we are aiming to do better. |
| c) |
We have supplied input for a Justice and Peace "Thought
for the Week" for the parish bulletin to bring Justice and
Peace issues to our communities attention. Linked with htis, we
have put orselves on the mailing list for SCIAF's campaign newsletters
and we have participated in recent campaigns such as the Jubilee
Year campaign for the cancellation or reduction of third world debt.
For this, we have obtained supplies of postcards for the campaign
for parishioners to use to show their support by sending them to
the Prime Minister, government departments etc. We have also written
to our local MP on the human cloning issue. |
| d) |
We have started to build up a network of contacts
with the Diocesan Justice and Peace organisation and other parish
groups, and to develop a library of magazines, books and leaflets
on relevant issues. The library has books from CAFOD/SCIAF and the
Medical Foundation; campaign leaflets, reports and magazines from
SCIAF, Amnesty International, ITDG, Oxfam, Help the Aged, Traidcraft,
Index on Censorship etc. |
| 5. |
Our aims for the immediate future are ; |
| a) |
to develop further the link with Fr. O'Donnell's
parish, not just on the financial level but also to find ways of
supporting and learning from each other in prayer and sharing of
news and views. |
| b) |
to identify issues that are of local concern; the
most obvious areas currently are the position of refugees and asylum
seekers, and the increase in reported racist attacks in the aftermath
of the tragedy in the USA. |
| c) |
to improve our network of contacts with and within the Diocese
and with other churches and relevant groups.
|
| d) |
finally to consider how
we identify and input our views to local, national and international
events. |
| 6. |
To do any of the above we need more members and we
need to publicise our aims and work to encourage people within the
parish to join us. |
Grace Buckley
The Way of Saint James
From St. Jean de Port to Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrims have been travelling to Santiago de Cornpostela
on foot or on horseback (and more recently by bicycle) for over a thousand
years. At the height of its popularity in the eleventh and twelfth centuries
over half a million people are said to have made the pilgrimage from
different parts of Europe each year.
The distance from St. Jean de Port to Santiago is approximately
774 Km. and follows the route named the Camino Frances. It is estimated
that walkers, depending on fitness and determination will generally
complete the pilgrimage in 4 to 6 weeks. For cyclists it should take
about 2 weeks. The Camino takes in the cities of Pamplona, Logrono,
Burgos and Leon.
I started ftom Bilbao, having flown ftom Glasgow to London
(Heathrow) and then on to Bilbao. (at Bilbao airport there were disinfectant
mats exclusively for the use of passengers from the U .K. )
The grand plan was to cycle north ftom Bilbao, pick up
the Camino del Norte and then head to St. Jean. This would have enabled
me to travel through the Basque country and visit Guernica. Having completed
this leg, it would be a simple matter of picking up the Camino Frances
and then eventually to Santiago.
My grand plan lasted approximately 105 minutes after touchdown.
Tourist information at the airport revealed the airport bus does not
take bikes, there is no metro and no one knows about the Camino del
Norte ! I did leave the airport with directions to the Albergue Bilbao
(Youth hostel).
By now it was close to 9.0Opm. On to Bilbao, on the bike,
lights on. No problem riding on the right hand side of the road - really
easy. The road suddenly became bumpy. I had Kevlar reinforced tyres,
no punctures for me. The cycling became more difficult. It was a puncture
for me. The back tyre was flat, very flat under the load of luggage
in the panniers - and the sun had set.
End of tether came to mind. The aims now was to find a
place for the night and fix the puncture in the morning. I was walking
past an engineering factory and saw two workmen, doing night shift.
I asked them if they knew any hotels nearby. They knew of one but that
was too expensive for me. They must get a lot of pilgrims from Scotland
this way, I thought. One of them, who spoke English as good as I speak
Basque, offered the porter's cabin to make the repair. Eventually, after
a spare tube had been fitted, I was given a cup of coffee and sent on
my way with "vaya con Dios". Complete darkness now, almost 11 o'clock.
Making good progress towards Bilbao. Overtaken by a juggernaut from
Portugal that stops in front of me. Out jumps the driver and asks directions.
Well, nae borra !
At about 11.45 pm I eventually reached the Hostel in Bilbao.
Only a security guard was on duty. I asked for a bed. He asked ifI bad
a reservation. No to both questions. Hostel full up -no bed. The guard
phoned several hotels. No luck. Eventually he showed me an empty reading
room, no bed. I gladly accepted. I had a sleeping bag and ground mat
but the guard went for a bed and bed linen. Soon, I had my own room
and was able to draw a line under the first day.
I was able to reflect on the events of the first few hours
in Spain and came to the conclusion that I had little to worry about.
The people I had met were all extremely helpful despite the language
barrier and the difficulties I encountered had all been resolved without
any great difficulty. I took this as reassurance for a successful pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage was a wonderful experience and I would
recommend it to even the faintest heart The Spanish people I met were
all friendly, courteous and welcoming, although some refugio (pilgrim
hostel) staff tend to prefer walkers to cyclists. My grasp of the Spanish
language is basic, but limited though it was, I never had any difficulty
in engaging in conversation The pilgrimage also raised funds for Meningitis
Association Scotland and St. Leo's made a seriously Significant contribution
to the £1400 raised in only five weeks.
If you are thinking about going on the pilgrimage, information
can be had ftom the Confraternity of St, James, 27 Blackftiars Rd, London
SEl 8NY
Ewen MacLeod
Ewen was extremely ill with Menmgitis last year. After
he recovered he decided to make this pilgrimage as a way of giving thanks.
It was a journey he had a/ways intended doing someday - his illness
made him realise that the appropriate time was now.
A daily prayer ;
Jesus, Mary and Joseph I give you my heart and my soul
Jesus, Mary and Joseph assist me in my last agony
Jesus, Mary and Joseph may I breathe forth my soul at peace with you.
Amen
Silver Jubilee -a Pigrim's Halt
"Have a ball and pray like mad!" This phrase probably
represents one of the most consistent strands in our spirituality -
a delight in celebrating and a sense of urgency in prayer! This is a
tradition that can be detected among the pilgrims who crossed Europe
going to the great shrines at Rome, Canterbury, Assisi, Compostello,
Whithorn, St. Andrew's, St. Magnus in Orkney and St. Margaret's in Dunfermline.
These pilgrims set out to enjoy their journey despite the hazards and
travelled looking for something special from God for themselves or those
they loved.
A Jubilee is generally felt to be a significant point
on any parish'sjoumey of faith. That is why we have had both the Jubilee
Mass and the Jubilee Supper and Dance, each celebrating goodness and
taking delight in the lives of so many who have prayed with us and for
us over the years.
Reflecting at this time on what makes a parish, it bas
seemed to me that we look at each other sometimes with a variety of
emotions -interest, pleasure, amusement, respect and sometimes bafflement
or consternation. Sometimes we even look at each other with a lack of
interest and a wish not to get involved Perhaps that is natural enough
since we are fellow pilgrims whom the Lord bas chosen to be together
and we didn't get asked about it.
We are not thrown together and did not chose our fellow
parishioners or priest ! By the grace of God we are brought together,
people invited to give the affirmation of faith both by being present
at Mass and by showing joy in our love of life. We are invited to acknowledge
our weakness and need of grace as readily as we recognise each other,
to put up with each other's weakness and frailty, and even more -to
have compassion on each other and support each other. We are required
to do the same for the priest, who is trying like everyone else, and
who needs to try, because he doesn't always succeed any more than his
parishioners do !
These are not new thoughts, but we might think them more
often. A parish is not a shop, nor a club, but a community centred on
worship, celebration and mutual support. Social events are meant to
give us some fun together, but also to let us know each other better.
Worship is about the Lord and his people, not our private prayers. We
have other places for them ! Mutual support is the fruit of the constant
effort we can make to be like Christ, generous with the Father and each
other.
Congratulations to the parish community who have made
special efforts to make this celebration joyful ! The church looks beautiful
and holy. May it help us in our praying and help us to keep close to
the Lord and to each other.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The principal work of the Society is to help those in
need. They don't give money but do assist with providing food, clothing,
toys and Powercards for pre-payment meters. Their help is not limited
to members of the parish community but is extended to anyone within
the area. They particularly try to ensure that families with children
are taken care of. The Society also runs holidays for families who cannot
afford one.
At their last meeting, members spoke of their experiences
and the great pleasure they got ftom being able to help others with
practical assistance. Often the visits made to people are appreciated
as much as any assistance they are able to offer. Among issues for the
Society are :
Being able to give more practical support. Getting more
people in the parish community to help with goods, money and most importantly
time. Getting a support group developed in the parish to make regular
visits to people identified as needing help.
It was agreed that a parish meeting would be arranged
at which the Society would make a presentation on its work.
Core Team Chairman's Address
This year is the twenty fifth anniversary of the opening
of the present church building. I would like to take this opportunity
to look back at some of the changes which have taken place.
For many years the faithful attended a small church to
the rear of the present building. The decision to build the present
church was a great step of faith for the diocese and, even more so,
the parish which would have to carry the financial responsibility.
The architect's original plans were for greater seating
capacity but Fr. Nee argued against this on the grounds that we were
a small parish. His decision has been shown to be correct as the parish
numbers have reduced over the years.
The church building and hall have undergone extensive
alterations during the last few years. A cry-room was built and later
extended. The altar area was extended and the tabernacle moved to the
side. The hall, heating, kitchen and gardens have been upgraded with
new equipment and access areas. Work has been done on the church roof
and the interior paint work to make the building more attractive and
user friendly.
The church decor has been enhanced over the years by the
work of the Embroiderers' Guild with new stained glass windows, altar
frontals, back drops and now a new hanging for the tabernacle area and
a new baptismal font.
The new chapel in honour of Our Lady has been re-carpeted
and painted and the stained glass windows have now been ftamed in wood
and back-lit.
Our thanks and prayers go to all who were involved in
so many ways over the years, often the unsung heroes and heroines of
the parish.
Brendan Berry
St. Leo’s Parish
The parish was established in 1962, Mass initially being
celebrated in Bellahouston Academy. In 1963 the present parish house
and grounds were bought and old outbuildings were converted into our
first church. Many happy years were spent celebrating the sacraments
in what had been an old stable - can you think of a more suitable place
to celebrate Christmas?
In May 1976 our late Archbishop, Cardinal Tom Winning,
formally opened the present building which had been built under the
watchful eye of Fr. Joe. Nee.
Over the years many changes have taken place but a few
of the original parishioners are still with us. Many changes have also
taken place in the building - the installation of stained glass windows
— the building of Our Lady’s altar— the new sanctuary - the cry room
and vestry — the new kitchen — new heating system — and most recently
the re-decoration of the church.
In his address to the parish in 1987, the Silver Jubilee,
Archbishop Winning described St. Leo’s as a Post-Vatican parish and
explained that he meant that gradually the community had assimilated
the principal message of the Second Vatican Council, namely an awareness
of what it is to he Church today and especially to the underprivileged
at home and abroad. Let us continue striving to ensure that his assessment
was correct.
Jubilee Mass
The Jubilee Mass was celebrated at 11am on Sunday 11th
November. I think every seat in the church was occupied, it certainly
felt tike it where I was sitting!
The Altar was equally crowded, we were privileged to
have six priests con-celebrating this memorable occasion. Photographs
of the celebrants are on the notice board at the rear of the church.
Mgr. Gerry Fitzpatrick was assisted by Mgr. John Sheridan, who was a
regular visitor some years ago. Also assisting were Fr. John Muldoon
- a former parish priest of St. Leo’s. Fr. Brendan Murtagh- a former
parishioner who’s family still live in the parish, Fr. Lawrence Lochrie
S.J. — a frequent visitor from the Highlands and Fr. Seamus O’Reilly
— a retired priest who lives in the parish and is also a regular visitor.
This was a celebration that will live in people’s memories
for a long time — when will we next see six priests on the Altar? It
is difficult to find even one to relieve Fr. Gerry when he has a day
off, priests are becoming an endangered species!
Thanks to all who participated to make the Jubilee such
a success.
Clipings from other Parish Magazines
Pot luck supper will be held on Sunday at 5pm....
prayers and medication will follow.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm on Tuesday.
Please use large double doors at side entrance.
The Justice & Peace meeting scheduled for Sunday has been
cancelled due to a conflict.
Don’t let work kill you - let the Church help.
Congratulations
On behalf of Glasgow Churches Together and with pleasure,
I write to you, the parish of St. Leo the Great, to congratulate you
on the 25th. Anniversary of the opening of your new church. The church
today is looking wonderful inside with the fresh paint, the striking
embroidery and the beautiful windows. The sound system is pretty impressive
also ! It is uplifting to visit a church where the striving for a relevant
contemporary spirituality is expressed so well in the physical surroundings
as well as in the presence and commitment of so many praying people.
Well done, everybody!
The close involvement and affection of Glasgow Churches
Together with St. Leo's grew up since Mgr. Fitzpatrick took over the
parish. On the grand scale, St. Leos' and the St. Mungo Singers have
contributed substantially to the development of ecumenism in Glasgow.
Individually and in groups, the parishioners, choir and embroiderers
have found themselves participating in all sorts of ecumenical ventures
and supporting many creative liturgies both in St. Leo's and across
the city. On the small scale, lots of really important networking, planning
and prayer have gone on behind the scenes in St. Leo's. Leaders ftom
many traditions have enjoyed the hospitality of your busy parish house.
Where would we be without the gingerbread ?
Again on behalf of Glasgow Churches Together I offer our
congratulations on your celebrations and our prayerful support for the
work and years ahead. With every blessing.
Br. Stephen Smyth fms. Ecumenical Officer
Glasgow Churches Together is the ecumenical body of
the Christian Churches in the Glasgow area, Current members are; Church
of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church, Scottish Episcopal Church, Methodist
Church, United Free Church, United Reformed Church, Salvation Army.
G. C. T was formally established following the positive experience of
the close co-operation of the Churches during the Garden Festival.
Common prayer for November
God of Heaven and Earth, praying, in oneness, with all
my Christian sisters and brothers in this area, I rejoice in the fellowship
I share with the faithful departed and, in particular, I thank you for
all those whom. I have known and loved.
Let this prayer echo throughout my day. In Jesus' name.
Amen
