We celebrated a very beautiful Feast Day Week of Blessed John Henry Newman, leading to his Canonisation by Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square on Sunday (13 October). We pray his words today.

‘Some Definite Purpose.’

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.

We ask for the Intercession of Blessed (Saint from Sunday onwards!) John Henry Newman, that our College Community may continue to grow in the realisation that we are called and chosen by the Lord to love, serve and follow him as we journey through the October Month of Mission and the Year of Vocation.

Brother Andrew, SCJ

College Chaplain