Search Page

If the Bishops would examine their diaries, they would see what proportion of their time is spent in teaching the Faith, or directly encouraging people to put it into practice. They will be accountable to God, when they die, for the state of the souls in their care.

The covering and uncovering of the head is important to Bishops. In Christ's sight, likewise, the custom followed by millions of women is admirable, when they cover their hair, for public prayer, out of reverence and respect for God.

Bishops and priests should wake up each day burning with desire to spread the Catholic Faith, actively thinking of new ways to explain and spread it.

It is true that the Lord sometimes sends special 'messengers' from amongst the laity to give praise or warnings from God, to priests and Bishops; the Lord also sends a 'special messenger' to the Bishops when He gives them a Pope of the quality of Benedict XVI, who is well-known for his orthodoxy and for his kindness to individuals.

It is the Lord's wish that our Bishops teach and reinforce the 'basics' of the Catholic life, which include regular and reverent Liturgical and private prayer, care of family and the needy, celebration of feasts and fasts, love for the Church, for the glory of the Holy Trinity, following Jesus.

The Catholic Church teaches the glorious truth that, in the past, God reached out to human beings in various ways; in the future, He will reward all who have remained faithful; and in the present moment He remains with His Church, guides us through the Pope and other Catholic Bishops, and is Present with us through Jesus's sacramental Presence.

Care must be taken when Catholic Bishops meet with Anglican clergy, so that Catholics are not led to believe that there are parallel sets of 'Bishops', with sacramental orders of equal validity. Yet it is useful for full-time Christian leaders to talk about common issues of importance.

It is possible for someone to oppose God's wishes, through ignorance and muddled thinking, and not to be blameworthy. But it is a sad thing when an adult Catholic looks at two thousand years of constant teaching on a serious moral matter, and says to God - by her choices - "I believe I am right, and you and your Popes, Bishops, Saints and theologians are wrong, and I am going to use contraceptives".

It is possible for someone to oppose God's wishes, through ignorance and muddled thinking, and not to be blameworthy. But it is a sad thing when an adult Catholic looks at two thousand years of constant teaching on a serious moral matter, and says to God - by her choices - "I believe I am right, and you and your Popes, Bishops, Saints and theologians are wrong, and I am going to use contraceptives".

The Lord showed me row upon row of people gathered in a Cathedral for the Requiem Mass of a Bishop: people who deserve to hear the Faith preached by Bishops in its fullness.

The Lord told me that the Bishops, gathered together for a special anniversary celebration, presented an impressive picture of Episcopal power. Yet there are questions that each Bishop should ask himself, about his own oversight and teaching in his own diocese.

Christ showed me the place in Heaven amongst the Saints that He has reserved for one of the Shepherds of His flock on earth; yet there is more brave work to be done before that place is filled.

How many Bishops preach against abortion, the Lord asked, and against contraception, unchastity, desertion of spouses and neglect of children? Who do we hear much more about other less important topics?

The Lord asks the Bishops to look back at their lives. Have they ever failed to speak out about morals, for example, for fear of upsetting people or driving them away?

The Lord invites the Bishops to remember that England was Catholic for a thousand years. They ought not to be afraid of a few vocal atheists in our day.

Every Bishop will one day give an account to Christ, of what he has done to save the souls of those in his care when on earth, looking after Christ's flock. A wise Bishop reflects, today, on what he will one day say in Christ's presence.

Every Bishop will one day give an account to Christ, of what he has done to save the souls of those in his care when on earth, looking after Christ's flock. A wise Bishop reflects, today, on what he will one day say in Christ's presence.

It pleases Christ when we show love, honour and respect towards our Bishop. Christ is our great High Priest, and He invites us all to show love and courtesy, at all times, towards those He has chosen to be 'other Christs' for us.

Many Bishops are unwilling to speak about sin and repentance, thinking it uncharitable to tell people they ought to change if they wish to please God. The Apostles, however, thought it highly charitable to warn others about where sinful behaviour would lead them. They spoke of Hell as well as Heaven.

I saw brave men, in clerical garments, who stood close to the Father's throne. In the heights of Heaven there was a small group of members of the Clergy - Bishops as well as priests - who had fulfilled God's Will completely, on earth, by teaching the Catholic Faith in its fullness.