Noctem quiétam et finem perféctum concédat nobis Dóminus omnípotens.

Advent begins in darkness, and that’s by design. The Church initiates this season during the shortest days and longest nights, almost to convey: this is what it means to wait.

Today, the UK National Screening Committee has said ‘no’ to prostate cancer screening for the vast majority of men. I stand with Prostate Cancer UK who will keep pushing for faster, fairer diagnosis for all men.

Dear All, Please read, share and subscribe: open.substack.com/pub/grantcic...

This is the full text in English of the Apostolic Letter of Pope Leo XIV entitled In unitate fidei ("On the unity of faith") on the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. www.vatican.va/content/leo-...

Beato Miguel Agustín Pro, Presbítero y Mártir, ruega por nosotros. Gritemos con el testimonio de nuestras vidas: “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” Today, we celebrate the feast of Bl. Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest killed in Mexico on Nov. 23, 1927. He died a martyr, crying out, "Viva Cristo Rey!"

Happy Heavenly 112th Birthday to Benjamin Britten Listening to 'Narcissus', before bed the 5th of Britten's 'Six Metamorphoses after Ovid" - a lovely treat. Good night all youtu.be/1JjzTD_TVAQ?...

Obedient unto death!

Here are my thoughts on the latest report from the Covid-19 Inquiry: open.substack.com/pub/grantcic...

Today the Church celebrates Pro Orantibus Day (For Those Who Pray), to commemorate all those living in monasteries and hermitages who quietly dedicate their lives to God in prayer.

Today the Church honours Mary's dedication to God as a child. Rooted in ancient tradition, it symbolizes her lifelong holiness & readiness to serve God’s will. Though based on apocryphal accounts, the feast highlights her purity and continued grace from birth through her early life.

The daily sunrise is a little whisper from God, "I love you and I am giving you a fresh start, a brand new day, a brand new you and I trust you to do right by it."

Today, 18th November, is the anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul in Rome, honouring the co-patrons of the city and twin pillars of the Church

I see that my cousin Maura Higgins is going to appear in the American version of Celebrity Traitors in the New Year. Whether she is a Faithful or Traitor I am sure she will be her true self and I hope will remember that she comes from a good catholic family.

Ruega por México. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros.

Today is the 9th World Day Of The Poor. Pope Leo reminds us that "The poor are not a distraction for the Church, but our beloved brothers and sisters, for by their lives, their words and their wisdom, they put us in contact with the truth of the Gospel."

Laudetur Iesus Christus

Remembering in prayer all who were killed in the Blitz on Coventry on the night of 14/15 November, 85 years ago. “Father forgive”.

Pope Leo XIV has designated St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin as the city's official Catholic Cathedral, becoming the first in the capital for 500 years. This is wonderful news. Deo Gratias

Happy Heavenly 1671st Birthday St Augustine. Born on this day in 354. Quia fecisti nos ad Te, et inquietum est cor nostrum, donec requiescat in Te "Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you." - St. Augustine

Today is World Kindness Day. Just be a good person. Love who you can, help where you can, give what you can.

Today is the Feast of All Benedictine Saints in honour of all the women and men who have lived under the Rule of St Benedict throughout the ages. May they together with Our Holy Father St Benedict pray for us.

The future Pope Leo in 1982

Ár ndeichiú huachtarán ar Éirinn Catherine Connolly is now president of Ireland and has been sworn in as 10th president of Ireland and the third woman to hold office. Comhghairdeas ó chroí Catherine Connolly.

There is something about The Traitors in this pic. I’m almost expecting Claudia Winkleman and Alan Carr to walk through the doors.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome. It honours the basilica as “mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World,” It is a sign of unity and love towards the See of Peter.

Today marks the sixth month since Pope Leo XIV’s election. I give thanks to God for the Holy Father’s steady leadership and faithful witness to Christ. May God bless and sustain him in the Petrine ministry.

The Vatican has released a new stamp celebrating St John Henry Newman being made a Doctor of the Church.

Late post: During the month of remembrance I prayed for the dead: The Subiaco Benedictine Congregation The deceased of the Venerable English College The deceased of the Irish College The tomb of the parents of Ven. Pope Pius XII

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, a powerful homeless advocate and campaigner who tirelessly strove for justice for those who are forgotten and neglected in Ireland. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis Rest in Peace Sister Stan.

Just to clarify a fact: St John Henry Newman is NOT the first English Doctor of the Church! That honour goes to St Bede the Venerable who was declared a Doctor of the Universal Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899!

Today St. John Henry Newman will be proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV.

My thoughts on yesterday’s announcement from Buckingham Palace

Hurricane Melissa is not just another storm - it’s being called the most powerful hurricane Jamaica has ever faced and it’s just made landfall! Jesu Mercy Mary Pray.

Dear All, All Souls Day will soon be upon us, a special time to remember all those beloved family members and friends who have died. I want to offer prayers and Mass for your loved ones. If you would like your deceased loved ones, please complete the form below forms.gle/mfC1sueCt4ij...

Laudetur Iesus Christus

Buying these little treats and I’ve immediately transported myself back to the 1980s!

This looks like a jolly good read. I’ll look forward to starting it after the 20 or so other books I need to finish beforehand.