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YEAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit, inspire us to perform acts of charity to our
brothers and sisters in need every day.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I wish you a very happy Advent. I have now returned to the Diocese after my sabbatical period away. It was a truly refreshing time, and I enjoyed it very much. I am thankful to God. I had eight weeks of study at Catholic University of America (CUA) where I was led through a guided reading programme by a tutor. While I was there, I attended a couple of conferences too. I lived at the Dominican House of Studies across the street from CUA where I was made very welcome. There are 75 friars in the community, including 40 student-novices, so there was a ‘sense of energy’ about the place as well as a regular rhythm of prayer – and food! After returning from the US, I undertook a retreat at Pluscarden Abbey. I have been back in Portsmouth for just over a week and am busy catching up. I am especially grateful to you all for your prayers and support, and also to those who made this study-leave possible, including our two Vicars General, our Episcopal Vicars, our COO and my own Bishop’s Office staff. I thank God for the fresh vigour He is giving for the important work ahead of Bringing People Closer to Jesus Christ through His Church through the realisation of You Will be My Witnesses. Please pray for me – as I will for you.

You can read this week’s e-News in full here.

bishop philip

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