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St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
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making a
difference |
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| 31st
August, 2008 |
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| Theme:
“Kindness
and Courage" |
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| Thought: |
“There are two important
things in life: kindness in another’s trouble, and courage in
their own.” Princess Diana |
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In the early hours of Sunday
31 August 1997, news came through of the tragic death in a car
accident of Diana, Princess of Wales, aged 36. |
Cardinal basil Hume spoke the following words later, and we can
remember our own loved ones: |
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“Faith admits us into
death’s secrets.
Death is not the end of the
road,
but a gateway to a better
place.
It is in this place
that the noblest aspirations
will be realized.
It is here that we will
understand
how our experiences
of goodness, love, beauty
and joy
are realities which exist
perfectly in God.
It is in heaven
that we shall rest in him,
and our hearts will be
restless
until they rest in God.
We, left to continue
our pilgrimage through life,
weep and mourn.
You, Diana, and your
companions, too,
are on your way to union
with him
who loves you so.
He knows the love
which you, Diana, had for
others.
God speaks now of his love
for you.
Our tears will not be bitter
ones,
but a gentle weeping
to rob our sadness of its
agony
and lead at last to peace,
peace with God.” |
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Readings: Corinthians Chapter 13 (This
biblical passage on ‘love’ was read at the funeral service
for Princess Diana, by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair); Psalm 23 |
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Prayers:
On the 6 September, the funeral of Diana, the young
Princess of Wales, was held in Westminster Abbey. The following
words were sung to “The Derry Air” (often also called “Danny Boy”)
and can be part of our commitment this week: |
I would be true
- for there are those who trust me.
I would be pure
- for there are those who care.
I would be strong
-for there is much to suffer.
I would be brave
-for there is much to dare. (Amen)
I would be friend of all,
the foe, the friendless.
I would be giving,
and forget the gift
I would be humble,
for I know my weakness.
I would look up,
laugh, love and live. (Amen) |
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Lord, grant eternal rest to all those we have
loved who have passed from this life, and let perpetual life shine
upon them. Amen
Father, grant peace and comfort to those who are grieving for the
loss of someone they love and who they will miss. Hold them gently
in the palm of your hand and ease their pain. Amen.
Lord, we ask for the power of your Spirit in our lives so that we
may live in such a way that we show kindness in another’s trouble,
and courage in our own. Amen
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