National President’s Address
At Walsingham 2009
My Lord Bishops, Reverend Fathers, Sisters and members of The Union of Catholic Mothers. It is a great privilege to be standing here today in Walsingham, the National shrine of Our Lady.
In my first address, I would like to speak about someone dear to us all: - Our Priests.
When we say our UCM prayer we constantly pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life. This year the Pope has declared a year of the Priest from 19 June. It coincides with the 150 Anniversary of the death of St John Vianney (also called the CURE of ARS) Patron Saint of Parish Priests. During this year the Pope will declare him Patron Saint of all Priests.
St John Vianney used to say “If I were to meet a Priest and an Angel, I would greet the Priest first, then the Angel. If there were no priests, the Passion and death of Jesus would serve no useful purpose. What use is a Treasure Chest of gold if there is no one who can unlock it? The Priest has the key to the Treasures of Heaven”.
He also wrote: “If we had not got the Sacrament of Holy Orders, we should not have our Lord who placed him in that Tabernacle, The Priest.
Who was it received your soul, on its entrance into life? - The Priest.
Who nourishes it, to give it strength to make its Pilgrimage? – The Priest.
Who will prepare it to appear before God, by washing that soul, for the last time in the blood of Jesus Christ – The Priest – always the Priest?
You cannot recall one single blessing from God without finding side by side with this recollection, the image of the Priest. So let us use this year to pray especially for all Priests, and pray for more vacations to the Priesthood, because without them we will be deprived of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life.
Thank you to Shrewsbury Diocese for leading this years Pilgrimage, Bishop Noble, Pat O’Connor Diocesan President, and Father Michael Murray, Spiritual Adviser, and all the Officers and members.
Thank you Bishop Brain and all the clergy for being here today, thank you Fr. Alan Williams, Tim and Anne, the Walsingham Sub-Committee, Kate, Brigid, Joan and Una what a wonderful job you have all done with dedication and love. Thank you to the Walsingham Stewards, The police and the husbands who act as stewards, thank you to those responsible for the beautiful music and the flowers and to those who have catered for us and looked after us so well.
Lastly, may I thank you all for your cards, masses and prayers, your support and friendship and for coming here today.
God bless you and your loved ones.
May The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of all Creation, keep you safe on your journey home!
Sheila Goodchild
National President.