Cardinal Cormac calls for revival of traditional spiritual practices

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has urged Catholics to deepen their faith through a revival of spiritual practices rooted in Catholic tradition. In his Pastoral Letter for the Feast of the Epiphany, which will be read at all Sunday Masses in the Diocese of Westminster, he encourages more people to return to the regular reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to take part in Holy Hour prayer with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. "These are truly part of Catholic tradition and devotion and are nourishment to our faith, and I would encourage them". The Archbishop of Westminster also draws attention to the importance of other Catholic practices such as eating less food on Fridays. This form of penance, he says, should be carried out not only for self discipline, but as an act of identity and solidarity with the poor. He urges Catholics to embrace the 'Live Simply' campaign being run by CAFOD in 2007 which calls on people be responsible consumers, using the world's resources carefully and gracefully. He also asks people to devote more time to prayer, and suggests that parents pray more often with their children as they are growing up. "In wishing you the happiness of this great feast of Epiphany, ask yourself what you can bring as your gift to Our Saviour. May I suggest that one such gift is a little time every day. If we don't remind ourselves of Jesus Our Saviour in some way or another then we lose touch with Him. I find it essential in my own life to give at least some time each day to think about Him, to be with Him and to pray. That is really the point of the feast of the Epiphany." More information about CAFOD's Live Simply campaign can be found at www.livesimply.org.uk