Former Anglican bishop of London addresses Catholic Women of the Year luncheon

The joy of the Jubilee Year and the importance of making full use of the Jubilee Indulgence were keynote themes of Fr Graham Leonard' talk at the Catholic Women of the Year Luncheon held last week. The four Catholic Women of the Year were guests of honour at the event held in Russell Square, central London. They were: Sr Roseann Reddy who founded the Sisters of the Gospel of Life in Glasgow; Cecilia Bromley-Martin, of Aid to the Church in Need, who has been acting as a courier taking aid to persecuted Catholics in China; Stella Lilley who has run the Padre Pio information centre for over 30 years and Eileen Murphy who has given a lifetime of service to many groups. Fr Graham, former Anglican Bishop of London, called for the Jubilee Year to be a time when Catholics return to an understanding of God's laws - "which we disobey at our peril". The idea of a Jubilee, which dates back to Old Testament times, is a recognition of Divine rule, which is holy and perfect. "So often today we worry about our failure to follow fashion. But what really matters is that we recognise our sins and seek God's mercy and forgiveness." He urged that everyone seek the Jubilee Indulgence - something freely and generously given by God and reflecting man's dignity and worth. There was a special message to the luncheon from Glasgow's Cardinal Winning. He praised the Catholic women present for their "commitment in work and deed to the values of the Gospel". Funds from the event will go to the Bourne Trust for prisoners, towards providing a resettlement service, particularly for women with mental health needs.