Christian Perspectives

Godshill, the church of the Lily Cross

Gwen Herat from the Isle of Wright

Godshill Church is dedicated to All Saints and is the largest pre-Reformation churches on the island. Ninety feet in length and sixty feet across all the transepts, it strikes the visitors as to how spacious and bright it is. Very striking is the large and brightly coloured figures of Mary and St. John in the Rood Beam. Some Rood figures have been destroyed at times of the Reformation though the Rood loft may have survived until Puritan times.

Standing on its ancient hill and huddled among thatched cottages nestling at its foot, the Godshill Church is one of the loveliest of English village scenes and therefore, naturally one of the most photographed and painted by people not only from all over the country, but in fact from all over the world. I saw several painters at work both in and out of the church while many cameras clicked away. Godshill church is popularly known as The Church of The Lily Cross because of the unique mural on the east wall of the south transept. This shows a large figure of OUR LORD crucified on a triple-branched flowering lily, the Lily Cross symbolises the purity and sinlessness of His Virgin Mother. This painting encapsulates OUR LORD'S life from the Annunciation to the Crucifixion.

Legend and the History of the Church

In the beginning when Christian missionaries had won converts to the Faith, they began to build a church on a level place about a mile to the south of the present village. On three successive occasions at night, the stones were removed to the site of the present church. After the first two occasions the builders restarted building the following morning on the site they themselves had chosen. However, after the third time they recognised that this miraculous removing of the stones indicated that the present site was the one God intended for His Church. So, there they built it and GODSHILL was the hill that God had chosen for His church. The present church is the fourth on the site that dates very largely from the early 14th century. This makes the church about 650 years old. The Lord of the island, Richard de Redvers gave the manor of Appuldurcombe which comprised the best part of the parish of GODSHILL to the Abbey of Monteburg which is in the diocese of Countances of Normandy in the year 1090. This abbey established a priory there to look after its interests.

The church is Double-Naved in plan which is unusual along with transepts. The Naves are divided by an arcade of six bays and supported by octagonal pillars on squares.

Presence of the Parish Priest

This is without doubt, 14th century in date and is of the transition Decorated Perpendicular style.

In the columns of the arcade can be seen niches where at one time a wooden screen would have been slotted.

In medieval churches the Parish priest had his own entrance not only because it stressed his different and sacerdotal status in contrast with that of the laity but also because the church was very much his domain (The Blessed Sacrament would have been reserved there) which the laity would not have been allowed to use the nave which is their own part of the church, as they wished. They would then have made their Communion the rare occasions they would have received it.

All the windows of the chancel are 14th century. Those behind the High Altar and in the South Wall are considered to be the best examples of the Decorated style on the island. Those behind the north altar are of the intersecting tracery.

The very fine Florentine gilt candlesticks on the north altar are a very precious gift of the parishioners.

Features of the Naves

A large painting of DANIEL IN THE LIONS DEN is placed at the entrance to the church facing visitors. This is the priceless painting of the 17th century Flemish master, Rubens. It was donated to the church by the first Lord Yarborough in the early part of the last century. Before the painting was placed here, there was a Doom, a painting depicting the last judgment on this wall.

The church Organ is placed on the left on entering the church which contains some 18th century pipes. It has been in the church for over one hundred and fifty years. Above the door of the church are the ROYAL ARMS. They are of Queen Anne and dated 1707.

The door is massive and medieval, a longstanding tribute to the sturdiness of workmanship of the past. It is studded with large nails which hold together the upright planks on the outside.

The magnificent tower

The Tower of the church is a landmark for miles around and retain the unenviable record of being one of the most frequently struck by lightning in the country.

It is known to have been struck severely three times. On January 9, 1778, on June 28, 1897 and on January 14, 1904. The two lower stages of the tower dates back to 14th century. The Tower houses one of the finest Peal of Bells on the island.

There are six bells, re-cast in 1887. The Church Tower has been floodlit since the church's anniversary year of 1992 and is now as much a beacon of Faith at night as well as by day.

In conclusion, even if we cannot see a medieval church as it was once and even if we do not see this church as it was in its prime, it is hoped that the visitor will still find here not a little of its ancient beauty.

It is more over no ecclesiastical museum but truly a House of God, sanctified by the prayers and worship of countless thousands down the ages.

And before I left the GODSHILL CHURCH, I vowed to myself that I will return to this House of God that He Himself chose.

Pope calls for new world body to regulate economy

Pope Benedict XVI called Tuesday for a new world body "with real teeth" to restore the global economy and prevent further disparities in a letter to Roman Catholics worldwide.

"There is a strongly felt need... for a reform of the United Nations Organisation, and likewise of economic institutions and international finance, so that the concept of the family of nations can acquire real teeth," the pope wrote in the third encyclical of his papacy.

"To manage the global economy, to revive economies hit by the crisis, to avoid any deterioration of the present crisis and the greater imbalances that would result ... there is urgent need of a true world political authority," he wrote in the 150-page text.

"Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth) is the pope's first encyclical on social issues following two others on spiritual questions. In the letter, intended as guidance for Catholics, the pope added that such a body should also work "to bring about integral and timely disarmament, food security and peace, to guarantee the protection of the environment and to regulate migration."

It "would need to be regulated by law, to observe consistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity (and) to seek to establish the common good," wrote the 82-year-old head of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics.

"Furthermore, such an authority would need to be universally recognised and to be vested with the effective power to ensure security for all, regard for justice, and respect for rights," said the letter. Benedict warned that globalisation risked further impoverishing poor countries, but said it could be used to the world's benefit if managed properly.

"The processes of globalization, suitably understood and directed, open up the unprecedented possibility of large-scale redistribution of wealth on a world-wide scale," he wrote.

"If badly directed, however, they can lead to an increase in poverty and inequality, and could even trigger a global crisis."

The pope said "the worldwide diffusion of forms of prosperity should not therefore be held up by projects that are self-centred, protectionist or at the service of private interests.

"Indeed the involvement of emerging or developing countries allows us to manage the crisis better today."

He also called for greater protection of the environment a subject he has frequently addressed and said the world should manage its energy resources better.

"The fact that some states, power groups and companies hoard non-renewable energy resources represents a grave obstacle to development in poor countries," the letter said.

"Those countries lack the economic means either to gain access to existing sources of non-renewable energy or to finance research into new alternatives."

VATICAN CITY, AFP

Feast of St. John the Baptist at Nagoda, Kandana

J.I. Rosairo

"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb."

The parish at Nagoda in Kandana, celebrated its patronal feast that of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist on June 28, this year, in an unprecedented scale.

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Preeya Jayamanne, his energetic assistant, the indefatigable members of the parish council and the parishioners in general contributed in no small measure to make the feast day a tremendous success it was.

Faith and Belief

The story of the birth of John the Baptist was the outcome of an unshakable faith, his parents Zackarias and Elizabeth had in the Lord. Both of them were then advanced in age and being childless, their prayers were herd and God blessed them with a child, who was named John.

"For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb." LK. 1-15.

Mary's Visit

Mary, after her conception, visited Elizabeth, her cousin who was with child and Elizabeth seeing Mary exclaimed! "Blessed art thou amongst women." (LK. 1-42).

"For lo! as soon as thy salutation sounded in mine eyes, the babe leaped in my womb for joy, (Lk. 1-42).

John the Baptist is a greatly honoured saint. Besides being a cousin of Jesus, he has also had the privilege of baptising Jesus in the River Jordon. The Prophet Isiah in Chap. 40- 3 & 4 says this of John. "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for the Lord." "Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill shall be made low, the crocked places shall be made straight and thorough places smooth." John was a righteous man who spoke out fearlessly and which earned for him the wrath of Herod the tetrarch.

The entire parish community Nagoda, assembled at the Church premises in the evening for the procession.

The threatening weather and the rain laden clouds miraculously moved away giving the evening a tinge of freshness and coolness.

Reflection on the Holy Spirit

Camillus FERNANDO

The gift of the Holy Spirit is the last legacy left by Jesus for us, though it is the last but not the least of the gifts. Jesus did not wish to be orphans in the bewildering universe, which is desperately trying to gain our equilibrium.

But, he had to ascend to his Father to send counsellor or advocate to be with us forever. "If I go he will send Spirit." This sanctifier is the one who guides the way to develop our interior life, the life of grace where the Blessed Trinity dwells.

He will enlighten us to distinguish the things that are not of Caesar. Without his presence, progress in the interior life or in the way of perfection would be only a dream, not only he will comfort us but he will prompt and support us. This spirit of truth will enable us to speak and live the truth assisting us to follow the truth who is Christ himself. "I am the way, the truth and the life."

Sanctifier

"When the Sanctifier comes he will convince the world of sin." The world has lost the sense of sin, whether mortal or venial. It has been taken for granted. This I believe, is the root cause of all the existing troubles in the world.

The sacrament of reconciliation has been conveniently forgotten and discarded, of justice - we lack proper justice, fair play in our relation with the State and society. Even the principles of natural justice are negated. Of judgement - we have to leave this aspect in the hands of the Almighty God.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel that the Spirit will strengthen and illumine our faith in Jesus. The Spirit gives an understanding and meaning of Jesus and His works so that we have a support of a real Helper or 'Paraclete' who is sent by Jesus. He will convince us that sin is a rejection of Jesus. It is the Spirit who will convince us of our Saviour and convict us of sin, which means our failure to believe, no one but the Spirit, who will be able to reveal that a righteous status before God does not depend on good works, but on Jesus' death on the cross.

The arrival of the Holy Spirit unfolded the teachings of Christ to his disciples. The Scriptures became plain to them unfolding in all their sincerity and truth. Prior to the coming of the Spirit, they were not confirmed as it were, for fear of the Jews - lack of fortitude. On the day of the Pentecost they received the gift of 'The Fear of The Lord' which is the foundation of wisdom. The Spirit gave power - enthusiasm, eloquence and endurance. The power to witness, face persecution, court danger, stand bold before hostile crowds and adverse judges, inspire and convince and even to meet death - as we read in the Acts.

Consoling words

"He will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you." What consoling words for His followers. The Divine consoler becomes the channel between earth and heaven. The Spirit becomes the advocate in the courtroom of the world as Jesus is our advocate before the Father's Throne. Thus, the Holy Trinity acts concert on our behalf.

Jesus does not allow us to struggle with our life alone. The Holy Spirit comes to help us. This is the Paraclete, the Helper who gives courage and joy to face life anew, who builds our senses and disappointments darken our horizon.

Jesus assures us that He would not leave us orphans. He predicts His return, not at the Second Coming, but by way of divine in dwelling through the Spirit to make us understand that Jesus and the Father are one. Because Jesus died on the Cross, I have received forgiveness of sins; because He rose from the dead, I have the new life to overcome sin; because He is exalted to the Father's right hand, I have received the Spirit. Jesus was exalted to the Father's right hand for the Spirit to be poured out. The result of the exaltation is the miracle of the Pentecost. So each time we exalt Jesus we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit acts as an advocate in front of a skeptical world. He bestows on us new power together with new initiatives. The Holy spirit that dwells in you will restore our perishable bodies to immortality," says St. Paul. He will never desert us but support us. He will keep us in the state of grace and enable us to distinguish between good and evil and protect us falling into the abyss of sin.

The Holy Spirit will make us witness to be seen as a partnership by improving the quality of life. In the ongoing testimony of the wonder of the second person of the Blessed Trinity whom the Spirit passionately wants us to make known and bear testimony. Life is a feverish rehearsal for a concert which we will not be there to perform when we have reached the optimum. "Refusal to believe in Jesus, the world's greatest sin will be radically exposed. Its unjust verdict passed on him will be reversed and His ascension to the Father will be His total vindication." Thus wrote the prolific Christian writer Selwyn Hughes.

The comforter of the afflicted will convince the world of God's truth act as counsel for the defence and confer guidance in all matters relating to being a disciple of Christ.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit who will come, is the comforter and Helper. Jesus is telling the group that so far He has been their Comforter, but because He is going away. He promises to send them 'another' Comforter and Advocate to befriend them and be with them. He draws a distinction of persons. He would not leave them as orphans without His presence and guidance. In heaven, He would be their Advocate with the Father. The expression; 'Spirit of truth' means one who reveals to the world, the truth about Jesus, just as Jesus who revealed the truth about the Father. Only those who would accept Jesus could accept the Spirit.

"Come Holy Spirit" the Church prays with great fervour. We pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit will bring interior renewal and the conversion of our hearts. We pray that the light of the Gospels might draw all people in to the life of Christ and His Church. We pray that the lord's unconditional love for sinners will bring back to the fold. We pray that the strong, driving wind of the Holy Spirit will transform the prevailing culture of the death into a culture of life.

'Come Holy Spirit' we pray on this feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. We pray that, like the apostles, we will be so filled with seal for the Gospel that we will never hesitate to proclaim our love for the Lord in our words and deeds, and that by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. We might draw closer to the Lord. "Lord bequeath to us not only you love, power and peace but, also your Spirit."