On the eve of Communications Sunday, The Augustinian, the illustrated parish magazine of St Augustine's, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has announced that it is ceasing publication after 13+ years. The editor said rising costs and the fact that he himself had less and less time to work on it had led to its closure.
Irish Catholic Directory
The 1974 Irish Catholic Directory, which has just been published, contains a full clerical, convent and monastery list for each diocese, and an alphabetical list of priests. Under "General information" there is also a full list of the Dail, Senate, and Northern Assembly. The Record of Ecclesiastical Events includes a summary of the hierarchy's statement on the proposal to change the anticontraception law. (Published by James Duffy & Co, 21 Shaw Street, Dublin, at £2.50).
New light on Gunpowder Plot
Dr John Rae, Headmaster of Westminster School, has written a children's story about the Gunpowder Plot embodying his belief that the conspiracy was not started by Catholics but set up by King James's Secretary, Lord Cecil. The tale, called "The Golden Crucifix," will be published in July by the Brockhampton Press at L1.60.
Archbishop dies in Albanian jail
The head of the Eastern Orthodox Church in Albania, Archbishop Damian, died last November in prison at the age of 80, according to reports reaching Vienna last week. Albania, which claims to be the world's first atheist country, has strict laws banning religious activity. A year ago a priest was executed by firing squad for baptising a baby.
Sacred Heart Fathers' new Provincial
Fr Philip Bailey, SCJ, has been appointed as Provincial Superior of the English Province of the Sacred Heart Fathers (St Quentin). He succeeds Fr Gerard McClean, SCJ.
Call for candlesticks
The editor of the Brentwood Diocesan Newsletter asks in this month's issue for old candlesticks "as some villain beyond description and belief walked off with the church candlesticks of a certain well-known building not far from here." The donor "he will bless as he has not blessed the bloodshotted bloke who did it."
Parents urged to foster vocations
Thanking the Nottingham branch of the Catholic Women's League for a gift of £172 for the education of future priests, Bishop McGuinness, Coadjutor of Nottingham, 'spoke of the need for Catholic parents to foster vocations. He was speaking at the branch's annual general meeting last Saturday, at which it was announced that Mrs F, Armstrong had retired as president and would be succeeded by Mrs. D. M. Dyson of Sheffield; and that the retiring secretary, Mrs D. Costello, was handing over to Miss A. M. Woods of Loughborough.
Emigration worries Spanish bishop
Church authorities in Spain are concerned at the effects of emigration from poorer regions. Bishop Mirabent of Astorga, north-west Spain, said in Germany that in many villages of his diocese only old people and children under 15 were left. He suggested that church tax paid by Spanish immigrants in Germany could be used to help their dependants at home.
Priests' reunion in Horley
A group of priests who were ordained together 20 years ago concelebrated Mass on Tuesday at the English Martyrs Church, Horley, Surrey, They were 12 members of the 1954 ordination class at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, near Guildford, Surrey. Organiser of the reunion was Fr Patrick Chick, parish priest at Horley. Members who were unable to attend included Fr John Sheehy, now a Naval chaplain, and Fr John Costelli, now working in Peru.
No ransom for missionaries
The Overseas Missionary Fellowship has decided against paying any ransom for its two women missionaries, a Briton and a New Zealander. held captive by bandits in Southern Thailand.