MORE PSALMS TO BE WRITTEN
rOMPETIIION$ arc usually popular before Christmas, especially if there are money prises, so here are two to occupy readers before Christmas Day. The first is a repetition of the psalm-writing contest, so popular in August and Ao valuable as a method of prayer. Psalm writing has a double advantage. It makes us familiar with the thoughts and expressions of the scriptures and it teaches us the most beautiful form for extempore prayer. Read the psalms of David bra do not just copy them Out verbatim. The psalm must he your own. To put the competition into form: "Write not more than four Verses of a psalm suitable for night prayers on Christmas Day." Please send your entry on a postcard if possible and address it to me either at the CATHOLIC HERALD. 67 Fleet Street, London, E.C.4, or to Southwell House, 39 Fitzjohn's Avenue, London N.W.3. If you want one of the prizes (£3, £2 and £11 be sure to put your name and address on the card. As I would like to publish the results in lima for Christmas. all • cards must be receised by Monday. December 8.
'Do it yourself'
1T might be fun to insite readers
"I to v,rito "All Sorts" for the first issue of January, 1959. The prize will be per paragraph published in the CATHOLIC HERALD for January 2, 1959. Initials oniy will be given after each paragraph, so you may say anything you like. What should one write about? Normally there would be a paragraph about the New Year and its spiritual significance or about one of the feasts of the season. There could be a paragraph about an outstanding book, about some parish achievement, about a good cause which ought to be known to the public, about "Jotter" or the CATHOLIC HERALD itself. A verse would be very welcome, a comment on a television programme, a grouse which you have longed to express. Whatever else comes in, there will be a tailpiece published so send your favourite joke. Readers may write as many paragraphs as they wish, but not more than six will be published and the judges will select the ones which seem to contain the most suitable observations and suggestions. Write one or more paragraphs on any suitable subject and send them to roe at either of the above addresses not later than Monday. December 22. (Don't forget the postal rush at Christmas.)
A • good example
HERE. is a good example of the
type of paragraph that could be sent. It came five days ago from two priests. "Two priests plan to make a walking retreat next July in the south-west of England. Any men over 16 are welcome to join them in this enterprise. the pur
pose of which is to do penance and to discuss some aspect of the Church's teaching appropriate to our time. Details about camping arrangements and the route to be taken have not yet been decided. In the meantime some apostolic person is needed to look after the administrative side of the exercise. Would anyone willing to do this please write to 'All Sorts'. The letters will be forwarded." Note that this is a genuine suggestion and not just a model for the cornpetition. The two diocesan priests are well known to me.
Proud fortress
upiEN I \ ss at school, hisiors tended to be a dull and colourless subject, frightening because of the endless lists of facts and names. One learned by heart the treaties and the battles and knew of Admiral Byng and Gibraltar and Minorca without much enthasiasm. How different today, I have on my desk "Proud Fortress" the story of Gibraltar told by Allen Andrews (Evans Bros., 18s.). Here is first class narrative and a wonderful eye for detail. The naval actions are pure Hornblower and the whole story of the colony springs to life. The author outlines the story of the Spaniards who left the Rock after the occupation and moved to San Roque and sketches the life of Fr. Romero, a parish priest who remained at his post. He gives the details of the destruction of the shrine of Our Lady of Europe and its restoration, the growth of the town, its historic defence. its witness to so many stirring actions down to Eisenhower's arrival in 1942. Thousands who know Gibraltar will enjoy this story, and all who study history for school examinations will welcome a flesh and blood account of great events.
Dates to remember
THE Marionettes of Bradi Barth
appear this week as follows: December 2 (Tuesday): 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., St. Pancras Town Hall. December 3: 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m.. Streatham Baths. December 4: 3 p.m., Oxford Playhouse. December 5: 2.15 p.m.. Midland Institute, Birmingham. December 6: 7 p.m.. St. Gerard's Hall, Manchester. December 7: 3.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., Accrington Town Hall.
Sincere apologies to the Birmingham organisers for inadvertently omitting all reference to them in previous lists. Tickets may be had at the hall or in advance from P. M. Price. Esq.. 11 Dyott Road. Moseley, Birmingham.
Tailpiece
IVONE KIRKPATRICK told an amusing story with a profound moral at the CE.G. annual meeting in the Westminster Cathedral Hall. It was of a very dirty German tramp who sat in a first class compartment with a third class ticket.. When challenged, he said with dignity: "Don't you realise that anywhere I am is third class?"