Maria Stops Abortion

Pro-Life Mass on Friday, followed by a Social

2012-01-24T21:25:00.003Z

"If we really understood the Mass, we would die of joy."
~ Saint John Vianney

Join Juventutem London as we celebrate the feast of Saint John Chrysostom with Solemn High Mass (Old Rite, normally offered for Good Counsel).

Saint Mary Moorfields Catholic Church, 4-5 Eldon Street, London, EC2M 7LS
Friday, 27th January, 6.30pm

Music:Missa Ecce sacerdos magnus (K, G, S, A) Palestrina
Ecce sacerdos magnus Victoria
Alma redemptoris Mater Palestrina

After Mass there will be a social downstairs for those aged 18-35 with an exception for priests and religious.
The Mass, of course, is open to all.

If you plan on coming to the social please click 'Attending' on our Facebook event page.
Please let others know about this Mass by forwarding this post or by inviting your friends on Facebook.

"When Mass is being celebrated, the sanctuary is filled with countless angels who adore the divine victim immolated on the altar."
~ Saint John Chrysostom

WHAT IS JUVENTUTEM?

Juventutem London is a group for young Catholic adults that meets with the blessing of Bishop Alan Hopes and Fr Peter Newby, whose parish church, St Mary Moorfields on Eldon Street, we use for Mass. We currently offer the only regular Solemn High Mass in London, which takes place on the 4th Friday of every month (generally - check 5-weeked months to make sure). Following Mass we have a social and a meal. We also meet for 'unofficial' socials on the greater feasts of the Church, after Masses offered in other locations in London.

The International Juventutem Federation is an international Catholic organisation for young people (18-35) with an interest in and love of the Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Extraordinary Form and the 'Tridentine' or Gregorian Mass. They are in good standing with the Church and obedient to her Magisterium. They have received letters of praise from Cardinal Levada of the CDF. The name 'Juventutem' itself is the Latin word for youth and it appears in the opening lines of the traditional Mass.

Christi's Choice

2012-01-18T11:00:00.004Z

As the result of an abortion, Christi Stile ended up in a persistent vegetative state for life. Presented as an emotional interview with her mother, Kay tries to explain what happened and how her family tries to cope with it.

This well made and very moving 30 minute programme will be on EWTN on Tuesday 24th January at 2am, 10.30am and 9pm (sky589 or online)

BLOODMONEY: THE BUSINESS OF ABORTION

2012-01-17T18:00:00.001Z

BLOODMONEY: THE BUSINESS OF ABORTION

Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exposes the truth behind the Abortion Industry from the Pro Life perspective, and hosts an examination of the history of abortion in America.

This very well made 60 minute programme will be on EWTN on Monday 23rd January at 9.30am (sky589 or online)

Happy Birthday Good Counsel

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000Z

Today is the 15th Anniversary of the founding of the Good Counsel Network

in the UK.

Please keep our work in your prayers.
Our Lady Mother of Good Counsel, and St Jude, Pray for us!

15 Years of The Good Counsel Network!

2012-01-12T07:59:00.001Z

There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 13th January at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network. This will be the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Good Counsel Network.

Fast for life Thursday 12th January

2012-01-10T15:00:00.002Z

And He said to them; This kind (of demon) can go out by nothing but prayer and fasting. Gospel of Mark 9:29.

Since the 5th July 2008 The Good Counsel Network has organised monthly National days of prayer and fasting for life, the first was to prevent the passing of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Although the bill was passed some of the more damaging anti-life amendments were not added to it, including an attack on pro-life counselling and the extension to Northern Ireland of the Abortion Act. There had also been 40 days of Prayer and Fasting in Northern Ireland to ensure that this law was not extended. This only confirmed what we already knew; it is clear from the work that we do at Good Counsel Network, advising women who are strongly set on abortion, that the struggle to end abortion is a spiritual struggle and not merely one of practical concerns or politics.

Thursday the 12th January is the next National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life, it is the eve of the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Good Counsel Network. Please join us in fasting. You could fast from all food except bread and water for the day or fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes or tv. Fast from whatever you can given your state of health etc, but make sure that it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself. We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already). You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass, or an extra Mass, on the day, or going to Adoration.

And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least...God saw their efforts to renounce their evil ways. And God relented about the disaster which He had threatened to bring on them, and He did not bring it. Jonah 3:5,10.

For more information and a printable poster click here. Or if you have problems with this link go to http://www.goodcounselnetwork.com/ and find the Days of Prayer and Fasting page.

Life-saving walk along the Thames

2011-12-31T08:30:00.000Z

As you may have seen on this blog, in October David Aron walked 184 miles to raise funds for The Good Counsel Network. Here follows an article he wrote for Dowry the Magazine of the FSSP, which you can read it online here.

During the summer months I felt the need to practically support a pro-life charity. So, I decided to fundraise for The Good Counsel Network, a Catholic pro-life charity that helps women in the most difficult and desperate situations with financial, moral and spiritual support. I decided to walk The Thames Path Way (184 miles - 296kms) solo, averaging 23 miles per day, whilst carrying all my kit (tent, food and provisions), weighing approximately 32 lbs (14.5kgs), for eight days (Friday 7 October 2011 – Friday 14 October 2011).

On the morning of the pilgrimage (Friday 7 October 2011) I served at the Traditional Latin Mass at St Dominic‟s (Dursley, Gloucestershire), which was celebrated by Father Redman. It was a beautiful way to start this pilgrimage, especially on the Feast of the Holy Rosary.

The Thames Path Way was an incredibly scenic walk where I followed the river from the source in the rural Cotswolds going though tranquil meadows, past willows trees, with rowers and swans as fleeting companions. It was enjoyable to walk next to peaceful water meadows, through historic towns and cities (Oxford, Reading, Windsor and Hampton Court) before cutting through the heart of London and then finishing at the Thames Barrier. I was absolutely blessed with the weather because throughout the week it only rained once for a couple of hours and the rest of the time it was pleasant sunshine with a cooling breeze. There were periods that I didn‟t see anybody for hours, which was slightly surprising because I expected the route would be bustling with people. At times it was very exhausting walking for 12 – 15 hours a day and most days it involved a dark 5.30am start!

Being separated from the daily commotions of the modern life style was liberating. It was nice to enjoy the silence and therefore to be given the opportunity to focus on God. This enabled me to reflect, meditate and form a closer relationship with God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. During the eight days I had plenty of time to think about the aspects of suffering. In the times of intense physical hardship and exhaustion, this forced me to pray deeper than before and to draw on the intercession of Our Lady, the Saints and Angels. Each day I offered my sufferings for specific intentions. For example, for the end of abortion; for the women that carry the pain and sorrow of having an abortion and that Our Lady may comfort them; for the Holy Souls in Purgatory; and for other private intentions. Also, suffering is a powerful process of purification preparing us for Heaven and it reminded me that we live in a fallen world.

After each day I thanked God for the suffering I endured because it helped me develop a tender heart toward others who are in pain, reflect on my weaknesses and it has strengthened and deepened my love for God and for the beauty of the Catholic Faith. Each day I thanked God for watching over me with an incomparable love, every moment bestowing favours and for the benefits which I have received from him, particularly for that day.

On my last day of walking (Friday 14 October 2011) I prayed at the Good Counsel Vigil at the Whitfield Street Abortuary in the morning. Afterwards I then carried on my walk to my final destination – The Thames Barrier! Arriving at the Thames Barrier I took a moment to reflect on the journey that I had just accomplished and endured – it was an incredible feeling of achievement. Then I looked at the map and realised that I had another mile to walk to the nearest London Overground! To mark the end of this long pilgrimage I arrived at Covent Garden (Central London) where I assisted at the Traditional Latin Mass at Corpus Christi in the evening, which the Latin Mass Society organises for the work of the Good Counsel Network [http://www.goodcounselnet.co.uk/].

Everyone's prayers kept me strong and the thought of saving lives helped me to keep going through the long strenuous days. I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, messages of support and generous donations in saving lives.

Overall, it was a fantastic pilgrimage that hopefully will save the lives of babies and help the souls of their mothers. This walk has been an incredible experience at different levels for me that I will hopefully cherish in years to come and whilst on my journey I deepened my love for God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a truly humbling experience.

(David has so far raised £1,466.00 for Good Counsel, see here to support his walk.)

David is on the right in the photo

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T09:33:00.002Z

A Blessed Christmas

to all our supporters,

beneficiaries and friends.

From all at the Good Counsel Network

Real Tragedy of Aborted Twins

2011-11-24T16:01:00.011Z

"Mother Loses Twin Boys In Abortion Mix Up" reads the Sky News headline. A scan of the article tells us:

"A healthy 32-week old foetus has been aborted by mistake in a tragic mix up at an Australian hospital.
A mother expecting twin boys was told by doctors one of the babies had a serious congenital heart defect and she decided to have him aborted.
However surgeons on Tuesday accidentally terminated the healthy twin.
The sick twin then also died, reportedly after an emergency caesarean section operation."

Picture shows twins born at 32 weeks, the age at which the twins in the news today were aborted.

All sympathy to the parents of these precious little ones. But this article speaks volumes about where our society is at. The "tragedy" in the view of this article writer is not the murder of this woman's children, nor even the truly tragic fact that not one, but two of her children were murdered. No, the tragedy for our society is that the healthy twin was killed. Had all gone to plan and the sick child been killed, it would have been a normal everyday "procedure" and certainly would not have made the papers. Sympathy would have been given to the Mother by friends for the fact that she carried a sick child and "had" to abort. Of course I do not know the severity of the child's condition - though it seems that if a Mother has the courage to continue her pregnancy many babies with heart defects do survive and are successfully treated. But for those who respect life, even a baby with an untreatable illness cannot be slaughtered.

We cannot judge those concerned, perhaps the Mother did not know what she was doing. And even the medical staff can have misinformed consciences and hardened hearts. But, as the article tells us, incidents like this have a habit of awakening consciences:

According to reports ...the ultrasound clinician, ...was apparently inconsolable because of the mistake.
and
A close friend of the mother said: "She went to hospital with two babies and now she has none.

Then there is the profound statement:
"And she had the heartache of giving birth to her sick baby. She's traumatised."
This is difficult of course, since the whole point of the abortion was an attempt to avoid giving birth to this child.
Giving birth somehow makes the baby real, visible, loveable. The birth of this child screams for justice for the child to be treated just as any born, sick child would be treated. When a woman allows a sick child to be born(rather than aborted), even knowing death is immenent, it is a healing (though difficult) event, which allows for proper grieving. When a woman who has tried to abort is faced with a born, dying child it is truly traumatising and a heartache confirming what has been attempted to be devastatingly wrong.
Let us pray for the Mother and Father and all the medical staff involved in this awful act of violence. May the Lord grant them healing and also repentant hearts that will never be fooled into treating human life lightly again. God bless them.

Clare McCullough

Please come and pray for deceased Pro-Lifers

2011-11-10T22:00:00.001Z

There will be a Sung Requiem Mass (Old Rite) for the deceased supporters of the Good Counsel Network on Friday 11th November at 6.30pm.

The Mass is the one organised by the

Latin Mass Society on the 2nd Friday of each month at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, Central London - the nearest tube station is Charing Cross Station.

(Photo of the Requiem Mass held at Good Counsel for Dr Bernard Nathanson.)

500 Crosses for Life Prayer Procession, 12th November 2011

2011-11-10T20:57:00.006Z

500 Crosses for Life - Prayer Procession
12 November 2011, starts 1:30 pm at Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Street, SW1P 1EP

European Pro Life Prayer Procession in remembrance of unborn babies killed by abortion beginning outside Westminster Cathedral at 1.30pm and finishing at Westminster Abbey at approximately 4.30pm. From Victoria Street the procession turns down Great Smith Street, then Horseferry Road, across Lambeth Bridge and along Lambeth Road to cross Westminster Bridge and thence to the Abbey.

Join this great witness of people in peaceful Intercessory Prayer for the unborn and for the end to abortion in this Country and throughout the world.

More Information:
http://www.europrolifeuk.org

Notification email:
europrolifeuk@gmail.com

Having Your Baby Scanned Can Help Us Save Lives!

2011-11-04T16:08:00.008Z

Now London based women who are between 5 and 13 weeks of pregnancy can help to save lives by having a dating scan at Good Counsel's Pregnancy Centre to help us train our Ultrasonographers. We urgently need women at this stage of pregnancy to act as scan "models" for our trainees.

Ultrasound Scans are one of those mixed blessings. Routinely used to detect and exterminate those whom society deems "imperfect", the flipside of ultrasound is that crisis pregnancy centres report that as many as 90% of abortion-minded women change their mind after seeing a scan of their baby.

The Good Counsel Network is seeking to redress the balance here in London - where scan technology is so often used against life - by offering a scan to all abortion-minded women we see. In order to get this service up and running, we are training some volunteers to do the scans.

Some of our mums who are keeping their babies are already participating by volunteering to be scanned but we need many more.

All participants will get to see their baby on the free scan, will get a free picture of their baby and their travel expenses will be refunded. You will only be asked to have one scan.

All scans will be supervised by a Consultant who is an expert in Ultrasound.

If you would like to have a scan and help save lives at the same time, call us as soon as possible on 02077231740 to book in.

One Priest & his dog helping to end abortion

2011-10-31T21:35:00.006Z

(URGENT UPDATE; There are rumors that pro-death/pro-abortion supporters will hold a counter demo on Wednesday 2nd November at 1pm, so please come then to support the vigil for life, if you can.)

While praying at Bedford Square abortuary (26-27 Bedford Sq, London, WC1B 3HP), as part of 40 Days for Life, I was very pleased to see Fr Sherbrooke, the local Parish Priest join us, while out walking his dog! By the time my phone was ready to take this photo, he was half way across the road to say hello. Father is always supportive of Pro-Life work in his Parish & in his old Parish which also had an abortuary around the corner!

Juventutem organise monthly Masses at St Patrick's in support of The Good Counsel Network, with the permission of Father. You still have time to come and pray at Bedford Sq abortuary, as 40 Days for Life continues until Sunday 6th November. Bishop Hopes will be there on Friday. After that you can join us there each Wednesday 11am until 1pm or Monday to Friday 9am-1.30pm at Whitfield St abortuary (108 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5EA). For these and other vigils see here.

Mass for Good Counsel tonight

2011-10-28T17:05:00.003+01:00

For awhile a group of youngsters have been coming to the Good Counsel Mass on the 2nd Friday of each month at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, at 6.30pm. After Mass they would go out for dinner. They have now started to have Mass at St Patrick's details below. As well as this the Mass at Corpus Christi will still continue. (Photo)

Juventutem London have moved to St Patrick's, Soho. The High Old Rite Mass at 6.30pm will be offered for the Good Counsel Network. (But the collection will be for Juventutem)

For more details about the Masses organised by Juventutem London click here. We're especially keen for people to realise that the Mass is not only for people between the ages of 18-35, but that the social afterwards is!

Stuart McCullough

English Bishop to help end abortion.

2011-10-25T08:40:00.001+01:00

Roman Catholic Bishop Alan Hopes will join 40 days for Life London to lead us in prayer for an end to abortion. Bishop Hopes will arrive at the abortuary at 26-27 Bedford Square London, WC1B 3HP, for 7pm on Friday 4th November.

A few months ago Bishop Hopes joined the Helpers of God's Precious Infants in Twickenham to lead a pro-life vigil at another BPAS abortion facility (Report & Photos).

We feel very blessed to have Bishop Hopes with us. This will be the first time 40 Days for Life London has had a bishop join us in prayer at the vigil.

You are warmly invited to join us and bring a friend or anyboby else if you don't have any friends.

Stuart McCullough

Deerstalker tip to John Smeaton

De donde eres, Apostolic Nuncio?

2011-10-22T15:33:00.002+01:00

While having a drink and a bite to eat at Archbishops House (Westminster, London) the other night a Bishop came over to introduce himself. "Pleased to meet you, I am Archbishop Antonio Mennini, The Apostolic Nuncio", he said. "De donde eres?" said I, thinking to myself, that's not right! "Italy" came the reply! Peter covered for me then by saying something nice about The Good Counsel Natwork and our Pro-Life work. To which the Italian Apostolic Nuncio, said keep up the good work.

We also had a chat with Vincent Archbishop Nichols, in English about Pro-Life issues. We also had a chance to catch up with Fr O'Leary.

So there you have it, 'Soy idiota'. (Note for those who don't get it, I spoke in Spanish!)

Stuart McCullough

More on David Aron's Walk

2011-10-15T22:34:00.007+01:00

Above, David on the right at the Good Counsel Stall at Hyde Park during the Papal Visit last year

Left, David Aron after attending Good Counsel's Mass in London on Friday, after his 184 mile Thames PathWalk for Good Counsel. He also attended the Good Counsel Vigil at the Whitfield St Abortuary that morning!

The Reluctant Sinner has a nice post about David Aron's walk and his arrival in London last night. Well done David and we hope you have got your feet up tonight!
It was a long, hard, often lonely walk and we really appreciate the hard work and the funds raised.

It's not too late to help David reach his sponsorship target. Please click here to donate.

Courageous Pro-lifer walks 184 MILES to save lives!!!

2011-10-14T10:40:00.007+01:00

David Aron, a young Catholic from Bristol, is soon to complete his 184 mile journey along the Thames Pathway. This Journey starts in the Cotswolds, not far from Cirencester, and winds its way to the the Thames barrier in London encompassing a number of towns and cities including Oxford, Reading and Windsor. He has decided to attempt this 8-day walk to raise money for The Good Counsel Network in a sincere hope that his efforts will help to save more unborn lives. Please help him do this by sponsoring him today. Please also leave a message of support to encourage and thank him for the sacrifice he has made and remember to pray for the success of his walk.

We expect to meet David at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Maiden Lane tonight at 6.30pm where he will attend our Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society.

We will have pictures soon to show he has completed his arduous journey.

You can also make direct donations

David Aron 184 Mile Sponsored Walk for Good Counsel Finishes Today

2011-10-14T10:30:00.001+01:00

David Aron aims to complete his 184 mile along the Thames Path Walk to raise money for the work of the Good Counsel Network today.

David began his walk on Friday 7th October. He plans to attend the Old Rite mass for the Good Counsel Network this evening at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane in Central London.

He has walked about 25 miles a day to complete the walk and has had to carry his sleeping bag, tent etc.
Please sponsor David, and help us to protect more babies by giving support, friendship, food and housing to more expectant Mothers by clicking on to his JustGiving page.

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

2011-10-07T20:28:00.004+01:00

Have a Blessed Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Prayer To Our Lady of the Rosary

O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the Holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

See you on Thursday at 40 Days for Life Vigil

2011-10-04T11:07:00.008+01:00

40 Days for Life is now back in London. People will be praying and counselling outside the BPAS abortuary at 26-27 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HP, 8am until 8pm everyday, until 6th November. It is a fact that many lives have been saved in London since 40 Days for Life started here last year. (Photo, Bishop McMahon of Brentwood, leading the Rosary outside another abortuary, as he does each year)

This Thursday, 6th October, Good Counsel will be at the abortuary from 8am-8pm. Please come and join us as we will be quite pushed that day as we have a lot on in the office as well as having the daily vigil at the other Central London abortuary. Nearest Tube: Goodge St or Tottenham Court Road.

(Photo, Bishop Hopes of Westminster leading the Rosary at another abortuary earlier this year)

"But I live near Birmingham!" That's great, see here. "Manchester?" No problem, see here.

And for other vigils at abortuarys around the UK, see here.

Stuart McCullough

Pro-Life Fundraising Ball

2011-09-28T08:00:00.001+01:00

Good Counsel would like to invite you all to our Annual Fundraising Ball. Last year this was an amazing success, raising us lots of money to help more Mothers choose life for their children and a very good night out for all. This year we have a wonderful location in the heart of South Kensington where we will provide a 3-course meal, live music and a great night for all.

It is being held at Ognisko, 55 Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PN on Saturday 19th November, starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are £70 each with discounts for tables of 10 or 12. Please see our website for full details.

Last year we sold out and had to turn people away, so please book as soon as possible. It is essential that if you have any dietary requirements that you let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Conor Carroll

National Day of Prayer & Fasting for Life Wednesday 28th September

2011-09-27T20:30:00.004+01:00

Join Us in Prayer and Fasting for the End of Abortion, Euthanasia and all attacks on the Sanctity of Life.

The next National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life is tomorrow, please pray for an end of abortion and euthanasia. Your prayer and fasting is urgently needed. This is an opportunity for everyone to make a real difference in the pro-life struggle.

Join us in:

•Fasting: Fast from all food except bread and water for the day or fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, TV. Fast from whatever you can given your state of health etc, but make sure it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself.

•Prayer: We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already). You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass (or an extra Mass) on the day, or going to Adoration. You can even pray before a closed tabernacle if Adoration is not available near you.

(Photo Benediction at Good Counsel)

Stuart McCullough

Urgent Prayers for Fr Mike Williams

2011-09-27T14:27:00.003+01:00

"Poor Fr. Mike has fallen unconscious with a mysterious lump on his brain. We visited him last night - he has been in critical condition on a life support machine since Thursday. Basically we need a miracle - if he is to survive he has to open his eyes in the next couple of days and then he will still need brain surgery.

He is also the only priest (that I know of) in this Archdiocese who goes to lead the Rosary outside the BPAS. He has brought souls back to God through his work as a full time hospital chaplain and is regarded in the Archdiocese for his maturity and virtue.

We are asking people to pray for a miracle to Blessed Cardinal JH Newman and as Fr Mike has devotion to St. Philomena - Powerful with God, to ask for her help too! A priest last night also suggested Blessed Pope John Paul II."

We recieved this from friends in Liverpool and having met Fr Williams a couple of time would ask your prayers for this very good Priest.

Stuart McCullough

Juventutem Mass offered for Good Counsel

2011-09-21T16:07:00.006+01:00

Juventutem London Solemn High Mass (Old Rite), Ember Friday in September
6.30pm Friday 23rd September, St Patrick's Church, Soho Square, London.
The Mass will be offered for The Good Counsel Network

Followed by a Social (for ages 18-35)

Sacred Ministers:
Celebrant: Fr Armand de Malleray, FSSP
Deacon: Fr David Irwin
Subdeacon: Fr Stewart Foster

MC: Mr Gordon Dimon

Confessions
Confessions will be heard through Mass from 6pm by Fr Leon Pereira, OP. Absolution will be given using the traditional Latin form.

Music
Polyphony and chant provided by Cantus Magnus:

Orlande de Lassus Missa secundi toni (K, S, A)
Orlande de Lassus Benedic anima mea
Antonio Lotti Salve Regina

Servers
Men who are serving should be at the sacristy by 6pm with their own cassocks and cottas.

Social
Please assemble outside the Church after making your post-Mass thanksgiving. Please note that though the Mass is open (and welcomes) those of any age, the social is strictly for those aged 18-35 (clergy and religious excepted).

For more information see here and here.

Stuart McCullough

Write A Letter To Mary

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000+01:00

Mary Wagner who I have written about before here, has been jailed for 40 days (!) for her witness to unborn life. Representing herself in court, Mary chose to use the opportunity as a platform to declare the truth about the evil of abortion rather than defend herself against the charges.
Read about her here and why not send a letter to Mary thanking her for her witness.

Clare McCullough

40 Days For Life is back in London

2011-09-13T20:58:00.003+01:00

"Wednesday 14th September, 7pm, Farm Street Parish Hall, London, W1K 3AH - Cast the Vision event. We will meet to launch London's third 40 Days for Life Campaign. We have Rachel's Vineyard post-abortion help and Fiona Mansford coming to speak. Refreshments will be provided. Hope to see you there. The Committee."

This is well worth supporting, as it saves babies from abortion as well helping Mothers avoid abortion. If you cannot be there do see their website to see what else you can do to help. After their first Campaign Good Counsel carried on with the daily vigil.

Stuart McCullough

Mass for Good Counsel tonight

2011-09-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 9th September at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network.

(Photo of Benediction in the Good Counsel Network's chapel)

Stuart McCullough

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother!

2011-09-08T22:57:00.006+01:00

Happy Birthday to Our Blessed Lady!

And a Happy Birthday also to my Mother, Rita -

beautiful day for a birthday, for such a beautiful person.

by Clare McCullough

Baby Clothes and Goods Still Urgently Needed

2011-09-08T12:38:00.005+01:00

Don't forget we still need cots, pushchairs suitable for newborns, 0-6 months babyclothes, maternity clothes, especially size 18-20.
You can buy many of these items by shopping online via our amazon wishlist here.

Or we are happy to accept donations of good quality second hand items (only with all parts and all screws if a cot please), and cash donations, which are always helpful, are also particularly welcome this week! See our website for all the easy options for donating.

Many thanks, Clare McCullough

Urgent extra National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life, Tuesday 6th (or Wednesday 7th) September

2011-09-05T21:28:00.004+01:00

On Tuesday 6th September(moved to 7th after we sent this out as an email!) in the House of Commons there will be a debate regarding Health and Social Care Bill. A number of amendments regarding the counselling of pregnant women in relationship to abortion will be debated. With the details that we currently have it is not clear what would be the long term outcome of these amendments. Although there are some serious concerns that pro-lifers have raised. The Good Counsel Network has therefore called for an extra day of prayer and fasting for life with the intention that God’s Will, will be done and that the bill and any amendments to it, will do nothing to hinder the pro-life movement and that it will also not lead to an increase in the number of abortions.

Therefore on Tuesday 6th of September (or on Wednesday 7th)please:

Fast

Fast from all food except bread and water for the day

Or

Fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, TV.

Fast from whatever you can, given your state of health etc, but make sure it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself.

Prayer

We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already).

You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass (or an extra Mass) on the day, or going to Adoration. You can even pray before a closed tabernacle if Adoration is not available near you.

(Photo of Benediction at Good Counsel on the eve of the Fast Day.)

Stuart McCullough

Urgent; Clothe the naked, Mothers and Babies Needing Clothes and Baby Things

2011-09-05T18:13:00.007+01:00

I got the following note from Ronni, our dedicated volunteer, who gives up 3 days a week, and most of the rest of her time to helping Mothers in need. Our funds are at an all-time low, but we are busy enough that we now have lots of expectant and new Mums needing maternity and baby goods. So this is an urgent appeal for help with these goods:

Hi Clare,
Ann reminded me yesterday she asked for size 18 winter coat. She also needs size 7 to 8 winter shoes or boots.
Belinda asked last week and this week for large clothes, Her baby is due in October and she has no clothes to fit other than what she was wearing. Maternity size 20. We have almost no adult clothing. Belinda also asked if something could be done about her bed, hers is broken.
Serena needs a buggy, and was told by midwives to get breast pump.
Two other mums also need light buggies (as when you can't afford the train you travel everywhere by bus and big buggies don't get on the bus) suitable for newborns (Ed's note: i.e. they can recline lie flat not just sloping back).
We also urgently need at least 2 cots (with all the screws and parts).
Boys Baby Clothes: We are very short of 0 to 3 and 3 to 6 months old boys clothes and the few we have left are not in very good condition.
Ronni

Clare McCullough

New Proposals on Pregnancy Counselling; No Evidence To Suggest Lives Will Be Saved

2011-09-01T21:45:00.004+01:00

See John Smeaton's excellent analysis of the New Proposals re Pregnancy Counselling which will be voted on on 6th Sept.

Pro Life Video & A Talk In London

2011-08-23T15:50:00.004+01:00

Do watch this Michael Voris Catholic Pro Life video and then came and see him live in London.

"Living the Catholic Faith Radically!" by Michael Voris, Wednesday 24 August, at Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ. Doors open 7pm. The closest tube station is Oxford Circus. Bond Street and Marble Arch are also within walking distance. All tickets are £5 and will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. You can purchase them via paypal at http://smeatonscorner.blogspot.com/2011/08/michael-voris-speaking-in-london-in.html

Do please try to attend and to spread the word.

Deerstalker tip to John Smeaton for the link to the video.

Stuart McCullough

Kneel Down Next To Me, at World Youth Day

2011-08-22T08:30:00.005+01:00

Last Saturday morning Mass for Seminarians, as part of World Youth Day, in the Cathedral of La Almundena Spain, with the Pope. A lot of future Priests kneel to receive Holy Communion on the tongue from The Holy Father, while an Acolyte holds a Communion Patten under the chins. Take the hint, take the hint!

[Photo, Spanish Crown Prince Felipe receives Holy Communion during the Papal Mass in Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain, last year]

Stuart McCullough

The Pope's Unheard Homily - Saturday Night's Homily World Youth Day Madrid.

2011-08-21T14:05:00.006+01:00

Good Counsel Volunteers at WYD Madrid

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Prepared for Saturday's
PRAYER VIGIL WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Cuatro Vientos Air Base, Madrid
but not given due to torrential rain and gale force winds

Dear Young Friends,

I greet all of you, especially the young people who have asked me their questions, and I thank them for the sincerity with which they set forth their concerns, that express the longing which all of you have to achieve something great in life, something which can bring you fulfilment and happiness.

How can a young person be true to the faith and yet continue to aspire to high ideals in today’s society? In the Gospel we have just heard, Jesus gives us an answer to this urgent question: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love” (Jn 15:9).

Yes, dear friends, God loves us. This is the great truth of our life; it is what makes everything else meaningful. We are not the product of blind chance or absurdity; instead our life originates as part of a loving plan of God. To abide in his love, then, means living a life rooted in faith, since faith is more than the mere acceptance of certain abstract truths: it is an intimate relationship with Christ, who enables us to open our hearts to this mystery of love and to live as men and women conscious of being loved by God.

If you abide in the love of Christ, rooted in the faith, you will encounter, even amid setbacks and suffering, the source of true happiness and joy. Faith does not run counter to your highest ideals; on the contrary, it elevates and perfects those ideals. Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything less than Truth and Love, do not be content with anything less than Christ.

Nowadays, although the dominant culture of relativism all around us has given up on the search for truth, even if it is the highest aspiration of the human spirit, we need to speak with courage and humility of the universal significance of Christ as the Saviour of humanity and the source of hope for our lives. He who took upon himself our afflictions, is well acquainted with the mystery of human suffering and manifests his loving presence in those who suffer. They in their turn, united to the passion of Christ, share closely in his work of redemption. Furthermore, our disinterested attention towards the sick and the forgotten will always be a humble and warm testimony of God’s compassionate regard.

Dear friends, may no adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world, nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, his name will continue to resound throughout the world.

During this prayer vigil, I urge you to ask God to help you find your vocation in society and in the Church, and to persevere in that vocation with joy and fidelity. It is a good thing to open our hearts to Christ’s call and to follow with courage and generosity the path he maps out for us.

The Lord calls many people to marriage, in which a man and a woman, in becoming one flesh (cf. Gen 2:24), find fulfilment in a profound life of communion. It is a prospect that is both bright and demanding. It is a project for true love which is daily renewed and deepened by sharing joys and sorrows, one marked by complete self-giving. For this reason, to acknowledge the beauty and goodness of marriage is to realize that only a setting of fidelity and indissolubility, along with openness to God’s gift of life, is adequate to the grandeur and dignity of marital love.

Christ calls others to follow him more closely in the priesthood or in consecrated life. It is hard to put into words the happiness you feel when you know that Jesus seeks you, trusts in you, and with his unmistakable voice also says to you: “Follow me!” (cf. Mk 2:14).

Dear young people, if you wish to discover and to live faithfully the form of life to which the Lord is calling each of you, you must remain in his love as his friends. And how do we preserve friendship except through frequent contact, conversation, being together in good times and bad? Saint Teresa of Jesus used to say that prayer is just such “friendly contact, often spending time alone with the one who we know loves us” (cf. Autobiography, 8).

And so I now ask you to “abide” in the adoration of Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. I ask you to enter into conversation with him, to bring before him your questions and to listen to his voice. Dear friends, I pray for you with all my heart. And I ask you to pray for me. Tonight let us ask the Lord to grant that, attracted by the beauty of his love, we may always live faithfully as his disciples. Amen.

[French] Dear young French-speakers, be proud of the gift of faith which you have received, as it will illumine your life at every moment. Draw strength from the faith of your neighbours, from the faith of the Church! Through faith we are grounded in Christ. Gather with others to deepen it, be faithful to the celebration of the Eucharist, the mystery of faith par excellence. Christ alone can respond to your aspirations. Let yourselves be seized by God, so that your presence in the Church will give her new life!

[English] Dear young people, in these moments of silence before the Blessed Sacrament, let us raise our minds and hearts to Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives and of the future. May he pour out his Spirit upon us and upon the whole Church, that we may be a beacon of freedom, reconciliation and peace for the whole world.

[German] Dear young Christians from the German-speaking countries! Deep in our hearts we yearn for what is grand and beautiful in life. Do not let your desires and aspirations dissipate, but ground them in Jesus Christ. He himself is the sure foundation, the point of reference, for building up your life.

[Italian] I now turn to the Italian-speaking young people. Dear friends, this vigil will remain as an unforgettable experience in your lives. Guard the flame which God has lit in your hearts tonight. Never let it go out, renew it each day, share it with your contemporaries who live in darkness and who are seeking a light for their way. Thank you! Until tomorrow morning!

[Portuguese] My dear friends, I invite each of you to enter into a personal dialogue with Christ, sharing with him your hesitations and above all listening to his voice. The Lord is here and he is calling you! Young friends, it is good to hear within us the word of Jesus and to follow in his footsteps. Ask the Lord to help you to discover your vocation in life and in the Church, and to persevere in it with joy and fidelity, knowing that he never abandons you or betrays you! He remains with us until the end of the world.

[Polish] Dear young friends from Poland! This prayer vigil is filled with the presence of Christ. Grounded in his love, draw near to him with the flame of your faith. He will fill your hearts with his life. Build your lives on Christ and on his Gospel. I willingly bless all of you.

* * *
Final greeting of the Holy Father

Dear Young Friends,

Before I leave you, let me say good night to all of you. Rest well. Thank you for the sacrifice you are making and which I know you are offering generously to the Lord. We will meet again, God willing, at the celebration of Mass tomorrow. I will see all of you there. Thank you very much.

Pope Benedict XVI

And Then It Rained On Our Pro-Life Pilgrims, And Everyone Else

2011-08-20T22:29:00.007+01:00

So, the already weary travellers begin their journey. With our flawless Spanish and engaging personalities, locals have been jumping at the chance to guide us on our desperate quest for cheapish food, er I mean to get to see the Pope. After some hopeless bumbling around the Plaza Del Sol, asking for about an hour, we decided to set off and gloriously begin the pilgrims march to the aerodrome to see the Pope.

Despite being suffocated with WYD volunteers, no one was able to tell us which direction we could walk to the aerodrome, and so we ended up taking train.

After hours of wearisome travel , we finally arrived, only to be booted to the back of the field as our spaces were full. Nonetheless, the excitement in the air is evidence enough to show that no matter what is thrown in the way, the love for Papa and for the Church, the Body of Christ, conquers all.

[Just after we recieved this it started to rain and rain and rain at Cuatro Vientos, which I'm told means Four Winds! Still look out for the wet Good Counsel Network postcards for the chance to win a dry copy of the Holy Father's book]

Johanna Hendrickx

Pilgrims on fire with the Faith!

2011-08-20T17:20:00.009+01:00

Good Counsel T-Shirt spotted in Madrid! If you see him ask for a Good Counsel postcard and you could win a book by the Holy Father!

Signing in at the site, where the Pope will be tonight (6.30-9.30pm), and where he will offer Mass on Sunday morning at 7.45am. You can watch it all live on EWTN (sky 589), but you will need your own hose pipe!

Pilgrims on fire with the Faith at World Youth Day, get hosed down by local firemen!

Stuart McCullough

Three Pro-Life Pilgrims Lost In Madrid!

2011-08-20T13:11:00.006+01:00

The news at the start of today from Gaelle, Eddie & Johanna, Good Counsel Pilgims in Madrid for World Youth Day, was clear "We're lost".

But don't worry they found a crowd and followed them! If you see them ask for a postcard to win the Pope's book.

"Arrival in Aluche to start walking to the aerodrome, after we stock up on food" (Real Hobbits!)

Stuart McCullough

World Youth Day Can Start Now, We're Here!

2011-08-19T23:48:00.008+01:00

Well here we are in Madrid, at last! We had a long wait, and a delayed flight,
but we are alive, and going to see the Pope tomorrow. I can't wait! We will be with over a million other young people, gathering as a witness to the Catholic Faith, showing the secular world that we, the young people, can and do stand up for what we believe in.

We have collected our postcards from the wrong belt(!), and we are on route to our accommodation. We are armed with Our Lady's prayers and lots of courage to battle against the atrocity that is abortion and especially 'Catholics for choice'.

(Photos, Gaelle, Johanna & Eddie awaiting delayed plane and Midnight dinner in Madrid. Do see the post below for details of how to win a copy of Light of the World)

See the World Youth Day Website here and watch the eventsy of WYD on EWTN

Gaelle Hendrickx

World Youth Day, Book Prize

2011-08-19T18:30:00.001+01:00

These three Musketeers are on their way to Madrid now for World Youth Day. On Saturday they will start handing out Pro-Life postcards from the Good Counsel Network to anyone from the UK. So, if you are in Madrid, find Gaelle, Eddie or Johanna, ask them for a postcard, fill it in, hand it back to them or post it in and you could win a copy of Light of the World by The Holy Father.

Please re-blog, retweet, Facebook, etc this.

700 Million People Could Watch Conor of Good Counsel Play Football Tonight!

2011-08-19T12:08:00.004+01:00

Today at 7.30pm (English time) Wembley Football Club will play some other team in the first round of the FA Cup. You can watch the game live on Facebook, by searching for Budweiser UK.

My Nephew, Conor who works for Good Counsel, should be playing as number 4. When I asked him why his match was being shown, when the first round is never normally shown he said, "I think it is news worthy this year as we are favourites to win the FA Cup." So there you have it!
As 700 Million people use Facebook, and Cardiff City are not playing today, quite a few people may watch the game!

Stuart McCullough

Pro-Life Vigil, London Saturday 20th August

2011-08-16T22:09:00.004+01:00

Are you pro-life? Would you like the opportunity to help stop abortions taking place in London? Could you give up a few hours this Saturday to help spread awareness in East London?

SPUC OUTREACH IN STRATFORD

Newham Borough in East London has the highest abortion rate in the U.K. (39.9 per 1000 women) and has the sixth highest number in Europe, with 2,341 abortions taking place every year. BPAS have recently opened a new abortion centre in the area, and so the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children will be doing a pro-life outreach there on Saturday 20th August. We aim to inform the local public about the positive pro-life services available, raise awareness about exactly what is happening in the area, and campaign against the new opening. Join SPUC this Saturday as help is needed to man the stall, distribute pro-life literature and engage with the public.

Meet outside Stratford Tube Station at 10.30am. We will finish no later than 2pm. Other details are on our facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147099005375311&view=wall¬if_t=event_wall

Hope to see you there!

Any queries please contact: 02078203140

Daniel Blackman – danielblackman@spuc.org.uk

Very happy to let you all know about this, if you cannot be there please pray and see here for other vigils. Photo is of John Smeaton of SPUC praying at a Good Counsel Vigil.

Stuart McCullough

"Very Mary" - Rescuing those being dragged to death in Canada

2011-08-13T12:00:00.000+01:00

Proverbs 24:10-12 is clear, "Rescue those who are being dragged to death"

The radiant Mary Wagner, a Toronto pro-lifer has been arrested (again) for going inside an abortuary to counsel women seeking abortion. You can read her story here on LifeSite news.

I love her friend's comment when asked what she looked like when being arrested, “she looked very ‘Mary,’ just saintly.”

Clare McCullough

Catholic Convert Steve Ray to speak in Westminster on Saturday

2011-08-11T22:18:00.005+01:00

Spread the word: This SaturdayFamily of Faith UK Conference
13 August 2011 - 9.30am - Westminster Cathedral Hall, SW1P 1QJ Former Protestant Evangelist and now World Renowned Catholic Convert Steve Ray will be in the UK and speaking at a Day Conference at Westminster Cathedral Hall on Saturday 13 August from 9.30-5.30. Come and hear Steve's story and his unique and lively presentation of the beauty of the Catholic Faith.

Tickets £10 in advance, £15 on the door. Contact Family of Faith Tel: 020 3286 7989 E-mail: familyoffaithuk@gmail.com. For details about the conference programme see website: www.familyoffaithuk.wordpress.com.
The Good Counsel Network will have a stall at the Conference.

Steve's website is www.catholic-convert.com.
familyoffaithuk@gmail.com

Learn more about Steve Ray here

Saturday the 13th August is a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001+01:00

There is little doubt that when something which is as widespread and as evil as Abortion and has such a powerful grip on our society, good works alone will not rid us of this scourge. Therefore, there is a great need to increase our personal penance with prayer and fasting.

Saturday the 13th August is a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life (See our poster link). It is the vigil of the Assumtion and St Maximillian Kolbe, thus making this date doubly appropriate for such a day of prayer and fasting. We would ask you on that day to;

A great prayer for Life is urgently needed. - Pope John Paul II

And He said to them; This kind (of demon) can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

(Gospel of Mark 9:29)

On Saturday 13th August please pray and fast for the end of abortion and euthanasia.
Your prayer and fasting is urgently needed. Join us each month in Prayer and Fasting:
Fasting
Fast from all food except bread and water for the day
Or Fast from a particular food or luxury, e.g. chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes, TV.
Fast from whatever you can given your state of health etc, but make sure it is something that involves a sacrifice to yourself.
Prayer
We are asking people to say a Rosary (or an extra Rosary if you say it daily already). You could also offer an extra effort such as going to Mass (or an extra Mass) on the day, or going to Adoration. You can even pray before a closed tabernacle if Adoration is not available near you.

For information on the days of Prayer and Fasting contact The Good Counsel Network on 020 7723 1740.
Download a Poster about the Fast Day here

And the people of Ninevah believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and puton sackcloth, from the greatest to the least…God saw their efforts to renounce their evil ways. And God relented about the disaster which He had threatened to bring on them, and He did not bring it.

(Jonah 3:5,10)

Stuart McCullough

Mass for Good Counsel, on the Old Rite Feast of St Clare

2011-08-08T16:30:00.001+01:00

There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 12th August at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network.

Stuart McCullough

Pro-Life Vigil in the rain, with the Bishop

2011-07-20T17:05:00.001+01:00

Bishop McMahon of Brentwood, pictured just before the start of the Pro-Life vigil in Buckhurst Hill, Saturday 16th July. He was thanked, as this is his 7th year of attending this vigil!

It rained and it rained and it rained! Do contact the Helpers for information about other vigils and to get a recording of the Bishop's Homily.

And lastly, as this was the 7th anniversary of the funeral of Louisa, who was well known for Reduced to clear food here are the crisps I had.

Stuart McCullough

Pro-Life Bishop, Michael Evans RIP

2011-07-14T13:17:00.004+01:00

On Wednesday 13th of July The Holy Sacrifice of The Mass was offered, in the Good Counsel Network's chapel, for the repose of the soul of Bishop Evans, who died on Monday. Here follows some information about the Bishop from John Smeaton's blog.

Michael Evans, the Catholic bishop of East Anglia, died earlier this week after a long period with cancer. I wish to put on record my gratitude for Bishop Evans' defence of the unborn when Amnesty International decided to campaign for the decriminalisation of abortion and access to abortion worldwide. Below are some extracts from the statement Bishop Evans issued announcing his decision to leave Amnesty International after 31 years of active membership. May he rest in peace.

"...[O]ur proper indignation regarding pervasive violence against women should not cloud our judgement about our duty to protect the most vulnerable and defenceless form of human life. The International Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, and became a binding treaty for those countries which ratified it. Its Preamble quotes from the 1959 Declaration on the Rights of the Child, that 'the child, by reason of his or her physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth'. This must surely be part of the body of international human rights law to which Amnesty International is committed.

The Catholic Church shares Amnesty's strong commitment to oppose violence against women (for example, rape, sexual assault and incest), but such appalling violence must not be answered by violence against the most vulnerable and defenceless form of human life in a woman's womb. Catholics would want to show practical compassion for such women, and ensure for them all the medical and spiritual care and support they need. But there is no human right to access to abortion, and Amnesty should not involve itself even in such extreme cases...

To support access to abortion even in dire situations compromises Amnesty's mandate to 'Protect the Human'. In time Amnesty may seek to develop this policy further, but even this current limited decision makes it very difficult for Catholics to remain members of Amnesty or to give it any financial support. Very regretfully, I will be ending my 31 year membership of Amnesty International, which included in the 1980s several years on the British Section Council and its Religious Bodies Liaison Panel...

[Amnesty's] regretable decision will almost certainly divide Amnesty's membership and thereby undermine its vital work. Among all human rights, the right to life is fundamental. Commitment to work to 'Protect the Human' can only be deeply compromised by any support for access to abortion..."

Stuart McCullough

NINE babies saved from abortion at one London abortuary during June! Support the Vigil so we can offer help to many more.

2011-07-08T23:22:00.000+01:00

Our vigil at marie stopes abortuary, 108 Whitfield St, London W1T 5EA (nearest tube Warren st or Great Portland St) is just over seven months old now and God is blessing this type of work and witness because in June alone there have been sixteen turn arounds from abortuaries across London, nine of these have been at the daliy Vigil at Whitfield St. These women chose life for their children after speaking to a person and witnessing people praying outside the modern day Calvary of the abortuary . These woman would have just walked in and aborted their child if there had had been no prayer supporters or counsellor present at the abortuary.
One couple changed their mind by just seeing the supporters praying, they went into the "clinic" after less than five minutes they came back out and came over an shook each of the supporters hands, thanked them and told to keep up the good work. the couple both had tears in their eyes and left very happy.
It was a moving experince. It is essential that type of peaceful Pro-life Vigil continues. We are managing to do this with the help of a small number prayer supporters who come regulary. But it would really help if we could get more people to commit to some slots between 9am-1.30pm Mon-Fri even if it was only for fifteen minutes (approx. the time to say one Rosary) once a week this would really help. If you cannot commit to anything but are in central London between 9-1.30 you would be more than welcome to join us, even if it's only to say a decade of the Rosary. Also, could you pray that we get enough people to continue the vigil. Please tell all your friends and family. Here is a link that has contact details, address etc. of the vigil.
Thank you,God bless, Eddie Bauer

Louisa Staunton RIP, 7th anniversary Mass

2011-07-05T22:07:00.004+01:00

This article was written a number of years ago, but is well worth reading again and has been added to at the end;

You gave me shelter….
….Louisa Staunton RIP

Miss Louisa Staunton, a deceased benefactor of The Good Counsel Network, saved a lot of time and money as well as saving a lot of lives by her generous response to an appeal for housing.

Louisa originally came to The Good Counsel Network, a Catholic Pro-Life organisation, to attend the Counsellor Training Course we run. One day when attending one of the sessions, she overheard one of us phoning around trying to find accommodation for a woman who was turned around outside an abortion clinic and who wanted to keep her baby, but could not go home as her boyfriend had threatened both her and her baby. Louisa immediately said, “she can stay with me!”.

Without regard for her own safety or comfort, Louisa took this lady home with her and there began her new work of looking after vulnerable expectant mums. Louisa turned her whole house over to us, having as many as 3 members of our staff/volunteers living with her at any time as well as up to 4 mothers-to-be. She hated to accept any money from the mothers who stayed with her and was regarded as a grandmotherly figure by them all. The last Friday before she died, I brought another girl to stay with Louisa. “Mary” had spent the previous night sleeping on various London buses, after being made homeless by her employer because of her pregnancy. We had tried to find her a place wherever we could and Louisa was the first to say yes, even though there were already 4 other women staying with her. When we arrived she made Mary very welcome and cheered her up no end by her friendliness. The last time I saw Louisa conscious she was blowing bubbles in the living room to entertain Mary. “Its Our Lady’s house” she told us as we thanked her for taking Mary in.

Louisa went to bed that night but could not be woken in the morning. She was taken to hospital where she remained unconscious until Monday. Doctors found she had had bleeding around the brain during Friday night. On Monday a Priest came to the hospital to say Mass in her room. The gospel that day was the cure of the woman with a hemorrhage. Louisa died immediately after the Mass, having never regained consciousness.

During her life Louisa worked as a nurse, later a psychiatric nurse and also an assistant to the blind. She was involved in many Catholic organisations, especially the Legion of Mary. Even at the age of 75, she did the shopping for many ill and housebound neighbours and was known well by all who lived near her. She gave away anything that was asked of her to others, including on one occasion where she gave her car to a family she had just met whose car had broken down!

Louisa was involved in the Justice and Peace movement throughout her life and regarded justice and peace for the unborn as a priority. She had supported various pro-life causes over the years and while working with us she housed over 20 mothers and many babies, who may not otherwise have come into he world.

She did not confine herself to providing a roof for these girls but really loved them and took and interest in their lives. From serving ice cream to them at midnight to helping them repair their relationships with their families, she was always there for them. The more difficult the girl, the more she loved.

She was a special friend to the lonely and depressed. She loved Our Lord and had a strong devotion to Our Lady, particularly Our Lady of Good Counsel and Our Lady of All Nations.

Louisa had spent a long period of her life wanting to become a religious sister. Speaking at her funeral, one of her brothers pointed out that although she had not been able to achieve this she made her world a kind of convent where she could serve God through prayer and through her actions to those around her.

Through a strange series of events she was buried wearing a Carmelite habit and was buried on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
May God rest your soul Louisa, our great pro-life friend and sister in Christ.

Please pray for the repose of her soul, and also ask her prayers for your intentions.

“Then the king will say to those at his right hand. ‘Come, O Blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me”. Matt 25 v34-36

Due to the generosity of Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, we have been allowed to continue housing pregnant women at Louisa’s house.

Last year Louisa's house was sold and a new one purchased. It was nice at the Mass today to have one of the Mums-to-be, in attendance who are still being housed by Louisa!

By the Babe Unborn, GK Chesterton

2011-06-30T07:00:00.000+01:00

"By the Babe Unborn"

by G.K. Chesterton

If trees were tall and grasses short,
As in some crazy tale,
If here and there a sea were blue
Beyond the breaking pale,

If a fixed fire hung in the air
To warm me one day through,
If deep green hair grew on great hills,
I know what I should do.

In dark I lie; dreaming that there
Are great eyes cold or kind,
And twisted streets and silent doors,
And living men behind.

Let storm clouds come: better an hour,
And leave to weep and fight,
Than all the ages I have ruled
The empires of the night.

I think that if they gave me leave
Within the world to stand,
I would be good through all the day
I spent in fairyland.

They should not hear a word from me
Of selfishness or scorn,
If only I could find the door,
If only I were born.

There will be a Chesterton Conference in Oxford on Saturday 2nd July. Chesterton Prayercards can be printed from here.

Stuart McCullough

A Tweet From Pope Benedict XVI

2011-06-29T00:01:00.000+01:00

H/t to American Papist Today the Vatican published www.News.Va. To celebrate, Pope Benedict sent out his first tweet

Ronald Reagan's words of wisdom

2011-06-28T10:46:00.004+01:00

"I've noticed that everybody that is for abortion has already been born."
Ronald Reagan
New York Times, 22 September 1980

Stuart McCullough

St John The Baptist Mass for Good Counsel

2011-06-23T18:00:00.003+01:00

For the last six months or so a group of youngsters have been coming to the Good Counsel Mass on the 2nd Friday of each month at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, at 6.30pm. After Mass they would go out for dinner. They are now starting to have Mass at St Patrick's details below. As well as this the Mass at Corpus Christi will still continue. (Photo)

Juventutem London have moved to St Patrick's, Soho. This will be our first Mass in the new location. The Mass at 6.30pm will be offered for the Good Counsel Network. (But the collection will be for Juventutem)

Celebrant: Fr Patrick Hayward
Deacon: Fr Seán Finnegan
Subdeacon: Fr Timothy Finigan
Preacher: Fr Aidan Nichols OP

In choir: Fr Ray Blake

Music provided by Schola Abelis, University of Oxford Gregorian Chant society.

After the Mass we shall move to the square for a picnic if conditions are favourable. Otherwise, we shall go to a restaurant as usual.

For more details about the Masses organised by Juventutem London click here. We're especially keen for people to realise that the Mass is not only for people between the ages of 18-35, but that the social afterwards is!

Stuart McCullough

Father Corapi, Right or Wrong.

2011-06-22T00:37:00.009+01:00

I don't believe in disobedience to Church authorities and superiors. It's also true that I don't always believe in the way the local Church authorites handle alleged cases of sexual impropriety - it is against all justice and wounds many innocent people. But learn more about that here. Sadly that isn't the root of the problem in this case.

I do believe Fr Corapi is in great need of prayer. Let us bear in mind the truths he preached fearlessly and pray for him. If we cannot be bothered to pray for him, let us blame ourselves for the state of the Church. Here's a sample of the heart and mind of the man himself, as a seminarian:
With all due tippings of the hat to The Eponymous Flower.
"I received a link via e-mail to a site that contains a letter sent by then seminarian John Corapi to a correspondent who had sent him a religious medal. The letter is really very frank and very telling, much more than a mere thank you note, it goes into the reasons for Corapi's vocation and his divinely inspired mission in the Church. Itis something that should be read in light of recent events. An excerpt below:
Before I ever heard of The Message of Garabandal The Mother of God, in a very personal way, made it known to me. She made me acutely aware of certain things concerning the Eucharist. These abuses I became aware of cause me much suffering. I often cry at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and I very often cry at night, not sleeping at all.
Whenever I would doubt this insight, almost immediately I would be given a sign to confirm that what I was feeling was correct. Some examples: (1) Seeing the priest at a church daily fail to Purify the Paten & Chalice and profanely disgarding the consecrated Host and Precious Blood down a drain! (2) Hearing homilies that state that no longer do we owe primary allegiance to the Pope, but rather to local Bishops who are more aware of our needs! (3) Listening to a Diocesan Vocation Director tell me that his Diocese would not be interested in Ordaining any man who was not open to Priests being able to marry and to serve a limited term as a Priest (Like an Army enlistment)! To say that I suffer to hear these things would be to say the least. However, there is a purpose to it all. My dear friend, the Mother of God, wants me to be aware of these dangers so that I can help her to wage war against the enemy. She has given me a vocation to the Priesthood so that I might help her to bring back holiness to her Son's Church and end these horrible abuses of the Eucharist.
There are many who do not wish to see me become a Priest because of my fierce loyalty to the Vicar of Christ and my outspoken defense of him and my condemnation of certain irreverent and even profane practices I see today. I have enemies because of this. So too did Our Beloved Saviour have enemies.
I have had to endure abuse and suffering because my views are now not popular with the local clergy. They call me a fanatic and say my views are outdated. Luckily, there are 3 archbishops (retired) who agree with me and protect me, gaining admittance for me to a good Orthodox Seminary where my views are generally shared.
I know very well that my vocation will be that of a soldier engaged in a mortal combat. There will be more and worse suffering for all of us to endure. That is fine, for, as we know, Our Blessed Lord did not tell us to take up a bed of Roses and follow him. He said to take up a CROSS and follow Him! By the Grace of Almighty God and the Holy assistance and intercession of Our Good Friend, The Mother of God, I shall do so!
Being a weak and miserable creature that I am, I am much in need of Prayer. Please pray for me that I might be all that Our Blessed Mother wishes me to be.

from SANCTE PATER by Vincenzo
by tantamergo

Playboy club opens in London

2011-06-20T08:08:00.004+01:00

Hugh Hefner was on the BBC news recently telling viewers that opening a Playboy club in London along with his pornographic magazine would help free women! I found this quote in Rising Above Pornography by Rebecca Lomas.

As difficult as it is to give graphic accounts of sexual abuse, the reality is there. Their ugliness, and the shame associated with them are what keep people from reporting abuse. It is only through reality that others understand. Pornography has been accessible for many decades; it is nothing new or modern, and through the years it has gained wider distribution and support, with more openness.

There is an account of a woman who recalls that she was molested as a child. From seven to nine years of age, she was molested for two years by a fourteen-year-old male teenager. The teenager kept a pornographic magazine next to him while he was molesting her. He kept the magazine handy as if it were a stimulating or hands on guide. She now compares his keeping a pornographic magazine near him to a dental intern who keeps an open dental guide handy, while working on trial patients. This woman definitely saw how pornographic material was a contributor to the sexual molestation she suffered. She resented her abuser for years, even though he as also a victim of the same pornographic power.

Today's Pro Ecclesia Conference Cancelled

2011-06-18T11:42:00.006+01:00

The Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice Conference in Westminster Central Methodist Hall today has been cancelled. Although replacement speakers had been booked, the Conference has now been cancelled outright by the management at the venue. For more information see Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice's own website here.

And spread the word to anyone you know.

What a shame that the Conference didn't go ahead with the original speaker, Cardinal Burke. We should probably keep everyone at PEEP in our prayers at what must have been a very difficult time for them.

Clare McCullough

Happy Birthday Pro-Life English Bishop.

2011-06-17T07:38:00.002+01:00

Today is the 75th birthday of Bishop Thomas McMahon of Brentwood. We wish him a Happy Birthday. If you were wondering what to get a Bishop for his birthday when he reaches the age of retirement, let me tell you. Bishop McMahon has for a number of years prayed outside Marie Stopes Abortuary in Buckhurst Hill. On Saturday 16th July (the next day will be the 31st anniversary of him being made a Bishop) he will do so again. So the best present you could give him, would be to attend this vigil.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered in St Thomas of Canterbury Church, 557-559 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0RB at 9am. At 9.45 approx the Bishop and the faithful will process to the abortuary saying the Rosary etc. on route. We will then return at 12 noon to the Church and at 12.30pm break for tea and a get together. Please bring a packed lunch. For more details. If you are not sure if you can attend please click here.

There will also be a Vigil at Bedford Square abortuary on Saturday 2nd July, in honour of The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Photo from Fr Finigan's blog.

Offering up 72 Miles of pain to save lives

2011-06-16T20:38:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone,

I am going on The Chartres Pilgrimage over the Pentecost weekend. It is my first time doing this Pilgrimage and I am really looking forward to completing it. It is a Pilgrimage in the true sense of a Pilgrimage. We leave London very early on Friday 10th June having had Mass at Westminster Cathedral. We then travel to Paris by coach, staying one night in a hotel in the outskirts.

On Saturday we get up really early and have our last proper meal for three days. Mass is said in Notre Dame Cathedral and then the Pilgrimage starts. Over the next three days we will walk 72 miles to Chartres, praying, singing and generally giving glory to God. We will have Mass every day and survive on bread water, and whatever we can carry. Each night we camp out in large tents which I am told are bitterly cold (even though we are in the middle of Summer).

Finally at about 3pm on Monday we arrive at Notre Dame Cathedral, Chartres where we have Mass and finally a rest.

I am hoping that you will sponsor me for my efforts with all the money raised going to The Guild of Our Lady of Good Counsel which is a Catholic Pro-life Charity who give support to expectant Mothers who are in the most difficult and desperate circumstances before, during and after the birth of their child. For more information about their work please see www.goodcounselnetwork.com or to donate.

This is from Gaelle's Just Giving page, I'm pleased to say that she made it. You can still donate.

Stuart McCullough

Can You Put Your Money Where Our Mouth Is to Save 7 Lives?

2011-06-07T21:46:00.006+01:00

This amazing and blessed week we have had SEVEN turnarounds from four different London abortuaries.

Anyone standing outside an abortuary will know that you can stand there for years without necessarily witnessing a turnaround (though many women change their minds that we may never know about).

To get a turnaround at all is a blessing, but 7 in one week is pretty amazing by any standards!

It has been a real blessing to us to be involved in talking to these women on the doorsteps of the abortuaries and being able to offer real tangible help and support.

Congratulations to Eddie, Kay, Josie and all the other faithful supporters of London abortuary vigils.

Now we have to deliver the goods - or rather provide the help we have offered. Can you help?

If you love life and support the Church's teaching on it, this is what we URGENTLY need to provide for these women and their children:

A low-rent 2 bed flat in North West London, for a couple being evicted because they refused to abort.

A 3 bed flat/house in Brent that will accept a DSS tenant.

Your financial support

Lots of prayers.

With your support we can really live the Church's teachings on building a civilization of love

Please spread the word.

Clare McCullough

Mass for the Feast of The Ascension at Good Counsel

2011-06-02T15:41:00.006+01:00

Happy Feast day to one and all. As the Priest saying Mass at Good Counsel today, Fr Leworthy FSSP, says the Old Rite, we had the Mass of The Ascension.

Stuart McCullough

Twitter To Save The World, But Not England

2011-06-01T18:00:00.003+01:00

I could not help but remember GK Chesterton's poem, The Secret People, when hearing an English MP talking in Parliament about a well known Welsh Footballer. He had already been 'named' by thousands on Twitter and the like.

Chesterton's poem talks about Nations raising up in the past, much as people in the Middle-east are today with modern technology. He says that the English will be the last.

And so now we have state sponsored television (BBC) telling us about mass civil disobedience by the English posting on Twitter. Regime change a la the Middle-East? Revolution like the French? Ending the killing of over 500 babies a day through abortion in this Country? Not likely! This is England we twits demand the right to gossip about who may have been sleeping with who?
God help us, because no one else would bother!

For Chesterton prayercards.

The Secret People

G. K. Chesterton

SMILE at us, pay us, pass us; but do not quite forget.
For we are the people of England, that never have spoken yet.
There is many a fat farmer that drinks less cheerfully,
There is many a free French peasant who is richer and sadder than we.
There are no folk in the whole world so helpless or so wise.
There is hunger in our bellies, there is laughter in our eyes;
You laugh at us and love us, both mugs and eyes are wet:
Only you do not know us. For we have not spoken yet.

The fine French kings came over in a flutter of flags and dames.
We liked their smiles and battles, but we never could say their names.
The blood ran red to Bosworth and the high French lords went down;
There was naught but a naked people under a naked crown.
And the eyes of the King's Servants turned terribly every way,
And the gold of the King's Servants rose higher every day.
They burnt the homes of the shaven men, that had been quaint and kind.
Till there was not bed in a monk's house, nor food that man could find.
The inns of God where no main paid, that were the wall of the weak,
The King's Servants ate them all. And still we did not speak.

And the face of the King's Servants grew greater than the King:
He tricked them, and they trapped him, and stood round him in a ring.
The new grave lords closed round him, that had eaten the abbey's fruits,
And the men of the new religion, with their bibles in their boots,
We saw their shoulders moving, to menace or discuss,
And some were pure and some were vile, but none took heed of us.
We saw the King as they killed him, and his face was proud and pale;
And a few men talked of freedom, while England talked of ale.

A war that we understood not came over the world and woke
Americans, Frenchmen, Irish; but we knew not the things they spoke.
They talked about rights and nature and peace and the people's reign:
And the squires, our masters, bade us fight; and never scorned us again.
Weak if we be for ever, could none condemn us then;
Men called us serfs and drudges; men knew that were were men.
In foam and flame at Trafalgar, on Albeura plains,
We did and died like lions, to keep ouselves in chains.
We lay in living ruins; firing and fearing not
The strange face of the Frenchman who know for what they fought,
And the man who seemed to be more than man we strained against and broke;
And we broke our own right with him. And still we never spoke.

Our patch of glory ended; we never heard guns again.
But the squire seemed struck in the saddle; he was foolish, as if in pain.
He leaned on a staggering lawyer, he clutched a cringing Jew,
He was stricken; it may be, after all, he was stricken at Waterloo.
Or perhaps the shades of the shaven men, whose spoil is in his house,
Come back in shining shapes at last to spil his last carouse:
We only know the last sad squires ride slowly towards the sea,
And a new people takes the land: and still it is not we.

They have given us into the hand of new unhappy lords,
Lords without anger and honour, who dare not carry their swords.
They fight by shuffling papers; they have bright dead alien eyes;
They look at our labour and laughter as a tired man looks at flies.
And the load of their loveless pity is worse than the ancient wrongs,
Their doors are shut in the evening; and they know no songs.

We hear men speaking for us of new laws strong and sweet,
Yet is there no man speaketh as we speak in the street.
It may be we shall rise the last as Frenchmen rose the first,
Our wrath come after Russia's wrath and our wrath be the worst.
It may be we are meant to mark with our riot and our rest
God's scorn for all men governing. It may be beer is best.
But we are the people of England; and we have not spoken yet.
Smile at us, pay us, pass us. But do not quite forget.

Stuart McCullough

The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality

2011-05-25T22:30:00.001+01:00

The Catechist says they have the right to tell your child about sex. A teacher in a Catholic school says that the Government says we must show pornography to your 5 year old. The Bishop says his hands are tied, and the experts have said it is okay. Thank God that as Catholics we can look to Christ's Vicar on Earth in Rome, when things seem so dark. The Vatican document, The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality, is a good place to start. There's no replacement for reading the document yourself (and no excuse for Catholic parents not to), but on Thursday 26th May at 8pm there will be a 30 minute programme on EWTN (sky 589 or online) about this document - maybe it would be a good place to start.

Stuart McCullough

Furniture Needed in Uxbridge to Help House the Unborn!

2011-05-22T08:00:00.001+01:00

As we have blogged recently, we have had a great increase in girls coming to us. Many of them are very set on abortion originally, but many have gone on to choose life for their children after offers of moral support and practical help. Thanks be to God.

We have also written before on the scandal of homeless pregnant women who are not entitled to benefit (foreign students and workers for example as well as others) being left to sleep on the street. A growing problem for us here in London.

Our Mother's Home in North West London is always kept full, so we were delighted to find we have been offered the use of a property - not too far from Uxbridge, West London - where we hope to house a further 3 or 4 expectant and new Mothers and their children. A generous supporter has offered this and it is a great help at present, while we have many Mothers in urgent need of housing. However, it is offered on a temporary basis and we can be given 12 weeks notice to quit at any time. Therefore we would like to furnish it QUICKLY in as decent, but also as cheap a fashion as we can!

That's where you come in. Can you provide any of the following items or do you know anyone who can? If possible we are looking for help from people who live near that area or who can deliver to that area. The requested items are :

Single beds
A sofa bed
A couple of arm chairs
A couple of hard chairs
Bedside tables/cabinets
Portable Heater
Single Duvets
Bedclothes
Net curtains and heavy curtains: sizes needed -1 pair 10 foot wide and minimum 6 foot drop
2 pairs 8 foot wide and 7 foot drop. 1 pair 5 foot wide and minimum 5 foot drop. 3 matching pairs 2 of which are 5 foot wide and minimum 6 foot drop.
Child safety gate
Bedside Lamps
Pictures
Pots and pans for the kitchen

We also welcome anyone in the area who could do a spot of painting or gardening and if you know of a good local electrician or plumber that would be very helpful too.

We also have Mothers who have just moved in to accomodation in North London and East London who would welcome some help with furniture too.

Please get in touch if you can help: 02077231740 or info@goodcounselnetwork , and please, please spread the word.
St Rita, patroness of hopeless causes, on your feast day, pray for us!

Clare McCullough

In the end my Immaculate Heart will Triumph: Pro-Life Vigil & Consecration to Mary, Central London 28th May 2011

2011-05-20T20:33:00.006+01:00

In case anyone doubts the words of Our Blessed Lady at Fatima that if her instructions were not followed, "various nations will be anihilated", Monsignor Reilly's comments at his recent brilliant talk in London, that there have been 400 million forced abortions in China. A beautiful answer to the current worldwide abortion situation is the Pro-Life Vigil organised by Daniel Blackman involving a Consecration to Our Lady and offered in reparation to her Immaculate Heart coming up next Saturday in London. Here are the details:

Pro-life vigil in honour of Our Lady
28th May 2011

Consecration and reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary & prayers for an end to abortion, in May the month especially dedicated to Our Lady & to honour the work of Blessed Pope John Paul II in building a culture of Life!

Prayer vigil outside BPAS abortion clinic 26-27 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HP
Start 8.30am. Ends 1pm.

Full police cooperation.
You may join for all or part of the vigil.

Contact Daniel Blackman: daniel-40days@hotmail.co.uk

"The best talk I have ever heard" John Smeaton

2011-05-19T08:00:00.004+01:00

Monsignor Philip J Reilly, has just given what John Smeaton, described as, "The best talk I have ever heard." And to be honest, I would be hard pushed to say he was wrong. If you were unable to be at Spanish Place last night, do contact the Helpers of God's Presious Infants as they were filming the talk. John's blog will no doubt cover the talk in detail.

Photo of Monsignor & John chatting at the end of the talk.

Stuart McCullough

Most important Pro-Life talk in England so far this year, will be on Wednesday

2011-05-17T08:00:00.002+01:00

Monsignor Philip J Reilly, the founder of the Helpers of God's Precious Infants will be in London on Wednesday. He will be giving a talk at St James' Church, Spanish Place, 22 George Street, London, W1U 3QY, on Wednesday 18th May 2011 at 7.30pm.

The number of babies, as well as Mothers & Fathers saved from the horrors of abortion by God's Grace, through this Priest is amazing. Should we go to the abortuary and pray? What should we do when we are there? Do Bishops and Priests need to go? Will me going really make a dfference? Over years I've heard Monsingor answer all of this and much more besides.

Stuart McCullough

Friday night in the centre of London

2011-05-16T08:13:00.002+01:00

Friday nights in Central London, often involves large crowds standing outside pubs drinking too much. How nice it was to see this crowd of youngsters spilling out onto the road in Maiden Lane last Friday, as they have just left Church after Mass for Good Counsel. There is an Old Rite Mass offered for Good Counsel on the 2nd Friday of each month, at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane. Juventutem (a Catholic Youth Group) then go out for dinner together, 18-35 year olds welcome.

Pro-Life talks on CD

2011-05-14T08:14:00.000+01:00

If you missed the Family Life International Conference on Saturday 7th May, you can order some or all of the five Pro-Life talks on CD from FLI or telephone; 02088579950.

Here is a 30 second clip of Hugh Owen speaking, taken with my phone.

Pro Life Mass Friday 13th May

2011-05-11T12:00:00.003+01:00

There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 13th May at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network.

Edified by his Example, Pope Benedict on Pope John Paul II

2011-05-08T10:00:00.003+01:00

The final words of Pope Benedict's homily at the Beatification of Pope John Paul II:
Finally, on a more personal note, I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II. I had known him earlier and had esteemed him, but for twenty-three years, beginning in 1982 after he called me to Rome to be Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, I was at his side and came to revere him all the more. My own service was sustained by his spiritual depth and by the richness of his insights. His example of prayer continually impressed and edified me: he remained deeply united to God even amid the many demands of his ministry. Then too, there was his witness in suffering: the Lord gradually stripped him of everything, yet he remained ever a “rock”, as Christ desired. His profound humility, grounded in close union with Christ, enabled him to continue to lead the Church and to give to the world a message which became all the more eloquent as his physical strength declined. In this way he lived out in an extraordinary way the vocation of every priest and bishop to become completely one with Jesus, whom he daily receives and offers in the Eucharist.

Blessed are you, beloved Pope John Paul II, because you believed! Continue, we implore you, to sustain from heaven the faith of God’s people. Amen

One Million Rosaries for the Unborn this weekend

2011-05-06T08:30:00.005+01:00

On May 6th, 2011 a 3-day spiritual battle begins for an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn human persons. It is anticipated that people from various places throughout the world will be praying the Rosary for this intention. (Last year, people from more than 40 nations registered for the ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES.)

Within the last 50 years, hundreds of millions of unborn human persons have been killed surgically and non-surgically. No other group of people has ever suffered such a massacre.

Please, do for the unborn babies that which they can not do for themselves: Pray at least one Rosary from May 6th - 8th for the intention listed above. ( You may register by clicking here. Remember: Each Rosary you register will get us one Rosary closer to the goal of one million Rosaries.)

Also, please help get the word out so other people will know about the ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES prayer event.

Stuart McCullough

Pharmacists Forced to be Agents of the Culture of Death

2011-05-05T11:00:00.002+01:00

H/T to Fathers Stephen and John Boyle for this article from The Pharmaceutical Journal. It's a great article and a little miracle that it got printed by PJ.

More sex please! We’re pharmacists
Wed, 27/04/2011 - 13:41
RoseMary Baker, pharmacist from Wirral, Merseyside

Chocolate bars on the medicines counter? I think not. Cigarettes next to the nicotine replacement therapy? No way. Wines and spirits on the gondola next to the waiting area? I hardly think so. Lottery tickets? Perhaps.

As pharmacists we have an obligation to uphold lifestyle standards appropriate to good health. We are urged not to sell confectionery. Why? Do our customers not have the right to choose to become obese or loose their teeth? Many people eat chocolate sensibly and sometimes sweets may be a necessity for someone with diabetes and yet pharmacists consider it a professional responsibility to protect those who would abuse the situation.

Everyone knows the dangers of smoking and no pharmacist would want to sell tobacco products. The supply of reefers as part of addiction treatment is an ethical dilemma many would wish to avoid. Pharmacies throughout Britain make a great contribution to the anti-smoking campaign and there can be few people in Britain who are not aware of the possible consequences of smoking.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society recognises that some pharmacies do sell alcohol but advises that those who do so must provide educational information on alcohol abuse.

So, all in all, you might well say that pharmacy as a profession does a good job in educating the public on the interface between pleasure and health.

Quite right, too. We are health professionals with a duty to encourage our customers to live healthily. We provide lots of leaflets on giving up smoking, eating sensibly and keeping within the recommended limits of alcohol consumption. We are happy to spend time counselling on nicotine replacement or healthy eating. We think up new ways of encouraging people to take more exercise or cut down on fats; we warn people of the likelihood of developing diabetes if they are overweight; we terrify them with statistics on cardiovascular problems and cancer.

But what about sex? Well now, that is different. Oh yes, we do display leaflets on how to have safe sex or where to go if you need an abortion. In Wales we can provide post-coital contraceptives free of charge without the necessity of obtaining a prescription from a doctor. Are we being as fair to the public about sex as we are about smoking or eating sweets or drinking alcohol? Do we highlight the failure rate of contraceptives or do we couch the true failure rate in terms like “if used effectively”. Do we shout from the rooftops the fact that many progesterone only pills are likely to fail if the dose is more than three hours late? Have we fought for a Government health warning on condoms which says “this product is likely to fail if you have never used a condom before and you are fumbling around in the dark at the back of the youth club”? Do we help to punch home the truth that sexually transmitted infections really are transmitted sexually, are highly unpleasant and often lead to infertility later in life?

Truth
If we as pharmacists really want to contribute to the sexual health of the nation we should be fighting for greater truth to be told regarding contraceptive failure and the consequences of that failure. We should be spreading the news that there is some chance of failure with all contraceptives and that failure leads to a baby for life or an abortion, the memory of which will surely stay for a lifetime. Survey after survey has shown that pharmacists are considered to be accessible and respected for their knowledge of health matters, so why are we failing the public, especially the young public, in the area of sexual health?

Why are we as a profession going along with the lie that postcoital contraception is not abortifacient. Someone, and I do not know who, decided that pregnancy does not begin until an embryo is implanted in the lining of the uterus. How can that be? As scientists we should recognise, that a new life form, genetically distinct from either parent, comes into existence when the sperm and ovum fuse. Once that new life form exists, call it what you will, to destroy it is an abortifacient action. Some may not consider that important but we should be telling people the facts so that they can make their own ethical decision.

We tell people half-heartedly about sexually transmitted diseases but encourage wider availability of postcoital contraception and kid ourselves that such supply does not encourage irresponsible behaviour. When passions are running high would not the prospect of buying a tablet in the morning seem more acceptable than breaking the mood while a condom is applied?

Pharmacists who oppose the availability of post-coital contraception over the counter are branded as, at best, kill-joys and more often, religious bigots. In actual fact these pharmacist are the ones who have their minds tuned to the reality of the situation.

The teenage pregnancy statistics for the UK are terrifying. What are we as a profession doing about it? We just find ways of making the morning after pill ever more widely available instead of spreading the word that sex, far more than chocolate and alcohol, needs to be treated with restraint and respect.

London Pro-life Conference Saturday 7th May

2011-05-03T21:43:00.004+01:00

If you are concerned about the moral decline of our society and feel powerless to change things YOU MUST attend this Pro-Life Pro-Family Event.

Fydor Dostoyevsky once said: “If God is not; then nothing is impermissible”

The purveyors of death are trying to eclipse God in the eyes of our Nation, so that they can promote an atheistic creed and moral world view.

We live in a society where the killing of unborn children is normal. Babies are killed in the very hospitals and clinics where doctors work to save the lives of accident victims. This horrendous situation does not revolt our society.

Family Life International, through our programmes are turning the tide among our youth. This coming year’s conference will highlight the dangers and what we can do as faithful Christians.

The FLI 2011 Conference is planned for Saturday May 7th 2010 again at Westminster Cathedral Hall.

Bring family and friends
Speak to family and friends about attending the conference. Why not organize a group in you parish. Speak to your Parish Priest about promoting this coming event. Register online early and help us to promote this events, if you need further information e-mail us.

Speakers
Fr Linus Clovis - Secularism; A Failure to Evangelise
Fr. Clovis holds a PhD in Mathematics from London University and studied Theology and Canon Law at the Angelicum University in Rome before he was ordained a priest by Pope John Paul II in 1983. He single handedly took on the St. Lucia Government in the fight against the legalisation of abortion, with the support of almost 20% of the adult population who signed a petition against the killing of the preborn. Fr Clovis is the Spiritual director of FLI and has spoken at various conferences around the world.

Andy Pollard - The Sins of the Fathers (Europe’s Demographic Winter)
Is a Management Consultant and advisor on the effects population control has on the economy and the market. Andy has spoken in a number of forums around the world on the catastrophic effects of depopulation and an ageing population. Andy is among the first academics to predict the devastating impact the ageing population would have on the UK economy and the high cost it would impose on our children.

Patricia Morgan - The Abolition of Marriage (Same Sex Marriage)
Is a Senior Researcher Fellow in the Family at the IEA Health and Welfare Unit, Patricia is a sociologist specialising in Criminology and Family Policy and is a prolific writer with titles such as “Farewell to the Family” and “Are families affordable?”. Patricia is a frequent contributor to radio and television programmes and has given evidence before the parliamentary Social Security Committee.

Hugh Owen - Evolution and the Culture of Death
Is the convert son of Sir David Owen, a former Secretary General of International Planned Parenthood Federation. Hugh directs the Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation which provides a forum for Catholic theologians, philosophers, and natural scientists throughout the world. The Kolbe Center is dedicated to make available to Church leaders and to the laity the evidence for and against the theory of evolution.

Dr Claude Newbury - Mortal Combat Against The Culture of Death
Together with his wife Glenys, has devoted 35 years to propagating and defending the Culture of Life. They have together given more than 6000 talks. Claude founded The Catholic Doctors Guild of Southern Africa and served as National President of Pro-Life South Africa for 25 years and Human Life International for 15 years. In 1992, Fr. Paul Marx, in an HLI Award designated them “The couple who had done the most to defend human life around the world”.

To book or for more information click here

Stuart McCullough

Kate's Modest Wedding Dress - Get Yours Here

2011-04-30T23:46:00.001+01:00

A Return to Modesty?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Well it's always good to see a bit of promotion of Marriage and I think we have had a good bit of that with the royal wedding. Nice to hear a few good bible readings and sermons on the subject.
Perhaps it is a bit churlish to say it's always good to see a cohabiting couple put things right, but it's true. And in this case, we can always hope that it will nudge a few hundred thousand couples in the right direction!
But the absolute moral triumph of the day was the dress! I'm not saying it was perfect (because if I did someone would no doubt correct me!) but it had a top - I mean one that went all the way up to shoulders! A skirt that didn't split to the waist, anywhere. A back. And - wait for it - sleeves! Sleeves! Men, you won't understand how hard it is to get wedding dresses with sleeves on them, but it is ridiculously near impossible. And if you do find one it is sure to be a ludicrous colour or style.

I found a blog by Ashley (a homeschool graduate) girls guide to home life who spotted early on the day that the dress bore a striking resemblance to Grace Kelly's (having blogged on her dress before).

Mind you, as the photo, below, of Her Serene Highness Princess Grace with her bridesmaids et al shows, the dress is by no means identical.

Hat tip to Ashley for digging up some great pictures and for kindly giving us the Vogue pattern number for Princess Grace's dress (V2979 - over at their USA site ) so we can make our own! It's close enough to make an exact copy of Kate's dress with only minor adjustments to the pattern. So anyone preparing to marry who liked Katherine Middleton's dress check it out here!

The Vogue Pattern

Let's hope Kate's dress influences bridal fashion heavily for some time to come - a royal wedding gown can change the face of bridal fashion for a decade or more. It certainly needs some modest influence! As one priest said recently after a wedding, "What with the backless bridesmaid's dresses and the strapless bridal gown, I scarcely knew where to look!".

Clare McCullough

Our Lady Mother of Good Counsel 26th April

2011-04-26T12:02:00.006+01:00

Though it won't be celebrated this year, this being Easter Week, today the 26th April is usually the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
The picture shows the original miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel, with baby Jesus holding on tightly round her neck and also onto the neck of her dress. The many beautiful copies usually share these features
A powerful intercessor and guide, Our Lady Mother of Good Counsel has been a particular patron of many Popes.
Pope John Paul II once advised his listeners to pray to the Mother of Good Counsel to be able to interpret the signs which the Holy Spirit places in our life.
She has indeed been a Mother of Good Counsel to the Good Counsel Network.
In 1968 Our Lady's feast day, the 26th of April was the last day in England and Wales before legal abortion came into force on 27th April.

Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Good Counsel

O, Holy Virgin, to whose feet we are led by our anxious uncertainty in our search for and attainment of what is true and good, invoking thee by the sweet title of Mother of Good Counsel we beseech thee to come to our assistance, when along the road of this life, the darkness of error and of evil conspires towards our ruin by leading our minds and our hearts astray.
Do Thou, O Seat of Wisdom and Star of the Sea, Enlighten the doubtful and the erring, that they be not seduced by the false appearances of good, render them steadfast in the face of the hostile and corrupting influences of passion and of sin.
O Mother of Good Counsel, obtain for us from Thy Divine Son a great love of Virtue and, in the hour of uncertainty and trial, the strength to embrace the way that leads to our salvation. If Thy hand sustains us, we shall walk unmolested long the path indicated to us by the life and words of Jesus our Redeemer; and having followed freely and securely, even in the midst of this world's strife, the sun of truth and justice under Thy Maternal Star, we shall come to the enjoyment of full and eternal peace with Thee in the Haven of Salvation, Amen.

Clare McCullough

The Resurrection - For the Born and Unborn

2011-04-24T00:08:00.003+01:00

A happy and Blessed Easter to you!

Celebrating the miracle of the Resurrection and the opening of the way to eternal life is always an incredible time to be involved in pro-life work.

Although they had seen Him raise others from the dead, and He had promised that they would do greater things than He had, none of the apostles expected Jesus to rise from the dead Himself.

We too are often doubtful of Christ's ability or willlingness to give life back where it has ended.

I mentioned recently in a blog how many women we have seen lately with incomplete abortions.

One of these, Una, came to us some time ago with her boyfriend asking for an abortion.

"I don't want to do it, if he would support me I would keep the baby" she said.

We hoped that education, encouragement and support could change her boyfriend's mind, but no. He had raised a couple of families already, thank you. And no part of the truth was going to get in the way of getting rid of this one!

Prayer didn't seem to effect the desired for change on him either (although of course we never know what prayer HAS done...).

We became Una's allies, planning the support she would need, and trying to protect her from the negative influence of John. But despite all prayer - and there was much - we suddenly lost contact with Una, just for 48 hours, she turned off her phone and gave in. She took the abortion pill. She soon called us again telling us what she had done and how remorseful she felt, how much it had affected her relationship for the worse.

Then suddenly came another call -a scan showed that she was still pregnant and 2 weeks further along than the abortuary had told her - perhaps this was why the abortion pill failed? - or perhaps it was because they are always tampering with the appointed times for giving the pills, to try and save on their costs, the abortuary had given her the two pills on the same day. An alert went out to our praying members.

We brought Una in with John again. This time we showed him a graphic DVD of what would happen in the abortion, with his permission and at Una's request. He left ranting and raving about the troubles of raising a child. He seemed unmoved. But Una was changed. She left the room to cry while the DVD was finishing and came back determined to keep her baby, boyfriend or no boyfriend.

We took her for another scan. I sat beside her, praying the St Michael prayer, as we often do at scans where the baby's life is in the balance and the doctor who kindly printed her about 14 scan pictures, assured her the baby looked healthy and said "The baby is due on 29th September" - which of course is the Feast of St Michael!

Una still has a long way to go. Her baby's state of health won't be clear for some time, though we have seen healthy babies born after the abortion pill has been taken. And John, though now supporting her, still wants her to give the baby up when it's born - not something she intends to do, so prayers are still needed. But for Una, it feels like a second chance, like a real resurrection and she is both repentant of her past mistakes and hopeful for her and her babies future.

Clare McCullough

Bishop Hopes is a True Shepherd of the Pro-Life Movement

2011-04-18T08:00:00.001+01:00

Bishop Hopes is a True Shepherd of the Pro-Life Movement, here he is (in black next to the 2 Friars)leading the prayers at the Twickenham abortuary on Saturday 16th April. For information about other vigils at abortuaries see here or here.

Stuart McCullough

Botched Abortion Driftwood

2011-04-16T08:00:00.001+01:00

Perhaps its because we are meeting more women immediately after their abortions through both our own Whitfield St abortuary Vigil and the Forty Days for Life Vigil at Bedford Square, but it suddenly seems as though we are meeting more and more victims of botched abortions. These women are like driftwood washed up on the shore. No-one seems to know what to do with them, the abortuary fobs them off, the NHS seems embarrassed - and no wonder since they are in bed with bothe BPAS and Marie Stopes. Sadly there is no bank of Pro-Life doctors or nurses, surgeons or gynecologists to turn to for help. Though there are some good pro-life doctors out there, they have usually avoided gynecology and obstetrics in order to avoid abortion and so few if any are specialists in the fields we need them in.

Just recently we have seen a number of these women in special need. Una who took the abortion pill but found herself still pregnant - perhaps because the scan done at the abortuary was 2 weeks out in dating her baby. Sandra who had a surgical abortion but was told by the abortuary that it was a "missed abortion" - i.e. she is probably still pregnant. Pamela who had an abortion, was told by the abortuary a fortnight later that everything was gone, but who later had to have a suction "procedure" to remove tissue from the womb.

Additionally complications of abortion arise when women are not offered all the facts and real life-giving choices beforehand. Kate, a victim of rape who was shuttled through an abortion at the speed of light without an offer of any alternative help, panicked after taking the first pill, recognised that abortion is wrong and changed her "choice" - she is still waiting to see if her baby will survive.

These are just a handful of the women we have seen recently. How many more are coping with these horrible situations, without good medical care and without support?

Please pray for these women - the driftwood remains of a holocaust - their suffering is tremendous. May God save the lives of their babies where there is still a chance of this, and the souls of the Mothers and those who performed the abortions on them.

Clare McCullough

C.S. Lewis on Masturbation

2011-04-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

I nicked the following quote from the Porn Effect's excellent blog which you can find here. It is such a perfect explanation of why masturbation is wrong and soul-destroying. And this is one of the many things no-one wants to talk about today. Priests? yes not them either, but parents particularly are shirking these subjects today I find, with devastating results for marriage, family life and the unborn. That selfishness which Lewis talks about here, once it takes root, bears the rotten fruit of the culture of death.

"For me the real evil of masturbation would be that it takes an appetite which, in lawful use, leads the individual out of himself to complete (and correct) his own personality in that of another (and finally in children and even grandchildren) and turns it back; sends the man back into the prison of himself, there to keep a harem of imaginary brides. And this harem, once admitted, works against his ever getting out and really uniting with a real woman. For the harem is always accessible, always subservient, calls for no sacrifices or adjustments, and can be endowed with erotic and psychological attractions which no woman can rival. Among those shadowy brides he is always adored, always the perfect lover; no demand is made on his unselfishness, no mortification ever imposed on his vanity. In the end, they become merely the medium through which he increasingly adores himself…After all, almost the main work of life is to come out of our selves, out of the little dark prison we are all born in. Masturbation is to be avoided as all things are to be avoided which retard this process. The danger is that of coming to love the prison." -C.S. Lewis

3 Women, 14 Abortions.

2011-04-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

As we have blogged about recently, we have had a great increase in clients in the first quarter of this year. Many have come to us very set on abortion, but by God's grace we have already seen many "turnarounds" this year, where girls have opened their heart to their baby and chosen life instead. Add to this the girls changing their minds at our Whitfield St abortuary Vigil and then the turnarounds from 40 Days for Life at Bedford Square abortuary and you will see why we are run off our feet!

In the last week we have seen a lot of very broken women. 3 girls that we spoke to had between them a total of 14 previous abortions. It takes something to move from that lifestyle to one of acknowledging the sanctity of their baby's life. These ladies can be absolutely terrified to face their pregnancy and the baby it will bring them, because they know it will force them too deal with the previous abortions too and the thought of that is simply overwhelmingly unbearable.

Please keep these ladies in your prayers. And please remember our appeal for babygoods and newborn clothes. We especially need boys clothes 0-6 months and light buggies but ones which are suitable for newborns (i.e. they lie flat). We need 2 twin buggies at present - the one in front of the other tandam type, not side by side twins as women can't get them on the bus - their main form of transfer. For more information on what we need click here, and please spread the word.

Lastly, if you or someone you know are suffering after an abortion, click here to call us for one-to-one counselling or to get a number for ARCH telephone counselling or Rachel's Vineyard weekend Retreats.

Clare McCullough

Abortion or Not? That is The Question?

2011-04-11T09:00:00.003+01:00

Since Advent last year Good Counsel has been counselling and praying outside the marie stopes abortuary at 108, Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5EA. We started with 4 mornings a week and are now there 9am-1.30pm Monday to Friday each week. It is hard to say what impact this has had, how many women have just gone home when they see us?

Eddie started talk to a young women, 'Sam' who looked quite upset. While arranging someone to bring her to Good Counsel in a cab she wandered off, but came back and came to our centre. She has many problems, not least the fact that she has not been in the Country very long and she has reason to believe that her Husband who came here ahead of her, is having an affair!

She left our centre planing to return to the abortuary for her consultation. She does not know what she will do and neither do I. But I do know that if no one was there to offer her help and if no one was there praying for her she would have just gone straight in! Please keep 'Sam' in your prayers.

God bless all of you who pray and/or counsel at this abortuary or any other.

Stuart McCullough

A Good Excuse Not To Pray At Whitfield Street Abortuary

2011-04-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

I send out texts inviting people to come and pray outside marie stopes house, the abortuary in Whitfield Street, London. (Nearest Underground Stations, Warren Street or Great Portland Street). At the moment we are there 9-1.30pm Monday to Friday each week. You are most welcome to come and join us, we pray the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of The Cross etc.

Some people reply to my text message to inform us what time they will be there and others to say that they will pray, but cannot attend because of work, college, school or whatever. But the best 'excuse' to date was this reply, "We will be outside the abortuary in Brighton tomorrow."

Donate to Good Counsel

Stuart McCullough

Mass for Good Counsel

2011-04-07T16:00:00.003+01:00

There will be an Old Rite Mass organised by the Latin Mass Society, on Friday 8th April at 6.30pm at Corpus Christi Church, Maiden Lane, London. This Mass is offered for the work of the Good Counsel Network.

Pray at an abortuary with an English Bishop

2011-04-06T11:37:00.012+01:00

Pro-Life Vigil at BPAS abortuary, 15 Rosslyn Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TE1 2AR, will be held ON 16TH APRIL, 2011. FROM ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH, 130 ST. MARGARET’S ROAD, EAST TWICKENHAM, TW1 1RL LED BY BISHOP ALAN HOPES, THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE RENEWAL AND WITH FULL POLICE CO-OPERATION (Do sign up to say a Rosary for Bishop Hopes and any other Bishops that you like) TIMES (APPROX.) ARE AS FOLLOWS: 9.00AM HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS AT ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH 9.40AM EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 9.50AM PRAYERFUL AND PEACEFUL PROCESSION TO BPAS ABORTUARY, PROCESSING WITH IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, HOLY ROSARY AND HYMNS 11.30AM RETURN PROCESSION WITH PRAYERS AND HYMNS 12.00PM BENEDICTION 12.15PM BREAK FOR TEA AND GET TOGETHER. PLEASE BRING PACKED LUNCH Directions: St. Margaret’s Station, South-West Trains. St. Margaret’s Church is opposite the Station. By road – Close to Chertsey and Twickenham Roads (A316) and Richmond Road (A305). Ample car-parking. PLEASE JOIN US – YOU REALLY DO MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. AND PLEASE TRY TO BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE UNABLE TO JOIN THE PROCESSION, PLEASE CONSIDER COMING TO ST MARGARET’S CHURCH FOR ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT DURING THE VIGIL, OR BE WITH US SPIRITUALLY.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: THE HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS P.O. BOX 26601, LONDON, N14 7WH Telephone: 020 8252 3109 E-mail: info@hgpi.co.uk Web: www.hgpi.co.uk or for a poster click here.

For details of a Central London weekday vigil see Good Counsel.

Stuart McCullough

Good Counsel Donations via Paypal

2011-04-04T23:53:00.006+01:00

Our new paypal facility is now up and running on our website, so you can now donate online more easily.

Money is still very tight, so we would appreciate any support you can give, and thanks to those who have already helped. We are still in need of a variety of baby goods, especially newborn boys clothes and moses baskets and buggies in good condition. Please spread the word.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARE

2011-04-02T03:19:00.002+01:00

Today is the Birthday of Clare McCullough, founder of The Good Counsel Network and this blog. So Happy Birthday from all the staff and volunteers! And even more so from the thousands of babies who have been born instead of aborted, from your efforts and God's Grace!

Congratulations to Conor and Madeleine, Felicity and Great Uncle Bulgaria

2011-03-31T16:38:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to Good Counsel Staff Member Conor Carroll and his wife Madeleine

on the birth of their baby Felicity on Wednesday 30th March.

And to Stuart who is now a Great Uncle even if he's not Bulgarian.

The Anunciation

2011-03-25T13:20:00.003Z

Have a

Blessed Feast

of the

Annunciation

Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae.
Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto. (Ave Maria)
Ecce ancilla Domini.
Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. (Ave Maria)

Et Verbum caro factum est.
Et habitavit in nobis. (Ave Maria)
Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix.
Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. (Oremus)

Gratiam tuam, quaesumus Domine, mentibus nostris infunde: ut qui, Angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem ejus et crucem ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Chile Protects the Unborn, And the Spanish Bishops Promote Sanctity of Vulnerable Life at All Stages

2011-03-25T09:00:00.001Z

Need some good news about life for the Feast of the Anunciation? Have a look at what a Government who protects life and a group of Bishops who respect the Church's teaching on life can do to encourage people to respect life.

Have a look at these beautiful adverts produced by the Chilean Government, as seen over at Monstrous Regiment of Women. That's not just Chile, it's really cool!

And if that doesn't cheer you up, have a look at this video, made by the Spanish Bishops. Further proof that there's nothing like a bit of persecution to make you a real Catholic, or a real Catholic bishop for that matter!

God bless you and your families on this Feast.

Good Counsel

Five-fold Increase in Women Coming to Good Counsel - Help Us Feed and House Mothers and Babies Today

2011-03-24T01:09:00.007Z

Babies - they and their mums are what it's all about.

It is always a great blessing to be busy in our work. The more women we see, the more women we can offer alternative options and support, and the more of them we can pray for - hopefully resulting in more women keeping their babies.
Through various initiatives to spread our work, we have recently had a more than five-fold increase in the women that we are seeing. And almost all of them are coming to us set on abortion.
This has meant a great increase in the number of women who have chosen life for their children.
What we have not had however is a five-fold increase in the financial support we receive. Nor even a two-fold increase. So I am writing this to ask you to put your hand in your pockets to help us out at his time. We urgently need some lenten sacrificial giving or the weekly vouchers we send out to Mothers who are not entitled to any other support will be threatened by our lack of funds. Our resources are depleting rapidly and yet 23 women are currently dependent on us for food each week and 9 of these are being housed by us.
Many of them will only need our help for about 1 year, before going back to independence, but in their hour of need we cannot let them down.
There are several options for donating which you can see here.
If you can help, please do and please pass this message on to your friends by sending them a link.
We always need your prayers for expectant mums under pressure, especially Ann, Una and Alana.
And lastly if you can help with donations of baby goods please click here to see what we need:
http://www.goodcounselnet.co.uk/Donating-Baby-Items.html and phone us on 02077231740 or email us at info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk to arrange collection or a time for you to drop it off.

Clare McCullough

Annunciation Pilgrimage to Walsingham

2011-03-22T23:01:00.002Z

Leeds People For Life annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham, Friday 25th March. Patronal Feast of the Shrine and the start of 950th Anniversary celebration. Non-Leeds Pro-Lifers welcome

PROGRAMME

6-7am Depart Leeds. Joyful and Luminous Mysteries on coach

11-11.45am Confessions (chapel of Reconciliation)

12noon Angelus and Holy Mass

1.30pm Lunch

2pm Eucharistic Adoration

3pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction

3.15pm Holy Mile Walk-Sorrowful Mysteries

4pm Stations of Cross in Church of Annunciation or optional visit to Priory grounds.

5pm Depart for home (stop en route for refreshments)

Coach £15 concessions for children , students and families

Pick-up points:- 6am St Marys Horsforth; 6.15 Leeds Playhouse; 6.20 St Augustines; 6.35 St Theresa’s Crossgates

Possibly Heckmondwike or Wakefield 7am

TEL 01132582745. Mob 07747698553. Email: patriciamarysammon@btinternet.com

Priests invited to lead the Pilgrimage, our 18th Annunciation pilgrimage of Reparation.

Stuart McCullough

Saint Margaret Clitherow on Television

2011-03-21T08:45:00.000Z

The remarkable story of the life and death of Saint Margaret Clitherow, English Catholic Martyr, who was executed for hiding hunted Catholic Priests during the reign of Elizabeth I. A Patron Saint of Good Counsel, because it is believed that she was pregnant when she was put to death. This hour long documentry will be shown on EWTN (sky 589 or online) on Monday 21st March at 3pm, Wednesday 23rd March 8am or Thursday 24th March at 8pm.

Stuart McCullough

Irish Catholicism, A Blessing and A Firm Anchor

2011-03-17T00:01:00.002Z

A St Patrick's Day blog.

My parents Rita and Stan McCarrick.

Current propaganda would have us believe that life in 1930’s Ireland was a bit of hell on earth, and that this was all the fault of the Catholic Church. Yet some who grew up at that time lived a different experience.
My father was born in Sligo, Ireland in 1918. He was the most well educated person I have ever met. He attended the National School until his early teens when he got a scholarship to St Nathy’s College in Roscommon. He was a smart fella. One of his younger schoolmates from his early schooldays remembers that after he left the National School, the teacher there used to tell stories about how he used to get my father to point out the major towns and rivers of various countries on a map with a stick – not so brilliant a trick except that he was doing it behind his back!
At college he learnt Latin and Greek in addition to his English and Gaelic, like everyone else, and had to write compositions in all four languages. He once won an all-Ireland essay competition, for a composition entitled “The Press and Catholic Action”. Unfortunately he didn’t keep a copy of the prize-winning essay, so when he was asked to produce a copy by his teacher sometime later, he had to write it again from scratch! But he was delighted with the “Guinea’s worth of books” that he won in any case.
He didn’t enjoy his time at college. The reason for this was that he was blisteringly poor and couldn’t afford a trip to the cinema, the shop or any of the other things boarders pass their terms with, and he frequently had shoes with huge holes in the soles or worn out clothes to live with. But for the rest of his life he referred back to that college as a perfect environment, where boys were brought up to behave honourably and justly. He regarded the teachers in that school – all Priests - as the finest men he met in his life. And his fellow pupils, shaped by those men, as not far behind them. He had been sent to the college probably with a hope that he would choose the priesthood, but no word was ever said to him when he did not. In his case, anyway, there was no pressure.
They had fun too, in that college. One of his friends, later a Priest, invented a litany in Latin of all the student’s names, to which they all had to reply “Ora pro nobis”. My Father, though known as Stanley after his middle name, was officially Charles McCarrick, so in the litany he was “Carolus Carrickedes” to which he duly replied “Ora pro nobis”. Once when one of their teachers drank a small quantity of sulphuric acid in error (and apparently survived!) a rhyme went round the school about the poor priest: “Old ------- died last night, his like we’ll see no more. For what he thought was H20 was H2S04.”
Was the Church harsh? Well, he said he remembered the parish priest preaching in fury when some girl or other locally got pregnant before marriage – something that was felt to be necessary in order that other girls would not make the same mistake. Though she wasn’t named of course everyone knew who she was. But he also knew the other side of that- the pastoral care that was provided for those wanting to put right such situations – he was a witness at a Marriage of two of his friends , where the woman was pregnant beforehand. Their marriage was held at midnight with just the 2 witnesses and the Priest present with the couple. The two spouses then returned to their homes and later she went to live with her husband, thus ensuring that nobody knew when the wedding took place – and thus that nobody knew that she was pregnant before the wedding took place. Other girls were hidden in Church run institutions. Those I have met speak about these places as hard work but a place where they were treated fairly, contrary to stories in films such as "The Magdalene Laundries" - and we have to consider also in passing judgement on the harshness of that society that girls today are left to sleep on the street at 7 months pregnant* if they don't accept the "merciful" solution our society offers them; abortion.
The beatings and harshness that my father witnessed in school took place in the National (state) lay run school, rather than the college run by Priests, in his case. Down in Cork, my Mother experienced this harshness from the lay run National school too – her sister was once forced to stand in front of a fire until her legs blistered terribly as a punishment for some minor misdemeanour. Not only did the local Police take no notice of this when asked to intervene, but my aunt was left with a painful and disfigured leg for life and no-one cared less. So my parents never particularly associated the harshness of the times with either Catholicism or the priesthood or religious life.
My father had such a strong faith in the Church, and the Holy Father and a devotion to Our Lady which deepened throughout his life. And he carried that sense of justice which he learnt in college to the grave. He couldn’t bear to see someone bullied or taken advantage of by another and would have to intervene at whatever personal risk. Many was the drunk he carried home in his time. Many the unaccompanied girl he saw safely to her door. He fought off an intruder in our home when he was 90, because the fellow had no right to be there!
He remembered his life in Aclare, County Sligo, as a life founded on living out the Gospel teaching of love of neighbour. No door needed to be locked, no-one would see their neighbour in trouble without offering to help bring in the crops, share what they had, lend goods or a hand where they could. His own father, the local magistrate, used to call the poor of the local village up to their home the day before he would see them in court and give them the money to pay the fines he would fine them the next day!!! No wonder they were penniless.
Dad spent his life from the 1960’s onwards writing more and more letters to the press, to MPs and TDs (the Irish equivalent) about abortion, and to a lesser extent other moral issues like divorce. He also wrote to Bishops and Priests about the dreadful errors in catechesis which sprang up following (though not beacuse of) Vatican II. Abortion, when the reality of it hit him, was his most urgent moral concern, second only to the urgent need for catechesis and evangelisation. In this I see the depth of his formation in the faith. He had a great clarity about right and wrong and didn’t fluff the major issues of his time.
Lastly, his education and upbringing gave him a certain humility about his own prospects. ~He warned us many times before his death that if anyone attempted to give a eulogy at his funeral, or suggest that he was in heaven already –( the premature canonisation we sadly see at so many funerals these days!) – that by whatever means needed he would break the lid of his coffin! Our Parish Priest was clever on this point however – he pointed out that Dad wore his brown scapular and was faithful to the promises associated with it. Therefore he would surely have received the Sabbatine Privilege; by which Our Blessed Lady promises those who wear the scapular and keep the promises that she will bring them to heaven on the Saturday following their death. My father died on Saint Patrick’s Day 2010– most appropriate for one who spent his life defending what Ireland of his youth was really all about – but he was buried on the 26th March. Between those two dates a Saturday had passed. Therefore my PP stated, we could be sure Dad was in heaven.
Now Dad, there’s a dilemma! Even you would have struggled with that one. Do we take you at your word and assume you are in need of our prayers? Or do we take Our Lady at her word and accept you are in heaven? Well maybe we will just have to believe that you are in heaven, but assume that you needed all the prayers and Masses that we can still muster to have gotten there! (Padre Pio gives a great explanation of how his Grandmother was already in heaven because of Masses he had yet to say – earthly time not being relevant to heaven). In any case, the lid of your coffin remained intact! Carolus Carrickedes, in heaven or in purgatory, ora pro nobis!
As for Ireland, People will say what they will about the Church and some will honestly relate horrible and harsh experiences at the hands of priests and sisters. But my family’s experience of Irish Catholicism in the first half of the 20th Century has been a blessing and has given our family such a firm anchor in the faith that has allowed us to stay faithful to Our Mother the Church this far (despite many slips) and will continue to do so we hope and pray.

Clare McCullough

*Good Counsel is regularly brought heavily pregnant women who are or are about to be sleeping on the street.

Photo Of An Aborted Baby Saves A Life

2011-03-15T21:00:00.004Z

I was counselling a pregnant married muslim Mother a few days ago. She already has a number of young children and has just moved house and felt that she could not cope with another baby just yet. I explained about the development of her child, its heart had started to beat between day 18 & 21, she could see the fingers and the eyes in the nice picture that I showed her. We talked about what abortion would do to the baby and I showed her a beautiful photo of a baby at 8 weeks before and after abortion. We talked about the medical risks to her health & we talked a bit about God, but she interrupted me at that point to say, "I changed my mind when you showed me the photo" and she pointed at the not very nice before and after photo (now face down on the table) . We then spent some time talking about all the help we could give her.
It is important to use graphic abortion photos, along with all the other means at our disposal, to help women avoid abortion.

But I know as well that it is important not to become too fixed on the idea that just one pro-life solution (such as showing graphic pictures of aborted babies) is the only thing that works; I have seen many women who have seen what abortion really involves, but have still gone ahead and had one anyway.

I have seen women keep their baby after seeing the 'nice' baby photos.

Often solving a real practical problem such as housing, or help with immigration issues etc, will save the baby's life.

Most often God is clearly the one who changes the heart and mind of the woman, via all the above-mentioned information.

So please Pray & Fast for the end of abortion. To see what abortion really looks like (WARNING it is not nice) click here.

Stuart McCullough

Food For Mothers

2011-03-14T14:00:00.002Z

Dear friends and supporters, Once a month we hold a "Mother's meeting" in central London which is open to any of the Mothers whom we support currently or have supported in the past. It is an opportunity for them to meet other people in a similar situation, to make friends and relax a little. Their children can play together for the afternoon. During this time, we normally have a talk aimed at helping them either practically or explaining aspects of morality or faith. We have Mass, followed by Lunch, which we provide each month. At the end of the meeting we normally distribute baby goods and catch up with the Mothers to ensure we are providing the best support possible.

In order to try to cut our costs, thus helping us to be able to help more Mothers, we are looking at ways to get the lunch donated to us by local food shops. If you have any links with a restaurant or food store etc. who might be willing to donate food (near to but not past the sell by date is ok) please contact Conor on 0207 723 1740. or email info@goodcounselnetwork.freeserve.co.uk.

Many Thanks in advance. Conor Carroll

"Don't give me any of your Pro-Life #*@!"

2011-03-12T21:28:00.004Z

I was outside marie stopes last week. Handing out leaflets that give info on the help available to women who will, with God’s help, decide to choose life instead of abortion. Sometimes people think that we are there to condemn and judge the ladies that are coming to the abortuary which, I might add, we definitely are not there to do. So people sometimes shout abuse at us while passing by, or tell us that they don’t like what we are doing, even though they don’t take the time to ask about what we are doing!
So anyway, I tried to hand a lady a leaflet and she promptly told me that she didn’t want any of my “anti-choice ***** ”. That we were “out of order” being there.
So I told her we were pro-life. She argued that we were not so I asked her when she thought life began. To which she answered “At birth”.
I then told her that medical scientists & biologists largely agreed that life begins at conception. She disagreed with this fact and told me she thought it was untrue, as she worked for the Department of Health .
I then made he mistake of asking her, sarcastically, if she was a scientist or a biologist, to which she replied that she was and then walked off!
We are taught to see the person of Christ in all the people we meet while we are outside the abortuary.( especially the ones who are nasty to us). So instead of being sarcastic, what I should have done was pray for God’s blessing on her. But while we are doing the vigil, God reveals things like that to us all the time.
Later while I was praying a few things came me; While looking through one of the leaflets, I noticed there were plenty of choices in it- just not the one option of killing a baby in the womb.
My thoughts and prayers also came around to the horrible murder of pregnant Nikitta Grender and her unborn daughter who she had already named Kelsey Mae. May they rest in peace. It had been all over the news that the perpetrator of this horrendous crime would also be charged with child destruction and rightfully so. The lady who said that she worked for the health deptartment might not agree but thank God, in this case, the Crown Prosecution Service does.

Eddie Bauer

What to do for Lent?

2011-03-08T22:03:00.005Z

What should I do For Lent? Go and pray at marie stopes abortuary at 108 Whitfield Street, London, W1T 5EA, with Good Counsel, 9am until 1.30pm Monday to Friday each week? Or should I go to Bedford Square, London, WC1X and pray outside the bpas abortuary as part of the 40 Days for Life? Or should I go to Both?

As this is quite a large undertaking for the Pro-Life Movement in London, so please do what you can to help.

If comming to Whitfield Street please let us know if you can as that helps our schedule.
Text 07932105696

Stuart McCullough

Dr Bernard Nathanson RIP

2011-03-05T13:04:00.003Z

Others have written and will write much more about this former abortionist turned Pro-Lifer, turned Catholic who died last week, than I will. But I was privileged to serve Mass for the repose of his soul in the chapel of the Good Counsel Network on Monday evening, the day he was buried. It was also nice to hear that he became Catholic in 1996, the year that I was Baptised.

If you have not seen his short Pro-Life film The Silent Screem click here.

Stuart McCullough