One Priest & his dog helping to end abortion

(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

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.

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?

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

"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

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!

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

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

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

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