Three celebrations in one
This weekend, as always early in September, we celebrate our patronal festival – a celebration of the saint after which the church is named – Mary, the mother of Christ – the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This year, though, we hold two other celebrations in tension with that: Sunday is the second anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and so we mark the accession to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III. We are also remembering the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Holst. Three distinct celebrations which may have more to do with each other than you might notice at first glance.
The accession of King Charles is a new chapter in our national life, marked by tradition, continuity and commitment to service. It reminds us about our own roles within society and within the church and our responsibilities as guardians of faith. Similarly, SMR stands as a beacon of stability and hope in the parish, dedicated to serving both the spiritual and practical needs of our community. However, like the monarchy, our vocation as a church is not just about maintaining tradition but also about adapting and growing in response to contemporary needs while staying true to our core mission.
Celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary enables us highlight the nurturing and protective qualities of Mary. She embodies compassion, faithfulness, and dedication—qualities that continue to inspire many in their daily lives. As a parish church, we live out these virtues, offering a place of hospitality, comfort, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Her example challenges us to deepen our faith with humility and serve our neighbours with love, whilst singing the song of faith and justice.
Which links us to the anniversary of Gustav Holst’s birth which invites us to notice the role of music in worship and community life. Holst’s compositions, particularly his "The Planets," evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence: an invitation to draw ever closer to the divine. The arts enriches our spiritual experiences and foster a deeper connection with God. As we embrace a widening diversity of the arts we are expressing a deepening understanding of the diversity of God and thus not only enhancing our own faith, but also creating a vibrant environment where worship and creativity flourish together.
Maybe these three seemingly unconnected events have more to offer us this weekend than we realise as we weave together tradition, compassion, and creativity into a tapestry of faith, hope and love.
Dan Tyndall
5 September 2024
