END OF AN ERA, ALPHA, WOMEN'S WORLD DAY.

28 FEBRUARY 2013 END OF AN ERA, ALPHA, WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER. This evening marks the end of an era with Pope Benedict XVI's final Blessing and farewell words at Castel Gondolpho. Now we, with the rest of the Catholic world, enter Kairos or God's time, until the Holy spirit will enable the election of his successor. For us, here in Belfast, we heard before Christmas that Sister Cait would join us in February so, on this final day of the month we awaited her arrival. Cait arrived after 6.00p.m. We will welcome her formally on Sunday, when our new era will begin. Cait has spent many years in Galway, where she lived with just one Sister and was on her own for more than the past year. So, getting to know a different culture and moving into a large community will present many moments of change for her in the coming weeks and months. These days we have had wonderful sunshine and Spring has really arrived in style. We have lots of daffodils and snowdrops and we are enjoying this time of year. The ALPHA course I have been attending with one of our Friends, Rosemary, continues. This evening at our weekly session we finalized plans for a day at Methodist Edgehill Training College, here in the city, on Saturday next. There, we will have a day of input on the Holy Spirit. We all welcome this quiet day for prayer and reflection as we feel its a great need both at Church and community level. Tomorrow evening a nearby Church of Ireland will host Women's World Day of Prayer. The Minster's wife invited me to the service which has been prepared by the women of France and has the theme of - "I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me". A number of us will be happy to attend this Service. Let us all spare a moment to remember women throughout the world in prayer tomorrow. Let us remember especially women who have been rescued from trafficking situations in so very many countries. Have a Blessed St. David's Day tomorrow and, I heard recently the word "Lent" is an old word for Spring. So, may the month of March be full of life and growth for you as we move towards Easter.