Sunday, March 01, 2009

As I approached...

...Westminster Cathedral this morning, there were people with banners and placards. A demonstration? People objecting to the Church's stance on something? (Last demo I remember at the Cathedral was young Islamicists all muddled and cross about what the H. Father had said at Regensburg...)But no. It was enthusiastic Filipinos, greeting a famous Filipino boxer who is visiting Britain - rumours had spread that he was to attend the 10.30 Mass!

Always full, the Mass was thus absolutely packed as his fans surged up the side aisle to stand as near to him as possible (he was apparently in a front pew). With no seats to spare, and people already standing at the back as they usually do on a busy Sunday, the cathedral felt postively bulging at the seams.

On to an agreeable lunch at a friend's flat nearby. This was one of those utterly enjoyable gatherings, where the conversation and the food and the friendship and the laughter was all just a delight.

I remember once a family friend saying, after a particularly happy dinner-party "I think Heaven might be a bit like this - people united and feasting together", and I think she was right...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Boxing what a vulgar sport. Men beating each other for what !!.
However if the Boxer brings people to our Lord Gods church and they listen to Gods words maybe they will find peace.Our God celebrates our freindships with others.How lovely you have a great time after Holy Mass with friends.Like you I am a cyclist,We are so lucky not to sit in a 4 wheeled metal box.The sites and sounds we hear and see,Oh what joy it is to me.
Keep up you wonderful site,its such a pleasure for all of us to read.

Anonymous said...

I bet we all know that the Filipino,s were not just there to see the Boxer but,wanted to celebrate Holy Mass with him.For so many Filipino,s are Catholics.Had it been a Polish Boxer, again Westminster would have been packed.It not about the man being famous,you can see famous people anywhere.It,s about famous or not, our common fame is our love of our reglion.The most famous Man "Jesus Christ".I talk with him everday of my life.
Glad you had a great lunch with friends