Rival Clerics clash at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

A fight has broken out at the church built on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born.
Palestinian police stormed the basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem after rival groups of Orthodox and Armenian clerics clashed in a row over the boundaries of their respective ancient jurisdictions inside the church.
 Arund 100 priests and monks came to blows during the cleaning of the church in preparation for Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
The former Palestinian minister of tourism and head of the Palestinian forces in Bethlehem were slightly injured.
Administration of the church is shared by Catholic, Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic clerics.
The relationship between these groups has often been difficult, and there have been similar scuffles in previous years over jurisdiction.

Pray for Palestinian Christians this Christmass-tide

Days getting longer again!

I'm pleased that the winter solstice is passed and we can look forward to summer again! Must dust off the sun loungers and clear the snow off the BBQ!

O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel - December 23rd

 O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.
 O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour: come to save us, O Lord our God.

O Rex Gentium

December 22nd - O Rex Gentium

O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum,

lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum:

veni, et salva hominem,

quem de limo formasti.

English:

O King of the nations, and their desire,

the cornerstone making both one:

Come and save the human race,

which you fashioned from clay.

Anniversary of Ordination

30 years today since my ordination as a priest in the Anglican Church.

27 weeks and three days since my ordination as a Catholic priest.
Laus deo!!

O Oriens

O Oriens    December 21st

O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.
O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.