The annual “Day for Life” is celebrated in this country this weekend.

This year’s theme focuses on the meaning of Christian death and care for those who are terminally ill or dying.

Our parishes should be places of solace for those who have entered the final phase of their life; of support for their families and loved ones; of consolation for those on the sometimes long and painful journey of bereavement.

To help us reflect on these issues, which sooner or later, will affect all of us, there is a leaflet available after Mass.

There will also be a collection today to support the work of the Anscombe Bio-ethics centre, and other life-related work supported by the Church.

In 1589, Sir Francis Drake, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, sailed for Spain to destroy Santiago, “that centre of pernicious papist superstition”.  He did not succeed!  Last year over 2 million pilgrims visited Santiago – and at least one dog!

The tradition that Saint James the Apostle came to Spain and was buried there goes back to the 9th century.  For over 700 years nearly every catholic pilgrim in Europe felt obliged to make the “Camino” and pray at the tomb of the Apostle.

Santiago is near the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain’s Celtic province.  Very wet and green, it is not at all like the present day tourist’s image of sunny Spain.  Its climate and landscape are much more like parts of Western England or the west of Ireland!

Today, 25th July, would normally be the feast of Saint James.  When his feast falls on a Sunday it ushers in a jubilee year in Santiago.

It is also the feast of our neighbouring parish Spanish Place. Quite a few people around here have “dual nationality” when it comes to worship, fluctuating between high and low!

We send our very best wishes to all the clergy and people of St James’, Spanish Place.