St Michael, Patron of Cornwall

It seems there were many shrines in Cornwall to St Michael along with the famous one at Marazion, including on Looe Island and the top of our Carn Brea. There were also many old Cornish churches dedicated to him: Landrake, Lawhitton, Lesnewth, Michaelstow, St Michael Penkivel and St Michael Caerhays.

Do you know the story behind the composition of the prayer by Pope Leo XIII that used to be said after all Masses? (This statue is in the church on the Mount).

Blessed Michael the Archangel,

defend us in the day of battle;

be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:

and do thou, the Prince of the heavenly host,

by the power of God,

thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits

who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Parish Harvest Supper

On Friday just over 60 members of the parish met in the Penventon Hotel for our annual entertainments evening. There was a quiz to identify photos of churches throughout the world and of course a raffle. The highlight was the series of 9 sketches and songs by parishioners  very confidently compèred by a young member of the parish. We had two piano pieces, a flute solo, a Joyce Grenfell tribute, 4 songs and this young lady, who won first prize from the panel of 3 judges with her dance routine to an Abba song!

It was a decent venue, but next time we'll go for a Saturday - and a little more food!

Anniversary of the Holy Father's visit

This photo was found via google to post on our parish website to mark the anniversary of the papal visit. It was only afterwards that the Cornish flag was noticed waving above the popemobile - this was the one carried by our group to the Beatification Mass at Cofton park!