NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MADLEY, HEREFS   We know that mediaeval British churches often had famous local shrines but none survive today like the ones you meet in France, such as Orcival (ND May 2011) or Pibrac (ND [...]

Arthur Middleton on the desire for God   Julian of Norwich claims that when the Holy Spirit touches the soul it longs for God rather like this: ‘God of your goodness give me yourself, for you are sufficient for me… [...]

John Twisleton preaches on the canonization of St John Henry Newman   Love and truth walk in the presence of God, writes the Psalmist (89:14) and so do his saints. Saint John Henry Newman’s walk with God appeals to both [...]

John Gayford explores the importance of Melchizedek   Melchizedek can be translated from ‘melek,’ meaning ‘king,’ and ‘sedeq,’ meaning ‘righteousness’: thus ‘king of righteousness.’ He was King of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of God the Most High. He appears twice [...]

This year saw the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The main commemoration in Portsmouth saw two particularly touching moments: HM The Queen’s simple ‘thank you’ to all who served and gave their lives, and a letter read by President [...]

Tom Sutcliffe on the critics   My first encounter with a real critic was in my first Lent Term at Hurstpierpoint College in the Remove Form. I entered the Weston Speech Prize competition, which was judged by a teacher from [...]

Art   William Blake Tate Britain until 2 February 2020   This is so huge an exhibition that the catalogue isn’t a catalogue—it can’t fit in 300 exhibits, some of which need a magnifying glass to read. But the show [...]

Christopher Smith reflects on our true homeland   November is a month during which we reflect particularly on the Holy Souls, and we are hoping that you will get your New Directions this month on All Saints or All Souls [...]

HRH The Prince of Wales summed up the sentiments of many around the world when he said of the canonization of John Henry Newman: ‘Those who seek to define and defend Christianity find themselves grateful for the way he reconciled [...]

Alan Smith considers some constitutional reforms   In the good old days, that is up to 2005, the Lord Chancellor was the true embodiment of the constitution. The most senior lawyer in the land, presiding over the judicial system, he [...]