Book Corner

My book choice for May is a collection of sermons written by Father Cormac Rigby collectively entitled, The Lord be with you.

The sub-title on the front cover reads, A Parish Priest speaks with his people. The words are rich and prolific but direct and simple. One can actually imagine being present and hearing the words and in reading the book, I wished that I could have really heard him preach.

Chapter headings include, "The Son of Man must be lifted up", "The worship they offer me is worthless" and "But when the spirit of truth comes".

In the chapter, "Go and sell everything that you own", based around the rich young man who was not able to give up his possessions, the author cites his uncle who, as a young boy, was extremely keen on marbles. So much so that rather than interrupt his game he used his trousers (yes, he took them off) to mop up a puddle that happened to be in the way of his game.

Father Cormac: "Possessions don't matter, clothes don't matter. That is the whole point about possessions. If we use them for the benefit of others, there's no harm in them. But when we begin to think more about our clothes, our cars, than we think about people, we're lost".

Father Cormac Rigby was, from 1971 to 1985, the Presentation Editor of Radio 3. On the 21st May 1988, Cardinal Basil Hume ordained him in Westminster Cathedral. In June 1999 he provided the commentary on Radio 3's relay of the Requiem Mass for Cardinal Hume at Westminster Cathedral. In the summer of 1999 he took over as Parish Priest of St William of York, Stanmore until forced to retire by ill health. He now lives in North Oxford.

A very precious book.

"The Lord Be With You" by Cormac Rigby. (Family Publications).

ISBN 1-871217-42-3) £6.95.

Lynn Winter