What we assume to be happiest time of the year is approaching; we will be denying the doom and gloom of the shortest days and the longest nights of the year, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the company of family and friends. Of course it will not just happen. In order to make it happen we have already made a…
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One of my first public appearances as parish priest of St Mary’s was at the official opening of the Fochabers bypass. I didn’t do much – I was just standing among other officials and spectators, looking handsome (that was the most demanding bit). After about 30 minutes the first cars were allowed to pass along the route. Since then drivers…
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The Egyptian version of the Arab Spring toppled a despot who had ruled that country for three decades. Calls for Freedom, democracy and welfare were the main driving forces of the revolution. Since then the transition of power has been quite a bumpy affair, but seemingly the problems have been overcome by a greater desire to establish public order and…
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As the month of November goes on, our Book of Remembrance fills up with the names of those who have died but whose memories are still alive. Some surnames sound familiar to me, recalling particular people I was lucky enough to meet; some names are familiar as I know their families; and some names tell me nothing. I recall those…
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There he is – the new old president of the USA. When the results of the election became clear, his supporters were incredibly happy. Reports on the news showed ecstatic people, waving their arms, flags or banners, and shouting in joyful celebration. On the other side, supporters of the candidate who lost were shown crying, shocked or disappointed. It was…