The Cathedral, indeed the civic centre of the town, was moved to Salisbury from Sarum, it is said, because the monks did not like the wind that blew across salisbury plain. Salisbury still claims to be the inter for Stonehenge - but old Sarum is indeed much closer.

The old Sarum Rite was written in the cathedral at Sarum, and has a certain beauty about it.

By the favor of God we all arrived in Japan in perfect health on the 15th of August, 1549. We landed at Cagoxima, the native place of our companions. We were received in the most friendly way by all the people of the city, especially the relations of Paul, the Japanese convert, all of whom had the blessing to receive the light of truth from heaven, and by Paul’s persuasion became Christians. During our stay at Cagoxima the people appeared to be wonderfully delighted with the doctrines of the divine law, so entirely new to their ears. Japan is a very large empire entirely composed of islands. One language is spoken throughout, not very difficult to learn…The Japanese are very ambitious with honors and distinctions, and think themselves superior to all nations in military glory and valor…They are, in short, a very warlike people, and engaged in continual wars among themselves; the most powerful in arms bearing the most extensive sway. They have all one sovereign, although for one hundred and fifty years past the princes have ceased to obey him, and this is the cause of their perpetual feuds. \

~From a letter to the Jesuits in Europe, from Saint Francis Xavier

All of our first readings in Advent come from Isaiah. But who was Isaiah?

The more correct question is who were Isaiah, as there were at least two, and probably three authors. This is evident from the different styles of writing used, but also clues relating to events that are know for specific dates spanning at least two centuries.

Overall the prophesies speak of an overwhelming, glorious and transcendent God, which is contrasted strongly with the sinful, weak nature of humans. Israel - the people of God - have been stubborn in their refusal to follow God's commands, and God's holiness demands much better from us! Although these are written about historical behaviour, we must individually take our own behaviour into this space - how do we compare with the way we should be?

In Advent we particularly read Isaiah as pointing forward to the promised saviour to come. In His day - all will be well - even babies safe to sleep with cobras!. As ever - we have our part to play in the building of this future for ourselves and our loved ones. But the target we are aiming for is so Wonderfull!

Our Facebook Page Post....

Alexander Briant (or Bryant) was born in Somerset (1556), and entered Hart Hall, Oxford (now Hertford College), at an early age. While there, he became a pupil of Father Robert Parsons, which led to his conversion to the Catholic Church. Having left the university he entered the seminary at Douai, and was ordained priest in 1578. He was assigned to the English mission in August of the following year to work as a priest in his own county of Somerset. After working only briefly he was arrested in April 1581 by a group who were searching for Father Parsons. After spending some time in Counter Prison, London, he was taken to the Tower where he was subjected to tortures that, even in Elizabethan England, stand out for their viciousness. The rack master admitted that Briant was “racked more than any of the rest,” and following a public outcry was imprisoned for a few days for cruelty. With six other priests Briant was arraigned, on November 16, 1581, on the charge of high treason, and condemned to death. In a letter to the Jesuit Fathers in England written from prison he says that he felt no pain during the various tortures he underwent, and adds: “Whether this that I say be miraculous or no, God knoweth, but true it is.” He also asked that he might become a Jesuit, having vowed to offer himself should he be released. Accordingly he is numbered among the martyrs of the Society. He was scarcely more than twenty-five years old on 1 December, the day of his martyrdom. He suffered with Edmund Campion and Ralph Sherwin.   [from Universalis - About Today]