An Editorial Farewell!

Bernard O’Connor OSA  with the September 2012 edition of Newsangle, must finally say ‘Farewell.’  "The time has come to hand over to a new editor and, I hope a new team".

Newsangle began its life as Newsheet (which to our horror we now realise should have had 2 s’s!, though it looks better with one). The first edition was in November 1973, and it appeared monthly, apart from summer and Christmas breaks.

Its purpose was to report news from around the province, not only from the Provincial, but also reporting what was happening at the local level in the parishes and communities. This was seen to be particularly important as our houses are spread out, with relatively large distances between them. It is equally important that there be a regular in-house publication for the province. It needs a team, like any other province ministry, rather than have an individual ploughing a lonely furrow. Thankfully, there are soundings of willingness, which one prays becomes a reality. No doubt a new team will have new ideas of format, presentation, content. That is right and what is needed. Little has changed over the years.

We became a province at the General Chapter of 1977, and Newsheet became Newsangle.

We have also enjoyed a sizeable readership overseas, many of whom have been encouraging in their comments from time to time. To all our regular readers I say a nostalgic farewell. To my successor I say ‘Bon Voyage. Keep the ship afloat.’"

Some Highlights from the Past

Spode House

This was our first plenary gathering. It was in the aftermath of Vatican II. Young friars recently ordained were full of the new theology. Many older friars were puzzled and apprehensive. Everybody feared confrontation. In fact a gentle and respectful discussion took place. For those present, Spode House is best remembered for the cauliflower cheese, served as our first meal. While we waited for the main course, gradually it was conveyed to us that that was it! Spode House = cauliflower cheese.

Ordination in Yola

The second edition announced the ordination of the first Nigerian priest for the Yola diocese—December 1973.

Financial Statement

for 1977 announced the vice-province was in the red to the tune of £800 !!!

Meetings

The early years were a time of meetings, of intense discussions in the wake of the Vatican Council. The encouraging number of students and newly-ordained led to the establishment of the Province and purchase of a house in London for our students—not without controversy.

Jubilees

In the early editions we celebrated professions and ordinations. As the years passed we find celebration of jubilees—silver, golden and even diamond! There were also the Augustinian Jubilees: 1650th of the birth of Augustine; 7th centenary of the birth of St Nicholas of Tolentine; 750th of the Grand Union; a low-key 25th of the Province.

Obituaries

Flicking through past editions, the most nostalgic entries are the obituaries—quite a lot of them over the years, recording and celebrating the personalities of our deceased brothers.

Youth Ministry

Always prominent in the reporting has been the stories emanating from our youth ministry, especially the accounts given by young people of the effect on them of the various gatherings, where it was cool to talk about your faith and to pray.

And finally

there were the occasional articles that raised hackles: May they rest in peace!