Catholic News

"No chaplains, no army" is a quote attributed to General Sir Peter de la Billière - commander of British forces during the first Gulf War in the early 1990s. It's a sentiment that aptly highlights the high regard in which military chaplains are held. Whether serving in the army, navy or air force, they really are indispensible to the service men and women who put themselves in harm's way for their country.

Our latest podcast again features Professor Jim McManus who's Hertfordshire County Council's Director of Public Health and a key contributor to the Catholic Church's Healthcare Reference Group. Now, sadly, we've had to suspend public acts of worship, Jim gives us an update and offers some dos and don'ts when it comes to self-isolation and social distancing. We talk about how we can all stay safe and how when we protect ourselves, we protect others - particularly the most vulnerable and those who are not in a position to work from home.

There's an understandable level of anxiety generated whenever anyone talks about Coronavirus and the global impact of COVID-19. But what is always needed is clear information and a sensible approach to containing, delaying and coping with the virus. Professor Jim McManus joins us today to discuss COVID-19 and how we can all do our bit to combat the spread and keep ourselves safe - especially the most vulnerable members of our society. Jim is the Director of Public Health for Hertfordshire and Vice President of Directors of Public Health. He is also a key contributor to the Bishops' Conference Healthcare Reference Group and worked on our Coronavirus guidelines for Catholics.

We're into the new year and it's well worth remembering that Christmas doesn't end on Boxing Day as everyone looks to move on rather too quickly. Canon Christopher Thomas concludes our series of six Advent and Christmas reflections by looking at what is revealed to us at the great Feast of the Epiphany - namely God incarnate as Jesus Christ, dwelling among us. Of course the magi - the wise men - come into focus but also the star that leads the way: "In its shining - the star calls to all people 'Here is your king - the child to save you from your sins'." Let's celebrate that "He is God with us, He is the light of the world" and bear in mind that the Christmas season continues for a full 40 days - right up to the 'Presentation of Jesus at the Temple'.

As Advent - the great season of anticipation and preparation - draws to a close we arrive at the crib to celebrate Christ among us - the Word made flesh. Canon Christopher Thomas offers us a thought-provoking Christmas reflection. Silence lies at the heart of the ultimate Christmas gift, yet to speak of silence means to destroy it - to take away the peace.