Sentamu Nails It

This prolonged Yorkist sojourn has few perks. Still slaving away in penitential mode on this 'training the clergy' malarkey. Nearly done - and nearly in truth done in too.

There is though one perfect blessing, which is proximity to the mighty spirit and voice of the local Arch.

He one John Sentamu, famously bereft of dog-collar pending the binning of that great monster Mugabe.

A prayer he has written for Madeleine. No better words than these could there be:

"Keep her safe and take away her fear and anxiety. May your holy angels guard and protect her. We pray that she may be reunited with those who love her. Give hope to all her loved ones and hear our cry for her safe return."

Hear our cry indeed, for her and for all children who suffer today.

One Year, Another Day...

...Some months back I watched a documentary on the mass trade in Chinese children - boys kidnapped to be the one male heir, and now girls to mate in time with the boys.

A mother sat weeping, crying out in her pain: "Each day I wonder where he is, what he is doing, if he well. When it rains is there someone to keep him dry? If he weeps does someone wipe his tears? I should be doing this, but if I cannot I can only pray that someone is."

A year's anniversary of the abduction of Madeleine McCann and we too pray that her life is nourished and nurtured, not cruel and scared. The imaginings of that life must always be with Kate and Gerry.

One year of loss, another day of wondering and hoping and praying.

Wherever she is, may - as He most assuredly does - the Lord hold her in the palm of his hand, keep her safe from harm. One day to return her.