We had a wonderful gathering in Holyhead with Fr Tim Peacock, who travelled all the way from Zimbabwe&is staying with his twin sister Sue. It was a joy to come together with David&Hilary Crystal to discuss everything John Bradburne&Mutemwa.

“Whatever dreadful things you've done to-day get up to face with grace the roundelay of God's to-morrow: oddly not you'll find Christ in the temple with the Mass combined.”It is a reminder we need not carry our burdens alone; instead lay them down,to rise again with faith.

We thank you for the gift of this day&ask for Your guidance&strength. Teach us to quiet the noise that surrounds us,to set aside our worries, &focus our hearts on Your presence.We pray for all those who struggle,the lonely&the sick.Surround them with Your healing love.Amen #pray

De Trinitate,1974 by John Bradburne ‘Love's Person First is Thought, The Father, quiet.Expressed by Person Second in The Word that is The Son (Incarnate at the 'fiat' uttered by Miriam); I AM is heard proceeding from The Father&The Son as Voice, The Spirit:Love is Three in One.

These are the people who are at the heart of it all—the residents of Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre. They are the individuals John Bradburne befriended and lovingly cared for until his tragic death on September 5th 1979.#mutemwaleprosycarecentre

SEPTEMBER 01 by John Bradburne ‘Happily, Sundays still remain halting places, grace to gain.’ John’s poem celebrates the enduring nature of Sundays as a time for rest and spiritual renewal, even as the seasons. #September #1stSeptember

On 2 Sept 1979 kidnappers arrived at Mutemwa&took John away.After a night of jeering,the tormentors grew bored.They told their chief they had captured a white man, who protested, explaining that John was a good man who loved the Africans&to take him back,they promised to do so.

Today,on the 45th anniversary of John Bradburne's death,we remember a man who dedicated his life to serving others with extraordinary humility&love.Let us also pray for his beatification,that his example may continue to inspire generations to come.#johnbradburne #beatification

John was a free man&began heading home.The armed guerrillas said “you should have gone to Mozambique. Others did&saved their skin”. John fell to his knees as these words were spoken.He rose to his feet again&the guerrilla emptied his Kalashnikov mercilessly into John’s back.

On 6th Sept,Fr David Gibbs set off in the mission ambulance&spotted John lying on the side of the road,dressed only in his underpants.He carried John’s body to the ambulance&drove him to the mortuary in Mtoko. Fr Gibbs went to tell those at Mutemwa&prayed with them.

As we remember Your servant,John Bradburne.We lift up his cause for beatification&we pray that his life of humility,sacrifice&love may inspire us to live in greater devotion to You.Through his intercession,we ask that You grant the grace of healing&peace to all who suffer.Amen.

This weekend,the annual John Bradburne Pilgrimage took place at the Mutemwa,drawing people from near&far to honour the life of John Bradburne.This video captures many of the pilgrims departing after a weekend at Mutemwa filled with prayer, testimonies&celebrations of John’s life

This video was taken by Robert Kawadza, a pilgrim and huge supporter of John Bradburne. In this video, Robert shows us the place where John’s body was shot dead and found by Fr David Gibbs.

On Sept 10,1979 John Bradburne's funeral was held.When the flowers from his friend were placed on the coffin 2 drops of blood fell.On inspection,the body&coffin were completely dry.John’s wish to be buried in a Franciscan habit was fulfilled.#johnbradburne #mystery #funeral

John lies today in the Chishawasha graveyard. The headstone simply reads:John Bradburne of Mutemwa ​3rd Order of St Francis,Born 14 June 1921,Died 5 September 1979.The simplicity of these words reflects the simple life John sought but never found.

Following John’s death followers began to travel in their thousands in pilgrimages to spend time at the foot of Chigona hill where he had lived among the leprosy residents.On the 5th Sept each year, the pilgrimages swell as people come by to visit the spot where he lived.

Currently,we are awaiting the completion of the Historical& Theological Commissions.With this they will review all the documentation&testimonies collected to determine whether John can be declared Venerable a title given to those who have lived a life of heroic virtue.

Blessed Mary,Mother of Sorrows,we come before you,remembering the7sorrows of your heart,which you endured with unwavering faith & love. Grant us healing where we are wounded,peace where we are troubled&hope where we are discouraged. Amen.

Pied kingfisher I spied and thought 'Tis His, the thing to see I sought, The very bird to display The Word Fishing for men and wishing their support Galilee, 1974 by John Bradburne #kingfisher #piedkingfisher #photo #africanbird

Fr. Colin Carr will be hitting the streets of Cambridge to celebrate his 83rd birthday by raising awareness&funds for those living at the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre.The funds raised will help cover school fees&uniforms for the children living at Mutemwa. justgiving.com/campaign/jbmsw…