Last week, Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, celebrated Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Wheatley, part of Corpus Christi Parish in Oxford, to help launch the book that had been created by the parishioners to help others to live and cook more simply.

"I hope all parishioners will enjoy cooking my leftover Rice and Veg on page 8 but they may prefer Fr Mervyn's Spaghetti con salsa di pomodoro on page 7", said Bishop John.

"Thank you for all you do to respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth as we care for Our Common Home."

The book, which has been months in the making, was spearheaded by Fr Mervyn who encouraged parishioners to send in their own recipes, particularly encouraging the use of leftovers and non-meat dishes.

The result is a book packed with wonderful recipes: soups and breads, a wide range of vegetarian savoury meals, some fish and meat dishes, and a collection of desserts and cakes. There are also useful tips on storing leftovers, freezing and defrosting.

To order copies - email: livesimplyrecipe@gmail.com to obtain payment details. Price £5 (+ P&P).

Source: Independent Catholic News

Bishop-elect John Arnold of Salford said he believes the Pope has made some bishops rethink their priorities.

A former barrister who was auxiliary bishop in Westminster, Bishop Arnold has pledged to follow the Pope's exhortation to stay close to his people.

"I do believe that a bishop belongs among his people," the bishop-elect said.

"Sometimes, as Francis says, that is to lead, sometimes to simply be with and sometimes be round the back to make sure no one gets left behind," he told The Tablet after his appointment was made public last week.

Last month, Pope Francis asked new bishops not to be tempted to try to change their people, but to love them and pray for them, even when they have erred.

A year ago, Francis told new bishops to be pastors, not princes.

Bishop-elect Arnold said his first priority will be to listen and learn about the diocese.

But he said he would continue to build on relationships established with other local faiths in areas such as "peace, justice, equality and education".

He also raised the possibility of moving out of his episcopal residence for Salford, a manor house that has an historic listing, although there are no plans to sell the property.

Bishop-elect Arnold said he accepted the appointment "with much trepidation but [i] will do all I can to serve the people, priests, and religious of this diocese as we all seek to respond to Pope Francis' call to be 'missionary disciples'."

"I have much to learn in this new experience, after 31 years of priesthood spent entirely in Westminster."

At Salford he succeeds Bishop Terence Brain, who had reached retirement age of 75.

Bishop-elect Arnold paid tribute to his predecessor and expressed his gratitude.

The Salford diocese covers Greater Manchester and North East Lancashire.

Bishop-elect Arnold studied for the priesthood at the Gregorian University in Rome, where he obtained both a license and a doctorate in canon law.

He is the chairman of the trustees of Cafod, the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales.

Sources

• The Tablet
• BBC
• Catholic News Agency
• National Catholic Reporter
• Catholic News Service
• Image: Cafod