Martyn

 

On a cold and dark December evening, twenty years ago, I went to church for confession. The rosary was being recited as I arrived. I joined in prayer while waiting for my turn to speak to the priest. On the lectern was a tall man leading. He was not looking at those gathered but led with his head bowed down. The man’s humility fascinated me. I thought that is the proper attitude in the presence of God. 

Seven years later, that man was ordained a permanent deacon. The first permanent deacon in our parish: Martyn Swaby.

Martyn, as he preferred to be called, was a humble colleague, friend, and spiritual director. One could easily confide and get along with such a cool guy. If you wanted to speak to him, he would make time and readily listen to you. He was receptive to feedback, regardless of if it was positive or not. He showed his human side when he once confided to me and a few colleagues that he was nervous in leading a service or was not satisfied with his homily.  We assured him that he will be fine and he appreciated it.

He would always tell me, “Always here if you need anything or just want to talk”. When my father passed away last year, he messaged me saying “[T]he love and prayers of myself and my family are with you all at this difficult time”. The chats I had with him were always full of affirmations such as “I know you are open to whatever He (God) is asking of you”. I am grateful for the words of wisdom that he imparted: “When God calls you, He won’t let go” and “(Instead of worrying) enjoy the process”. 

As deacon, he animated the community in serving the Lord and the Church. He founded the Mind to be Merciful Cafe, which provides a safe place for people of various walks of life to be listened to “with acceptance, non-judgement, with empathy, compassion and love”. This, along with his chaplaincy work in Highbury Hospital and Chair of governors in Our Lady’s Primary School are testaments of his being an icon of Christ the Servant.  

His homilies, for me, revealed a heart full of compassion for God’s people particularly those who feel unwelcomed due to various situations. He once said that if our faith is in Christ who is Love Himself, then our faith must be rooted in love. During the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016, he used to say these words during the Dismissal at Mass: “Be merciful as the Father is merciful. Go in peace”.

Martyn, thank you for the love and mercy you humbly and generously showered on the people around you. These hallmarks of your ministry have made a difference in the lives of so many. May you now enjoy everlasting peace in the presence of the Lord Jesus whose servant-leadership you strove to follow. 

Toni and family, I am one with you in mourning the loss of a wonderful husband and father. Together, let us heed Martyn’s appeal to mirror the Father’s mercy so that there will be no needy person among the community of believers (cf. Acts 4:34).

Will You Come and Follow Me?

A week ago, 104 people from across the Diocese of Nottingham were commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion by Bishop Patrick McKinney at the Cathedral of St Barnabas. Two of those commissioned were from the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: Jane Kabiru and yours truly. Deacon Martyn Swaby was there too to represent Fr John Martin and the parish. The cathedral was full of people that day. 

In his homily, Bishop Patrick asked the congregation if anyone could claim to be qualified to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. To which he said "No one". Underscoring how the disciples fed the crowd from five loaves of bread and two fish (Lk 9:10-17), the Bishop spoke of the importance of giving to the Lord what one has and He will use it in ministering to His people, the Church. The Homily was followed by the Rite of Commissioning where each of those 104 people received  from the Bishop their scapular and certificate of commissioning. 

After being commissioned, I sat back to my seat and reflected on what the Bishop said. True, no one is worthy or qualified. All that matters is one's willingness to serve. I also thought of what Fr Michael Eastwood, Chairman of the Diocesan Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Commission, told us during our formation way back in September. He spoke about commitment and encouraged us, when waking up in the morning, to offer to Jesus that day and ask Him to help us do what is right, to be faithful, just for that day. He explained that we cannot undo the past nor know what will happen in the future. Hence, the need to be faithful, in the present.

"The Summons" which was sung during the Presentation of Gifts that day sums up that momentous occasion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkuowlcfcOw

In my prayer, I called to mind my late grandparents Paulino and Pilar Albano. Both used to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Both instilled in me the value of serving at Mass. If they were still alive, they would be celebrating this year their 80th wedding anniversary.

I would like to thank my family, Fr John Martin, Fr Gerry Murphy (former Parish Priest), Deacon Martyn Swaby, John Staniland, and fellow parishioners for their support in my rediscovered ministry. Seven years ago, Fr Murphy recruited me as an extraordinary minister on a temporary basis. However, I was then unable to go forward and be commissioned. I thought that was it. Surprisingly, an opportunity became available last summer. It seems to me that the Lord is calling me once again to this ministry. O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!

Please remember me and my fellow ministers in your prayers. Thank you.