Ubi Caritas presentations for contributions to the weekly Burning Bush vlog

Recipient Con McHugh

On Saturday 23 November at the 6pm Mass I was presented with the Ubi Caritas Award by Mgr McHugh (my cousin) and Parish Priest Mgr Tom Farrell at Christ the King in Coventry.

The award acknowledged my work supporting the Church’s Mission using technology and social media. In particular I have helped my cousin in his work as co-ordinator for Ethnic Chaplaincies in the Archdiocese over the last five years. This includes a weekly reflection known as the Burning Bush. Two other people who also help with the production were also receiving awards on Sunday.

My brother and sister were present. My other brother and family joined through the live stream.

Afterwards we joined Mgr Tom and parishioners for refreshments followed by a drink in the parish centre.

It was a lovely occasion. Thank you for the award.

Recipient Damien Walmsley

The email usually arrives on a Monday evening. Monsignor Danny McHugh writes: "Are we OK for 2:00 pm on Wednesday?" The other recipients of this email—Ian Morgan, Con McHugh, and Damien Walmsley—reply, "Yes, we're ready." Monsignor responds, "I'll have the outline by Tuesday. Damien, can you get the Zoom ready for 2:00pm on Wednesday?" And so the process begins.

The Burning Bush format is very straightforward. We seek out two pictures, include a hymn (usually selected by Monsignor), and use the Psalm that follows the reading of the day. The three of us—Monsignor, Ian, and myself—meet on Wednesday afternoons to discuss the pictures, music, and how it will all come together. Ian takes the lead in assembling the video, though I can provide backup if needed. Once everything is put together, it is sent to Con, who edits the video, adds the titles and then posts the video reflection on YouTube. Monsignor's followers are then informed about the Sunday reflection.

The Burning Bush is well-received, providing comfort for those unable to attend church and offering a simple yet meaningful way to reflect on the Sunday Mass readings. Many of the pictures are sourced from Father Lawrence Lew, a Franciscan priest with a talent for photography, whose images we obtain from his Flickr account. Other pictures come from Wikipedia or are contributed by either Monsignor or me.

The process runs like clockwork, with the only disruptions occurring when Monsignor is travelling, either to Ireland or Europe. We all enjoy this collaborative process, which has become a delightful social interaction each Wednesday. However, we remain mindful of copyright issues.

The Burning Bush has been running for three to four years, and Ian, Con, and I were surprised to learn that we had been nominated by Monsignor for the Ubi Caritas award.  This prestigious award is bestowed by Archbishop Longley, the Archbishop of Birmingham. The award recognises individuals in the diocese who provide exceptional service to the church. I was taken aback to receive such an honour, as the Burning Bush has always been an enjoyable weekly exercise. It was lovely to be recognised for this work, and Monsignor arranged for us to receive the award in our respective parishes: Christ the King in Coventry for Con, and St George and St Teresa for Ian and myself.

The day of the award ceremony was memorable. Monsignor returned to his old parish, St George and St Teresa, where Father John, our parish priest, arranged that Ian and I received the award during the 10.30am Sunday Mass. The service was co-celebrated by Father John, Monsignor Danny, and Deacon Subhi. Towards the end of Mass, Monsignor read out a citation about Ian and I following which we went up to the altar, shook hands with Monsignor, and received our medals, lapel pins, and certificates.

Photographs were taken to commemorate the occasion, including several by my nine-year-old granddaughter, Lily, who was thrilled to use her new Instax camera. In fact, all my daughters and grandchildren attended to see me receive the award. Afterwards, there was a celebration in the parish centre with cakes and other treats, which the entire parish was invited to enjoy.

What began as a surprise recognition turned into a truly special day—a family affair shared with Ian's family, the parish, Father John, and Monsignor Danny McHugh, whose original idea the Burning Bush was.

Recipient Ian Morgan

When I was told that I was being put forward for the Ubi Caritas award, I was both embarrassed and humbled: embarrassed that I should have been singled out, and humbled that my involvement in the church was deemed worthy of such an award. 

God gives us gifts to share, not for our own enrichment. For my many interventions in the life of the church, my involvement was just the answer to the question “Ian, are you able to ….”. We are all given gifts of one kind or another, even it is to give time for a simple task. 

Mine is technical, but for others, it may be making conversation and greeting new people at Sunday Mass, a gift I do not feel I possess. I would encourage all members of the church to become involved, no matter how small, as the involvement is more important than the size of the deed.