Bishop Robert reflects on a recent pastoral trip to our chaplaincy in Mallorca:

‘For you are a holy nation…that you might declare the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.’ (1 Peter 2)

It was a great pleasure to join the congregation of St. Philip and St. James Mallorca for a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the consecration of their church building. During the 1960s money was raised bit by bit through coffee mornings, wine and cheese parties and the agency of the Anglo-American society, and eventually enough money was raised to buy the plot of land needed for the church. An architect was chosen, builders from Genova were contracted, and the wall behind the altar was built – including some darker stones, whose meaning was uncertain, but may have represented the 12 apostles. The building was finished and equipped, and in October 1966, my predecessor Bishop Stanley Eley, consecrated the building for worship. 

For this special service, The Reverend Viv Larkin (who, along with her husband Ron, has permission to officiate under the ecumenical canons as a minister of the Australian Uniting Church) had embroidered a beautiful altar frontal, a lectern fall and a banner as well as a stole for Fr. Ishaenesu. The blue in the design reflects the maritime setting of Palma.  

I was delighted to confirm three candidates of different ages: Ishaenesu junior (13) of Zimbabwean heritage, Matilda (16) and Theresa - both of Ghanaian heritage, seen here with Fr. Ishaenesu (left).  

We were joined at the service by ecumenical representatives: Roman Catholic Bishop of Mallorca Sebastian and his priest Fr. Baltassar plus German Evangelical pastors Homi and Marta. 

After the service we enjoyed a bring and share lunch on the church terrace in pleasant sunshine. 

Caroline, the wife of Fr. Ishaenesu, is a gifted cook. She had made and decorated a large and delicious fruit cake to celebrate 60 years of St. Philip and St. James. 

In my sermon, I gave thanks for all who had contributed to the construction of this much loved place and who maintain it today. I talked of the spiritual building, which is the church, and reflected how that is joined together not by mortar but by love. St. Philip and St. James is indeed, a community where people find significant fellowship and support. 

Drawing on 1 Peter 2, I talked of the call of the church to be holy in its interior life and to be a witness to the world in its outward orientation. St. Philip and St. James has been working with an external consultant in recent months to help clarify its vision and identify mission opportunities. The present situation is very different from the 1960s, and there is a need to imagine a new future. One opportunity is to develop the work of the Mothers Union in reaching out to migrant families on the island. A second is to respond to the pastoral needs created by the huge maritime activity in Palma. 

‘Your are a holy nation…that you may proclaim the wonderful deeds of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.’ I pray for the continued deepening of Christ-like character and relationships in the congregation, for a sense of deep gratitude for the blessings the community has enjoyed in the past and present, and for an openness to the Spirit’s leading in the future. 

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