ESBVM

The Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary [often referred to as ESBVM] has been saddened to learn of the death of the Right Rev’d Bishop Mervyn Alexander, Bishop Emeritus of Clifton who was a founder member of the society and one of its patrons since becoming a Bishop.

When he celebrated his own Diamond Jubilee of priestly ordination on 28th Oct 2008 at a celebratory meal held in his honour at Clifton Cathedral to which the Hon Gen Sec was invited he spoke of his certainty that the Blessed Virgin Mary was a needed presence in all ecumenical exchange since she has been at the heart of the church ever since its beginning.. Father Bill, OSM presented Bishop Mervyn with a gift and congratulatory card from the ESBVM on that occasion and expressed the society’s continuing deep regard for their patron who was one of the three founding co-chairmen of the ESBVM.  This deep esteem for Bishop Mervyn continues as we reflect at this moment of his passing on the eve of the Assumption on a life rich in example and inspiration to so many.

The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a great moment when we remember that the point of following Jesus is one day ourselves to enter into his glory with Him. Our Lady, The Blessed Virgin Mary is a sure sign that this can be done when one faithfully follows Her Son. From the moment she said “let it be done to me” she was on the way and she got there and encourages us to ‘Do whatever he tells you’ to achieve the same goal. Bishop Mervyn addressed the society on more than one occasion and we especially remember his encouragement of the society when it held in Bristol its 11^th International Congress in 1996. Sometimes among Christians, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been regarded as a source of division and misunderstanding. Bishop Mervyn didn’t think that should be so and his engagement in ecumenical work with the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary showed his belief and conviction that reconciliation among Christians needed a sound understanding of the Virgin and her place in the church and a truly ecumenical devotion to the Mother of the Lord. The society has been strengthened in this area of Ecumenism by the part Bishop Mervyn played in such a significant way and we give thanks for his having been among us.

Members of the society in the Bristol/Bath area may be helped to know that the Bishop’s mortal remains will be received in Clifton Cathedral by the Dean and Cathedral Chapter on Sunday 22^nd August at 17.30 and the Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday 24^th August at 11.30am May he rest in Peace.