St.Illtyd’s Parish, Swansea

For some time, the people of St. Illtyd’s Parish had awaited a very special day. It finally came on October 26^th when, in the context of the Mass, four people were presented with medals by Bishop Tom. They were – Anne and Peter Jones, Val Fox and Rae Clarke. As they stood humbly but joyfully before Bishop Tom, Father Cyril read out the personal tributes and appreciations which had been presented for each person. The applause from the congregation said it all. As Bishop Tom drew his homily to a close, he smiled at us all and said “I wish I could give you each a medal today but there are plenty more in stock!”

Apart from bringing up a family, both Peter and Anne Jones had spent much of their lives, in rendering services to the parish as they gave of themselves, their time and their talents in sensitivity to needs. When asked about his feelings on being presented with an award Peter said “ What I only wanted to do always was to help out in the parish” Anne too had a similar comment – “ I was very pleased but we were only doing our parish duty”. Later Anne said “As we went to bed that night we looked again at the medals and were delighted to see that they were Welsh with St. David on them. Very beautiful”

Val Fox was the parish representative for Cafod. She worked tirelessly and with the help of her husband Peter, she raised sizable funds every year for this charity. “I felt very honoured” said Val “and I never expected anything like that. What I want to say is, that this medal belongs to the people of St. Illtyd’s parish. Without their support down the years, we would not have been able to raise the funds for Cafod”.  Rae Clarke received a silver medal of merit for her dedicated altar serving over many years. Expressing how she felt Rae said “ I felt very humble to be able to serve my Lord, my community and my friends. What a privilege to be able to serve at Mass and to be able to help the young people.”

After Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Tom with Fathers Cyril and Fr. Saji, the festivities continued in the hall. There we rejoiced with our four medal recipients, with their friends and families who were very proud indeed and very grateful to be part of something so memorable. As parishioners of St. Illtyd’s  we all say – “You do us proud. You are an inspiration to us all.  May you all continue to find joy in the Lord and in your service of God’s people”.    (Sr.Carmel)

The Diocese of Menevia welcomes Archbishop George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff

The Welcome Mass took place at St. Joseph’s Cathedral , Swansea on Friday 23rd September 2011 at 7pm . Cross Bearer, Altar Servers, Cathedral Choristers, Ecumenical guests, visiting Priests, Priests of the Diocese and Knights processed into the Cathedral to the exulting voices of ‘Thy Hand, O God has guided..’ To be followed shortly by the Archbishop to a trumpet fanfare who processed with the Vicars General and Bishops.

After the initial rite of Aspersion and the Opening Prayer, Representatives from the Diocese, including from the Priests, Religious, Education, Diocesan Societies and Groups, other Faith Communities and Civic Leaders, each in turn welcomed the Archbishop . The Mass unfolded with sombre solemnity and some splendid and angelic singing. Archbishop Stack addressed every section of society in a moving and thought –provoking homily, echoing the words of Pope Benedict XVI during his visit almost exactly a year ago, calling Catholics both young and old to embrace the challenge of holiness, and to build together with civic society and those of other faiths and none a “civilisation of love”. The Archbishop was full of gratitude for the “overwhelming” welcome he had received, here in Swansea and in Wales generally as he begins his new ministry.

At the end of the celebration Bishop Tom warmly thanked Archbishop Stack and presented him with a beautiful framed Icon of St. David.

A magnificently rich and copious meat-free buffet awaited everyone in the Cathedral Hall afterwards for which the Ladies of the Parish once again did themselves proud, with the food and with their expert and generous service and attention.

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Friday 24th June saw a pilgrimage of AoS port chaplains, ship visitors and supporters to Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan, Wales.

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Group 158 have just returned from the 56th Annual HCPT to Lourdes which is the largest childrens pilgrimage in the UK. Group 158 is based in Swansea and the only group in the Menevia Diocese. We left Swansea early Easter Sunday to travel with the rest of the Welsh Region. Our group consisted of 8 young people and 17 helpers who would help them enjoy their week in Lourdes.

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