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Archive 2004 Most photographs can be enlarged by clicking on the thumbnail |
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More than a hundred delegates from parishes, organisations and societies in Menevia, attended a highly successful Diocesan Day on the Laity, held on Saturday 20th November 2004 in Swansea. The day was organised jointly by a working group of Menevia Pastoral Council, and the Catholic Men’s Society. Its purpose was to look at the role of the laity; at what various organisations and groups in the diocese are doing and why; at what is happening in other parts of the country; at the challenges facing us; and at how we can share our visions on the role of the laity; to reflect on our vision and mission; to determine how we could support each other and encourage each other in our work, and then to act on the reflections on the day. The day started with Mass in St Joseph’s Cathedral. In an inspirational homily Bishop Mark stressed that the day was an important day in the life of our Diocese for the Laity in that all of us have the privilege of responding to Christ's invitation to be fruitful bearers of his Good News. He considered that such an invitation to a more dedicated life is a very challenging one and demands that we have a caring and committed heart. Indeed, Christ's work demands total commitment in small things done daily. He wants all of us to be part of his saving mission. We are his hands, by the work we do, his tongue by the words we speak, and his feet by the places and peoples we visit. We all have a part in the mission and ministry of Christ on earth. Bishop Mark called on us all to listen for God’s voice in our lives; to the small still voice of God, telling us what we should be doing to enlarge his Kingdom. After Mass delegates met in St Joseph’s Primary School. In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Mullins recalled the inspirational days spent at the Diocesan Synod in Lampeter when one of the topics discussed was the role of women and men in the Church. He noted that together, we are the Catholic Church in this area, with responsibility for being His witnesses, and to make this family a family of God and a people of Christ. He hoped that we would spread this awareness into the parishes and homes of the diocese. The morning session was chaired by Mrs Gina Smith who
introduced the first speaker Jackie Wykes. Jackie spoke on the Church’s
teaching on the role of the Laity, focussing especially on Lumen Gentium,
the Decree on the Church, of Vatican II, written in 1965, which
established the basic principles of the role of the laity. She drew
attention to the emphasis in the chapter on the Laity in Lumen Gentium
on working together, with the hierarchy – the clergy- of
co-responsibility, not of any idea of ‘taking over’, but of
Collaboration in the mission of the Church. Jackie referred to the
Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 1985 which emphasised the vision of
the Church as our sharing in the life of God. From this communion comes
our Mission – as the baptized, we are each sent, by God to proclaim His
love and truth in our world. This mission …is therefore the work of the
whole Church, priests and lay people alike. Jackie’s presentation was followed by a joint presentation by John Smartt and Ian Easton, national officers of the Catholic Men’s Society (CMS). They looked at two aids for discussion groups that the CMS had published – ‘The Future of the Laity’, and ‘Vision and Mission for the Future of the Laity’. These had been prepared as tools to show people that they have a role to play, and are aimed at as wide a debate as possible.
John summarised each of the bulletins that comprised ‘The Future of the Laity’. He noted that priests must be prepared for teamwork to be carried out with the lay faithful; that some priests should be set aside for the formation of the laity; and the importance of identifying those, especially young people best suitable for collaboration within parishes. John then stressed the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past but also taking the best and projecting this best practice into the future. He spelled out the problems of a northern parish which suffered a shortage of priests. He asked how the hurt at the loss of a parish priest is to be tackled; what should lay people do; are they empowered, and how can the role of the laity be redefined? One bulletin in particular dared us seize the potential for creativity, and to construct a way forward in which the ministry of the laity is not an add-on, but at the core of everything that we do and say. Ian Easton looked at ‘Vision and Mission for the
Future of the Laity’, and at what is happening elsewhere, including
abroad. He emphasised the importance of having a positive approach and
to overcome barriers. Many of the papers in the booklet were thought
provoking and challenging and but they could provide no ready answers. What was surprising was that many people were unaware of the variety of positive work being done by organisations in the diocese, though some commented that it was focussed in the south east of the diocese. The problems facing the rural areas, especially their isolation was a great concern and there was a call for parishes to come together and share ideas and to develop laity networking, education and formation. The day’s gathering was seen as a starting point. Participants completed the questionnaire and the returns are currently being analysed. It is planned to prepare a report on the outcome and circulate this widely. Alan Randall
Laity Day Report - May 2005 Also available On September 24th, Holy Mass was celebrated at St. Bride’s Church in Pontardulais, for Sr. Teresa Gibbons CP. It was in thanks for the contribution Sr Teresa had made to the Welsh mission. The main celebrant was Fr Peter Wareing, who was assisted by Fr Ross Patterson, who had worked closely with Sr Teresa when he was also based in Carmarthen. Fr Bernard, from Yorkshire also attended. It was a measure of Sr Teresa’s popularity that many parishioners and friends from Pontardulais and Carmarthen attended the celebration, as did religious sisters from Gendros and Ystradgynlais. Mass was followed by a social event at the adjacent
Rugby Club, where a buffet and entertainment were organised by Sr
Kathleen. Wil Williams was MC for the night. Fr Michael Fewell joined
the gathering and Fr Peter Wareing made a presentation to Sr Teresa.
Entertainment was provided by the Bernadette Morris School of Irish
Dancing, and also by those brave parishioners who Wil ‘press-ganged’
into singing. An enjoyable evening was had by all.
Sr Teresa, a Cross and Passion Sister has worked in
the Diocese of Menevia for seven years, first at Carmarthen and more
recently at Pontardulais where she has become well-known and popular
figure in the area for her assiduous parish work. Sadly, in recent years
she has suffered ill-health and is retiring to Ilkley in Yorkshire.
The consecration of the new church took place on the evening of Thursday, 21st October, and this was an occasion of great rejoicing for all who have watched and waited for the re-building to be completed. The new church is beautiful - in the words of Fr. Frank Maher SJ, the parish priest, the building is both dignified and new; nothing is flashy; traditional materials have been used in a contemporary design. The old church, which served the people of Ammanford so well and for so long, is not forgotten; the Stations of the Cross from the old church are around the walls of the new, and the statue of the Sacred Heart is at the back of the new church. At the front are new statues, one of St. Joseph and one of Our Lady carrying the child Jesus; a rich scarlet panel at the front draws attention to the Crucifix above the tabernacle, and then draws one’s eyes to the great arched wooden beams of the roof. Both the Crucifix and the tabernacle have come from the old church. The new church was packed for the occasion, not only by members of the parish, but also by representatives of other local churches, and visitors from other nearby Catholic parishes. Also present were Sisters of the Daughters of St. Vincent de Paul, who served in the parish until recently; a representative of the Provincial of the Society of Jesus, and Simon Ormskirk, of the firm who supplied the altar and furnishings.
The chief celebrants were Bishop Emeritus Daniel Mullins, Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB and Fr. Maher; they were joined by some twenty priests of the Diocese. The task of MC was carried out jointly by Fr. Francis McKenna OSB and Brian Smith, of the parish of Ammanford. The music was arranged by Jeanne Smith, assisted by Dorothy Singh and young musicians from the parish. The chief celebrant was Bishop Mullins; this had been at the suggestion of Bishop Mark, since the process of re-building was begun while Bishop Mullins was in charge of the Diocese, and he and Fr. Maher had undertaken this enormous task, which has taken some years to complete. The ceremony began with an introduction - in Welsh by Mandy Torrington, and then in English by Fr. Francis McKenna, who spoke of a church building as a special sign in the community. A solo introit was sung by Patricia O’Malley before the opening hymn, ‘The Church’s One Foundation’, and this was followed by the blessing of water and the sprinkling of blessed water on all present. The first reading, describing Solomon’s dedication of the Temple (2 Chronicles was read in Welsh by John Boneham, then Psalm 122 was sung, again by Patricia O’Malley. The second reading, by Elaine Morgan, from 1 Corinthians, reminded us that we are God’s building and God’s Temple. The Gospel (John 12) was then read by Fr. Michael Manning O.Carm., from Llanelli. The homily was preached by Bishop Mullins, who spoke first in Welsh and then in English. It was, he said, a privilege to be among the community in Ammanford, who were to be congratulated on the hard work that had gone into the building of the new church. The timing of this celebration was most appropriate, since from the previous Sunday we had entered ‘The Year of the Blessed Sacrament’, a year in which the Holy Father has asked us to celebrate the Eucharist with renewed devotion, with dignity and great faith. As in the time of Solomon, when the Temple stood for a sign of renewal after the Exile, so this new church was a sign that we acknowledge the sovereignty of God in our world. Solomon’s Temple was to be a sign that the Jewish people were God’s people, and that they were to worship God in dignity and holiness; this is also why the new church has been built, as a place where we are to do what the Lord has told us to do, in memory of Him. Bishop Mullins spoke of the
symbolism of various elements at the service - the blessing of water, to
remind us of our Baptism and its importance; the incense to be burned,
which represented our prayers rising to God; the lighting of candles
around the church, to remind us that Christ is the Light of the world.
The chrism, the oil of consecration, used to anoint the altar and the
walls of the church, should remind us that we are a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, a people set apart to worship God. This evening as a whole
should be a time of great humility; the Jewish people forgot their Lord
at times, and we do the same. The new church should remind us of the
things that really matter, not least the keeping of Sunday as the day of
the Lord. All of us present on this night were privileged to be here.
The Creed was followed by the Litany of the Saints, sung by Bryngwyn Williams, and then the prayer of Dedication. The oil of anointing was brought by Caron Morgan to the altar, which was then anointed by Bishop Mullins; Bishop Mark moved round the church to anoint the crosses of consecration on the walls. Candles and incense were brought to the altar, which was then incensed; cloths were laid on the altar by Barbara Anderson and Ellen Barlow, the candles were put in place and the candles of consecration were lit around the church, by Bishop Mark and our two Vicar-Generals. There followed the Offertory hymn (Calon Lan), the singing of the ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and the Eucharistic prayers of the Mass. During the Offertory Procession, as well as the bread and wine, the keys of the new church were brought up on a cushion and presented to the Bishop. Communion, which might have been a difficulty in view of the great number of people present, was very well managed by those of the parish who acted as ushers. The hymns during Communion were ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God’, and ‘Be still, for the presence of the Lord’. After Communion, both our Bishops spoke briefly; Bishop Mark spoke of his pleasure at seeing the Lady Mayor of Ammanford present, as well as the representatives of other local churches, which showed the great respect in which Fr. Maher is held in the town. Bishop Mark said that thanks for the new church were due to all the people of Ammanford, not just to the Catholic population. He amused us all by remarking that during the previous consecration he had attended, the incense had set off the fire alarms, and he had advised Fr. Maher that they should be turned off this evening! Most of all, thanks were due to Fr. Maher for the existence of the new church - and at that point, the entire church rang out for several minutes with applause. Fr. Maher himself then spoke for a few minutes; he commented on the beauty of the new church, and spoke of all the hard work that had gone into it - not just from the Catholic community, but from the contractor and his workmen, and all involved - it shows, he said, what can be done when the laity get going. So many people had asked him ‘not to forget to thank Mrs so-and-so’, but there were too many people for him to name. Among those who had to be thanked specially were the architect, Nigel Arnold, who was present this evening; the local contractor and his workmen; the lay committee; the orchestra; the altar servers (who included one from Carmarthen and two from Llandeilo, as well as the servers from Ammanford). Finally he quoted Cardinal Heenan; any priest can put up a building, but the task in the weeks ahead is to set up the Catholic community. Fr. Maher left the lectern, to more applause; everyone present knew very well how much the parish owes to his energy, enthusiasm and courage,
The service closed with the singing of ‘Guide me, 0 Thou Great
Redeemer’, and we left the church feeling indeed that we had been
privileged to be there.
On Sunday, 12th September 2004, the parishioners of the parish of Holy Cross, Gendros, Swansea, under the guidance of our Parish Priest, Fr. Sebastian OSB, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the arrival of their Church at Gendros. The first Church, Our Lady Queen of the Universe (now used as the parish hall), opened on the Gendros site in 1954 and the present Church, Holy Cross, was opened on the Eighth of December 1989. The preceding week had begun with a short service at St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Sunday 5th September led by Canon Michael Flook (now Cathedral Administrator but who was parish priest at Gendros when the present church was built), and was followed by Benediction at Holy Cross. Then each evening throughout the week, Mass on various themes was celebrated by visiting priests: Canon Pelosi, Fr. Clancy, Canon Michael Flook, Canon 0’Donnell, and Fr. Ross Patterson. Saturday was a Mass for the sick and in the evening, a Solemn Vigil Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Joseph and Fr. James.
The Mass of the Holy Cross on Sunday, attended by over 400 parishioners and special guests, was concelebrated by several Priests led by Bishop Mark Jabalé and his predecessor Bishop Daniel Mullins. Our Parish at Gendros is now served by a group of Benedictine Monks from Kerala, India and all of the celebrants wore gold vestments, symbolically embroidered, sent from Makiyad for the Special Celebration and made by a group of Religious Sisters. Two new
hymns were specially written for the Golden Jubilee, by Donna Hurley/Sr.
Eugenie and Fr. Sebastian, with music written by Teresa Hacche, the
leader of the choir at Holy Cross. As usual, the choir performed to
their very high standard, filling the church with their wonderful sound.
Rhian-Hal Bevan played the harp.
Despite the inclement weather on the day, a special atmosphere ensued
after Mass at a superb buffet lunch, prepared by a group of parishioners
and served to the 400 people present in an adjoining Marquee. Live
background music was provided by two excellent musicians, Steve and Ian
Simmons and a rolling picture show, prepared by Paul Phillips, played on
a screen, tracing family celebrations and Parish events over the last
50years. It really was a wonderful, memorable day, enjoyed by all
present!
A Golden Jubilee Prayer Book has been published and is now on sale and a
Jubilee Magazine will be published on December 8th, the Anniversary of
the opening of Holy Cross. On Sunday 18th July, Arthur
Meredith, the editor of Menevia News, was invested as a Knight of
the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great, by Bishop Mark
Jabalé OSB. The ceremony took place in the Cathedral Church of St.
Joseph, Swansea, in front of a large number of people from many parishes
in the Diocese, with Arthur’s own parish of Dunvant being particularly
well represented.
Bishop Mark was the chief celebrant, and was joined by several other senior clergy of the Diocese, who all know the service which Arthur has given to the Church, and especially to this Diocese, over a long period of time. The Mass was offered for the repose of the soul of Arthur’s wife, Kathleen, who died in 1988.
Music for the Mass (the Missa de Angelis) was provided by the Cathedral
Choir, and the readers were Tony Williams and Peter Davies, the present
and past Presidents of Swansea Catenian Circle. The Bidding Prayers were
led by a Dunvant parishioner, Ann Spinks, and the Offertory Procession
was formed by two of the many Knights of St. Columba who were present.
Everyone present would recognize in this a parallel with the life of
Arthur Meredith, whose devotion and commitment are truly most deserving
of this high honour.
Bishop Mark’s homily was followed by the actual investiture. The new
Knight was presented to the Bishop by his sponsor, Dr. Denis Daley KCSG,
and Bishop Mark then read out the Papal Brief, in which Pope John Paul
II spoke of Arthur as being “most deserving for what you have done for
the Catholic Church and its affairs”. Arthur in reply promised to
“maintain After Mass, all present were invited to join Arthur and his family in the Cathedral hall, where an excellent buffet had been provided by the ladies of the Cathedral parish.
There was also a very splendid cake, contributed by the parishioners of Dunvant, which Arthur was invited to cut with a Knight’s ceremonial sword; this looked suitably dramatic, but a plain knife did the actual work - perhaps this was symbolic of the work which Arthur has done willingly for so many years, with no thought of honour or reward. Jacky Wykes (Your reporter was most interested in this being an Equestrian Order, and half hoped that Arthur might ride a horse into the cathedral. However, as Bishop Mark informed her, the title dates from a time when knights - even clerics - were mounted as a matter of course. Pity; it would have made a great picture!)
Celebration & Joy Two recent events took place at Holyrood and St Teilo’s Catholic Church, Tenby which were the cause of great joy and celebration. In front of their parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, friends and parishioners eleven boys and six girls made their first Holy Communion together. They are all pupils of St. Teilo’s Catholic School and in making their first Holy Communion they carried on a great tradition of the Catholic Church, that of celebrating the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist providing nourishment for our spiritual needs. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh” John Ch.6 Vs. 51. (RSV-Catholic Edition. 1966). May God give them the courage and strength to continue to celebrate the great gift that they received on a truly happy day. Afterwards the children continued their celebrations with their families and friends at various parties making it a most memorable day for them.
(The photograph shows the Communicants gathered in front of the main Altar with their Parish Priest, Monsignor Canon Clyde Hughes Johnson)
(The photograph show Monsignor Canon Clyde Hughes Johnson carrying the Monstrance preceded by the Thurifer, Cross Bearer and Acolytes. The pupils of St. Teilo’s school and parishioners followed in procession. Deo Gratias)
Presentation of the Beni Merenti Medal A full church of family, friends and parishioners attended the special Mass at Holy Name Church, Fishguard on 6th June, celebrated by Bishop Mark, during which he presented the award of the Beni Merenti Medal to Mr Patrick Kelly.
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Presentation of the Beni Merenti Medal Pat, 70 years old and a native of Goodwick, is married to Patricia and has a family of two sons and two daughters. As a retired electrical engineer at R.N.A.D. Trecwn, he is always ready to help with any electrical problems in the parish. He is heavily involved in the life of the parish and has been an altar server for over 50 years. His grand-children are also altar servers and two of his children are involved with the choir. Pat’s many duties in the parish include training the altar servers as well as being M.C., Special Minister and Reader himself. He has carried the responsibility of being Grand Knight of the Knights of St. Columba, a Foundation Governor of Holy Name School and has been Vice-Chairman of the Governors for the last four years. Pat has been a staunch member of the British Legion since 1976 and has been President of the local branch for many years. He has also been Chairman of the Royal Naval Association since 1993. Pat is well known and respected in the community in a variety of ways. In his younger days, he played soccer for Goodwick United and has encouraged youth sport enthusiastically. The award of the Bene Merenti medal
was made to loud applause from the congregation following which the
Bishop, Father Harding and Canon Mullins joined the family and friends
at a special parish buffet in the Convent Hall. Noel Evans
The annual Mass was
celebrated in the ruins of the thirteenth century chapel dedicated to
Our Lady on Margam Mountain, on Friday 23rd July, in honour of Saints
John Lloyd and Philip Evans. The celebrant was Canon O’Donnell
with concelebrants Monsignor David Bottrill, who
Parishioners from Llandrindod, Brecon and Crickhowell
went on a journey into the past, visiting Tintern Abbey and the graves
of St David Lewis and Saint John Kemble. Canon Lewis gave brief outline
of the lives of these two brave and venerable Welsh martyrs who were
executed, after many years of ministry, simply for being Catholic
priests. For further information he recommended, with befitting modesty,
the book he himself wrote about the Welsh Martyrs. Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam
It goes on to give the dates of his beatification and
canonisation and a quotation from the 1st letter of St Peter – “If any
man should suffer let him suffer for being a Christian and not be
ashamed but give glory to God.” I K
The actress Sarah Siddons was a descendant of the Kimble Family and donated annually a small sum for the upkeep of the tomb. Inside the church there is a little corner dedicated to the Martyrs and with a picture of St. John Kimble, drawn while he was in prison. These two pastorally dedicated Saints were much loved
and respected by the people they served for many years and were largely
the victims of the very devious lies of Titus Oates.
A Diocesan Day for the Laity A day of discussion on
the role of the Laity is being organised in the Diocese of Menevia. It
is being organised jointly by a Laity sub-group of Menevia Pastoral
Council, and the Catholic Men’s Society. It will be held at the Curial
Offices/St Joseph’s Cathedral Hall, Swansea, depending on numbers.
The detailed
arrangements for the day are still being finalised, but the event will
commence at 10a.m. with Mass followed by an Open Forum, with
presentations by the Pastoral Council’s Laity sub-group and the Catholic
Men’s Society. Organisations and groups will also be given an
opportunity to make presentations. The afternoon session will take the
form of Discussion Groups and feedback. Bishop Mark Jabalé and Emeritus
Bishop Daniel Mullins will be present.
Menevia spoke – the Bishops listened! Thus, the words of the Bishop of Palmerston, New Zealand. They were written for all to see on the backdrop of the display in St. Joseph’s Infants’ School, Swansea, where Menevia’s LISTENING DAY was celebrated on Saturday, September the eighteenth. Indeed, they echoed in some degree the words of Bishop John Hine, Director of the LISTENING 2004 project, in the homily he had given earlier at Mass. He had driven to SWANSEA early that morning, after a gruelling day of engagements the day before, and helped to launch our day by concelebrating Mass in St. Joseph’s Cathedral with Bishop Mark Jabalé, Bishop of Menevia and Bishop Emeritus Daniel Mullins. That day’s Gospel was the one about the sewer going out to sew his seed. Bishop John, in introducing the theme and purpose of LISTENING DAY, was able to draw some useful comparisons for our gathering to take away as a basis for thought and further discussion. Some 50 people attended, marginally below best-case scenario for our widespread and not too populous Diocese. The quality and commitment of those attending, however, soon became evident in the subsequent discussions. Bishop Mark set the tone of the proceedings by challenging us to use the day as an opportunity for positive expression and forward-looking thinking. Peter Macpherson, Director of Menevia Family Life, using the theme ‘What do the people say? Are the Bishops listening?’ followed by reporting back the broad outlines of the response we had received to the LISTENING 2004 Questionnaire. Some 140 replies had been received and ten essential topics had been extracted from the resultant collation, analysis and feedback exercise. We shall discuss these issues more fully in a series of articles in ’Menevia News’ later this year. Syndicate groups were formed and each group was asked to discuss two of the specific issues which had emerged. A feature of the group discussions was the keen interest taken in them by each of the three Bishops, as well as the Vicar General and one Parish Priest. The plenary feedback session was pretty hard hitting and provided plenty of thought for discussion over lunch and during the afternoon session. which was calculated to open up new avenues of action around the Diocese in the wake of LISTENING DAY and before publication of the Bishops’ Conference report next year. Maureen Clayton, a Parish Family Life Representative and member of the Diocesan Family Life Commission, opened up the afternoon session. The theme of our day now went into forward gear. The same groups went back to the same rooms with the same topics, to consider their response to the question ‘Let’s be positive. How can we put this to work?’ Once again, discussion generated some bold responses, many of which led to lively debate in the subsequent feedback session. There was little doubt that two dominant themes were that lay people stood ready to serve and to offer their variety of talents and that they looked to the clergy for a positive, constructive and collaborative lead in their efforts to advance the work of God’s church, in answer to the frightening problems faced by the family in today’s society. Bishop Mark summed up the day’s proceedings amidst a flush of enthusiasm, repeating his earlier challenge to us to look forward. After closing prayers, all departed, happy and optimistic about the possibilities for future action. Now it’s up to us to rise to the afternoon’s challenge and help to deliver a package of helpful measures. The first opportunity will be via a report to October’s Diocesan Pastoral Council. After that, who knows. Certainly, all were agreed that the other quotation on the backdrop display, by Bishop Michael Evans, of East Anglia, “ Your family should be a burning bush, a place where people encounter the fire of God’s love “ had resonance for us all.
Peter Macpherson
I am delighted that the Holy Father has granted my request for Arthur Meredith’s Knighthood of St Gregory. Such knighthoods are only granted for outstanding services, not only to the parish of the recipient but also to the diocese and the Church in general. I do not think that anyone would argue with the fact that Arthur is well deserving of this honour. We, in the diocese, are deeply grateful to him for all that he has done, and we are proud to have had his services to the Church recognised in such an outstanding way. By the time you read this, I will have invested Arthur in the Cathedral. I am sure that all the readers of the Menevia News will be delighted that our Editor, and really the founder of our diocesan newspaper, has been so honoured. There will be a full account of the ceremony of investiture online in the near future. Neil Evans, our seminarian who is studying at the Beda College in Rome was ordained Deacon on Friday 18th June, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. I had a previous and rather important engagement on that day; so, I did not anticipate attending the ceremony. However, the other engagement fell through; so, I was able, at the last minute, to hop over to Rome and be present at the ceremony. Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth was the chief celebrant, and the ordination was done at the High Altar of the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls. Altogether eleven deacons were ordained from different dioceses of England, Wales, Scotland, and from African and Asian countries. It was truly a marvellous occasion – the ceremonies were good, and the singing excellent; there is a point in the ordination ceremony when the ordaining bishop asks the candidate, who has his hands between the hands of the bishop, whether he promises obedience to his ordinary. For that part, Neil came to me and I asked him the question (this is the part depicted in the photograph).
After the ceremony there was an excellent buffet in the garden of the Beda College; it was their last day of term, and a very fitting ending. Neil, after visiting his parents, will come back to the diocese this summer – he will be visiting a number of parishes to get to know the clergy and the faithful of the diocese. I am sure you will make him feel most welcome.
Our other seminarian, Liam Bradley, has just finished his propaedeutic, or pre-seminary – year in the English College in Valladolid. He was, you will remember, a student at Swansea University. The Chapter and I have decided that he will now be starting his course of studies at the English College in Rome. He is joining us on the Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes; and he will be based in Swansea for a short period if time this summer, where he will have the opportunity to get to know the priests who work in the Swansea/Neath/Port-Talbot area. He will then go on to Italy to start on a concentrated course of Italian, in preparation for his studies. The diocese has also accepted two other candidates for the priesthood. The first is Edward Knight, who has just completed his doctorate at the University of Swansea. The other is Dilwyn Davies, an older man, who feels God is calling him for service as a priest. Both will be starting on the propaedeutic course at Valladolid in September. You will undoubtedly have heard that we are hoping to send a strong representation of young people to the Youth Day 2005 Celebrations in Cologne in Germany. I have asked each Parish Priest to nominate one young woman or man from their parish. This, together with a representation from the three secondary schools in our diocese, as well as the three Universities and the Colleges, should give us a total of around 70 or so. I am sure that you will all do your utmost to support this venture and help our young people on this most important pilgrimage. Finally, I cannot let this time of holiday
pass without saying something about the family. The diversity of
things on offer, the rush and anxiety of keeping up with an ever-growing
number of concerns and the many distractions in our lives all conspire,
sadly, to diminish the influence of family life for our young people;
yet, the family is the most important formative body they will ever be
likely to encounter. No matter the age of the young, home is
always the place where they must feel most comfortable to share their
joys and their worries. Holidays are a time when it is possible to
catch-up on other times of the year when it has not been as easy to make
time for togetherness. What is more, I am a firm believer that
religion and a committed faith begins at home – parents are the first
and best teachers of their children in the ways of faith; prayer
together as a family, shared joys, shared holidays, these are all
essential for the strong bond that will not only make you happy, but
will also radiate that love and be a visible example of God’s own love
for us, the members of his family.
On Sunday 13th June, the parishioners of Our Lady of Margam, Port Talbot were joined by many visitors from all over the diocese to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Priesthood of Monsignor David Bottrill, one of the two Vicars General of our Diocese. Even though Sunday is their busiest day of the week, more than thirty of the diocesan and religious priests of the diocese came to concelebrate, led by Bishop Mark Jabalé and the former Archbishop of Cardiff, Archbishop Emeritus John Aloysius Ward. Members of Monsignor’s family and friends were also present, and his brother-in-law Gerald Gould gave the second reading.
The homily was preached by Archbishop Ward, who spoke firstly of the dignity of a priest. This, he said, lay not in promotion or status, but in serving the people of God, in being with the people of his parish to lead them and to provide the Sacraments. Archbishop Ward then went on to give a brief and humorous biography of Monsignor Bottrill, from his birth in Northamptonshire ‘which we should not hold against him’, his commencement of his priestly training (which was interrupted by war–time military conscription when he saw service in the RAF), after demob the continuation of his priestly formation in the seminary, to his subsequent service in many parishes in Wales, At the end of Mass, there was loud applause for Monsignor Bottrill, who gave thanks to all those who had come to share this day with him; he thanked the clergy especially for giving up their time on a Sunday afternoon. Monsignor also told us that the beautiful vestments he was wearing had been made by his mother, for his ordination, fifty years before.
Everyone’s prayers were answered in that the sun shone gloriously and, after Mass everyone enjoyed a splendid buffet, prepared by the parishioners, in the Catholic Social Club, which began with a series of presentations. Monsignor received a multitude of cards, greetings and congratulations, and many personal gifts and donations, including a a ‘David Austin Golden Jubilee Bush Rose’ and a cheque from the parish presented by one of the senior parishioners, Bernard Dowlman. Presentations were also made by the confirmation candidates in Margam, and by the Social Club. A Missale Romanum and cheque from the clergy was presented by Mgr. Brian Kinrade.
Not one, but two magnificent cakes were cut by
Monsignor Bottrill and the toast was proposed, in a witty speech, given
by our own Bishop Mark. It was plain to all that Monsignor thoroughly
enjoyed the occasion. Despite the fact that it was a big celebration and
a large gathering, it was very homely and intimate.
His Eminence Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, made his first visit – since his elevation to cardinal – to Menevia (and indeed his first visit to the Welsh Province) to give a lecture on Wednesday 18th February at Swansea University.
The following morning the Cardinal celebrated Holy Mass, in a packed Cathedral, with Bishop Mark, Bishop Emeritus Daniel J Mullins and some twenty plus priests of the diocese.
Children from our local Catholic schools lined the
rod from the Cathedral Clergy House to the Cathedral, with
representatives from several schools following the Cardinal’s and Clergy
procession, to be given pride of place in the front seats. Culture, Christianity and Human Flourishing
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales and Archbishop of Westminster, told an audience that the ‘real meaning of love and commitment’ is more important than sex. Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor said he believed “the
breakdown in family life, the increase of divorce, the ease with which
sexual relationships become ‘passing’ and peripheral, is in danger of
inflicting very real and long-lasting damage on our society”. “In the market place it would appear that sex sells. But in our culture there is much more at stake than the size of the magazine market, or the health of the advertising industry. I believe that the breakdown in family life, the increase of divorce, the ease with which sexual relationships become ‘passing’ and peripheral, is in danger of inflicting very real and long-lasting damage on our society.” He went on: “The cement which holds society together is family life. Stable families are made and sustained by loving, unselfish and mature relationships. A failure to recognise this simple fact could prove fundamentally destabilising to our culture.” In the address, as part of a series of Theology Public Lectures to the University of Swansea – entitled ‘Culture, Christianity and Human Flourishing’ - Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor also rejected the idea that young people are no longer interested in Christianity. He said that the Christian faith had not only been a
primary influence in the development of our culture over 2,000 years, it
had also been the key to human flourishing. The living tradition
of the Church still had an enormous amount of wisdom to offer, the
Cardinal said. Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor encouraged his audience to
take practical steps to deepen their faith including paying more
attention to personal prayer, the reading of Scripture, life in
community and pilgrimage. He said that at times faith calls us to
“acts of resistance”.
Over 11,000 young people in 11 days have witnessed
the World Youth Day Cross as it goes on pilgrimage around England and
Wales. The Youth Cross Arrived in Menevia
For the first time every school in Menevia came together on Thursday 15th January to witness the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross. In addition to the large numbers of children who came from many schools (and particularly from the local Swansea Schools) every school in the diocese was asked to select two pupils from each of the primary and secondary schools to walk behind the cross in solemn procession. The entire stewarding of the day was also undertaken by children from the various schools.
Sr Angela, the Diocesan Director of Education, who
organised the Menevia leg of the pilgrimage said… “Today was a historic
spiritual and uplifting occasion. All 21 schools in the diocese
were present and it was historic as they have never all been brought
together before.”
Before the Mass concluded Bishop Mark blessed the Cross and gave a smaller metal cross (which he had especially ordered for the occasion) to everyone present as a reminder of the amazing day. He then invited all to come onto the sanctuary after the clergy procession had departed and to each touch the Cross – thus joining with the countless other youth of the world who had also taken part in this world-wide event.
The Cross and the Ikon were left in the Cathedral for a short time for people to look at, before it continued on its journey, to the Cathedral at Wrexham. All then retired to the Cathedral parish hall for refreshments and a drink, as well as to meet the bishop. Bishop Mark Jabalé later said “It’s quite wrong to say that young people are not interested in religion and Christianity. It was quite obvious through this ceremony that young people were rapt in attention and they took a very active part in the ceremony.”
The World Youth Day Cross, which is 380 cm high and stands on a base that’s 51 cm high, and weighs 15 kilos, will have visited 24 countries before World Youth Day 2005. On leaving England and Wales on 27th January it went to Scotland, before continuing its pilgrimage around Europe, in preparation for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. Bishop Mark Jabalé said “We in this diocese hope to send as large a group as possible to Cologne and we look forward to meeting other young people from around the world.” The schools welcoming the World Day Youth Cross:
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unswerving
devotion to God, the Supreme Pontiff, the Holy See and to the Holy
Church, and to exercise the office of a Pontifical Knight in accordance
with the high ideals and standards expected of him”. Arthur was then
presented with the Cross of the Order, and with the Papal Brief. Before
he could return to his place, the Cathedral rang out with applause for a
man whose high ideals are fully shown in his life.)
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Registered Charity No 234168