Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 243 March 2017 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff

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Our privileged Parishes join in access into the to celebrate end of spirituality of a saint Centenary Year Page 3 Pages 4/5 UK shares a common agenda with the , says Ambassador

Catholic People editor James Campbell visited recently and talked to our new Ambassador to the Holy See Sally Axworthy MBE. Here, in the first part of a two-part interview, the Ambassador discusses UK relationships with the Vatican On 19 September 2016, Mrs Sally Axworthy, presented her Letters of Credence to Francis, accrediting her as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See. After presenting Credentials, she said: “It will be a great privilege to continue to build on the excellent relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See, and the many core values that we share. is one of the most, if not the most, respected international leader. People pay attention to what he is saying and doing, and it is important that we engage with him and the global Holy See network.We share a common agenda with the Holy See and the Catholic network. It’s very relevant to many of the concerns that the world is currently facing: from conflict prevention to dialogue between faiths, freedom of religion or belief, international development, climate change, defeating modern slavery and ending sexual violence in conflict.

1. How do you work with the moderate Muslim community? (JC) One of the priorities for Pope Francis is to reach out to all religions, and work hard to promote interfaith dialogue and a culture of encounter. Soon after I presented my credentials, I attended the World Day of Prayer in Assisi, where representatives of all religions were present. We all need to work together to counteract those who abuse religions for their own ends. While the British Government increasingly recognises the importance of religion in world affairs today, we have traditionally placed more emphasis on politics and social drivers. Whereas the Vatican concentrates on religion and takes a longer term view. (SA)

2. In my own consultancy work abroad looking at government communications, I found that the failure to communicate effectively externally is mainly due to imperfect and ineffective internal communications. (JC) In internal church matters I am an observer and I try to understand what is going on, so it is not really for me to comment. But I would say that the Pope is a very Our Ambassador receiving her strong communicator. He speaks in a direct manner and addresses problem accreditation at the Holy See directly. His words resonate with the Catholic community but also with the non- Catholic community. When I was preparing for this job, most people in the UK know what he stands for, which is really quite remarkable. So I think he is a very strong communicator. (SA) Cardiff Metropolitan Choir & Orchestra A Major Sequence from 3. You do hear a lot in Rome what goes on within the Vatican, so there is maybe more criticism within the church than there is outside? (JC) The Cardinal Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, is making an impact and we are Handel Messiah very pleased that, for the first time ever, a British citizen, Paul Directed by Dominic Neville Gallagher, is the Secretary for Relations with States. (SA) Tuesday 21 March, 1.00pm 4. I remember that in the first Palm Sunday after his election as Pope, I was St David’s Hall, Cardiff in St Peter’s Square and, unlike three other I had seen he seemed to break the mould. After the Mass the Popemobile, open and unprotected, toured the crowd and he kept stopping to greet people, kiss babies and thus reduced and security barriers to nil. I could see the frustration on his security guards’ faces. (JC) Yes, he comes alive when with people, particularly ordinary people, He is very animated when with crowds and this seems to be the bit he most enjoys, from what I can see. In a recent meeting of the Santa Martha Group, in which Cardinal Nichols is deeply involved, looking at the problems of human slavery, in the programme there was an audience with the Pope and we thought that he was not going to talk to the more than 100 people there. He did and greeted each one personally. People were so delighted that he had taken that time in talking to them. Each person had their moment with the Pope. (SA)

5. We do have problems with human slavery in the UK, forced prostitution and forced labour for little pay in some areas. (JC) That is why the Prime Minister has vowed to end human slavery. The Home Office reckons that there is between 10,000 and 12,000 people enslaved in the UK. That is a lot for a country which prides itself on its freedom, so we are very committed to stamping it out. The Prime Minister set up a task force to tackle the problem, both at domestic and international level. I am looking forward to working with the Vatican on this priority area of concern, also for Pope Francis. The girl and boy choristers are pupils of St John’s College, Cardiff Follow the British Ambassador to the Holy See on Twitter @SallyAxworthy Tickets £6 / £7 Follow our Embassy on Twitter @UKinHolySee www.stjohnscollegecardiff.com Box Office 02920 878 444

Part 2 of this interview will appear in the April edition of Catholic People Supporting the Archdiocese and worship in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St David CharityCharity No. No. 701294 701294 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE ARCHBISHOP ‘My Local School’ in GEORGE’S ENGAGEMENTS MARCH 2017 Wales: 2017 updates In January 2017, the Welsh Wednesday 1 Ash Wednesday Mass, St. David’s Cathedral Government updated the ‘My 12.45 Local School’ website. ‘My Thursday 2 Meeting of Diocesan Trustees. ABH 10.00 Local School’ is the website Lenten Station Mass, St. Mary’s Newport 7.00 where the Welsh Friday 3 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 Government places the Sunday 5 Rite of Election, St. David’s Cathedral 3.00 performance data for all schools in Wales, including, Monday 6 Provincial Meeting, ’s House Swansea 4.00 for example, primary Tuesday 7 UCM Annual General Meeting and Mass Cardiff schools’ levels of 11.00 achievement and secondary Wednesday 8 Meeting at St. Mary’s Newport 11.00 schools’ GCSE results. Mass +Reception - Charles Wookey Westminster Every year it provides an 5.30 opportunity for us to celebrate Students from Archbishop McGrath, Bridgend, 2016 Friday 10 Lenten Lunch and Talk, The Cornerstone 1.30 the work of our Catholic schools throughout the schools. The Archdiocesan the secondary sector, all our Education Meeting, Archbishop’s House 2.30 School Inspection Service’s schools (100% compared to Monday 13 School Visit 10.00 Archdiocese. ‘My Local School’, as a Welsh reports on the religious and 64% in Wales) are either Tuesday 14 School Visit 10.00 spiritual lives of our schools, ‘yellow’ or ‘green’; and, 56%, or Wednesday 15 Lenten Station Mass, All Saints Ebbw Vale 7.00 Government website, does not include the four schools of the and on standards in Religious 5 of the Catholic 9 secondary Archdiocese that are in the Education, show that our schools, are green, compared Thursday 16 Lenten Station Mass, St Dyfrig’s Treforest 7.00 County of Herefordshire, schools are providing to 7% nationally. Friday 17 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 England, (Department for countless excellent Rev Dr Philip Manghan, the New Town Association Meeting and Mass 6.30 Education in England data opportunities for the spiritual Catholic Education Service’s Sunday 19 Youth 2000 Retreat and Mass St. David’s College shows that our Catholic formation of all who work in Adviser for Wales, writes: ‘This 12.00 schools in Herefordshire are them. Coupled with the year’s ‘My Local School’ Tuesday 21 Standing Committee - Conference very successful). standards achieved in national data shows, once examination results, there is again, that Catholic schools in London 11.00 Turning to Wales, the information provided by the much to celebrate here. the Archdiocese of Cardiff are Wednesday 22 Anniversary Celebration – Brentwood Cathedral One other indicator is also completely focused on fulfilling 7.00 recent updates in ‘My Local School’ paints a very positive found in the school Christ’s mission: that we may Thursday 23 Lenten Station Mass St. Mary’s Bridgend 7.00 categorisation system, which is ‘have life and have it to the full’ Friday 24 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 picture. For example, taking the 9 Welsh Catholic secondary also reported in ‘My Local (John 10:10). There is of Monday 27 Diocesan Communications meeting ABH 4.00 schools of the Archdiocese School’. Local Authorities, and course much still to be done to Wednesday 29 Meeting at Allen Hall Chelsea 9.30 together, in 2016, over 66% of their education ‘Consortia’, in raise the standards of learning Thursday 30 Lenten Station Mass Our Lady’s Hereford 7.00 students in our Catholic dialogue with each governing across Wales as a whole, but Friday 31 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 schools achieved the body, categorises all schools in our Catholic schools, some of Meeting with Director of Education, The performance indicator of 5 Wales as ‘green’, ‘yellow’, which have been identified as Cornerstone 2.30 GCSEs grades A*-C, including ‘amber’ or ‘red’, depending on ‘Pioneer Schools’ to assist the Maths and English, (the Level how much support a school Welsh Government in the 2+ indicator). The average for needs to reach the highest of development of the new Wales as a whole for this standards; ‘green’ being those national curriculum and ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL indicator was 60%. Similarly, in schools needing the least professional development our Catholic schools of the support. In 2016, in the programmes for Wales, are Archdiocese, 61% of students Archdiocese of Cardiff there playing their part in helping our LENTEN FASTING LUNCH gained the Core Subject are no schools categorised as children and young people (Bread and Soup) Indicator (CSI) of grades A*-C ‘red’. In the primary sector, fulfil their God-given talents’. IN SUPPORT OF in Maths, English and Science, 29%, or 12 out of our 41 Congratulations and thanks compared to 58% nationally. If schools, are green, compared to the governors, staff and the figures for all 15 Catholic to 15% nationally; and, 83% families of our Catholic schools THE SYRIAN FAMILY are either ‘yellow’ or ‘green’, for all that is being REFUGEE PROJECT schools in Wales are taken together a similar picture similar to the Welsh average. In accomplished for our children. EACH FRIDAY OF LENT AT 1.30PM emerges. This is the third year in a row that Catholic schools ST DAVID’S CATHEDRAL CARDIFF (following the 12.45 Mass) in Wales have outperformed Please join us for THE RITE OF ELECTION to welcome those Adult Catechumens to be baptised at the Easter Vigil and the Welsh average at GCSE. those to be received into with the Catholic AT THE CORNERSTONE Of course, examination Church on Sunday 5 March at 3.00pm. Followed by results are not the only refreshments in The Cornerstone, Charles Street, Cardiff (During lunch, 15 minute Lenten Meditation indicator of the standards will be given by Archbishop George) achieved by the staff and children of our ARCHDIOCESAN DIARY OF EVENTS

BEL – Belmont Abbey – The Retreats Secretary - email: [email protected] or tel: 07799 811 646. All retreats begin with Vespers at 6.00 pm – check-in at Hedley Lodge from mid afternoon LL – Ty Croeso Centre, Llantarnam Abbey, Cwmbran tel: 01633 867317 PRC – Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff tel: 029 20360044 St.P – St Peter’s Church, St Peter’s Street, Cardiff CF24 3BA Wednesday 1 Ash Wednesday Mass St David’s Cathedral 12.45. Thursday 2 The Aquinas Inquiry. First of series of seminars to examine different theological themes relevant to contemporary issues Mostyn Room St David’s Cathedral 7.30pm. Friday 3 Lenten Lunch and Talk. The Cornerstone 1.30 Sunday 5 Rite of Election, St. David’s Cathedral 3.00 Friday 10 Lenten Lunch and Talk, The Cornerstone 1.30 Tuesday 14 Emmaus Experience - opportunity for spiritual reflection and guided prayer Cathedral House 7.30pm. Friday 17 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 Sunday 19 Youth 2000 Retreat and Mass St. David’s College 12.00 Friday 24 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 Friday 31 Lenten Lunch and Talk The Cornerstone 1.30 University Chaplaincy. For all Mass times and other events see www.cardiffchaplaincy.com To list Archdiocesan and Deanery Events in this Diary contact: Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 4LL Tel: (029) 2036 5963 Fax (029) 2079 3172 email: [email protected] CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3 Our privileged access into the spirituality of a saint Editorial

Archbishop George Stack gives us an insight into the new English Ethics or Essex? publication of the spiritual diaries of Pope John-Paul II. This is a government which thinks that Not since the publication of Journal of a “Ethics” is a county in England if we Soul, the spiritual autobiography of judge by the backsliding and 180 Pope John XXIII, have we had such degree reversal of its policy in which a privileged access into the spirituality of limited number of unaccompanied a pope. refugee children could receive a safe This is what we have been given with welcome in the UK and be cared for. the publication in English of the spiritual diaries of Pope John Paul II. In God’s What kind of moral stance is this and Hands has already been published in what shoddy treatment for defenceless his native and in where it and potentially at harm children who are has been a phenomenal success. the innocent victims of the wars the English-speaking readers will now Pope John-Paul in his latter day of suffering from illness Middle East? benefit from the extraordinary insights of this spiritual journal. After all, Britain and France after the The two notebooks from which it is of the spiritual conferences eliciting a the worldwide stage, now was the time First World War, through the Sykes-Picot drawn are not chrono- logical. However, very full entry in the retreat notes. to return to the Father. His final words agreement and subsequent treaties, the first covers the years 1962–1984, Herein lies another path to the heart of on his deathbed were: ‘Let me go to France and the UK divided provinces of whilst the second includes notes at the love of God when ‘Heart speaks to the house of the Lord’ (Psalm 122). In the former Ottoman Empire amongst retreats given to the Pope and Roman heart’ (Cardinal Newman) but always in the first chapter of the Gospel of John themselves as spares of political curia between the years 1985 and the silence of the heart. we read of the disciples of the Baptist influence, thus bearing a great deal of Of course intercession is part of the asking Jesus, ‘Master, where are you 2003. The electrifying element in this blame for the current conflicts. publication are the pages of prayer of Pope John Paul II as he prays staying?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Come handwritten reflections, explanations for the needs of the world and the and see’ (John 1:38). In God’s Hands is The government policy reversal will now and prayers bearing characteristic Church and all people. But it is in his a chronicle of one who responded to allow only 350 children into the insights of Pope John Paul II. prayer of adoration and contemplation that invitation in prayer and in faith UK….instead of 3,000 refugee children, that he comes to know himself as he is every day of his life. alone and abandoned. known. This is the path of the mystic, +George Stack Archbishop of recognising that heaven is ‘. . . a space Cardiff, Chair of the Department of This is a moral outrage and a blot on that Christ made for man in God’ Christian Life and Worship of the Britain’s traditional humanitarian (Ratzinger). This is also what allowed Bishops’ Conference of England and policies. the Pope to spend time alone with God Wales. in prayer ‘. . . at the morning watch and In God’s Hands will be published on Dr James Campbell even in the night’ (De profundis). March 28, 2017 ( HarperOne £27.93) So often, such waiting on God is regarded as a waste of time. The act of faith that gives the time and space to Your Catholic People… such contemplation says that no time is wasted in which God is served. The Editorial Dr James Campbell - Editor, Pastoral Resources Centre, 910 Newport Road, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 4LL Pope John Paul II as we remember service of God is the sanctification of Tel: (029) 20365963 Fax:(029) 2036 7192 Email: [email protected] him from the early days of his time. No time is sanctified more than Articles to be received by 15th of the month for inclusion in the following month. Please use Microsoft Word for all Papacy when as a fit athletic man he when it is a pure gift, given in faith with documents. skied and walked. no other expectation than to ‘be’ in the Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567 presence of God. This is the prayer There is an Ignatian structure to which permeates these diaries of Karol Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. much of his response to the various Wojtyła. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: [email protected] presentations, homilies, feast days, There is another language of prayer Liturgy of the Hours and Mass with which he was intimately familiar: PUBLIC SPEAKING SUCCESS AT ST DAVID’S COLLEGE celebrated during the retreats. This the language of suffering. From the structure enables an amazing personal devastating attempt on his life in St response to take place, with the unique Peter’s Square on 13 May 1981, and ability to link such thoughts and texts to the burden of ill health he subsequently his own inner life as well as to the bore, suffering was part of the reality of public ministry he was called to who he was. Old age and increasing exercise in the Church and in the world. infirmity limited his physical resources In God’s Hands is unusual in that the in ways which were surely both Calvary immediacy of the Pope’s response is and cross to this once energetic man given, not just through his handwriting, and skilled communicator. but in the deepest thoughts elicited by Old age and increasing infirmity the presentations of the retreat givers. limited the Pope’s physical resources. This is not a sedate, refined or sanitised Even when he could no longer journal of devotion. It allows the reader speak, he did not hide himself away to follow the different paths which lay from those who came to see and hear before one who was sincerely him. He had preached often on the discerning the will and plan of God meaning of the suffering of Jesus on unfolding in his own life. Calvary and the significance of the In all this, the leitmotif of obedience cross in the suffering that each person to the will of God is obvious not least in has to bear. Now he was able to his episcopal motto ‘Totus Tuus’. In his personify that teaching in his own Pictured are: 3rd place Sanaa Mogul; 1st place Adam Robjohn and 2nd place Katherine Burt devotion to Mary, Pope John Paul II weakness and vulnerability. Students from St David’s College took part in the Public Speaking Competition saw someone who was attentive to the The final pages of his diaries have organised by the Cardiff Circle of the Catenian Association. will of God, the woman who listened, lost the intensity and vigour of all that The worthy winner on the day was Adam Robjohn. He accepted the Winner’s the woman who believed that God’s went before. It is significant that the last Certificate, a voucher for £30.00 and the “Bernard Deere Shield” to be retained for 12 plan could be fulfilled through her two entries touch closely the heart of months. obedience. By the same token, that his life and ministry: Mary, his patron The chief judge, Helen Stevens, in her summing up, congratulated all the competitors obedience, which is based on prayerful and hope, standing at the foot of the on their enthusiasm and for the hard work they had put in, researching their various listening, and the response which cross followed by a meditation entitled, topics. She stated that all the presentations were of a high standard, and that follows was the foundation of the ‘Jonah, or the fear of preaching the love participation in events like this would help prepare them for their future careers. dynamism he was able to bring to the of God’. David Maddox for the Cardiff Catenians, thanked Mark Leighfield Principal of St papal ministry. Having stood with Mary in her David’s College and his staff for the use of their facilities and hoped that this would ‘Prayer is the language of our hope’ faithfulness throughout his life and become an annual event for Senior Students of Catholic Colleges and Schools in South wrote Cardinal Ratzinger, quoted in one having preached the love of God on Wales. 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

Every parish in the Archdiocese sent two Parishes join representatives to St David's Metropolitan Cathedral in a in Mass to joyful celebration of the 100 years existence of the Archdiocese of Cardiff. celebrate end This joyful celebration marked the end of a year of events of Centenary marking the creation of the Archdiocese in 1916. Year Here are some of the photographs taken at the Cathedral.

Right: Archbishop George joined the choir to congratulate them on a magnificent performance

Archbishop George and the clergy process into the Cathedral

Dominic Neville conducts the Cathedral hour whose music was a splendid contribution to the Centenary Mass

The Cathedral servers contributed so much to the running and order of the Mass CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5

Procession at the end of a memorable Mass

Communion is celebrated during the Mass

The congregation had two representatives form each of the parishes in the Archdiocese

Archbishop George censes the Alter at the beginning of the Mass 6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE

he creation of The Cornerstone was one of Tthe highlights of our Centenary Year. It gives us a multi-use facility not only for the Archdiocese but for those outside the Catholic community. It was fitting then that after the Mass to celebrate the end of our Centenary Year, (see pages 4 and 5) those attending the Mass, including the representatives of all the parishes in the Archdiocese, walked over from St David's Metropolitan Cathedral to get together and enjoy a social buffet. Some of those enjoying the convivial lunch are pictured here. Cornerstone social caps Centenary Year CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 Better Relationships, Reflections on LENT 2017 Better Lives Marriage Care provides professional By ARCHBISHOP GEORGE STACK Lent. This is also the Prayer which relationship counselling and marriage lies at the heart of Lent. preparation. “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the Reminding ourselves to give For an appointment please call: wilderness….. He fasted forty days and forty time to God so that God may 0800 389 3801 nights” (Matthew 4:1-2) speak to us in the silence of our To help us in our mission to heart. support couples please email: The Forty Days of Lent have a great biblical All major faiths encourage [email protected] precedent, not least in the forty years the people fasting and abstinence as spiritual of Israel wondered the desert in search of the disciplines. The Christian Faith is Promised Land. no exception. Jesus himself fasted The example for our own practice of in the desert as part of his Wanted for the “Quadragesima” lies in the forty days Jesus was preparation to meet his tempter. in the wilderness before he undertook his public The early Christians observed fasts. ministry. A time of discipline and preparation is (Acts 13:2 14:23). The Fathers of Missions the Early Church recommended important before any important event or Let us cherish fasting for decision in life. Prayer, Fasting and Abstinence the practice also. “Fasting is food fasting is the great safeguard Large Statues (Even damaged are the three tools we use as we prepare to for the soul, nourishment for the along with prayer and celebrate the great mystery of Easter the spirit. (Ambrose of Milan c.339-97). almsgiving, they deliver ones), old vestments, pictures, Passion Death and Resurrection of our Lord. When Jesus fasted in the human beings from death. church fittings, rosaries, prayer No accident that the Lenten exercises really wilderness for forty days, he did so Athanasius of Alexandria books, religious books, relics etc. came into focus with the Baptism of Adult in order to clarify his relationship (c.296-373) Converts at the Easter Vigil and the with God and the nature of his Reconciliation of Sinners during the days calling. To face inner temptation, family in 1921. Please ring preceding it. These important events also lie in he needed to explore how he Real enjoyment of the world the foundation of the Lenten Season. stood in relation to material needs comes not from possessing it or Mr. B. Ferris KSC, Fasting and Abstinence have nothing to do and worldly power, and to affirm consuming it, but from a detached 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, with hating or despising the world and its that his ultimate trust was in God enjoyment of its goodness. Far material goods. Neither are they ways of “Man does not live by bread alone from being a negative reaction to Coventry CV5 6EY punishing ourselves. Fasting is one way in but by every word that comes from the material world, fasting is a Tel: 02476 676986 which we deepen our awareness of God. the mouth of God”. (Matthew 4:4). positive affirmation of it. Fasting By denying ourselves food, or a luxury (the Our fasting and abstinence, if we leads to thanksgiving. In fact, there sweets, the cigarettes, the alcohol) what else do are serious about them, have a is no effective act of thanksgiving - we do except say “I do not depend on these particular significance in a world no Eucharist- without some form of To advertise in the next issue things”. It enables us to step back from the dominated by a culture of self restraint. usual habits and distractions and give particular consumption. Today we are all Fasting is always linked in the of The Catholic People attention to God. encouraged to think of ourselves teaching of the Fathers with prayer An outward restraint can be a sign and as ‘consumers’ or ‘customers’, as if and almsgiving. Charitable giving is please call symbol of an inner attention, and a help towards the material things of creation had part and parcel of Lent. Solidarity it. This is a meaning of the great symbol of no other meaning than to be used demands that others who are in 0151 709 7567 ashes given on Ash Wednesday, the first day of by human beings. Fasting is a form need benefit from our self restraint of restraint in which we stand back – otherwise even fasting and to contemplate things as they are abstinence can be seen as self in themselves, as they are in indulgence, as the slimming world FUNERAL SERVICES Cornerstone relationship to God the creator, and reminds us! Each one of us will not just a they exist for us. “Fasting have our own good intentions as prevents us from identifying we receive ashes on Ash ourselves with the world in order Wednesday. Self denial and Catch-up merely to possess it, and enables solidarity with the poor must surely Caerphilly us to see the world in a light be part and parcel of our Lenten Cornerstone has only been open four coming from elsewhere. Then practice. The Diocesan charity for Funeral Services months, and yet so much has already every creature, every thing, Lent is the support of the Syrian Parc Avenue, Caerphilly happened, with so much more yet to come! becomes an object of Refugee Families Project. Let our Independent Family Funeral Director Last autumn events were held raising many contemplation. Fasting puts prayer, fasting and abstinence be thousands of pounds for Music in Hospitals between ourselves and the world a of benefit not just to ourselves but • Complete Funeral Service • Wales, Ty Hafan and the Princes Gate Trust and wondering and respectful to those who are in desperate • Private Rest Rooms • yesterday the first of twenty free concerts in care distance”. So wrote Oliver Clement, need of our charitable support. • Personal care and attention day or night • homes in the Archdiocese has been given as a an Orthodox Christian theologian Syrian Refugee Project – See We are pleased to serve the Catholic direct result of this fund raising activity who was born into an agnostic page 8 A Beaujolais Nouveau Day raised over community in Caerphilly and surrounding areas. £38,000 for the George Thomas Hospice, and Tel: (029) 2086 2100 Cornerstone also hosted the Welsh Hearts Christmas Ball and a fundraiser for the Lions International Hampers for Pensioners in South Wales both of which raised significant funds for these causes We have also seen lots of children at Cornerstone taking part in the schools Really Rubbish Campaign, and with a new School Visit Education Pack underway we are looking forward to seeing many more children visit the H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY Cathedral and Cornerstone this year. J. CORTEN • R. DALE The Formal Opening of Cornerstone on 16th December by HRH the Prince of Wales was a K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL marvellous occasion, rapidly followed by a busy Christmas especially for our partner charities like the RNIB as they begin to properly utilise the 01633 266848 adapted facilities and sensory garden On 29th January it was lovely to welcome Fr.Michael Doyle and the parishes of Aberkenfig Newport Funeral Home, & Maesteg to the first Parish Sunday Lunch in 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport the Dewi Sant Hall. All had a great time and we (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital) look forward to seeing many more parishes join us for Sunday lunch in the coming months. During Lent Soup Lunches will be available www.toveybros.co.uk each Friday with all donations going to the Syrian Refugees Fund. Full details of our lent A trusted family business serving activity to follow shortly and I would remind everyone that the downstairs café is now open local families and the community in everyday for light refreshments South East Wales for six generations Christian Brown 8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE A warm welcome for a Syrian family in the Archdiocese of Cardiff

The Archdiocese of Cardiff is pleased Church. look at ways in which they can help to be able to make available an It promises to be a model of good resolve this humanitarian crisis. Prayer, unoccupied property to house a working practice and relationships with practical, financial, or organisational help, refugee family from Syria. The the local community. Local authorities as well as emotional and spiritual planning and organisation of this are struggling to find other properties support are all part of the endeavour of important initiative has been led by which can be used for the Scheme and resettlement. Teaching English, offering Sr. Ruth O’Neill on behalf of the is looking to the private and voluntary professional skills and advice or merely . sector for assistance in identifying and saying “hello” each have their part to Sr. Ruth is member of the Daughters making properties available. It is play also. SVPRS will provide this family of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, living in important for the Church and other with specialist support during their first Ely and works with people who are organisations not just to identify year in the UK. The longer term seeking asylum. Government and local problems to Government but also help orientation, settling and integration will authority legislation regarding the “I admire the courage of in providing solutions. rely very much on the welcome they resettlement of refugees is quite those who hope to be able Following the example of Pope receive from the local community. complex. This is necessarily so, given gradually to resume a Francis, who himself has brought Syrian In thanking Sr. Ruth and all those who the different culture and background as normal life, waiting for joy Refugee families to live in Vatican are helping make this endeavour well as physical and psychological and love to return to property, the in England possible, the words of Pope Francis are needs of those who have seen a great brighten their existence. and Wales is encouraging people to an inspiration and encouragement. deal of violence and suffered so much. We can and must all nourish Parishioners, County Council and this hope”. Pope Francis Housing officials met together to explore Schools shine a new the possibilities of making a suitable Protection. Their past experiences will house available as well as addressing undoubtedly have been traumatic, but the needs of the prospective family. The they will be assured of a warm welcome enthusiasm of both the parishioners and and secure environment in which to light on Candlemas officials is striking and everybody rebuild their lives. They will travel safely concerned is committed to making a and be met on arrival. They will have the By Father Mike Doyle Robert’s Aberkenfig) with a plain candle, “success” of this important initiative. The right to work in the UK and, as refugees, which I asked them to think about family will be welcomed as part of the will have the same entitlements as UK The Feast of the Presentation of the symbols for Jesus and decorate the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable citizens. Lord in the Temple on 2nd February is candles. Persons Resettlement scheme. (SVPRS). The property will be managed on also known as ‘Candlemas’. They were then blessed on the Feast The family to be resettled is part of the behalf of the parish and the Diocese by The words of Simeon revealing the of the Presentation and are now used as quota of 20,000 refugees that the UK Hafod Housing Association’s Cartrefi infant Christ as ‘a light for revelation to a focal point during class prayer time as Government is committed to welcoming Hafod team which specialises in finding the Gentiles’ (LK 2:32) is traditionally Christ our light shines in our classrooms. between 2015-2020. Unlike most who accommodation in the private rented marked with the blessing of candles that They have even been used as our altar have already arrived having fled their sector to help house homeless people. are to be used throughout the year candles during school celebrations. The countries and making long and The Housing Association already has within our churches. outcome for each of the candles have dangerous journeys, the journey of this some experience of partnership working In the parishes of Maesteg and been very creative and a lot of thought family will be carefully planned for them. for the SPVRS, but this will be the first Aberkenfig, I presented each class went into the symbols. I asked each Before leaving Syria, they will have been partnership in Wales to include a within our primary schools (St Mary’s class about their candle it was a great identified as needing Humanitarian property belonging to the Catholic and St Patrick’s Maesteg and St exercise. Welsh National Pilgrimage Lourdes 2017

Interested in going on pilgrimage?

Our Lady calls us to come to Lourdes in prayer, procession and penance - can you respond to this call? Come and join us on the Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes! Archbishop George Stack (Cardiff) & Bishop Tom Burns (Menevia) are leading this years pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. The theme for all pilgrimages in Lourdes this use three hotels and prices contact us for further year is “the Lord has done are range from £669 based information. great things for me”. on two people sharing. Single Bookings can be made A spiritual programme of supplements are available. online via our website or by events includes Mass at the We also have spaces for phoning 01495 243304. Grotto, participation in the assisted pilgrims - do you Application forms can also be Blessed Sacrament and know of anyone who needs to found on the website. Torchlight processions, a go to Lourdes and requires a Keep an eye on our website Mass with anointing, stations little bit of extra care? Our for further information and of the Cross, international medical / carers team and upcoming news, preparations mass and a visit to the Baths. youth and adult helpers and events for our pilgrimage In addition there is time to provide care in the St Frai, a at explore Lourdes, to relax with special facility designed to http://www.welshnationalpilgri other pilgrims as well as cater for assisted pilgrims. mage.uk/ opportunities for walking tours We are always on the look Any queries, questions or lead by our JWT reps. out for helpers to join our expressions of interest can Flying from Cardiff on team - both adult and youth. be made to Sunday 23rd July to spend Could you or someone you welshnationalpilgrimage@g five nights in Lourdes before know take up this challenge? mail.com or 01495 243304 returning on 28th July. We If you are interested please

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