Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 254 February 2018 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff
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Cardinal Nichols Marriage - God really shares Our Lady’s does rejoice in your role with us coming together Page 3 Page 4 A moving TV programme on our young children In a pastoral letter Archbishop George Stack reflects on the fulfilment of family life and links it to the Feast of the Holy Family
The Doni Tondo or Doni Madonna, is the only finished panel painting by the mature Michelangelo to survive. It is in the Uffizi Gallery, in Florence “The Secret Lives of 4 and 5 year old process. The forthcoming Diocesan policy on children” must surely be one of the most preparation for marriage in all its aspects will be profound and moving TV programs of recent of enormous help to all who care for the well- years. This fascinating documentary takes being of marriage and family life. us into the world of these youngsters as they navigate their way through friendship The meeting between young and old and fear, choices and conflict, responsibility and blame. Although not normally thought of as a Their insight and language skills are amazing. Christmas story, today’s gospel passage about Their capacity to discern what is good or bad Simeon and Anna tells us something important behaviour is enlightening. Their sensitivity to about the meeting between young and old, each other is extraordinary. The program between two sections of society which are reveals how the individual adult personalities of perhaps the most vulnerable of all. (See article these young children are already being formed on page 6 Children share festive joy at at this early age. Nazareth House. When life expectancy is at an “Christmas is a time for children” we often all- time high, 90th birthdays are no longer say. And so it is – but it is a time for adults too. unusual. I recently had the privilege of burying a The Feast of the Holy Family is intimately nun aged 101. linked with the birth of the Christ Child at The medical advances which allow for a Bethlehem. It speaks of the integrity, the longer life bring with them questions such as wholeness, the holiness which lies at the heart quality of life, the economic demands to of a fulfilled family life. It is no accident, though, navigate the crisis in social care, the epidemic that another feast of children is also kept during of loneliness amongst the elderly and the this Christmas season. The feast of the Holy challenge of dementia. Forty years ago Pope Innocents is a reminder of the neglect, cruelty Paul VI spoke powerfully of the “Civilisation of and abuse that children can suffer even in our Love” and the family as the ‘School of Love’. own day. We are all familiar with the pain which This unconditional love should last from the results when families break down. We read womb to the tomb no matter what the daily of the suffering children experience when demands and circumstances it makes on us. they are deprived or neglected. That is one Reflecting on this gospel, Pope Francis said reason why our Diocesan Catholic schools seek “It is good for the elderly to communicate their to help parents in the education of their wisdom to the young; and it is good for young children. We also recognise that the family is people to gather this wealth of experience and under pressure in countless ways, not least in a wisdom, and to carry it forward…addressing the climate which encourages under age children challenges that life brings”. to ‘choose’ their gender. In the light of all this, Pope Francis speaks of “The passing of parenting skills need to be nurtured, developed wisdom” and sustained at all costs. Marriage needs to be prepared for in remote, proximate and immediate ways. It is a continual, lifelong • Continued on Page 2 2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE
ARCHBISHOP GEORGE’S A moving TV programme ENGAGEMENTS FEBRUARY 2018 on our young children • Continued from page 1 “Our children are the messages we send to Week of 4 February tomorrow”. On this feast of the Holy Family it is Sunday-Saturday ICEL Meeting in Washington Yet another TV program showed some four good to reflect on what we wish to hand on to year old children who were allowed to share the next generation, not just in material things, Week of 11 February their lessons for six weeks with residents of an but in physical and emotional well-being as 14 February Ash Wednesday Mass at St. David’s Cathedral 12.45 old people’s home. The results were well as spiritual identity. In doing so, we give 15 February Meeting with Apostolic Nuncio at Swansea 7.00pm extraordinary. The transformational effect on thanks to God for parents who devote 16 February Inauguration of Poetry Festival at The Cornerstone 6.30pm the health and happiness of the old people themselves to the upbringing and education of 17 February Poetry Festival Event at The Cornerstone 4.00pm was both beautiful and telling. By the same their children. We give thanks to God for Week of 18 February token, the exuberance and empathy of the grandparents who in so many ways continue 18 February RCIA Rite of Election St. David’s Cathedral 3.00pm youngsters for the elderly was equally so. to contribute to the welfare of their children 19 February Planning Meeting at St. Dyfrig’s Treforest 11.00am ‘Lessons for Life’ can take place in many and their children’s children. And we pray for 20 February Department of Christian Life and Worship Meeting, London 1.00pm places other than the classroom. those whose experience of family life is not 21 February North Gwent Deanery Meeting Cwmbran 5.00pm Simeon and Anna are the models to whom ideal, that through the wider family of those Deanery Lenten Station Mass Our Lady of the Angels Pope Francis refers when speaking of passing who care they may experience something of Cwmbran 7.00pm on wisdom. Simeon, an old man now, nearly the love that God has for each human person. 23 February Meeting of Diocesan Trustees Archbishop’s House 9.30am blind, frail with age, near to death. He really did Pope Francis has written a profound letter know what God was about even when all the celebrating the beauty and importance of Week of 25 February 25 February Parish Lunch and Meeting St. Dyfrig’s Treforest 1.00pm others in the Christmas story did not – the marriage and family life. It is called The Joy of 26 February Provincial Meeting of Bishops Archbishop’s House Cardiff 4.00p shepherds, the Wise Men, perhaps even Mary Love (Amoris Laetitia) . In that letter he 27 February Provincial Meeting Concludes 11.00am and Joseph. But Simeon was blessed with recognises that the reality of the lives of so 28 February Cardiff Deanery Lenten Station Mass St. Brigid’s Church 7.00 deep wisdom because “My eyes have seen many of us is different from the ideals the salvation which you have prepared for all proclaimed by the gospel. Nonetheless, each the nations to see”. Anna, her days of girlhood person still belongs to the Bride of Christ which over, was now eighty four years old and never is the Church. No one should be outside the left the Temple, serving God night and day pastoral care and concern of the community of with fasting and prayer. The people came to faith. At the beginning of this New Year, the Temple in Jerusalem to see the sacrifices resolutions are often in our minds. What better and join in the public worship. Both Anna and New Year resolution than a prayerful and Simeon tell them that the child in the arms of reflective reading of “The Joy of Love”? Mary is the one to watch. With every blessing for 2018 Conference for young and old! “See: I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV) Early Bird Offer Now in its 8th Year, CELEBRATE Wales is a (Full payment required by end of January) conference for all, young and old, open to individuals • £32 - Adults (18+) and families alike. 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2. Mary statue in Israel
3. David Payne, presenter in a Mary at Pentecost chapel in Jerusalem Editorial Marvellous celebration! On pages 4 and 5 we have a photograph of the many married couples and their families who attended a wonderfully warm and moving Mass of Celebration for Cardinal Nichols shares Marriage, held at St David’s Cathedral. During the Mass Archbishop George asked husbands to continue in love with their wives and to wives he asked Our Lady’s role with us the same question. And to family and friends present he said: “Dear friends atholic Faith Exploration features moving testimonies from of the community will you pledge your (CaFE) have been Mary’s Meals, ex-gangster John 2 support of these beloved men and Cproducing TV-quality film Pridmore and many others from women in that journey in love?” courses on all aspects of the around the UK plus an interview Faith since being launched by with the Papal Preacher, Fr All people present lit their candles Cardinal Hume in 1996. Raniero Cantalamessa. Full details from the paschal candle...and their Many parishes have run CaFE of the very affordable five session were more than a few people with courses in the Diocese to great film & book plus a short trailer are tears in their eyes. effect over the years. A new available at www.faithcafe.org or Archbishop George added: “Your course and book on Mary for by calling CaFE on 0845 0509 parishes and individuals called 9428. marriage is your blessing to each LET IT BE has recently been David Payne, the film’s director, other, your families and to us all and launched. says; “The time is ripe for a fresh we rejoice in the light you bring to us.” Cardinal Nichols is one of the and inspiring film about Mary’s well known experts who life, her inspiring witness of faith powerfully share about Mary’s vital and her powerful intercessory Young and old role in our discipleship today. The prayers. We need all the help we inspiring travel journey through can get.” Congratulations to the young children Mary’s life past and present Cardinal Nichols says: “Mary’s of St Patrick’s Primary School who begins at our National Marian ‘Let it be’ was a clear, deliberate went to Nazareth House to serenade Shrine in Walsingham, where and definitive act - powerful, the residents (See page 7). Monsignor John Armitage sets the strong, free and life-giving. It was 3 scene, before the five session Mary’s commitment to the Word This is a great initiative to bring young series takes viewers to the of God as the supreme value of and old together, as a recent TV wonders of the Holy Land filmed her life which needs to be at the programme showed. at all the key Marian sites. very core of our discipleship After that, the traditional place of today.” Both age groups have much to give to Mary’s older life in Ephesus is Msgr Armitage says “It’s very each other. Also congratulations to explored before visiting Rome, important to have a resource like the children of Our Lady of the Angels Montserrat near Barcelona, and LET IT BE to help us to do more RC Primary School who abandoned Knock. One of the highlights is the than just ‘go through the motions’. their own Christmas party food to beauty of Lourdes with filming of It will help us grow in our prayer donate to the local food bank for the Cardinal and and several and give us a deeper relationship people in need. diocesan pilgrimage. Let It Be also with our Blessed Mother Mary.” Well done girls and boys! Lenten Deanery Masses
The Archbishop will be celebrating Lennten Deanery Masses as set out below. He encourages people of all the deaneries to participate in this Lenten exercise so that each parish is represented in the Mass. He adds: “It is a great sign of the unity and fellowship of the Diocesan family I and Resurrection:
• North Gwent Our Lady of the Angels, Cwmbran, Wednesday 21 February 7pm.
• Cardiff St Brigid’s Crystal Glen, Wednesday 28 February 7pm.
• Newport St Mary’s Stow Hill, Thursday 8 March, 7pm.
• Hereford Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Tuesday 13 March 7pm.
• Pontypridd St Helen’s Caerphilly, Wednesday March 14 7pm.
• Bridgend St Mary’s Wednesday 21 March 7pm. 4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Marriage – God really does rejoice in your coming together
Words and pics by James will give us these years! climbed to the top of Mount Campbell Children and grandchildren, Vesuvius to witness the not to mention great steam rising out of the rocks It was a real privilege to be grandchildren, are a real of that volcano, now at the Mass of Celebration blessing as Archbishop quiescent, which had at St David’s Cathedral on George said at the Mass of destroyed Pompeii. January 20. Celebration “God really does I remember the rush to the As you can see from the rejoice at your coming hospital in the early hours of The Caring Funeral Service picture above many couples together Your union is a the morning in my Ford Fiesta Award Winning Independent Funeral Homes flocked to our cathedral to manifestation of the love life which resulted in the birth of celebrate their marriage vows. of our community. Your my daughter Joanna. And you can see from the marriage is your blessing to I cherish the joy both our Award Winning, picture below two couples each other, your families and children have given us celebrated their Diamond to us all and we rejoice in the though all the years….and the Independent Wedding….60 years together light your bring us.” joy they have given us Funeral Arrangers raising a family stretching We share our children and through their marriages and over four generations!. grandchildren with our our two lovely grandsons. As a father of two children, community and rejoice in our All these memories came Privileged to have who have given my wife Ruth friends and relatives who back at he Mass and I and myself two lovely share their children and congratulate the Marriage and served the Catholic grandchildren, we both would grandchildren with us. Family Life Commission for community since 1989 love to be given the years to The Mass of Celebration organising the Mass. And I see our grandchildren get brought back many memories also give thanks to the clergy married and give us the fourth to me. I remember the day who work with our married • Private Rest Rooms generation like Patrica and when on holiday in Sorrento, couples and those wishing to • 24HR Call-Out Service Ivan Sadka and Frances and my seven-months pregnant marry. • 5* Client Reviews Vincent Kelly. I pray that God wife with our son Richard, It was a wonderful day! • Caring, Dignified, Personal & Professional Service • Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
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Church Village Funeral Services Cardigan Close Precinct Tonteg, PONTYPRIDD CF38 1LD (01443) 203966 churchvillagefuneralservices.co.uk Sixty years together – pictured with Archbishop George Diamond Wedding couple Patricia and Ivan Sadka (St Mary’s Canton), Frances and Vincent Kelly (Our Lady & St Patrick, Maesteg). CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5
Those celebrating diamond, gold and other marriage anniversaries were amongst the married couples pictured here at the end of a special Mass held at St David’s Cathedral on Saturday 20 January. Family members and newly-weds also attended the Mass to give thanks for their years together and the years to come. The Future of the Church
Young people from our Archdiocese in Poland for World Youth Day; we must continue to engage with our young people throughout the diocese
By Madeline Page reach out to our young people! This talk is being run by the Diocesan Evangelisation Department as part of its Working with young people can be daunting for series of ongoing monthly events. many, but with the aging population of our parishes, Directions: Drive into St Illtyd’s High School car park we are forced to focus our attention on the future and follow all the way round, CF3 1XQ. More details of the Church. available at www.tinyurl.com/rcadcprc Ben Aldridge, Youth Chaplain at St Mary’s High
SPUC Safe at School is calling on parents guide their children and to take effective action to challenge the government over the way to protect them. in which relationships and sex education is “The school isn’t there at midnight to deal taught in schools. with a distraught teenager who is the victim of Relationships and sex education is now a sexting. It is parents who are left to pick up the compulsory school subject for every school pieces - totally bewildered because they were All profits donated to charity child in England, including those at under the impression that the school had independent, free schools and academies. sorted out this problem. Caring, sensitive bespoke funeral services The government has launched a public “Children as young a five years old will now consultation to gather views on how this new face lessons on sexting, sexual harassment compulsory subject should be taught. and the LGBT agenda. This is an intrusion into Telephone 02920 52 42 00 Antonia Tully of Safe at School said: their childhood. Far from preparing young “Compulsory sex education deals an insidious children for the modern world, this is violating blow to family life. The state is effectively their innocence. And the new legislation taking over the role of parents in the moral and disempowers parents from providing the We welcome no-obligation enquiries spiritual education of their children. Teaching protection their children so much need. children about sex, guiding them through the “We hope that the government will not and cater for ‘pre-need’ funeral sexual minefield of today’s world is the job of sideline the views of parents. The sort of plans which help: parents, not the state. recommendations we are looking for from this “It’s not good enough to say that some consultation are that: parents can’t or won’t speak to their children • schools will give full disclosure to parents of on these matters. The vast majority of parents all the materials which will be used to deliver Limit costs are capable of doing so and are deeply this subject; invested in their children’s welfare. But they are • schools willl give parents adequate notice bombarded with messages that almost anyone and full disclosure of any visiting speakers to other than themselves should be talking about the school; Record your wishes sex to their children. This new legislation is • special needs children will be given a special effectively ordering parents to hand over their dispensation from lessons; children’s moral development to the state. • every parent in the school will be consulted “Putting sex education on the same statutory and be able to help determine the content of Relieve pressure on family footing as other school subjects sends a the lessons message to parents that informing their • what is “age-appropriate” will be decided by and loved ones children about sex and preparing them for parents and not by the school. adulthood, is no more their direct concern that Contact us: Antonia Tully, SPUC Director of teaching their children maths or chemistry. Campaigns and Fundraising, can be contacted “Schools do have a role in supporting and on: 07926 007175 encouraging parents to engage fully with their [email protected] or contact Dr www.greenwillowfunerals.com children on issues such as sexting and Anthony McCarthy, SPUC Director of Education pornography. But parents are best placed to and Communications, on 020 7820 3144 CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7 Big-hearted pupils spread New Year cheer Wanted for the Missions
Large Statues (Even damaged ones), old vestments, pictures, church fittings, rosaries, prayer books, religious books, relics etc.
Please ring During Yuletide, pupils of Our Lady of the Angels RC Primary School, in Cwmbran,thought of people of need Mr. B. Ferris KSC, and decided to forego party food for their Christmas party and bring in offerings to donate to the local food bank for people in need in the local community. 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, Well done boys and girls! Coventry CV5 6EY Tel: 02476 676986 School of Song carol service
James Patrick’s JP School of Song has grown from strength to strength as witnessed by Canon Boardman, Deacon Elfed and an appreciative congregation at St Joseph’s Church, Penarth when they were asked to put on a Carol Service for a second consecutive year on 20th December. The programme consisted of a mixture H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY readings, carols and seasonal music J. CORTEN • R. DALE performed by the choir, pictured here, and K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL accompanied by his sister Ashleigh. All pupils ranging from 10-17 are from Catholic Schools across the diocese and meet once a week to rehearse in Cardiff and Penarth. 01633 266848 The group who are non-profit making, have been busy singing at charity events including Newport Funeral Home, the Cardiff Half Marathon. Anyone of a similar age who is interested in 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport singing is very welcome to join the group and (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital) can email [email protected] for more information. www.toveybros.co.uk Children share festive joy at Nazareth House A trusted family business serving local families and the community in On Thursday 21st November 2017, the South East Wales for six generations children of St. Patrick’s Primary School Cardiff went along to entertain the residents of Nazareth House in Cardiff. The children performed well known Christmas Carols as well as popular Christmas songs. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the U children’s singing and the children then P C chatted, over a cup of tea or glass of squash, with some of their audience. S The pupils were then treated to a tour of the Love is nursing home, bringing Christmas Joy to letting some of the more elderly residents. me live We look forward to returning in the Summer to provide a Summer concert.
St David’s College Accredited a ‘Refugee Welcome School’ THANK YOU To our Catholic Parishes in the Cardiff Diocese who had a White Flower By Jim Barnaville Caritas Representative, Geraint Williams (Teacher) and Dean Williams (student) Archdiocese of Cardiff and Community receiving the accreditation certificate from Councillor Merry Appeal, and Parishioners for your Organising Leader generosity. Teachers and students from nine colleges and schools in and around Cardiff came together If your Parish didn’t manage to have on 21 November 2017 at St David’s Catholic an Appeal for us this year, you can Sixth Form College to share their experience send a personal donation to: of welcoming refugees and to recognise the commitment of schools and colleges. ‘SPUC’, Unit B, 3 Whitacre Mews, Three schools and colleges, including St London SE11 4AB David’s, received their accreditation as a ‘Refugee Welcome School’ at this summit from Councillor Sarah Merry, deputy leader of Business Reply Licence Number Cardiff Council and cabinet member for RRRY-BTZH- RHGX (Freepost) education. God bless, The Refugee Welcome Schools programme has been developed by Citizens UK with NASUWT. Other schools and colleges are Paul Botto planning to work towards accreditation. SPUC White Flower Appeal Catholic schools and colleges would be welcome to join in Journey campaign and with the Community Sponsorship of Diocesan Organiser, with this and accredit for the work welcoming refugees in Refugees scheme. schools and the wider community. For more details on any of the three initiatives please 79 Splott Road, Cardiff CF24 2BX There are elements of the Refugee Welcome Schools contact Jim Barnaville - Mob: 07870879621 Email: Tel: 029 20 400146 programme that resonate with activities in the Share the [email protected] 8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Letter to Patriarchs and heads of Local Churches in Jerusalem Following your letter to President consistent position of the United been proposed in the Knesset would Donald Trump, of 6 December 2017, Nations; and we fear that this will grant the State the power to confiscate and on behalf of the Catholic increase the already deep-rooted Church land. This proposal represents Bishops of England and Wales, I tensions in the city and the wider an intolerable infringement of the wish to express my solidarity with region. Status Quo and the legitimate rights of you and all Christians in the Middle the Churches and should be East at this troubling time. Protect diverse communities recognised for what it is: an attack on We count ourselves among those We also note the undertaking given the property rights of the Christian who ‘love Jerusalem’ and ‘have every recently by Prime Minister Netanyahu community. We urge religious and will to work and make it a land and a that in this changing situation Israel will political leaders in the United Kingdom city of peace, life and dignity for all its respect the Status Quo agreement. and around the world to join us in inhabitants’. We are one with you as This undertaking must be carried out in speaking out against this threat to you write ‘The prayers of all believers in order to protect the diverse religious freedom, which would set a it – the three religions and two peoples communities within the city and the dangerous precedent for other faiths in who belong to this city – rise to God integrity of Jerusalem as a whole. the Holy Land. and ask for peace, as the Psalmist We therefore express our grave We also request those in authority in Cardinal Nichols – stop actions of says: “Return to us, God Almighty! concern at the proposed Bill of Church Jerusalem to act decisively to stop the radical settler groups Look down from heaven and see!” Lands that is currently under actions of radical settler groups that 980.154). Inspire our leaders and fill consideration in the Israeli Parliament. seek to expand their control over As we have celebrated the birth of their minds and hearts with justice and We stand in solidarity with you against properties in Jerusalem to the our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and peace. this threat to the long-standing exclusion of residents of the City who in the light of these heightened We stand at odds with President arrangements that allow all faith are not Jewish. tension, we urge all Christians, and all Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as communities to live together in We thank His Beatitude Theophilos people of good will, not to neglect the the official capital city of the state of Jerusalem. III for raising these issues on behalf of struggles that His followers face in the Israel and consequent rejection of the The Bill of Church Lands that has the Christians in the Holy Land. land of His birth. Prince Charles hears case against Jerusalem threat
His Royal Highness the Prince of long court case, the Patriarchate Wales received the Greek Orthodox was able to prove: that the Patriarch of Jerusalem at Clarence employee in question had House. received a bribe, that there was The meeting came after Theophilos III bad faith, that there was a met with the UK Government Ministers conspiracy to make this deal and, Alistair Burt and Rory Stewart as part of a that the agreements lacked due whirlwind international tour to highlight authority from the Patriarchate. threats to the delicate and ancient Despite this the District Court 'Status Quo' in the Old City. ruled in July of 2017 against the One of the foremost threats Patriarchate. concerning the Patriarch is the case of In the first week of November, the properties around the Jaffa Gate. In the Patriarchate lodged an 2004, an employee of the Greek appeal to the High Court of Orthodox Patriarchate signed over long Justice. Were this appeal to term leases for three properties to a prove unsuccessful, the results radical settler group. The employee had would be immensely damaging been given a power of attorney by then- to the integrity of the Old City. Patriarch Irenaios, who denied giving the The properties in question are in power of attorney for this purpose and the heart of the Christian Quarter claimed that the individual had made the seat of all the Patriarchates’ him sign a version that he did not and Churches’ administration approve. The deal was done with no headquarters and less than 500 legal representation on the part of the meters away from the Church of Patriarchate. None of the clergy, the Holy Sepulchre. If the settler including the leadership, in the groups were to gain control of Patriarchate knew about the deal. The the properties, they would be Synod of the Patriarchate was not able to pursue their aggressive informed about the deal. No funds were campaign of removing non-Jews received by the Patriarchate for the from the city and from these properties. strategic centres at the heart of The tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – threatened by legal Therefore, in 2004, the Patriarchate the Christian Quarter, threatening moves refused to accept the deal. The settler the very presence of Christians in support from Church leaders including Nichols and world leaders including the groups took the Patriarchate to court to the Holy Land. Pope Francis, the Archbishop of King of Jordan and others. His visit enforce their claimed right. In a decade- The Patriarch has so far received Canterbury Justin Welby, Cardinal follows an earlier trip to the UK. New Guide to Annulment process published
The National Board of Catholic Women (NBCW) to use their judicial power for the good of those in their consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC). has published a revised 4th Edition of ‘A Guide to care. Commenting on the new 4th Edition, NBCW the Annulment Process’ supported by the Marriage It is therefore fitting that the front cover of NBCW's President, Mrs Maureen Meatcher, said, ‘The National and Family Life Office at the Bishops’ Conference Guide depicts Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reaching out Board of Catholic Women actively seeks to enable the of England and Wales. to aid one of his flock caught in the thorns. In his spiritual growth and development of all Catholic First published in 1998, the Guide seeks to de- foreword, the Rt Rev Peter Doyle, Chair of the Bishops’ women. Applying for an annulment may have mystify the annulment process, making it easier to Committee for Marriage and Family Life, describes the procedural and emotional difficulties for some, but it is understand, and hopefully less stressful. The 4th 4th edition as, ‘a resource to assist all those in our a time of learning and understanding about Edition also takes into account Mitis Iudex Dominus communities whose marriages have failed, and those themselves. Pope Francis has urged us to go out to Iesus, ‘The Gentle Judge, our Lord Jesus, the accompanying them; and restore to them, with the the marginalised, so we hope and pray that this Shepherd of Souls’, the document issued by Pope mercy of God, hope and confidence on the journey of booklet will facilitate a healing process and a fresh Francis in 2015 which gives a more streamlined and faith in the light of the Gospel.’ start for some.’ readily accessible way of proceeding in cases NBCW is a forum, founded in 1939, in which Printed versions of the new Guide are available to concerning the declaration of the nullity of a marriage. Catholic women of England and Wales come together purchase from the National Board of Catholic Women Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy is at the heart of to share their views and concerns at diocesan and priced at £5 including P&P. Please download an order these new procedures which help reduce the time national level. NBCW is a Consultative body to the form at www.nbcw.co.uk and email to: taken to process a case, and assist diocesan bishops Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and has [email protected]
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