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Newyddiadur Swyddogol Esgobaeth Caerdydd Issue 280 April 2020 Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff

Pick up your FREE Catholic People copy today WE MUST FACE THESE DIFFICULTIES TOGETHER

PASTORAL LETTER OF They may also contribute to our Lenten prayers of the Church. choosing. The cross cannot be FEAST OF ST JOSEPH – discipline. The 8.8 million people in this country avoided. It has to be embraced in 19TH MARCH 2020 over the age of 70 must obviously have our A time of testing faith and lived through in order to special care as we are particularly vulnerable in catch a glimpse of what lies Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, this pandemic. A significant proportion of our I want to assure the priests and beyond. Although our celebration clergy also fit into this category. In the Church, people of the Diocese of my of this Easter may have to be We are living in strange and worrying times. we have a good network of outreach to the prayers for you and your loved more muted than in past years, Who would have thought that, following the elderly, sick and housebound. At this time, the ones, and for your the truth it celebrates will never natural disasters of recent months, we would good neighbour will ensure that those living community. I am grateful to those diminish. “Life and death now be facing the dangerous realities alone should be contacted and reassured that who have worked hard to provide contended. Combat strangely surrounding the coronavirus pandemic? Yet help is near at hand, should it be needed. information and help not least ended”. Our belief is that life will this is the new reality with which we have to through the Archdiocese triumph over death. That light will live. We have to adjust our everyday patterns Our churches will remain open website, social media and “The conquer darkness. The words of and lifestyle to these very challenging Catholic People”. These days of St. John Paul II are profoundly circumstances. I want to write personally to Bearing in mind what I have written, you will Lent are a time of testing as we significant at this time: each person in the Archdiocese of Cardiff as know that the Bishops of England and follow our suffering Lord Jesus to “Do not abandon yourselves to we face these difficulties together, and in have implemented the decision to suspend the Calvary and beyond. The suffering despair. We are an Easter People support of others in our local community. public celebration of Mass in our churches on of the cross to which we attach and Alleluia is our song”. Good health is a precious gift. The advance Sundays and Holy Days. This decision includes ourselves cannot be avoided in of medical science and the development of a dispensation from the obligation to attend the painful circumstances of our With every blessing our National Health Service over the years Mass because of the danger of these times. lives. These are not of our George have ensured that the quality of our lives has This cessation includes weekday Mass as well, rightly improved. “Life is precious. Handle with although the priest may celebrate Mass For further advice on the Corona virus look at the Catholic Bishops of Prayer” read a Wayside Pulpit some years ago. privately without a congregation. Our churches England and Wales site at https://www.cbcew.org and the Welsh These words seem particularly relevant during will remain open wherever possible in order government site at https://gov.wales/coronavirus. the health crisis we now face. I have attached that people may use them for private prayer two prayers which you may find helpful to use and devotions. The essence of these personally whether self-isolating or trying to go measures is that people must not gather in about the daily business of life. groups with all the dangers of cross infection this entails. Prayers and good works This decision has not been taken lightly, recognising that the Mass is the hallmark of Prayer and good works are the hallmark of the Catholic faith and practice. A number of follower of Jesus Christ. We do pray for all churches have the capacity to ‘live stream’ the those who have been infected by the virus, celebration of Mass in the absence of a especially those with underlying health congregation. It would be good to view these conditions which make them even more prone transmissions and join in the prayers with to serious missals, the scriptures and other worship aids. illness. As good citizens, it is essential that Failing that, traditional Catholic practices such we heed government and medical advice, as the Prayer of the Church, Lectio Divina, the whether it be self- isolating or not gathering in Rosary, Stations of the Cross and the desire to big numbers in addition to undertaking the make a spiritual communion. These actions will basic hygiene instructions. Working from home join us together as members of the Mystical where possible, avoiding non-essential travel, Body of Christ. We may be physically more limiting social outings. All of these measures separated at this time, but we remain united have their place in helping to avoid infection as through faith and baptism in bonds which well as the danger of cross contamination. cannot be broken. No one is forgotten in the Pages 2-3_ 2/3 27/03/2020 16:30 Page 1

2 CATHOLIC PEOPLE ‘ boy’ who only wanted to be a simple parish priest but became Archbishop of Cardiff and later Southwark

Peter Smith liked to say that he paedophile ring, Smith was aghast was “just a Battersea boy”. that McSweeney had lied to him. Certainly the tenth Roman “He could not understand how Catholic Archbishop of anybody who professed to love Southwark, to give him his full God could abuse anyone,” recalled title, was never accused of a colleague.As Smith walked putting on clerical airs or graces. through London wearing a dog Puffing a Silk Cut cigarette and collar, strangers unaware of who he sipping a gin and tonic, Smith was sometimes shouted anti- would relay, with mischief in his clerical abuse. “Sometimes people blue eyes, how he had tried without spit,” he told an acquaintance who success to evade high had witnessed this. “It is just how it ecclesiastical office. “All I wanted in is.” was born in life was to be a simple parish southwest London in 1943, the priest, and I’ve been thwarted,” said younger son of Cuthbert Smith, a the man who was twice an technical clerk at a printing press, archbishop. and Kathleen (née Kennedy). He In 1995 he had been asked to attended Clapham grammar school be Bishop of East Anglia. “Can I and then worked for a year at say no?” was his initial response. Coutts & Co, the Queen’s bankers, Six years later he was in the shrine where he smoked a pipe. The day of the Virgin Mary in Walsingham, he blew ash over a letter, he , when he took a call from swapped to Rothmans, becoming the papal nuncio. “It is good that a lifelong chainsmoker. Coutts you are in Walsingham because offered Smith a post after he Our Lady said ‘yes’ (to the Angel finished his degree in law in 1966 Gabriel),” the nuncio purred down at Exeter University, but by then he the phone. “Now you are going to had sensed a call to the say ‘yes’ to the Holy Father and go priesthood, to the surprise of his to Cardiff.” Anglican father. Trouble shooter“But the Ordained in 1972Upon arrival at previous archbishop hasn’t St John’s Seminary in Wonersh, resigned yet,” sputtered Smith. , he was greeted by a The Tablet's tribute to Archbishop Peter However, the incumbent, John clipboard-clutching priest who Ward, had the previous day been remarked, “Ah yes, Smith. You’re Archbishop Peter’s long-term public affairs several other issues that raised challenging obliged by the Vatican to resign his from the world.” (Many training for adviser Charles Wooky remarked that you moral questions. see, after a scandal involving two the priesthood had attended junior knew you had arrived at the right venue Charles Wookey referred to the Archbishop's paedophile priests in his seminary.) He was ordained in when you saw him standing at the door, as “combining firm convictions, calm wisdom archdiocese. Both were jailed.Amid 1972, sent to Rome to study canon cigarette in hand (often already on his and clarity of thought and argument with a the ensuing uproar, the Vatican law and returned to Britain to teach second), amiably chatting to anybody he genuine desire for engagement and dialogue. selected the unassuming Smith as canon law at St John’s Seminary. happened to meet. HisApproach was marked by a principled an ideal trouble- shooter. In Cardiff He became in 1985.Smith That is also my recollection when I attended pragmatism - always true to the Church's he proved a gentle leader, preferred aspirants to the several events with the Archbishop. In one moral and social teaching while engaging with approachable, concerned, ready to priesthood to have experienced life formal dinner at Cardiff City Hall he others to advance respect for human dignity listen, always deploying common before applying for seminary. Eyes- disappeared for several minutes and I met him and the common good.” sense. He combined the sharpness a-glint, he would say: “They should at the door of City Hall. The Tablet article stressed that Archbishop of a canon lawyer with a experience what it is like to have a He had received me into the Catholic Peter always sought ways of creating a straightforward manner. “Child girl flutter her eyelids at them Church at the advanced age of 64 at St dialogue between opposing views. He initiated abuse is a dreadful wrong and before they make the commitment David's Metropolitan Cathedral. When he a lovely debate at the Welcome Foundation there is no justification for it,” he to lifelong celibacy.” asked me what my Baptismal name would be I broadcast on Radio 4 that brought together stated.In 2015 Smith was named Loving solitude and the sea, he had not thought of that but had the wit to scientists, philosophers and theologians to in a court case against Father moved to Whitstable in after respond that as my Christian names were discuss proposed legislation that would widen Anthony McSweeney, who was retiring. A plain man, he detested James and Thomas I already carried the the scope of research involving the so-called jailed for abusing a boy at a care gossip and sauce “mucking up” his names of three of Jesus's disciples - James, “hybrid” embryos. home. In 1998 McSweeney had steak.After his transfer in 2010 to James the Lesser and Thomas, of doubting Charles Wookey, from his years of working been found with videos of teenage Southwark Smith had mourned the fame. with his boss , added: “He was first and boys, but this was not reported to loss of his rose garden in Cardiff. The Archbishop laughed in that warm and foremost a priest. He was deeply wise and the police. McSweeney had written Asked if he had a garden in friendly manner of his with put everyone he exuded calmness. His personal warmth, lack of to Smith, then Bishop of East London, he snorted: “Garden? I’m met at ease. As Charles Wookey said in The judgementalism, and generosity with his time Anglia and his former seminary living in the middle of a traffic Tablet Article on his arrival in Wales he meant that people who sought his counsel rector, claiming that he had been island. I have one weed which I’m became. widely liked and respected figure and were often deeply helped. removed from his parish after being cultivating carefully.” people loved his down-to-earth and This, indeed, was the Archbishop and priest found with a video of gay The Most Rev Peter Smith, complete lack of pomp and ceremony. But as we knew during his time as Archbishop of pornography. On this , 2010-19, a priest and bishop he navigated the Church's Cardiff. understanding McSweeney was was born on October 21, 1943. He response to proposed new legislation on James Campbell ordered to have psychotherapy and died of cancer on March 6, 2020, embryo research, adoption, gay marriage and appointed by Smith to a aged 76 parish. The above obituary was When McSweeney was arrested printed in The Times and we are during Operation Fernbridge, the grateful to The Times for CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES police investigation into an alleged permission to print it here. In the light of the developing Coronavirus situation, the following precautionary measures are given to parishes as an elaboration on Your Catholic People… that already circulated by the Bishops Conference of England and Editorial Dr James Campbell-Editor. Archbishop’s House, 43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HD Wales: Tel: (029) 2022 0411 Fax: (029) 2037 9036 Email: [email protected] and Articles to be received The usual handshake at the Sign of Peace should not be given. If the by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month Sign of Peace does take place, a bow or cursory nod of the head will Advertising Tel: 0151 709 7567 be sufficient during this time. Designed & Produced Mersey Mirror, Suite 4, Pacific Chambers, 11-13 Victoria Street, Liverpool L2 The offering of the Chalice at Holy Communion is suspended until 5QQ. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: [email protected] Submission of photographs Please note photographs submitted for publication must be in jpeg or further notice. pdf format. Those in Word format cannot be accepted The Holy Water stoups should be emptied in order to limit the Email: Please send your copy and pictures for publication to both email addresses possibility of cross infection. [email protected] and [email protected] . Articles to be received by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month. Pages 2-3_ 2/3 27/03/2020 16:32 Page 2

CATHOLIC PEOPLE 3

A CORONAVIR US PRAYER Jesus Christ, you travelled through through towns and villages “curing May they know your protection and towns and villages “curing every every disease and illness.” Come to peace. disease and illness.” At your our aid now, that we may Be with the leaders of all nations. command, the sick were made we ll. experience your healing love. Give them the foresight to act with Come to our aid now, in the midst Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by charity and true concern for the Ed it orial of the global spread of the our side in this time of uncertainty well-being of the people they are

coronavirus, that we may and sorrow. meant to serve. Give them the experience your healing love. Be with those who have died from wisdom to invest in long-term Heal those who are sick with the the virus. May they be at rest with solutions that will help prepare for Corona virus virus. May they regain their strength you in your eternal peace. or prevent future outbreaks. May and health through quality medical Be with families of those who are they know your peace, as they work At his Mass Pope Fr ancis re flected on care. sick or have died. As they worry together to achieve it on earth. the deaths of medical staff In Italy: Heal us from our fear, which and grieve, defend them from Whether we are home or abroad, “I received the news that in these prevents nations from working illness and despair. May they know surrounded by many people days, a number of doctors and priests together and neighbours from your peace. suffering from this illness or only a have died, I don’t know if there were a helping one another. Be with the doctors, nurses, few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as few nurses. They were infected… Heal us from our pride, which can researchers and all medical we endure and mourn, persist and make us claim invulnerability to a professionals who seek to heal and prepare. In place of our anxiety, because th ey were serving th e sick. disease that knows no borders. help those affected and who put give us your peace. Let’s pra y for them , for the ir fami lies. Jesus Christ, you travelled themselves at risk in the process. Jesus Christ, heal us. I thank God for the example of heroism they give us in cari ng for the A PRAYER OF POPE FRANCIS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY sick.” We should jo in o ur praye rs to th e Holy O Mary You shine continuously along our journey Father’s f or all m edica l staff in our as a sign of salvation and hope own country and in others who put We entrust ourselves to you. their lives at risk serving the sick. Health of the Sick, who at the Cross were near to the pain of Jesus On page 1 Archbishop George gives Keeping your faith firm. wise advice to all of us as the Corona You, Salvation of the people, virus pandemic i ncr ease s and Know what we nee d, and we trust that stresses that we must heed

you will provide for those needs so that, governm ent a nd medical advice as at Can a of Galilee joy and c eleb ration m ay return a fter this mom ent of trial whether it be self-iso lating or not gathering in big numbers. Help u s. Mothe r of Divi ne Love, Indeed the government has warned to co nf orm ours elves to the will of the father that there should be no more than and to do w ha t Jesu s t ells us, two people in a gathering, again He who took our sufferin gs u pon Himself, and took up our sorrows to bring us, taking the self-distancing precaution

through the Cross, of two metres. to the jo y of th e resur rec tion. Am en . The Archbishop stresses that churches will remain open for people We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. to pray but our bishops have Do not despise our pleas. suspended the pub lic celebration of We who are put to the test Mass in our churches on Sundays and And deliver us from every danger, Holy Days. The cessation of Mass O glorious and blessed V irgin. includes weekday as well. Pope Francis We entrust ourselves to you But as he str esse s “W e m ust face

these d ifficu ltie s t ogeth er. D o no t

abandon yourself to despair. We are

Let B i bl ical In sp irat ion f ire your im agi n at ion an Easter P eo ple an d A lleluia i s our song.”

3 minute readin g an d med ita tion 3. Now meditate for a few with Teresa O’Dri scoll moments on the fact tha t, yes, Email: te resa@te re saod risc oll.co .uk God wants you to speak to Him but also, crucially , He You will ne ed a bi ble, a cha ir, and few w ants you to listen to Him . In minute s alo ne tha t way Jesus will b e an intimate part of your eve ryd ay ‘Speak , L ord; for Y ou r ser van t i s life. Then you can be sure that listening.’ you are doing His w ill… H. TOVEY • J. TOVEY 1 Samuel 3:10 4. Now say this prayer – or one J. CORTEN • R. DALE of your own – ‘Dea r heave nly F ather, I know tha t y ou he ar K. FOSTER • D. O’CONNELL ARE YOU LIS T EN IN G? me when I speak to You. I a m sorry though, for th e times whe n I d o not lis ten fo r Yo ur It could be that you diligently take everything to the Lord in reply. Please help me t o b e a mo re effe ctiv e pa rt of Your prayer. That, of itself, would reveal your wonderful trust in 01633 266848 Great Plan by remind ing me, ofte n, to listen expecta n t l y f o r your heavenly Father. However, do you as assiduously, ask Your commentTs an d insig hts . I as k th is thro ugh Chr ist ou r Him for direct answers to dilemmas? Or for His opinion on Lord. Amen’ Newport Funeral Home, the various situations and decisions that inevitably crop up 5. When you are re ad y bre athe in and out de ep ly as in life? You will understand by those questions that I am 9/11 Cardiff Road, Newport before. Then open you r ey es an d have a b ig stre tc h. making the distinction between, say, praying for a situation (opposite Royal Gwent Hospital)

to be resolved versus listening for God to tell you H oping the abo ve helps y ou to li sten more often for God’s something. If listening for Christ’s input is something you word in your daily life . would like to practise more you may find the meditation www.toveybros.co.uk God bless below helpful. Teresa 1. Read 1 Samuel 3:9-10 A trusted family business serving For more on the ab ove top ic plea se see Teres a’s blog: 2. Sit up straight and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply ht tp://teresaodriscoll .blo gsp ot.co.uk/ local families and the community in through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through Teresa O’Driscoll is the author of 9 Day s to H eaven, How to the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body make everlasting meaning of your life. South East Wales for six generations relax. Pages 4-5_2/3 27/03/2020 16:34 Page 1

4 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Cardinal prays the Our Father and reflects on the Annunciation

On the great Feast of the Annunciation, at Today, another prayer has been offered to us 11am UK time, Pope Francis prayed the as well from the bishops of the continent of prayer that Jesus taught his disciples – Europe – a continent in which this virus is almost certainly the first prayer many of us biting so deeply now. learned as children – and wants Christians So let me read for you this prayer – a prayer and all people of good will to pray with him. for our protection and indeed for our help: We pray the Lord’s Prayer – the ‘Our Father’ God, Our Father, – for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and Creator of the world, almighty and merciful. to offer prayerful support to the health care Out of love for us, you sent your son into the staff and other key workers who are tirelessly world keeping the wheels rolling for so many of us in as the doctor of our souls and bodies. isolation. Look upon your children, Cardinal prays with us who in this difficult time of confusion and Cardinal , from his private dismay chapel in Westminster, prays the Lord’s Prayer in many regions of Europe and the world and offers his thoughts on the great Feast of turn to you seeking strength, salvation and the Annunciation – when the angel Gabriel relief. was sent from God to the Virgin Mary, at Deliver us from illness and fear, Nazareth, to tell her that she will bring forth a comfort our sick and their families son and call Him Jesus. give wisdom to our rulers, Full message energy and reward to our doctors, Today is the great Feast of the Annunciation – nurses and volunteers, the moment when the Angel Gabriel came to and eternal life to those who have died. Mary and presented to her the Word of God, Do not abandon us in this moment of trial, which she accepted with an open and to But deliver us from all evil. which she gave her flesh in the incarnation. Today, then, is the day of the first joys of We ask this of you who with the Son and the Mary. And we turn to her not only as our Holy Spirit, Mother of Sorrows, but also as our mother of who lives and reigns for ever and ever. joys. Now, today, Pope Francis has asked Amen. Christians right around the world to pray with him at midday in Rome, which is eleven Mary, Mother of Health and Hope, o’clock here, to pray the Our Father with him Pray for us. for the health of the world for our strength against this virus and for our healing. Amen. So please pray with me now: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Pages 4-5_2/3 27/03/2020 16:36 Page 2

CATHOLIC PEOPLE 5 OLSM Primary to become a Referral Agency for Vatican takes Foodbank precautions against virus The Vatican is conducting tests for taken in Italy, the hardest hit country in Europe, coronavirus on the dozens of priests who with more than 8,000 deaths as of Thursday. live in the same residence as Pope Francis They include recommendations to and making contingency plans to move communicate by phone even with people in those diagnosed with the disease the same office, alternating shifts and elsewhere. encouraging as much work from home as The moves come several days after a priest possible. who lives in the Santa Marta residence and works in the Secretariat of State tested positive for the virus and was hospitalized in Italy. The Vatican source was one of several officials who expressed concern about a possible flare-up in the residence where the pope has lived since his election in 2013. Our Lady and Saint Michael’s Primary School in Abergavenny The modern residence, which has 130 is set to become a referral agency for the Abergavenny rooms and suites and a staff of about 30 Foodbank. people, is also home to dozens of priests who The school frequently sends collections of food donated by the continue to work in key Vatican departments. local school community to the Abergavenny foodbank, but after While the Vatican has enacted procedures to discussions with volunteers at the foodbank the school Head stem the spread of coronavirus inside the city- teacher; Mr Viv Evans will attend training to allow the school the state, some officials say they may not be ability to support those in need with accessing Foodbank sufficient and think a total shutdown may be resources. needed. The training will enable the school to issue vouchers to people Until recently, the Holy Father took his meals in crisis within its community, who would then be able to come in the common dining room but he has straight to the foodbank to receive a 3 day emergency food recently been eating in his suite, one official parcel. said. ‘Schools are increasingly becoming a conduit for identifying Pope Francis is 83 and part of one of his initial needs in the communities we serve,’ said Mr Evans. ‘This lungs was removed following an illness when Pope Francis pictured on a Palm Sunday seemed a logical next step to allow our school to further support he was a young man. audience. But in the current pandemic crisis he those who need some support.’ Since March 6, the Vatican has issued at gives his audiences via TV from inside the least five notices or decrees that mirror steps Vatican Diocesan priests visit the Holy Land

By Father David Hayman Jerusalem at that time. Land for the prayerful support they experience from all Director of Ongoing Formation of the Clergy All of us have returned with a sense of having who come on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. encountered the Lord in a life-enriching way, and with As priests of the Archdiocese of Cardiff, we not only It’s never too late to deepen our relationship with a passion for bringing the scriptures alive in our various assure you that we have prayed for your intentions in Jesus! ministries. the Masses in Tiberias and Bethlehem, but also Another of our abiding memories will be the deep encourage you to consider joining a pilgrimage to the This was the reaction of six of our priests who appreciation of the Christian communities in the Holy Holy Land. went on a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Although in the Latin Church our celebration of the Christmas season had concluded, we were in Bethlehem for the celebration of the Armenian Orthodox Christmas celebrated by their Patriarch, and so we enjoyed extended festivities this year! In spite of the historical and current political complexities that exist in the area we received a very warm welcome and wonderful hospitality wherever we went from Tiberias, Nazareth and Capernaum in Galilee, in the West Bank, to Bethany, Bethlehem and Jerusalem in Judaea, from the Israeli and Palestinian communities alike. The experience of knowing that one was walking on occasions in the very footsteps of Jesus himself was one which brings the Scriptures alive, for example in the synagogue at Capernaum, or at the steps on which the Lord would have walked after the Last Supper on his way to the Garden of Gethsemane, or on his way to the House of Caiaphas to be interrogated by the High Priest and the Sanhedrin, or in his way to be condemned by Pilate. But probably the most profound experience was walking the Via Dolorosa; one might be frustrated by the vendors you encounter as you try to pray the Stations of the Cross, but then the realisation hits you that this is probably very similar to how it was when the Lord carried his cross the same way on his way to Calvary, all for his maximum humiliation and embarrassment in the eyes of those in Pages 6-7_2/3 27/03/2020 16:40 Page 1

6 CATHOLIC PEOPLE Charity works to support young people at risk

By Joanne White the reality of the negative impact social media can have on our We need to talk about suicide ... children’s mental wellbeing and showing the need to be aware of what Why? Because it is on the increase our children are potentially being for young people and is the biggest exposed to (this can be found on the killer of young people under 35 in Papyrus website or YouTube). the UK, according to the charity https://papyrus-uk.org/bedtime- Papyrus. stories/ Suicide is not specific to any one The Family Life Commission, along type of person, gender or profession, a with the Ongoing Formation of Clergy fact highlighted during the clergy day team, were blessed to welcome when it was noted that there have Lauren Carvalho, to our Archdiocese in been three deaths by suicide amongst early February. Lauren came as a our diocesan clergy in the past 20 mother, and now a trained counsellor, years. Some have lost friends in to share with us, both clergy and lay seminary by suicide not to mention people, her family’s experience of parishioners they have lost by suicide. losing her 19-year-old son by suicide Suicide does not discriminate and we eight years ago, and how she has are all at risk. However, there are Our clergy spoke passionately about the myths around suicide gone on to work with and support some who are more at risk: those who others also bereaved by suicide. have themselves been bereaved by its pupils? Both days started with Lauren suicide being at the greatest risk. Should teachers be awarded pay showing a personal video which, as increases based on the academic one participant said, ‘..was a hard Myths around suicide results of their pupils rather than Need to support watch, as a parent; very moving and the dedication, care and support so sad but necessary.’ The collective clergy, priests and they show to their pupils? deacons alike, spoke passionately our charities Faces of grief about their wish to dispel myths Support for those possible victims Bishop Terence Drainey, Chair of the around suicide; suicide is not a sin. Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) In sharing her story, Lauren reflected Suicide does not mean eternal Since our events and whilst writing has made a public statement urging honestly and generously on how damnation. this article, I have heard of further Catholics to keep the poor, vulnerable suicide has affected her family, the They shared an overwhelming deaths by suicide including that of the and isolated members of our different faces of grief, what helped desire to affirm self-love amongst our celebrity Caroline Flack; and our local community at the forefront of our and what didn’t help. She was communities; we, as children of God, undertaker oversaw three funerals in minds at this difficult time. ‘passionately driven but at the same are loved by Him unconditionally and one week for people who had died by There is an urgent need to support time open and receptive to different He wants us to embrace this, to suicide, in the Chepstow area alone. Catholic charities and the people they perspectives’ as another participant accept ourselves the way he made us, So, what can we do? We can all talk serve during the pandemic. observed. in our imperfect form of Himself, and to someone about these issues and The COVID-19 outbreak is putting our She offered ways to support families love ourselves. so spread awareness: talking about Catholic charities under great strain after the loss of someone to suicide There was much discussion about suicide is not going to increase its because of increased demand and and the role of Parish Bereavement the need to spread the message that occurrence, but it might just save increased costs together with adverse groups in offering this support. The making mistakes is part of our human someone’s life. We can help promote effects on their volunteer base. There will Commission was also able to share nature; it does not make us failures. and financially support charities such also be a certain loss of income from information regarding bereavement Success should not be measured by as Papyrus, The Samaritans and parish collections. support provided by SoBS, Survivors academic achievements, wealth, others who offer support to those of Bereavement by Suicide; this material worth or pay grade; love considering suicide. We can, as support includes local self-help groups should be our sole desire and we someone who attended our event which meet, by invitation, on a monthly should embrace the love we share noted, ‘be more aware of what to be basis. https://uksobs.org/ whilst remembering we are loved looking out for with family, friends and Cardinal's Both Lauren and David Heald, of above all other forms of love by God neighbours……so that through our Papyrus Cardiff, spoke about suicide our merciful Father! We need to stop love, attentiveness and presence (we) message on prevention and how it is everyone’s applying unnecessary pressure upon could not stop them from dying (by responsibility: how to intervene when ourselves and those around us. suicide)’ someone is feeling suicidal, set up a On the Saturday, we reflected on If you or someone you know COVID-19 safety contract with them and point how as parents, we are being maybe having suicidal thoughts Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the the way to support agencies. influenced by secularism: how often please contact the Hopeline 0800 Everyone was deeply moved and do we reward results achieved over Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England 068 41 41 and Wales has sent us a message after the challenged by Papyrus’ short effort put in by our children; why do For bereavement support campaign videos which were shown: the academic achievements of a Prime Minister’s historic announcement on following suicide please contact 23 March) strengthening restrictions in an the ‘Bedtime stories’ clip is a must for school influence our choice of 0300 111 5065 attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19. all parents/carers of children in facing school rather than the wellbeing of The Cardinal stresses that we must all play our part to safeguard the NHS and to save ‘precious lives’. “We’re going to play our full part in it. That was the call of St. Paul that we ought to be good citizens and today we ought to be good citizens playing our part in the protection of the vulnerable, in our support for the NHS and in the preserving of human life, which is so precious to God in the face of this virus.” Cardinal Nichols also points to the Sunday just gone to demonstrate the strength of the Catholic community’s response and its committment to keeping prayer and worship at the heart of a new pattern of life: “We’re beginning to reflect on the experience of the streaming of the celebration of Mass on Sunday and on week days. There are many, many encouraging signs. I’ve heard of congregations being 10 times the normal size. I’ve heard of families preparing together at home. Families having their own little children’s liturgy during the reading of the Word… “…So we have to deepen our prayer. We have to use the Internet, and all the other things that we have, to encourage one Members of the Family Life Commission who attended the suicide prevention workshop another.” Pages 6-7_2/3 27/03/2020 16:41 Page 2

CATHOLIC PEOPLE 7

A damaging decision for Catholic schools The Welsh Government is making changes to the Newman. This approach creates religiously literate role in their child’s education and formation, especially curriculum, and it could spell disaster for Catholic pupils who can understand the language of religion when it comes to dealing with sensitive topics such as schools and critically engage with their own faith and that of these. They have also proved a useful tool in ensuring By Paul Barber, Director of the Catholic Education others. that schools communicate and engage with parents on Service In other schools (that is to say non-Catholic schools), key aspects of the curriculum. Our belief in parental It has gone largely unreported in the press, but the RE can look very different, with many taking a more primacy means that Catholic schools will always Welsh Government is making wholescale changes to sociological approach to faith and belief. These engage with parents over the delivery of RSE, the way schools teach certain subjects. Some of these approaches tend to observe the practices of different successfully resulting in no pupils being withdrawn changes, if implemented, could have a damaging religions from without, rather than engaging with the from RSE in Welsh Catholic schools last year. But we impact on Catholic schools and put the future of theological motivations within. This can result in the believe this ‘conscience clause’ is important in other Catholic education in Wales at risk. approach that religion is something that ‘those people schools, too. Catholic provision in Wales is much One of the most troubling proposals is their plan to over there’ do, with the student as an external observer, smaller than it is in England and for many Welsh change Religious Education (RE) to Religion, Values rather than a potential participant, engaging in the Catholics it is simply not possible to send their child to and Ethics. On the face of it, a name-change may not theological debate. It is therefore unsurprising that a . Many parents of other faiths will also sound that big a concern, but it would be surprising if those who subscribe to this secular approach to RE face a similar problem. such a mover were not accompanied by a change in want to lump ‘values and ethics’ in with religion, as what the government considers to be the content of they believe faith to be just another ‘worldview’. The rights of Catholic parents the subject. Any attempt to impose that on Catholic This approach may be appropriate in some schools, schools could be disastrous for what the Church but is contrary to the Catholic approach, where instilling Hence, while we can be confident that RE and RSE considers to be the most important subject on the values, virtues and ethics are the job of the entire can be delivered in accordance with Church teachings curriculum. school community, supported by a rigorous RE and parents’ wishes in Catholic schools, the same Worryingly, Catholic schools are not immune from curriculum. To this extent, exam boards recognise the cannot be said for all schools. Therefore, it is essential these proposals as Education is devolved in Wales difference in these approaches by offering a specific that Catholic parents maintain the right to withdraw so meaning that the Welsh Government has legislative Catholic RE GCSE which pupils in Catholic schools sit. that all schools must respect and engage with their control over schools, the curriculum as well as other pupils’ primary educators. This will enable a partnership areas including inspection. Strips parents of their right to choose to be forged to deliver these subjects in a way which Religious Education is at the core of the core takes into account parental concerns. curriculum in Catholic schools, and at both primary and Moreover, not only would this change represent a What can be done to stop these changes? The secondary levels (including post GCSE), at least 10% dumbing down of the subject, it also overloads Catholic Education Service has been working hard of school time is dedicated to this subject. stretched RE departments in many schools, where the trying to explain to the Welsh Government how these Academically rigorous, it is a school-level version of time dedicated to RE has already fallen to minimal proposals will negatively impact on our schools, but what most would recognise as the university subject of levels. In these schools, the merging of subjects into their ears seem to be closed to our concerns. theology. ‘areas of learning and experience’ (which the Welsh Therefore, as we await legislation to appear before the Government are also proposing to do) risk RE Welsh Assembly, we need to show the Welsh In-depth study of scripture becoming lost as just another ‘humanity’. If imposed on Government the strength of feeling amongst the all schools, this approach would also effectively strip Catholic community against these proposals. To date, Being grounded in the 2000-year-old theological parents of their right to choose a school in accordance over 1300 letters have been sent to Welsh Assembly tradition of the , RE in Catholic schools with their convictions, and remove the rationale for the Members (AM) but the more letters we send, the better gives pupils the opportunity to delve into the existence of Catholic schools. There are, as ever, those chance we will have at stopping these changes. motivations behind faith, the ability to critically who would fervently wish this to be the case. Therefore, I urge readers in Wales to visit the Catholic approach the ‘big questions’ of life and the skills The other potentially damaging proposal is the Education Service’s website (catholiceducation.org.uk) needed to analyse the various ‘truth claims’ made by usurpation of parents’ rights as the primary educators and use our handy letter generator to contact AMs. It religion. It involves an in-depth study of scripture, of their children, by removing parents’ right to withdraw only takes a few clicks and a couple of minutes, but it Church texts, and the work of some of history’s most their children from RE as well as Relationship and Sex could make all the difference to Welsh Catholic prominent philosophers and theologians from St Education (RSE). schools. Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas to St John Henry Not only do these rights respect parents’ inalienable Page 8_ 2/3 27/03/2020 16:27 Page 1

8 CATHOLIC PEOPLE A faith pilgrimage to Pembrokeshire

David’s Church, St Illtyds, the old mill and an ancient cottage. Afterwards with Fr Gildas having returned to the Islands monastery, we explored further afield; the lighthouse with seascapes We gathered at various intervals during reaching all the way to Lundy Island, a Friday afternoon and evening in the lovely - stone watchtower now converted into but on this occasion very wet - coastal a hidden Chapel (magnificent in its Pilgrimage leader David Gleed town of Tenby. There were twelve of us in simplicity) and in a nearby clearing total; Wendy and Gill from Victoria, Alona with the sea as backdrop, a wooden from Florida, John from … crucifix, probably life size… so emotive spiritual… moment; let the breeze gently brush Where to hold evening prayer and where to - when I survey the wondrous cross… Today’s walk took us out along the past you; notice the sheep grazing by eat? These two imponderables were rugged coast path to St Justinian’s the dry-stone wall; the sea, moving, uppermost in our thoughts as the dry weather Compline with the monks some seven miles distant – a shining, living… option - eating al fresco in the pretty harbour fabulous walk dotted with pretty bays Perhaps none of this should be followed by evening prayer on the beach - The day closed, as it had the previous including Porthclais where the river surprising, however. Holy folk have slipped further and further from our grasp. We evening and would the following, with Alun meets the sea. It was on the been coming to Ramsey Island since considered a Church hall, even a sea cave, but Compline, a service of night praise banks of the Alun that David built his at least the third century when a small at length settled on some nice fish and chips with the monks in the Abbey Church. Celtic monastery, roughly on the spot hermitage was built, most probably on from an award-winning Fish and Chip shop Tuesday morning and it was time to of the present St Davids Cathedral. a site just up from the landing stage, and evening prayer in the quiet of the hotel say farewell to our island home and After lunch, perched (but safely not far from the farmhouse, now home lounge. return to the mainland and the second perched!) on a grassy slope and with to the island’s two full-time wardens. Dawn broke and with it came glorious leg of our pilgrim journey; this time to quite a drop to the sea below, we The weather was glorious and after sunshine! Through the open front door of the St Davids in the beautiful and followed the path as it turned a corner walking around the island we sat on hotel our holiday island beckoned enticingly. sometimes windswept far west. bringing into full view the Sound of the grass in front the farmhouse Islands have a particular lure and Caldey is no Driving with high over the Ramsey and the island of tomorrow’s drinking tea and enjoying our exception. A mile out from Tenby, the island sea to our left, the weather was once adventure. sandwiches, while below, in Ramsey has been home to one monastic community or again warm and the traffic light. Sound, pleasure boats and porpoises another for centuries. St Non’s Retreat, a large 1930’s A Holy place rode the running swell - and was that house with terraced lawns and Chapel a dolphin!? Sabbath observed on Caldey in the grounds, stands lonely but From the Lifeboat shoot at St About our legs the mischievous welcoming on the cliff tops at the end Justinian’s we stepped into the Ramsey Chickens hovered, waiting for The afternoon boat couldn’t come soon of a single-track road. Out to sea the twenty-four-seat motor launch that the moment a dropped crust or corner enough and we were all waiting on the beach view was of islands; Skomer to the would take us to Ramsey Island. Only of cake would fall to the ground... It ready to walk along the narrow make-shift jetty, south, Ramsey to the west, and out a short distance, the crossing to the reminded me of an earlier visit to the the moment it came into view. further than either and again to the island must non-the-less, never be island. Then Emily and Lucy my step- Brother Titus from the islands’ Monastery and west, Grassholm. taken lightly. The waters here can be daughters and Katy, my youngest had Angela from St Philomena’s Guest House, met With the sun quietly climbing into a dangerous with jagged rocks and a been entertained just as we were the group on the quayside. Some of our party perfectly blue sky we gathered on our whirlpool racing around (usually) now, by the daring spirit of these were to stay at the Monastery, the remainder at first full day at St Non’s for Morning submerged, Horse Rock. loveable characters. On that occasion, the Guesthouse. Prayer in the ruins of St Non’s Chapel, A bird sanctuary sensitively a sheepdog had also been ‘on the Settled into our various accommodations just over the wall from the Retreat. accommodating of both humans and bill’, but today in the warm sunshine there was time before the evening meal to visit It was on this spot in about the year bird life, Ramsey Island has been in he was nowhere to be seen… the few shops clustered around the village 500, as a violent storm raged all the care of the Royal Society for the I laid back on the soft grass and green. A scene made all the more captivating around that St Non - miraculously Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1992. closed my eyes, this was and timeless by the presence of the white- shielded from the wind and rain - gave Without the Churches and Crosses Journeying… walled, red-roofed monastery just beyond the birth to David, later to become St of Caldey Island, Ramsey may at first David Gleed little post office – enchanting. David, patron saint of Wales. What a appear to be less spiritual in https://www.journeying.co.uk The Sabbath is observed on Caldey and so place to stand and touch the atmosphere, but not so… just stand a with no day trippers allowed and the shops closed this day; the island felt different, perhaps more spiritual, more pastoral. We met the Prior of Caldey, Fr Gildas, in the monastery lounge for a humorous and informative ‘scene setting’ hour. Later in the afternoon, in warm sunshine, Fr Gildas, decked in an old wide brimmed straw hat that fitted the rural landscape so well and with the eye of a Celtic scholar, took us on a guided tour of the places of interest close to the monastery; St

Wanted for the Missions Large Statues (Even damaged ones), old vestments, pictures, church fittings, rosaries, prayer books, religious books, relics etc. Please ring Mr. B. Ferris KSC, 102 Moor St, Earlsdon, Coventry CV5 6EY M: 07764 460041 The monastery at Caldey Island

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