Christian Charity (1) There is an instinct within us which draws us to love persons and things that can make ourselves happy or are useful for us. However, the love with which the Christian loves, is different. Only the love which brings us to God has a lasting, universal, objective value. Our will, clinging to God's Will, acquires the value of God's Will. This is Christian love, in another word, charity. What is God's Will? It is God's love for the things He created and governs and allows to share in the good which only in Him is infinite. Thus Jesus wants the Father to see Him in each of us, and to love us with the same love. It shows us what our love for our neighbour should be like - love all. You may object: how can we love them all? Jesus loved everyone though, even the unworthy. It does not seek its own pleasure, but the good of others. Like the mother's love for all her children, even the wicked and the deformed. Blind love we call it, but none of us dares to condemn it. It is love whose motive lies in itself, not in the qualities of the beloved; it is love which creates good in the one it loves. Jesus loves us all in this way, each and everyone. Therefore, when we see the misfortune or evils in our neighbour's life, we should first have compassion and sanctify it with the love of Christ, instead of dislike, despise, criticise or hate with arrogance and pride. As Jesus in the Gospel gave way to compassion and wept without going to search for distress in his neighbour; but wherever He happened to notice it, He was moved by it, and when He was asked He helped. Thus, we are placing ourselves and the whole world under the Providence of God. When we are led by this intention of obeying the divine will and pleasing Jesus Christ, we do not resist natural compassion, but increase it wisely in ourselves. In this way, we build up true charity. There are three kinds of charity: Temporal charity (help our neighbour in matters which pertain to this temporal life). Intellectual charity (help our neighbour to cultivate his mind and develop his intellectual faculties). Moral and spiritual charity (help our neighbour in matters pertaining to the salvation of his soul; the former dispose a man to fulfil his moral duties; the latter elevated to the supernatural order and allows a man to adhere to God). (Reference: 'Rosminian Spirituality: In the Spirit of the Founder', Fr Giovanni Gaddo, 1971)
“‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:10-11) Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may be defended always by your protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
It is an annual celebration offering the opportunity to support and promote marriage and family life. Rt Revd Bosco MacDonald, Lead Bishop for Marriage and Family Life said: “As we mark National Marriage Week 2025, think about the huge importance of marriage in our lives and society...For Christians, marriage isn’t just a legal agreement, it’s a special promise between husband and wife, like the covenant between God and humanity. And God’s promises are always fruitful. Pope Benedict XVI once said, ‘Marriage is a way to save ourselves and our society’, because marriage is a source of hope, strength, and new beginnings for everyone involved… National Marriage Week is a time for all of us to think about this special sacrament and how it can change lives. It’s a chance for married couples to strengthen their bond by being kind to each other, talking openly, and sharing experiences. And for all of us, as we celebrate the beauty of marriage this week, let’s make sure that we support and encourage couples in their journey...For people who are getting married or supporting others on their journey, may this National Marriage Week inspire us all to embrace the hope that marriage brings, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.” www.cbcew.org.uk/marriage-week/
(for Year 9 students to university age) 15th March 2025 The Cardiff-Menevia Youth will be led by Father Martin Donnelly. Cost: £31, which inc. transport (please bring packed lunch) Please sign up by Friday 21 February through link: https://forms.gle/6bD2kM3hfQv2sFjC9 or scan poster’s QR code in Church porch. For further details contact: Fr Martin Donnelly on olqpllanelli@btinternet.com or Deacon Christian Mahoney on youth@rcadc.org 07764515864
Friday 14th February St David Cathedral, Cardiff For full details of the schedule, please visit: https://rcadc.org/blessed-carlo-acutis-relic-tovisit-cardiff-menevia/ Blessed Carlo will be proclaimed a Saint by Pope Francis in Rome on 27th April 2025.
We are going to miss Fr Michael who has left us after serving many years at St Peter’s and is moving to St Patrick’s in Newport as Parish Priest. We wish him many blessings in his new Ministry. We will have a collection for a farewell gift next weekend (8/9 Feb), please use a marked envelope from the porch.
Christian Hope (4) Hope is a desire, is a yearning. Christian Hope desires the everlasting life and God's Kingdom in Heaven. A hope that we rely on the help of Holy Spirit's Grace instead on our own human strength. A hope which trusting in the Promise of Christ Jesus. When and what did Jesus promised us? When He told us 'The Beatitudes'. They are the promises which give us hope during tribulations, and raise the hope in our hearts toward our Eternal Home. Therefore, this Hope leads us to behave differently compare to those who do not have hope. Because it gives us courage, confidence and support in the midst of trials, sufferings, abandonment and in situations that we need to defend our faith. It can even gives us joy in those difficult or horrific times. Our fathers and ancestors were brave when confessing and became witnesses to our faith in front of the pagans; and martyrs became fearless and even singing hymns when they walk towards the colosseum or when they were being persecuted. Ah, Hope sustained them in their fears, because they know this life is not the end as Eternal Life awaits for them. "And be not afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul." (Matt 10:28) Therefore, we Christians live in Hope, walk this pilgrim journey in Hope and die in Hope. Remember, God has already given us 'His Word', so our Christian hope is assured. Jesus also told us: "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matt 28:20) Even in this pilgrim journey on earth, He has not left us as orphans; so do not be afraid, persevere in fighting the good fight and finish the race. (2 Tim 4:7) (Reference: Catechism of the Catholic Church #1717, #1817, #1818, #1820)
In 1997 St John Paul II instituted a ‘World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life’ on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, which highlights the fact that Christ is the light of the world through the symbolic lighting of the candles. Just like the candles we too, the consecrated men and women need to share the light of Christ to all the people. Each year the Church has thanked God for the gift of the different forms of consecrated life and pray that our Church will continue to be enriched by the life and witness of consecrated men and women. “The consecrated life takes many and varied forms but at the root of all of them is the handing over of oneself to Jesus Christ in his poverty, obedience and chastity.” Rt Rev Alan Williams SM, Bishop of Brentwood To find out more visit: https://www.ukvocation.org/
“...my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:30-32) Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.