God's love for you - 26th May

Webmaster • May 26, 2024

The Virtues of Mary - Poverty

When Jesus came onto this earth, He chose to be poor so to teach us to despise the goods of this world, therefore He says to whoever wants to be His followers: "If you wants to be perfect, go sell what you has and give it to the poor, and come follow me.", and Mary is indeed His most perfect disciple. Because from the inheritance left by her parents, Mary could have lived in a comfort life , but she only saved a small portion for herself, and gave the rest to the Temple and the poor. Mary herself told St Bridget: "From the beginning I vowed in my heart never to possess any thing in the world." "All that I had I gave to the poor, and kept nothing for myself but poor food and clothing." Another example is, in the Presentation of the Lord, Mary offered two turtle-doves and two young pigeons - the oblation of the poor. If you wonder why that is the case, since the Three Kings gave them some very valuable gifts not so long ago. That is because she gave them all to the poor. And again, because of her love of poverty, she did not refused to marry St Joseph, a poor carpenter; and later on, doing sewing or spinning to support herself. At her death, she left nothing behind her except two poor garments to two women who had helped her during life. But the virtue of poverty is not just being poor, but in loving poverty. As Jesus told us: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." They are blessed, because they wish for nothing but God, they find every good in God, they find in poverty their paradise on earth, like St Francis found it in saying: 'My God and my all'. So let us pray to Our Lord with St Ignatius: Give me only you love together with your grace, and I am rich enough. And when poverty afflicts us, let us console ourselves by the thought that Jesus and His mother have also been poor like us. Ah, my most holy mother, detach me from the world, and draw me after you to love that one who alone merits to be loved. Amen.

(Source: St Alphonsus Liguori, The Glories of Mary, P J Kenedy & Sons, 1888)

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God's Love for You - Sunday 1st March 2026

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026

On the Way of the Cross (1) I was just passing by with my children on the way back home after finished work. But my journey was halted by this big crowd and procession, which I was told that was due to three men is going to get executed. I do not know any of them. Before I knew it, a soldier roughly pulled my clothes and ordered me to carry the cross for one of the prisoners. I quickly refused as I want nothing to do with it. My children also got frightened and started crying, but some kind-hearted women took care of them for me. Eventually out of fear I was forced to comply, but I was so annoyed and unwilling to walk with someone who is so dejected and full of dirt and blood. Yet, this ‘prisoner’ wept and cast a look at me from the ground which touched the bottom of my heart. Out of pity, I helped Him to rise, carried the cross and walked behind Him. Along the way, I observed this Man. He was not like a typical prisoner who curses, shouts, hot-tempered, or looked cruel or calculated. Instead, He bore all the insults, hard blows and sufferings patiently. To the women who cried for Him, He even consoled them instead. There was also a woman who dared to confront the enraged crowd in order to refresh Him by wiping His Face! Who is He really? My compassion towards him increased as I carry the cross behind Him, and I felt my heart was deeply touched by grace. My logic told me He is a good man, He is innocent and definitely did not deserve to die. I was then more than willing to help Him in every way I could. I could not remain in silence with all these abuse by the Pharisees and guards towards Him. And I did exclaimed to His torturers that if they continue this brutality, I will throw down the cross and carry it no further… This road certainly was difficult, as well as carried the extremely heavy cross, I also let this poor Man to lean on me so to support Him and saved Him from falling to the ground. Despite I was exhausted when we reached Calvary, I still wished to remain so I might assist Him, but I got driven away, I could not stay. However, I do not want this unforgettable experience to become just a memory. I want to find out about this Man, I want to know everything about Him. Reflection : We fast during Lent, because we want to repent from our sins thus turn our hearts back to God, and voluntary selfdenial like fasting is a form of penance. However, when we are determine to fast, sometimes we may find ourselves battled with temptations (e.g. felt extreme hunger as if not eaten for days, suddenly received a party invite) and find them hard to resist. Then think about the Passion of Christ when you carry your cross (i.e. fasting), walk behind Jesus like Simon of Cyrene and pity Him, because it is for your sake that He suffered. Follow Him, Our Lord will surely give you grace and strength to carry on, and bring your heart closer to His Love again.

St David of Wales [Feast day 2nd March]

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026

Solemnity of St David Patron of Wales Monday 2 March Mass at 10am All are welcome! Happy St David’s Day! Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus!

Sunday 1st March 2026

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026

O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. 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.

Cafod Lent Family Fast Day

By Webmaster • February 27, 2026

This Lent, live out the Gospel call to love your neighbour. By fasting and giving what you save, you join in Christ’s compassion and help another family put food on the table. Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions – such as on flood-resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope to bless others with your support, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. Text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. Family Fast Day envelopes and cash will be collected at the end of Mass this weekend.