Pope Francis' March prayer intention
Webmaster • March 2, 2024
For the martyrs of our day
The Holy Father emphasises that there will always be martyrs among us and that "this is a sign that we are on the right path" as the courage and witness of the martyrs, "is a blessing for everyone. I have been told that there are more martyrs today than at the beginning of Christianity." Thus, Pope Francis invites all the faithful to pray for those who risk their lives for the Gospel, all over the world, so that they "might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive, and be open to the grace of martyrdom". The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network notes that in 2023 alone, Aid To the Church In Need (ACN) received reports in 40 countries of people who were assassinated or abducted because of their faith. Nigeria has become the country with the highest number of assassinations; in Pakistan, in the diocese of Faisalabad, the churches and homes of the Christians in Jaranwala were attacked; and in Burkina Faso, Catholics in Débé were expelled from their village solely because of their faith.
(Vatican News)
Dear brothers, Happy Easter! Despite his illness of these past months, we were all saddened to hear the news yesterday of the death of Pope Francis. He was an extraordinary witness to the Risen Lord and we pray now that the Lord quickly receive him into the kingdom. I will be celebrating a “Mass of the Resurrection – Remembering Pope Francis” in St David’s Cathedral, Cardiff at 6.30pm tomorrow evening (Wednesday) . Please come to concelebrate if you can and encourage our people to come too. There will also be a Vigil of Prayer on Thursday Evening at 6pm in St David’s Cathedral to which we have invited ecumenical, inter-faith and civic dignitaries. Do come to that, too, if you are able, and encourage people to attend, if they can. With my thanks and with my prayers and best wishes. Yours devotedly, +Mark Archbishop Mark O’Toole
‘...The angels there attesting; shroud with grave-clothes resting. Christ, my hope, has risen: he goes before you into Galilee…’ (Victimae Paschali Laudes)
Holy Thursday 17 April till Good Friday 18 April The Filipino community of the Black Nazarene in the UK will be sending the Suffering Christ statue to St Peter’s Church.
Thank you because these will go towards training of Rosminian students. Please consider to GiftAid your offerings using the white envelopes.
The Burial of Jesus In the past, a widow's hope is on her own children. But Jesus' Passion and Death meant Our Lady's 'only Son' was taken away from her. His Last Word: ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ which made the most sorrowful Mother's whole body trembled in the bitter pain of her heart, still present and fresh in her ears whenever she thought on this cry. Watching Him buried in the cold tomb, how much tears she must have shredded when bidding her final farewell, and how many 'final glance' at her Son she would have took, to a point that she would willingly to be placed alive in the grave with Him! We can imagine this pain as if her heart was torn into pieces, and everything seemed to be lost... How many times had we or saw others vent anger on God during our sufferings? Or falling into depression due to the miseries in lives? But our dear Mother, although in inexpressible anguish, was in peace and had unshaken fortitude. Why? Because of her 'fiat', her total abandonment to God's Will, her perfect faith in the Almighty God. Since she knew that everything had happened according to His Will and could not have happened unless He had allowed it. So she thanked God for everything, thus within her sadness there was even some joy, because she saw that Jesus had, in his great love, wanted to suffer this much for the sins of mankind. Jesus' Sacrifice redeemed our souls and brought us our salvation. And Mary, also loves us so, united her sufferings with her Son's and took part in the Work of Salvation. Not only that, she kept this sorrow within her heart and remained on this earth to be a witness of God's Love for all until her Assumption. May this Lent be a time that we re-examine our relationship with God, a time of realisation of how much He has done for us, and a time to begin to tell our neighbours how much He Loves us! (Reference: The Prophecies and Revelations of St Bridget of Sweden)
The Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Team is working with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to deliver free ‘live’ online training sessions via TEAMS: 1) Professionals / Volunteers Protect (1 April 6-8pm) 2) Digital Resilience (11 June 6-8pm) 3) Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour (24 September 6-8pm) 4) Child sexual exploitation awareness (12 November 6-8pm) To book, please contact safeguarding@rcadc.org – stating which date and your name
Almighty ever-living God, who as an example of humility for the human race to follow caused our Saviour to take flesh and submit to the Cross, graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering and so merit a share in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Mass Times Palm Sunday (13th April) 9:30am 11:30am Maundy Thursday (17th April) 7pm Good Friday (18th April) Children Station of the Cross 10.30am Liturgy at 3pm Station of the Cross at 6pm Holy Saturday Vigil Mass (19th April) at 8pm Easter Sunday (20thApril) 9:30am 11:30am
We have had to delay the Confirmation this year, it is likely to be around October time. Notice will be in newsletter in plenty of time for anyone wishing to make this Sacrament.