A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning 

Today is the feast of Richard Gwyn - one of the great Welsh Martyrs. Let’s remember the Church in Wales which has its own very special history and its own unique contribution to make to the mission of the Universal Church.

I would like to continue with excerpts from the summary of Fratelli Tutti - it’s important that we stay abreast of Pope Francis’ teaching and his challenge to the whole world. We know that these are ’strange times’ but our faith is our bedrock, the way that will enable us to see our world, in all its complexity, in a new way.

'From the sixth chapter, “Dialogue and friendship in society”, further emerges the concept of life as the “art of encounter” with everyone, even with the world’s peripheries and with original peoples, because “each of us can learn something from others. No one is useless and no one is expendable” (see Par 215). Then, of particular note, is the Pope’s reference to the miracle of “kindness”, an attitude to be recovered because it is a star “shining in the midst of darkness” and “frees us from the cruelty … the anxiety … the frantic flurry of activity” that prevail in the contemporary era (see Par 222-224).

'The value and promotion of peace is reflected on in the seventh chapter, “Paths of renewed encounter”, in which the Pope underlines that peace is connected to truth, justice and mercy. Far from the desire for vengeance, it is “proactive” and aims at forming a society based on service to others and on the pursuit of reconciliation and mutual development (see Par 227-229). Thus, peace is an “art” that involves and regards everyone and in which each one must do his or her part in “a never-ending task” (see Par 227-232). Forgiveness is linked to peace: we must love everyone, without exception – the Encyclical reads – but loving an oppressor means helping him to change and not allowing him to continue oppressing his neighbour (see Par 241-242). Forgiveness does not mean impunity, but rather, justice and remembrance, because to forgive does not mean to forget, but to renounce the destructive power of evil and the desire for revenge. Never forget “horrors” like the Shoah, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, persecutions and ethnic massacres – exhorts the Pope. They must be remembered always, anew, so as not be become anaesthetized and to keep the flame of collective conscience alive. It is just as important to remember the good (see Par 246-252).'

St Joseph, guardian of our youth, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John

PS another week of our mid-week Masses which have gone very well. Thank you to our stewards who guide us through all the necessary safety measure