Archbishop Mark’s Pastoral Letter to be read on Feast of the Holy Family, 28/29th December, 2024

Webmaster • December 28, 2024

In his pastoral letter for the Feast of the Holy Family, Archbishop Mark reflects on the humanity of Jesus’ early life and the significance of family in preparing Him for His mission. Drawing on a story from the Early Church, he imagines St. Joseph teaching young Jesus carpentry, an act of love and guidance that foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of the Cross.

The Archbishop reminds us that the home at Nazareth was far from ideal. Jesus’ family faced challenges such as a controversial birth, displacement to Egypt, and the loss of Joseph. Yet, within this context of vulnerability, Jesus learned to love, forgive, and serve—qualities that bring hope to our own families today.

This message is especially timely as the Church embarks on the Jubilee Year of “Pilgrims of Hope,” inaugurated by Pope Francis. Archbishop Mark emphasises that hope, rooted in the love of Christ, is central to the Jubilee. He encourages families to reflect on their shared experiences of joy, sorrow, and reconciliation, and to seek renewal by making pilgrimages to designated Jubilee sites within the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia.

The Archbishop also calls attention to those who may feel isolated or lonely this season, reminding us that strong families extend their love outward to those in need. As we celebrate this Jubilee Year, he invites all to embrace the hope offered by Christ and to walk together as pilgrims of hope for one another and the world.

“May we grow as faithful pilgrims of hope,” he writes, “for our families, our communities, and our world so desperately in need of peace and love.”

Ash Wednesday

By Webmaster • February 14, 2026

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a day of Fasting and Abstinence, when all Catholics fast from one meal and abstain from meat. Age restrictions apply to the fast. Lent is a good time to remember that all faithful Catholics are expected to keep abstinence from meat on all Fridays of the year. There will be two Masses on Wednesday, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 10am and at St. Teilo’s at 7pm. Ashes will be distributed during both Masses.

Lent

By Webmaster • February 14, 2026

Lent starts on Wednesday. Our minds turn to the journey of encounter and change that we make as we prepare to enter into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection in Holy Week. During this season, we are invited to use the various aids, which the Church offers us, to celebrate and practise our Catholic Faith with renewed enthusiasm. Below we outline some of the things we can do to make this Lent a time of grace and repentance.

Recently Deceased of the parish

By Webmaster • February 14, 2026

Rest in Peace Please pray for the repose of the souls of Philip Ilsley, who for many years led the Divine Mercy Prayer Groups in Cardiff; Catherine Langdon, the sister of Collette Hall; and Margaret Bright, an active member of the community at Our Lady of Lourdes for many years who has lived more recently in Caerphilly, all of whom have died recently. Please also pray for those whose anniversaries occur at this time: Canon Luke Delaney, Pedro Ramos, Josephine Pearce, Armand Demay, Emily Cavanagh, Catherine Cummins, William Howe, Muriel Jones, Minnie Thomas, Jacqueline Murray, Julia de Matos Freitas, William Leahy, John Pearce, William Brown, Margarette May, Latjof Forduary, John Aherne, Josephine McElligoth, Thomas Hennessey, Elizabeth Green, Francis Jenkins, Leonard Steer, David Purnell, Helen Purnell, Mary Anne Mawn, Doris Pearse, Helen Diggins, Rev. Bernard Driscoll, Ryland Kiff, Christina Lewis, Vincent Scott, Winifred Taylor, Margaret Kelly-Howell, Suzanne Aubertin, Thomas Wheeler, Elizabeth Main, William Nelson, Patrick Burke, Margaret Driscoll, Jack Foley, Meryl Seaton, Ethel Forward, Carmel Wood and Winifred Withers