Short Reflection on Lent
Parishioner: Teresa O'Driscoll • February 24, 2023
Thinking about Lent...
We have now entered Lent. But what does “entering Lent” really mean? Pope Benedict XVI explained it this way. “It means we enter a season of special commitment in the spiritual battle to oppose the evil present in the world, in each one of us and around us. It means not off-loading the problem of evil onto others, onto society or onto God but rather recognising one’s own responsibility and assuming it with awareness.”
As practicing Catholics we commonly, throughout Lent, either give something up that is dear to us, or do something extra that is probably difficult. What we choose is personal. Yet, we really do have a responsibility to do something.
You could heed those crucial words of Pope Benedict, making them central to anything else you do for Lent, through the following prayer.
“Dear Lord, reading Pope Benedict’s words starkly show the reality of what is happening on earth. Please guide and strengthen me to identify evil and to fight it. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Parishioner Teresa O’Driscoll, author of Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God
Clothes donations for the SVP – This Weekend The Parish St. Vincent De Paul (SVP) Conference undertakes a monthly collection of clothing for the SVP Charity Shop. Clean, good quality clothing, books and toys are very welcome. Donations may be left outside the confessionals at the rear of St. Teilo’s this weekend. The clothes will be removed early on Monday morning, so please ensure that donations are brought to the Church by the end of the evening Mass this weekend or kept at home until the Second Sunday of August when we will have another collection. Thank you from the parish SVP.
The Ecumenical Rosary Society meets to pray the rosary monthly at various churches across the city of Cardiff. The Society will be praying the Rosary this Thursday afternoon ( July 16th ) at St. Teilo’s Church. The Rosary will begin at 2.30pm, All are welcome to join in the prayer.
Refreshments will be served in St. Teilo’s Hall after the 10am Mass next Sunday.19th July All are welcome. Why not come along and meet your fellow parishioners after Mass next weekend.
Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday is celebrated on Sunday, July 12th . It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has written a message from the Vatican for this occasion. He says: Seafarers, fishers and maritime workers should be recognised not only for the essential work they do, but as people with their own hopes, relationships and dreams. In his message, Beyond Cargo and Commerce: The Human Face of the Sea, Cardinal Czerny, reflects on the sacrifice and contribution of those who work across seas and inland waterways. He reflects on the growing uncertainty faced by many maritime workers, particularly where conflict and insecurity can leave crews isolated on board and further separated from their loved ones. “People need more than efficient systems or distant words,” the Cardinal writes. “They need a presence. They need to know that they are remembered, welcomed, heard and loved.” The Cardinal also reflects on the quieter pressures of modern maritime life. Reduced crew sizes, shorter shore leave and demanding schedules can leave little space for rest or meaningful human connection, even in an age of constant digital communication. He says the sea should remind us of our shared responsibility towards one another. “Oceans do not divide people; they connect them,” he writes, describing those who work at sea as bridges between nations, cultures, religions and economies. The message also highlights the close link between care for the sea and care for the people whose lives depend on it. Cardinal Czerny calls for greater responsibility towards the marine environment, alongside continued efforts to protect the dignity and safety of maritime workers. The full text of Cardinal Michael Czerny’s Sea Sunday message can be read here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2026/06/24/2606242g.html For Sea Sunday on July 12th, Stella Maris invites parishes and communities to pray for seafarers, fishers and their families, and to support our work providing practical and pastoral support in ports across the world. In addition to the collection, you are also able to donate using a debit or credit card at the Electronic Donation Station at the back of St. Teilo’s or at this address – https://donate.mydona.com/st-teilo-our-lady-of-lourdes This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris, formerly the Apostleship of the Sea, to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.
St. Teilo’s Friends of Divine Mercy Prayer Group meets on Saturday, July 18th at 2.30pm in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome to come along to pray for the parish and the intentions of the parishioners.
On Saturday, July 18th there will be an Archdiocesan Pilgrimage for young people in Years 8 to 13 to Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan - the Welsh National Shrine of Our Lady. There will be transport available. If you are interested in attending and want to book a place, please email: youth@cardiffmenevia.org or ring 029 2037 9490. Bookings must be confirmed by July 6th . The cost is £15 per person.
This year’s pilgrimage takes place on Sunday, August 23rd . All are welcome to attend the whole or part of the day’s events: 9.15a.m. Mass at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth 10.15 a.m. Monmouth to Welsh Newton Pilgrims set off to walk to Welsh Newton from St. Mary’s Church, Monmouth after the 9.15 a.m. Mass. Everybody is welcome. Please bring a packed lunch. 3.00 p.m. Welsh Newton We meet for Rosary, Readings and Prayers at St. John Kemble’s Grave in the Churchyard at Welsh Newton. 4.15 p.m. Monmouth Benediction follows in St. Mary’s Church, Monmouth For further information please contact Mary Walsh on 07907 616578
We will have coffee and tea in the St. Pope John Paul II Chapel at Our Lady of Lourdes after the Mass on Wednesday. If you are at Mass on that day, please stay behind and spend some time socialising and sharing with our fellow parishioners.
Each Tuesday evening, the parish has an hour of silent Adoration at St. Teilo’s from 7pm to 8pm. The primary intention for the period of Adoration is vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Feel free to come for all or part of the hour to pray for the Church in its need for faithful ministers to continue the Mission of Jesus.
Adoration and Exposition – Friday There will be Adoration and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10.30am to 11.30am at St. Teilo’s on Friday. Why not come along to spend time in silent prayer and Adoration before the Lord?