Menevia News History
Newspaper for the Diocese of Menevia
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Sep 2010 edition of the Menevia News
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Official Newspaper of the Menevia Diocese Now in our 18th Year of Serving the Diocese and published on the last Sunday of every month for following month Pick up your FREE copy today of this September 2010 edition - Issue Number 161 - of your diocesan newspaper L iam Bradley commenced his studies for the priesthood, in 2004, at the ‘,Venerable’, - the name by which the English College, in Rome, has been affectionally known by it’,s students for many years. Regular readers have since looked forward to the numerous articles which Liam has written for Menevia News - these have not only recorded his progress as a seminarian but have also given us an insight into life as a student and about many interesting facts of ‘,the holy city’, itself. On the 14th July this year Liam was ordained to the ‘,Sacred Order of the Diaconate’,. Bishop John Arnold, an auxiliary bishop of Westminster, ordained Liam for our Diocese of Menevia in a very memorable and moving Ordination Mass. Liam`s ordination actually took place in Palazzola, the summerhouse of the Venerable English College. Overlooking the volcanic Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo, the location itself in spectacular enough but is even more impressive when you learn that the history of the villa goes back to the Roman Empire: Within the grounds of the villa itself there is a large tomb dedicated to the memory of a Roman General. Liam’,s journey to ordination has not been quick, but by his own admission, time has flown by! He first came to the diocese ten years ago as a student of Chemical Engineering at Swansea University where he spent four years completing a Masters degree. He quickly got involved with university life and was a very active member of the Catholic Society - in his penultimate year he became the president of the society, and, with the help of the Chaplain, Sr Nora Ryan, managed to secure some additional funding for the society from the university. In the final year of his engineering studies he became involved with a research project and spent two days a week working at the INCO nickel metal works in Clydach. He is on record as saying that this work and what he learnt in heavy industry has been invaluable for helping him on his summer pastoral placements. It was as a student at university that Liam made contact with Canon Michael Flook, the then Vocations Director for Menevia. Canon Flook met with Liam several times and organised an interview for him, with the bishop and also with a panel of five representatives of the diocese. It was Bishop Mark Jabalé, who finally accepted Liam as a seminarian for the diocese and Bishop Mark sent him to the seminary in Valladolid to start his training. A year later bishop Mark transferred him to the Venerable English College in Rome. Liam has now been in Rome for six years where he has spent two years studying philosophy and three years learning theology. He has just completed the first year of a two-year course of specialist studies in moral theology and will return to Rome in October to complete his final year of this course. The day of Liam’,s Ordination was, he said, one he’,ll never forget. It was a baking hot day and the sun didn’,t stop shining, even for a moment. Two days before the ordination his family had all arrived in Rome and they joined the seminary community for the ordination Mass and lunch. While he was born in Cheltenham (and still calls that town his home) Liam also has a large family from Northern Ireland, many of whom also made the trip to Rome to be with him. In all 25 members of his close family joined 10 or so of his friends, both clerical and lay for the big day. The diocese was represented by Frs Michael Burke, himself an old-boy of the college, and Phillip Harries, the new Vocations Director of Menevia. It was during the ordination Mass that they dressed Liam in the vestments of the deacon, having first been presented with them by Liam’,s parents Hugh and Louise. Not only were his parents involved in the liturgy, but so too were his brother and twin sister, Paul and Gemma. They brought the gifts of bread and wine to the bishop who then passed them to Liam so he could, for the first time, prepare the altar for the Eucharistic part of the Mass. During the homily bishop John Arnold spoke directly to Liam but invited the entire congregation to ‘,listen in’,! After the homily Liam made various promises to live a life of celibacy, to pray the prayers of the church daily and also promised respect and obedience to Thomas Burns, the bishop of Menevia. The music for the Mass was a mix of traditional and modern. The college Schola sang ‘,If ye love me’, in four parts by Thomas Tallis, and the Mass Setting was the Latin Missa de Agelis. The Psalm was very original, being as it was written especially for Liam by one of his brother students. Furthermore another student of the college had arranged an organ and trumpet voluntary for the final procession out of the chapel. The litany of saints was very important to Liam and he’,d chosen saints that not only had significance to him but also meant something to each member of his family, his close friends and to places which Liam has been to - there was a wide mixture of both English and Welsh saints as well as a mixing of old and new. After Mass many photos were taken to remember the day (see left and below, with more photos on Page 3) before a four-course lunch was served in the grounds of the Villa. Towards the end of the meal, the Rector of the college, Mgr Nicholas Hudson made a speech to all present and gave Liam a letter from Pope Benedict XVI and a set of rosary beads blessed by him. The now Reverend Liam made a return speech in which he thanked all who had contributed to the liturgy. He also presented the Rector and Fr Michael Burke with a cake because exactly 25 years’, earlier their ordination meal had to be abandoned owing to a forest fire - they had both missed out on their dessert and with the presentation of the cake the debt was finally paid! At least during Liam’,s meal no fires threatened to destroy the Villa! In his speech Liam made reference to one of his favourite prayers in the Divine Office: “,I thank You for bringing me to this day with the gift of faith intact.”, Liam sees his faith as one of God’,s greatest graces to him, a faith that was learned at a child from his Mum and Dad and also from his grandparents. “,It is because”, he said “,that we have been given the gift of faith, that we can all come together in this place to celebrate not only my ordination, but the faith of all of us and the faith of the Church. It is on this day that we should give thanks, not only for a new deacon, but that we have all been given the precious gift of faith.”, After the ordination lunch the staff and students of the college left for the UK and gave Liam and his family an extra two days to enjoy Palazzola and relax in the sun. Liam will be working in the diocese with Fr Neil Evans in St Benedict’,s parish in Swansea during September before he returns to Rome for his final year. We pray that all goes well for his studies and that he will be ordained a priest in the not-to-distant future. Liam, just ordained takes his place on the bishop’,s right With his family - l to r - Dad Hugh, sister Gemma, Rev Liam, Bishop John, Mother Louise and brother Paul Dolen D D o l e n D o l e n D o l e n D o l e n D o l e n Mynyw M M y n y w M y n y w M y n y w M y n y w Menevia M M e n e v i a M e n e v i a M e n e v i a M e n e v i a M e n e v i a M e n e v i a M e n e v i a News N N e w s N e w s N e w s menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 1
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Two 5th September -23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (C) T he first reading, Wisdom 9.13-8, speaks of our difficulties in understanding the will of God, the ordinary problems of this world are hard enough. If it were not for the coming of Christ, the Wisdom of God, and the Holy Spirit who has been sent to us, we could know nothing. Psalm 89 continues this theme - how fragile and short-lived we are, and how much we need the favour of the Lord. Philemon is the one private letter in the New Testament, it was collected with Paul’,s other letters, not just as Paul’,s plea for forgiveness for a runaway slave, but also a reminder that, once baptized, we are all equal before God. The Gospel, Luke 14. 25-33, shows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem, warning his followers that they must be prepared to suffer for His sake. 12th September -24th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C) T oday’,s readings speak of forgiveness. Exodus 32 shows Moses pleading before God for forgiveness for sinful Israel, who is already turning to false gods. Psalm 50 is a prayer for all of us, expressing sorrow for our faults and asking God for his mercy. 1 Timothy 1.12-17 praises God for the forgiveness which the writer has already received, in spite of the fact that he sees himself as the greatest sinner of all. The Gospel, Luke 15. 1-32, is the parable of the Lost Son, a description of God as a father so loving and forgiving that he does not even ask his repentant son where he has been or what he has done. In contrast, the figure of the elder brother is there to remind us all of the danger of being unforgiving. God’,s justice demands, in turn, that we ourselves are just to others. 19th September -25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C) T hese readings warn us all to think carefully about the way we treat others. Amos 8. 4-7 cries out against injustice and lack of concern for the poor, in contrast, Psalm 112 speaks of the Lord’,s concern for the poor, raising them to be on a level with the nobility of the earth. 1 Timothy 2. 1-8 advises us to pray for all, to the one god who wants everyone to be saved. The Gospel, Luke 16. 1-13, is the rather odd story of the unjust steward, who was dishonest himself and then uses his dishonesty to benefit others - so that they will later help him! Nonetheless, his standards are corrupt, and he helps others from the wrong motives. Jesus reminds us that we must value honesty, and not regard money as more important than God. 26th September -26th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C) A gain this Sunday, the theme of the readings is injustice. Amos speaks of the dangers facing those who live in luxury and never think of anyone but themselves - they do not care about the approaching ruin of the society they live in. God’,s justice is described in Psalm 145, where in contrast to the selfish rich, the Lord concerns himself with all who are in need. 1 Timothy 6. 11-16, gives us a picture of the standards expected from one who is dedicated to God, who must try to live the kind of life that will be approved by the ‘,King of Kings and Lord of Lords’,. Injustice is also the theme of the Gospel, Luke 16. 19-31, the story of the rich man and the poor Lazarus. The rich man is at fault, not simply because he was rich, but because he did not use his wealth to help the poor and needy whom he saw at his own gates. READING AHEAD Notes for the Sunday readings for September 2010 (5th to 26th September -Year ‘,C’,) NEXT COPY DATES Our next edition will be that dated November 2010 - Issue No 162 This should be in parishes on Saturdat/Sunday 30/31 October and your reports and photographs should be sent to us by Friday 8th October ***** These can be sent on a CD or DVD with the report saved as a Microsoft Word file (as . doc or . txt) - and with actual file of digital photos (saved in . jpeg format) - or at least typewritten, with original prints of photographs - to Menevia News, Curial Office, 27 Convent Street, Swansea SA1 2BX We can also accept reports and photographs by email to... news@menevia.org Please use plain text in your reports (saved as . doc or . txt) and also note that your photos, or any other graphics, must be saved in individual files as JPEG format, and sent as email attachments Please DO NOT include reports, photos or graphics in the email message * * * * * Editor: Editorial Consultant: Arthur Meredith KSG Canon Michael Flook Published by Bellcourt Limited P lease note that opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editorial team or the diocese. M ay we also remind all correspondents (and particularly re items sent in by schools) that we will assume that parental permission has been sought before photographs of minors are sent for publication PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Lord, make me a better person, More considerate towards others, more honest with myself, more faithful to you. Make me generous enough to want sincerely to do your will whatever it may be. Help me to find my true vocatioin in life’, and grant that through it I may find happiness myself and bring happiness to others. Grant Lord, that those whom you call to enter the Priesthood or the Relgious Life may have the generosity to answer your call so that those who need your help may find it. We ask this throught Christ Our Lord, Amen Please note that all enquiries re advertising matters should be made direct to the publishers ... Bellcourt Ltd, PO Box 8455 Newark, Notts NG23 5WX Tel: 01636 525603 (ask for Sue) However all ‘,news items’, should be sent direct to The Editor at news@menevia.org ALSO PLEASE NOTE FACT - many people are away ‘,on holiday’, during the month of August, and experience has shown that there is usually very little ‘,news’, sent to us at the end of August, for publication in an October edition (e.g. ‘,school end-of-year news items’, will have already been sent and published in this September edition) NOTE THEREFORE THAT Menevia News will also ‘,be taking a holiday’, and that there will NOT be an October edition published this year led by Father Michael Burke Friday 18th February to Saturday 26th February 2011 A.D. I ncluding:- Athens, Corinth, Delphi, Kalambaka, Meteora, Veria Thessaloniki, Philippi, Kavala Cost: £,1,100.00 Further Details from: Rev. Fr. Michael W. Burke Sacred Heart Presbytery, School Road, Morriston, SWANSEA SA6 6HZ 01792 771053 Note: there wll not be an October edition this year - see ‘,ALSO PLEASE NOTE’, in next column Kindly note this new email address - the ‘,ntlworld’, address is no longer in use !!! World Youth Day in Madrid The next World Youth Day will be held in Madrid from the 16th - 21st August 2011 Further information of this event will be published in Menevia News and through Parish Priests when available Welsh National Shrine North Rd, Cardigan SA43 1Ll Visit to Britain of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI A Pontifical Mass is being celebrated at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 18th September and to mark the Papal Visit, and to recognise the involvement of the ‘,Statue of Our Lady of Cardigan’, at this Pontifical Mass, Bishop Thomas Burns of Menevia will celebrate a ‘,Mass of T hanksgiving’, at the Welsh National Shrine of `Our Lady of the Taper` at Cardigan. This Mass will take place on Sunday 26th September, and preceeded with the ‘,Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary’, at 2.30 p.m., with the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving at 3.00pm If you would like more information on the Shrine and the Papal Visit you may like to visit the Shrine web site www.ourladyofthetaper.co.uk menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 2
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Three September Saturday 4th - Belmont Abbey -150th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Abbey -12noon Sunday 5th - Stella Maris Convent - Mass 1145am Monday 6th -Ystradgynlais - Mass of Thanksgiving (Salvatorians) - 7pm Tuesday 7th -Curial Office - Lourdes Meeting - 11am and Bishop’,s Council Meeting - 1.30pm Wednesday 8th -Pembroke Dock -Ecumenical Service - TBC Saturday 11th - Bishop’,s House - Mass and Presentation of Catechetical Certificates - 1130am 16th - 19th - Various venues -Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United Kingdom Friday 24th - Herald House - AoS meeting - TBC Sunday 26th - Cardigan - Mass of Thanksgiving for Papal Visit Thursday 30th - London -International Affairs Dept meeting - TBC October Friday 1st - Shrewsbury Cathedral - Inauguration of Mark Davies, 11th Bishop of Shrewsbury - 12noon Sunday 3rd - Cardigan Parish - Confirmations -1030am Wednesday 6th - St John Lloyd School Llanelli -Prize Giving Evening - 6.30pm Thursday 7th - Curial Office - Diocesan Trustees and Professional Advisers Meeting Sunday 17th - St Davids Parish, Swansea - Confirmations - 11am Tuesday 19th - Bishop’,s House -Swansea Pastoral Area Team - Half Day of Recollection -TBC Wednesday 20th - Brecon Parish - Confirmations - 7pm Friday 22nd - St Joseph’,s Comprehensive School, Port Talbot - Education Day with Bishop Malcolm McMahon - 2pm Saturday-23rd (to 3rd Nov) - A.S.A., St Luke’,s Institute - confrence November Thursday 4th - Manchester - St Lukes Centre - Board Meeting - TBC Saturday 6th - Brangwyn Hall, Swansea -Remembrance Service - 6.30pm Sunday 7th - Margam Parish - Confirmations -10am Wednesday 10th-Sunday 14th - ABIDJAN - CCEE-SECAM AFRO-EUROPEAN Conference Monday 15th - Friday 19th - Leeds - Bishops’, Conference of England &, Wales Saturday 20th - Pontarddulais Parish - Confirmations Monday &, Tuesday 22nd/23rd - Aberavon Beach Hotel - Clergy Meetings Wednesday 24th - Council of Clergy, followed by Bishop’,s Council December Saturday 3rd - Herald House - AoS Meeting - 10am Sunday/Monday 19/20th - Clifon Diocese, Clifton Group THE RIGHT REVEREND THOMAS MATTHEW BURNS, S.M. 11th Bishop of Menevia The Bishop’,s Engagements during 2010 More photos taken at The Diaconate Ordination of Rev. Liam Bradley Note: more information and additions to or alterations to any of above events will be published as and when available - WATCH THIS SPACE Liam being vested by Fr. Phillip - with his brother and sister, Paul and Gemma Liam (centre) with the Rector Mgr Hudson (left) and Bishop John (right) Receiving the book of the Gospels from Bishop John T his is the title of a book, which was launched on Friday 23 July, at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Gorseinon. It tells the story, as the foreword by Bishop Tom says, “,…,of the people who came together as a Catholic Community to conceive of, work for and build their own church in Gorseinon.”, And it is the story of a remarkable priest and a remarkable church - a church of its time, and that time was the 1960s. But the story starts many years before that with a background of the early 16th century estate then called ‘,Rhyd-y-Maerdy’, and later called Gorseinon. It recalls the later coming of the railways and the early industries - paper mills, collieries and tinplate in the late 1800s. The first record of Roman Catholicism in Gorseinon really starts after the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829, and particularly following the influx of Irish and Italian workers - it being recorded that the Benedictine community, then at Greenhill, Swansea would send a priest to Gorseinon, with Mass being celebrated in the front parlour of a house. The first church building, in Pontarddulais Road, was opened by Archbishop Francis Mostyn of Cardiff on Sunday 17th July 1932. 1958 saw the arrival of Fr.Gerald Hiscoe and he soon found that the church building was a matter of grave concern. It had been built on very damp ground with very poor foundations - and things came to a head when rotten timber floor joists and floorboards failed to support his weight and his foot ‘,shot though the floor’,. A survey indicated that this 37year-old church was in danger of collapse and repair was unrealistic. The alternative, a new church, was a major problem, even if funds could be found - there were no central church funds available - and how could a small parish of just 200 souls find the money. A minor miracle was needed. What they got was Fr Hiscoe! As the author records in his book - “,He was young and optimistic - full of faith - faith in the sympathy of the wider Catholic Community - his power to raise money and his vision of a new and magnificent church.”, Yes Fr. Hiscoe did raise the necessary finance - subscriptions came from every part of the U.K and beyond - “,his heroic efforts came to approx. £,60,000 - an amazing feat considering that in 1960 the average weekly wage of manual workers was in the region was £,8.35”, And it was at this time that a young architect and his family had joined the parish - yes Robert Robinson, the co-author of the book and the architect who designed and supervised the building of a new church. Space does not permit going into further details - you will have to read the book! Published by `Y Lolfa`, Talybont, Ceredigion, SY24 5HE ISBN 978-1-84771-231-8 …, £,6.95 www.ylolfa.com for secure on-line ordering The Architect of the Chuirch and Co-Author of this book, Robert Robinson, cuts the celebration cake In the background - the present parish priest Fr. Michael Fewell, and on stage Bishop Daniel Mullins and the town mayor menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 3
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Four I f you have anything you think might be of interest to a Youth Audience: Retreats, Celebrations, Courses...or just suggestions, comments, interesting websites or articles, lyrics, photos (etc.!!)...please do not hesitate to send them to me, Fr.Ceirion (Youth Development Director) at tadceirion@yahoo.co.uk ANY contributions welcome. Erthyglau/gwybodaeth ac ati yn y gymraeg yn croeso iawn...! Diolch/thanks! Youth Commission - Dirprwyaeth Ieuenctid The Diocesan YOUTH COMMISSION will be set up in September 2010 as a Diocesan body, with the aim of developing, promoting and coordinating new and existing Youth Initiatives within the Diocese, and working where possible with the other Dioceses of England and Wales and national Youth Structures, initiatives and organisations such as CYMFed (Catholic Youth Ministry Federation). It will also guarantee a wider input of different ideas and experience into Youth Ministry and at the same time a greater degree of stability and long-term development and planning. MEMBERSHIP The Youth Commission will be small enough to facilitate all members meeting 3-4 times a year, and for it to operate effectively, the members should, on the other hand, represent as much as possible the bodies/structures which are involved in Youth Work within the ambit of the Church. Taking these two factors into consideration, the Commission will be made up of the following members (this will of course be subject to change as the commission itself evolves): •, The Bishop •, Diocesan Youth Director •, A representative of each of the Catholic Secondary Schools of the Diocese •, A representative of the Diocesan Education team •, A representative of the University Chaplaincies •, A representative of the main Youth Movements already present in the Diocese. •, Other representatives can be added if other Youth Movements become more involved in the Diocese •, A YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE from EACH DEANERY: a YOUNG PERSON (18-35) who one or more of the PP`s of the Deanery feel would be particularly appropriate and possess the enthusiasm to be present and give his/her contribution. They would be nominated to the Youth Commission on a yearly basis by the Dean of each Deanery (the nomination could then be of course renewed with their agreement). How can YOU get involved ? There are two ways in which you can get involved directly and in doing so help provide the Youth of our Diocese with a service they need and a voice they are entitled to. •, FIRSTLY please do not hesitate to contact me, Fr.Ceirion, if you have any suggestions or proposals you think the Youth Commission should/would like to discuss, or if you think someone who should be on it is not! Once the Commission has met a LIST of all the members will be published so you will know who ",your", representative is (deanery rep./schools rep./movement rep. etc.) •, SECONDLY there are still NO representatives nominated by the Deaneries, with the exception of the Swansea Deanery. If you are between 18- 35 and would like to be involved, or know someone that is, then please get in touch with your Parish Priest and ask if he will nominate you (or them) onto the Commission. Your PP, or the Dean of your Deanery will then get in touch with me directly to discuss the appointment. ESGOBAETH MYNYW DIOCESE OF MENEVIA S a t u r d a y, J u l y 2 4 w a s a v e r y memorable day for those who came to listen to Dr. David Williams speaking about e cclesiastical and monastic seals at the National Library. David is a well-known historian and an acknowledged expert in both the field of seals and of Cistercian history. T he seals in the National Library range from the 12th century to the 21st and are a reflection of Welsh history. David had chosen some very interesting and varied seals as his subject matter. He pointed out details of interest on the pictures of them on the screen as he spoke. We even learned about the development of bishops’, mitres over the centuries and were delighted when we were shown a very unusual seal of an Abbess which had been discovered recently in our very own county of Ceredigion. The talk was thoroughly researched and presented in a clear and listener-friendly manner in the ‘,Drwm’, lecture theatre at the National Library and we were then treated to a special display of some of the seals from the Library’,s vast collections following the talk. A number of us then enjoyed a leisurely lunch with David at Pen Dinas - the National Library`s refectory. We’,re very grateful to David for such an inspiring talk - and also to the National Library for such excellent facilities and for hosting the talk. David Williams has published numerous books, including ... The Welsh Cistercians : Aspects of their Economic History (1969) White Monks in Gwent and the Border (1976) Atlas of Cistercian Lands in Wales (2000) The Cistercians in the Early Middle Ages (1998) The Welsh Cistercians (revised, 2001), Welsh History through Seals (1982) Catalogue of Seals in the National Museum of Wales (1988 and 1993) The Five Wounds of Jesus (2004) Images of Welsh History - Seals of the National Library of Wales (2008) Historical Talk at the National Library of Wales menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 4
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Five A s the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain draws near, groups of pilgrims around the country are busily planning how to see him at one of the main events. Fr Jason Jones, parish priest at the Welsh National Shrine to Our Lady in Cardigan, is preparing to make a very privileged journey, one which will be of special interest to Welsh Catholics. Upon hearing the news that our Holy Father will not be visiting Wales in 2010, Fr Jason suggested that Wales should instead go to him, and so the Statue of ‘,Our Lady of the Taper’, will make the journey from Cardigan to Westminster to be with the Pope. The Statue depicts ‘,Our Lady’, seated, in one hand holding the Christ child, and in the other a taper candle. On a deeper level, Fr Jason points out that both hands are holding the light of the world. Pope Benedict will bless and light a taper candle, and place it into the hand of the statue, following which he will lead the congregation in the Shrine prayer. One of the main reasons Pope Benedict is visiting the UK this year is to preside at the Beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who died in 1890. During his lifetime, Newman wrote the hymn ‘,Lead kindly light’, - what a perfect opportunity for Welsh Catholics to follow the ‘,Statue of Our Lady’,, holding the light of Christ aloft. This year marks an historical period for the Welsh National Shrine - the town of Cardigan celebrates its 900th anniversary, the Shrine Church marks 40 years as a National Shrine, and next year will be its 25th anniversary as the ‘,National Shrine of Wales’,. For the statue to make such a momentous pilgrimage to Westminster means that we have the opportunity to make it a very special year for ‘,Our Lady of the Taper’,. A Papal visit always presents an opportunity for renewal, and for people to ask the basic questions of life. Fr Jason recognises this, linking the light of the statue to the rekindling of the light of faith at the time of the visit, and he prays that the visit will bring about an increased devotion to ‘,Our Lady’,, the light which leads us to her Son, Jesus Christ. At the Shrine, the beautiful flower windows portray just some of 50 flowers named after Our Lady. Dagrhau Mair, or Mary’,s tears, may be more commonly known as fuscia, chwys Mair, Mary’,s perspiration, is known in English as the buttercup, and Mennyg Mair, Mary’,s gloves, is the foxglove. This array of floral tributes to the Mother of God shows the rich Catholic tradition in Wales, and it is no coincidence that most of the 50 flowers appear during the month of May, remembered as the month of ‘,Our Lady’,. Despite all the excited interest, there has been a large amount of opposition from some quarters in the run-up to the Papal visit. When asked how we can overcome this, Fr Jason points out that we should never be afraid of opposition to our faith, and instead use the opportunity of the visit to present the teachings of the Church in their full light, a light often obscured through modern media and anti-religious spin. Those who are open to the truth, he says, will allow themselves to be challenged by the light of Christ. The journeying of the Statue of ‘,Our Lady of the Taper’, to the home of English and Welsh Catholics, Westminster Cathedral, will have added significance, according to Fr Jason - in 1956, the Shrine was re-established, and a carved statue was blessed at the Cathedral by Cardinal Griffin. When Pope John Paul II designated Cardigan as the National Shrine for Welsh Catholics in 1986, he blessed a candle in Rome, which was then placed in the hand of ‘,Our Lady’, at the inaugural Mass of the ‘,Church as National Shrine’, in May of the same year. That candle now rests in a carved box of Welsh oak, and the candle blessed by Pope Benedict XVI will be similarly kept in a locally carved box of wood and pewter, which will portray just some of the 50 Welsh Marian flowers. With Fr Jason, let us pray that the Statue’,s journey will enkindle in us all the kindly light of Christ. F rom Monday 19th July to Friday 23rd July 2010 over 250 pilgrims from across Wales joined the Bishop of Menevia, Tom Burns, and priests and deacons of the Archdiocese of Cardiff and Diocese of Menevia, on the annual Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The pilgrimage was once again profoundly moving for all those who took part in the many events, which included a penitential service, with an opportunity for confession, in the Rosary Basilica, the anointing of the sick in St Joseph’,s Chapel, Masses at St Bernadette’,s Altar and at the Grotto, a visit to Bartres, bathing in the waters and the daily ‘,Blessed Sacrament’, and ‘,Torchlight Processions’,. Many pilgrims, past and present, will have known Dr Philip Hambly, the chief pilgrimage doctor, who sadly died on the last day of the pilgrimage following a long and serious illness. Dr Hambly had served the pilgrimage for over 30 years as a doctor and it was fitting that he should go to God in the place where he had served God and many, many pilgrims so lovingly for so many years. During the week, and despite his sufferings, Dr Hambly had been able to take part in all the main activities. We offer our sincere condolences to Dr Hambly’,s wife, Margaret, and to his family. On many occasions throughout the pilgrimage, pilgrims prayed for Wales and for the Church in Wales, particularly as we prepare for the State Visit of Pope Benedict. Our prayer was that the pilgrimage would be a source of God’,s grace not only for those who took part in the pilgrimage but also for all those who asked pilgrims to pray for them and for the Church as a whole. The pilgrimage was led by Bishop Tom Burns, under the directorship of Fr Jason Jones (Cardigan), the assistant directorship of Fr Adrian Wiltshire (Cwmbran), chief brancardier, Patrick Dermody, chief handmaid, Margaret Hambly, chaplain to the sick, Fr Teyrnon Williams, chaplains to the youth, Sr Carmel Reynolds (Menevia) and Fr Richard Reardon (Cardiff) assisted by the teams of doctors, nurses, brancardiers, handmaids and young people of ‘,Welsh Youth to Lourdes’, - they work particularly in the hospitals and with pilgrims with limited mobility, once again provided an outstanding witness of Christ- like love and service to those in need. Next year, 2011, is a special year for the Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes because it is the 50th anniversary pilgrimage. For further details of this 2011 pilgrimage please contact the Director, Fr Jason Jones, or Assistant Director, Fr Adrian Wiltshire. It will be an opportunity for the Church in Wales to give thanks to God for His countless blessings and graces. The pilgrimage team are particularly keen to ensure that, in the Golden Anniversary year, as many sick or disabled pilgrims as possible can attend. Please contact the Directors for further information regarding this aspect of the pilgrimage. We look forward to joining many hundreds of pilgrims for the Golden Anniversary Welsh National Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2011. The ‘,Welsh Youth to Lourdes’, menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 5
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Six A busy term kicked off with a happy occasion when Bishop Mullins celebrated 40 years of his Episcopal ordination and Canon Mullins celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination at St Joseph’,s Cathedral. Children representing every class in the school were proud to attend and the day brought back many memories for head teacher Mr O’,Brien who was once a loyal altar server for Canon Mullins during his years in Port Talbot. We were also proud to join with our friends from St. Joseph’,s, Port Talbot to help celebrate Canon Joseph Cefai’,s installation to the Cathedral chapter. Congratulations Canon. M ay 6th saw the welcome return of ‘,Exploradome’,. In the morning, Year Five were taken on a voyage through the Solar System. The colourful presentation led children through the planets, constellations and legends surrounding the stars. At one stage many children had to close their eyes as the simulated movements of the stars left them feeling travel sick! The afternoon saw Year Three taken on a much more terrifying voyage - through the digestive system! Entertaining and informative but not a journey for the faint hearted. A fter the disappointments of the World Cup and Wimbledon it was good to be able to enjoy the sporting achievements of our children. Our Year Six ‘,rounders team’, came second in the Swansea Schools Tournament, while our footballers finished in second place in their tournament. Our athletics squad finished runners up in the ‘,2010 County Championship Final’,, held at Swansea University on Monday 8th July. Congratulations to Louise Morris (high jump), Ben Morgan (high jump) and Calvin Pallu (70m hurdles), who have been selected for the county team. T here was endless enjoyment on our annual ‘,Fun Day’, in July this year. Our children proved most inventive at finding ways to raise funds for the school. Enterprises included several nail and beauty parlours, a chocolate fountain, a doughnut shop and ice cream chalet, cake sales, face painting and a soft toy emporium. Traditional favourites such as the ‘,Water Wipe-Out Contest’, and ‘,Penalty Shoot Out’, were joined by new challenges including ‘,The Haunted House’, and, perhaps best of all, ‘,Pie the Teacher.’, Having decided that ‘,Splash the Teacher’, was past its sell by date the more inventive members of the school came up with the idea of throwing shaving foam pies at hapless members of staff. The queues of children lining up to take part stretched way down the corridor and out into the playground. One child did say it was “,The best pound I’,ve ever spent.”, as he hit his teacher square on the nose. Grateful thanks to the brave volunteers who were ‘,pied’, in the cause of raising funds for the school. I t was clear from the Dr. Who and Top of the Pops theme tunes welcoming the audience into the hall that our summer concert was going to be a journey back through time. The songs, chosen for the children to sing and dance to, evoked a strong sense of nostalgia among the parents and grandparents who gathered to enjoy the show. Music from the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties right up to the present day had everyone clapping their hands, tapping their toes and calling for more. Our finale item ‘,The Climb’, was described by one parent as, “,The most moving song I’,ve ever heard children sing. It really tells what life is about.”, No doubt about it, a great night was had by all. St. Joseph’,s recently participated in a film competition for ‘,Childnet International’,. Competitors were asked to construct a short film using children’,s cyber safety as the central theme. We received a special award for our entry and a group of children were invited to Greenwich Picture House on 5th July to open the screening ceremony with a live performance of their entry. The lucky children who attended - Emily Lewis, Olivia Collins, Shone Walsh, Kelly-Anne Phipps, Ailin George, Samuel-Jac Collins and Arnold Ncube were also treated to lunch at Windsor and a boat ride before heading for home. Childnet has since informed us that our award winning song will feature in their future campaigns. A visit from author E.R.Reilly had the whole school fired up with enthusiasm for reading. In a most entertaining afternoon he gave us outlines of the stories contained in many of his books - but he never once gave away the ending! All he would tell us was, “,You have to read the book”, and we did. Children and teachers flocked to buy his books and find out just what happened. The lucky children of Room 2 and Room 14 followed up this experience with a visit to the library to meet the author and illustrator partners ‘,Knife and Packer’,. A different, but equally enjoyable afternoon, and one which again fired up enthusiasm for reading. T he end of the summer term saw us bid a sad goodbye to the children of Year Six who are moving on to new schools. This year we held our first ever ‘,Beach Party’, to send them on their way. Held on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Pembrey Country Park, it was voted an overwhelming success by all the lucky children who took part. The evening began with games in the park. These were followed by a very substantial meal which more than satisfied even the healthiest appetites. Then came games on the beach - rounders, cricket and volleyball being just a few, before a visit to the adventure playground and photos. As the evening drew to a close Year Six headed for home, exhausted but happy. The next day every child was back in school and raring to go, which was not altogether the case for their weary and aching teachers. Our farewell celebrations continued on 15th July. In the morning the whole school joined in the ‘,Leavers` Mass’, to pray for those children who are about to enter the next chapter of their lives. All readers and altar servers were chosen from among Year Six and Canon Flook spoke movingly to the children about the changes in life and the unchanging love of God. That afternoon the ‘,Leavers’, Assembly’, was held. Each Year Six class presented their own cameo performance, some enjoying a laugh at the expense of their teachers past and present! Then all four classes joined together for a magnificent finale performance in which they reprised ‘,We are the Young’,, first heard at Mass in the morning. Goodbye and good luck to all of you and remember that you are always welcome back here at St. Joseph’,s. A fond farewell also goes to Mr. Bill Kavanagh who retired as chairman of governors at the end of the summer term. Our heartfelt thanks for his years of dedicated service and our very best wishes to him for a restful retirement. A nother proud achievement for our choir in the annual Primary Music Festival. The children faced stiff competition from schools across three counties. A polished and enthusiastic performance in the four part harmony section resulted in gaining second place overall and winning £,300 for the school. Well done everyone. Where did you get that hat Mr Matthews? Year Six prepare to boldly go ... Year Six having a whale of the time Beach Part bonanza How sweet! How do you write a best seller sir? menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 6
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Seven O n Wednesday July 14th St. Joseph’,s held their annual ‘,Sunflower Day and Concert’,. Manor Park kindly allowed them the use their Hotel for our concert which was based on the ‘,Good Old Days’,. Children from each class entertained their parents and friends with songs and dances. Dr. Colin Askill attended the concert and was presented with a cheque for over £,2000.00 towards Singleton Hospital’,s Radiotherapy and Treatment Unit. This is the thirteenth year of our ‘,Sunflower Concert’, and we would like to thank all children and parents for their continued support and help. The Tallest Sunflower was won again by Courtney Tuck. Well done Courtney! Teachers and children dressed up for the concert and I enclose a photograph of our staff dressed up for the day. O ur ‘,Eco- Greenhouse’, was opened on Thursday July 15th at a special ceremony in which Fr. Teyrnon blessed the greenhouse for our future work. The greenhouse was built after an enormous appeal by Mrs. Rowden to children and the parish for empty recycled pop bottles. We would like to thank especially Mr. Steven Williams and Mr. Stuart Griffiths for their hard work in making the dream come true and all our eco- helpers for their dedicated hard work Well done everyone O n Monday July 19th ‘,The Rainbow Group’, held their special ‘,Celebrate Me’, day. Parents and children and staff were invited to go on a tour of the Liberty Stadium where Lyndon Jones took us around and made us feel very welcome. We went to see the changing rooms and the pitch and managed to find a famous footballer! We would like to thank Lyndon for making the tour so memorable for all the children and adults and treating us so well. After lunch we went onto the beach and had great fun. We then went to Stella Maris Convent where we had a beautiful service. Sister Angela, Sister Josephine and Sister Bridget helped the children and adults remember our loved ones and realise that being part of the Rainbows group has helped us all develop and remain strong for the future. My grateful thanks to all who have helped the development of the Rainbows programme this year and who have given their time and kindness in helping children who are experiencing loss or bereavement in their lives. Your Photos ...a plea to those responsible for sending your reports and photos of your activities! Please carefully identify your school/parish etc. (do you realise for example that we have SEVEN St Joseph’,s Schools in Menevia!) - also please identify and name each individual photo T his year has been an active one for our Parish. At the beginning of January we started the ‘,Holy Cross Link Group’, for those interested in becoming ‘,Associates of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit (DHS)”, At the end of January we sadly were saying farewell to Fr. Paul Watson and Fr. Phillip Harries and then welcoming Fr. Ross Patterson as our new Parish Priest. On 15th March Frs. Paul and Phillip returned to welcome Reuben Purchase into the Catholic Church and then Reuben and Maggie received the Sacrament of Marriage. Finally Reuben and their two boys, Christian and Billy, made their First Holy Communion. It was a great celebration for our Parish who provided refreshments after Mass. On 18th July Ciaran Squires made his First Holy Communion and we all celebrated with his family after Mass. Great excitement continued in Holy Cross Church as we prepared for Bishop Tom’,s visit on 1st August to bless our new altar, lectern, tabernacle, priest and people. We had worked hard to raise the money for the new altar and lectern and we were given our tabernacle by the DHS Congregation. We had also been busy painting our church to ensure it is kept in good order. We all appreciated Bishop Tom`s friendliness, humour and inspiring message and hope that in his busy schedule in the future he will come again to our friendly little church in Aberaeron. Bishop Tom, Priest and People at Aberaeron Fr Ross and Ciaran Squires The blessing of the altar Tumbles Pearce, fellow UCM members and Father Patrick - pictured after a celebratory Mass to mark the end of Tumbles’, Presidency of the Pembroke Dock UCM menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 7
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Eight Homily Preached at St. David’,s Cathedral Cardiff on 2nd July 2010 by Canon Laurence Pelosi to commemorate the Italians living in Wales, who perished on the Arandora Star Liner 70 years ago “,Do you enjoy a walk through the Cemetery on a Sunday afternoon?”, T his question was posed by the famous Alfred Hitchcock at the introduction to one of his films. How well I remember his deep English voice slowly and deliberately uttering these sombre words as he stood there alone shrouded in fog. His words sent a shiver up the spines of all who watched, capturing the attention of his audience from the very start of the film. How often do we find films beginning at the end of a story and then projecting us back to the beginning of the story. Here in the tranquillity of this lovely Cathedral, surrounded by friends, listening to the Cwmbach Choir and celebrating the Mass which is for us ‘,THE MEMORIAL’, of all Memorials, we begin our story which began seventy years ago this day- the 2nd July 1940 - the sinking of the Arandora Star. When I visit London I actually enjoy a walk through the ‘,Tower Hill Memorial Gardens’,. The placard at the entrance reads:- “,Welcome to Trinity Square Gardens. We hope you enjoy your visit.”, In these gardens are inscribed, in bronze, the names of 36,000 members of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet who died in the two Great Wars - 12,000 in World War 1 and 24,000 in World War 2 - “,WHO HAVE NO GRAVE BUT THE SEA.”, Each sunken ship is listed with the names of those on board who perished. There I found the name of the Arandora Star ship listing the 56 names of the crew on board who perished. One name stood-out - that of a cousin of mine - Rocco SINACOLA. He was not a member of the military neither was he one of the many Italian/German &, Austrian prisoners who perished. He was one of the 56 innocent Crewe members of what was once a luxury ocean liner. My eyes naturally focussed on the one name - that of my own cousin! Focussing my eyes on that one single name amongst those 36 thousand names epitomizes well what we all do when we lose someone we love. The tragedy when the British passenger ship Arandora Star was torpedoed by a U- boat 75 miles west of Ireland on the 2nd July 1940 as she carried German and Italian prisoners of war and interned aliens, from Liverpool to Newfoundland. 800 people were lost of the 1200 prisoners on board. The ship was painted grey with barbed wire and no Red Cross logo to signal that they were not soldiers. Within half and hour the ship had sunk. The pain, the anguish, the resentment …, felt by millions of people throughout the ages who have lost loved ones in the tragedy of wars - in Afghanistan and Iraq today, in Northern Ireland yesterday, in both World Wars and in all the conflicts of the world since the beginning of time. Plaques, Cenotaphs, Military Graves scattered all over the world together with books written and films made are constant reminders of the tragic world in which we live. Lessons learnt? We wonder? The painful experience should make us even more intent on making this world a better and more peaceful place to live. And yet the good Pope John XX111 said that “,this world will never be a place of peace until peace is found in the hearts of every man ”, The Church has taught over and over again of the need for justice, peace and love. In brief it is our failure to love one another as Christ has loved us and in failing to do so we break what is, in essence, a failure to follow the Commandments of God. These 53 Welsh Italians inscribed on the Welsh slate Memorial Plaque about to be unveiled in this Cathedral today, 70 years to the day after the disaster, is our focal point. That is not to say that we consider other disasters of less importance or of less significance - certainly not. Today we are marking the death of our Italian relatives and friends who lived here in Wales. England, Scotland, Ireland and other countries have done likewise. Mr.George Hill a member of the ‘,Arandora Star Committee’, will open this Memorial in a few minutes time, chosen because his grandfather and my great uncle Michele Dimarco tragically drowned. Not alone George - also our Baritone, Piero Mattei, who has travelled from Dorset with Francesca Murray to remember and to sing solo at this Mass in remembrance of his father who was arrested in London 70 years ago and drowned on the Arandora Star. The plaque made of Welsh slate was designed and made by Mr. Ieuan Rees and contains the 53 names of our loved ones who died. This Plaque will be fittingly blessed after these few words by Fr. Mark Rowles of Mountain Ash, whose grandfather Giuseppe Carini died on the Arandora Star. There are also many other close relatives here today of those who perished. Sadly there are a few still harbouring much pain in their hearts for what they have seen as injustices done to innocent relations. One surviving daughter in her 80’,s is still bitter about it. On this plaque designed by our artist Susanna Ciccoti we see Mary the Mother of God embracing the sunken ship so lovingly in her arms. Mary is our Mother of Consolation. May she now bring consolation to all who have lost loved ones in all conflicts and Wars especially at this present time. We do not forget those who survived, whose names are not on this plaque but nonetheless spent hours in the cold waters - 586 rescued by the Canadian Destroyer HMCS St. Laurent, only to be eventually interned in Australia for many more years. My own grandfather Giuseppe Pelosi was one of those survivors. All I can say about my grandfather is that he spent the remaining few years back home in Swansea living a life very close to the Lord and attending daily Mass at 7.30a.m. He never ever mentioned the past to me. I stand here to represent the survivors and the families of survivors to say publicly that we have a huge debt of gratitude to that saviour ship, captain and crewe. We are also indebted to the good Irish people who did everything possible to give a dignified burial to those whose bodies were recovered around the Irish coastline. Why, oh why is the inevitable cry of all who suffer loss and pain in this world? Why ,O why, should innocent men, women and children suffer so much in this life? Job in the Old Testament tried to find an answer but failed. Only Christ points the way and yet we are still left with some un-answered questions. Could part of the answer lie in the life of Christ Himself who was like us in all things but sin? He the innocent One, He the perfect One, He the Son of God - the very God Himself - absolutely and totally innocent yet made to suffer at the hands of evil people. As for natural disasters I have no answer. We are all on a sea voyage through life. It is for each one of us to steer our ship in the right direction towards the Port of Heaven. In so doing our hope is that we shall be greeted by all who perished and all who survived the Arandora Star disaster. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. AMEN O n the 70th anniversary of the sinking of the SS ‘,Arandora Star, the national memorial for Wales’, ©, was unveiled on 2nd July at a special Mass in Cardiff`s Metropolitan Cathedral of St David. The memorial was dedicated to the 53 Welsh- Italians and all those who perished when this war-grey ship was sunk by a U-boat on July 2nd, 1940. The memorial also remembers the Welsh- Italian families and survivors, who despite the tragedy resumed their lives in Wales after the war and continue to contribute to our communities to this day. The cathedral was packed out, with over 500 people. The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia, with several priests, including Canon Laurence Pelosi from Swansea and Fr. Mark Rowles of Mountain Ash, Aberdare and Hirwaun parish - whos Grandfather was sadly one of the 53 Welsh/Italians who did not survive. There was extensive coverage on the TV and radio. Canon Pelosi gave a very moving Homily (see opposite for the complete text) and made reference to his own grandfather, Giuseppe Pelosi, who survived the sinking, as well as his great- uncle, Michele DiMarco, who sadly drowned on the Arandora Star with hundreds of other Italians, Germans and Austrians (including Jewish people who had escaped Nazi oppression in Germany and Austria). They were being sent to an internment camp in Canada as `enemy aliens`, even though some had lived in the UK for many years and some had sons in the British armed forces. Paulette Pelosi, Canon Pelosi’,s cousin, also from Swansea, read Psalm 69. Paulette was also responsible for curating the exhibition of photos and stories about the tragedy. This took place from 1st to 4th July in Cardiff`s Old Library and was officially opened by one of the Memorial Fund`s patrons, the broadcaster, Roy Noble. During the four days, nearly 150 people viewed the exhibition and many left poignant stories about how their families were affected by the tragedy - and still are affected by it today. Towards the end of the Mass the celebrants and servers proceeded to the rear of the church, for the unveiling of the Welsh Slate memorial, the blessing of which was performed by Fr Mark (whose grandfather was one of those on board the `Arandora Star` who did not survive the sinking) and Bishop Tom. For more about the unveiling and to a download a copy of the Memorial Fund’,`s commemorative booklet, please visit: arandorastarwales.us (you will also find links to several BBC and ITV films about the anniversary). Photographs by Roberts of Port Talbot The congregation - over 500 attended Canon Pelosi - at the Homily The memorial - after the unveiling - flanked by the Italian and Welsh flags Former Convent Garden baritone Piero Mattel’, who lost his father on the Andora Star and who sang ‘,Pieta Signore’, at the Offertory menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 8
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Nine C harles Kavanagh was born about 1810 at Penycae, Denbighshire. He went to Sedgley Park School from 1822 to 1825, and was admitted to the English College in Lisbon on July 22nd 1825 to study for the priesthood. It is likely that he had two brothers, James and Matthew who would also become priests. Writing from Lisbon in 1830, Dr Winstanley informed the bishop that Charles and James Kavanagh and Lewis Havard are natives of Wales and at the particular request of Dr Collingridge they were made to practice with one another the Welsh language and to read Welsh books. Charles was ordained a priest on February 10th 1833. He remained in Lisbon for four more years, becoming Superior and Master of Humanities. He was described as having a ‘,genuine ecclesiastical spirit’,. Charles returned to England in June 1837 and is recorded at Prior Park, Bath. In November 1839 he moved to Swansea where he stayed with a Mrs Garde at 13 Oxford Street. The parish priest at the time was the Rev. William Bond. Charles does not appear in the Catholic Directory until 1841. There was still hostility towards Catholics and Canon Richardson recalled a tradition that when he first came to Swansea, Fr. Kavanagh had to be protected from injury and assault by a bodyguard of Irish stalwarts. At Swansea the old chapel in Nelson Place was in a ruinous condition, too small for the growing congregation, and with a lease that would shortly expire. Fr. Kavanagh wanted a new church that would accommodate the poor Irish Catholics engaged in the iron and copper works of the town, and which would attract the ‘,respectable Catholics who would frequent this beautiful watering-place, and be a decent place for Catholic worship’,. A contemporary description of the existing church stated that ‘,the floor of the scanty building…,gives way in numerous holes beneath the feet, whilst the decayed and crumbling roof threatens the lives of the crowd which is jammed underneath. The Catholic population of Swansea stood at around 300 in 1845. It was announced a year later that a church would be erected shortly but there was extreme difficulty obtaining a site because of local bigotry. St David’,s Church was opened a year later. After 1845-6, the Catholic population increased with an influx of Irish fleeing the great famine. By 1849 there were 500 Catholics in Swansea. He also ministered to the Catholics of Llanelli. Early in 1849, Bishop Brown, the Vicar Apostolic, instructed Fr. Kavanagh to say Mass in Aberavon. Once a month, Mass was said in the front room of a cottage in Pleasant Row, occasionally in a house near the Ship Inn, and later in a Skittle alley at the rear of the Railway Tavern. One witness recorded that ‘,it was an affecting scene to witness the poor people, many of them with their clothes all tattered and torn as if they were refugees from a war stricken land, meeting Fr. Kavanagh on his monthly visits and walking along the streets with him to hear Mass`. Because of anti-Catholic feelings in the area, on his visits to Aberavon Fr Kavanagh was accompanied by bodyguards from Briton Ferry and then back by a few men of the parish, and from Briton Ferry to Swansea by a man named McCarthy. By 1852 the Swansea mission which included Neath and Aberavon numbered 760 people. Charles Kavanagh proved an industrious priest. Following the construction of the church in 1847, adjoining it he built a Catholic school in 1851. A further school was built in Greenhill, where there were many Irish settled after fleeing the famine, and it became known as ‘,Little Ireland’,. It was an area of poorly constructed housing, and unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. It was no surprise therefore that when cholera struck Swansea in 1849, many of its victims were from this area. It was Charles Kavanagh’,s heroic actions during the epidemic that would leave a deep and long lasting impression on the people of Swansea. He offered his help to Dr. William Harris Long. Canon Richardson wrote that Fr. Kavanagh could always be ‘,found at the scene of danger, beside the dying and the dead - called for night and day, to Catholic and non- Catholic homes alike. For weeks he never took off his clothes, gave last rites to the dying, and placed the dead in their coffins’,. Fr. Peter Lewis would recall that Fr. Kavanagh would also wash the sick, comb their hair, and make their beds. He organised the placing of tents in open fields to lessen the danger of infection. Between July and August he helped bury 170 victims. In December 1849 a public meeting was held at the Town Hall in Swansea to present Fr. Kavanagh with a testimonial for the ‘,zeal, assiduity and Christian benevolence evinced by him during the visitation of the cholera’,. He was given an inscription on vellum and also a purse containing fifty sovereigns. Fr. Kavanagh revealed that he had undergone a similar experience for four months in Cardiff when he had helped out a fellow priest, Fr. Millea, who was ‘,flagged out and frightened’,. Charles Kavanagh had done much to build bridges between the denominations and would become an accepted member of many public bodies and societies. He was secretary to the Mechanics Institute, a member of the Council of the Royal Institution in 1855, and an active supporter of Swansea Infirmary. Dr. Long had noted that during the cholera epidemic that no one else could have surpassed Fr. Kavanagh’,s exertions ‘,for the simple reason, none possessed his physical powers to perform them’,. Yet, this powerful man died at the early age of 47 on 20th October 1856. Canon Wilson believed he died a victim of his own charity. Charles Kavanagh’,s death cast a ‘,deep and universal gloom’, across Swansea. He had what was virtually a civic funeral, with the Mayor and Corporation attending. Fr. Kavanagh was buried in the new Danygraig cemetery, which he had proposed should be inter- denominational. He was the first person to be interred there. He is also commemorated by a small plaque in St. David’,s Priory Church. Alan Randall Diocesan Archivist Father Charles Kavanagh A man of ‘,zeal, assiduity and Christian benevolence’, MONDAY 27th September 2010 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL, LLANELLI Spirit - Community - Scripture A Creative Engagement By the Rev.Dr. Trevor Reynolds Minister of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Swansea How do you interpret the Scriptures? How can the science of Hermeneutics help you avoid error and the pitfalls of making your readings too narrowly personal. A WARM WELCOME IS EXTENDED TO EVERYONE Talk stsrting 7 pm - refreshments served from 6.30 pm THE NEWMAN ASSOCIATION Llanelli and District Circle Promoting open discussion and greater understanding in today’,s Church Swansea in 1847 The commemorative plaque at present in St David’,s Church, Swansea T he Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Council Borough Council, Cllr Lella James, and her consort, husband Cyril James, held their Civic Service at St Joseph’,s Church, Port Talbot on Sunday 4 July. Pictured are the Mayor and Consort leaving the packed Church at the end of Mass which was con- celebrated by Bishop Tom Burns with by Canon Joseph Cefai and Father John Patrick Thomas, PP of St Patrick and St David’,s Haverfordwest, who is the Mayor’,s nephew and Chaplain. The Mayor and Consort were delighted that so many parishioners joined the Queen’,s representatives, Members of Council and Civic Dignitaries from other local authorities for the Mass. Many groups and organisations were also present, several of which the Mayor works directly with. The Mayor and Consort wanted the Mass to be a family celebration - their daughter Julie and eldest son, Ian, also a Councillor in Neath Port Talbot, did the readings, Hywel, their younger son, and grand-daughter Maria took up the offertory gifts joined by their niece Siobhan. The choir sang beautifully and guests said how inspiring the service was. Following Mass, guests enjoyed a wonderful tea at which they were entertained by the Herald Trumpeters of the Royal British Legion. Neath/Port Talbot Mayor’,s Civic Service menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 9
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Page Ten Before you choose your carpet, choose your experts Reasons why you should buy your next carpet from Abbey Carpets... Best Value Best Service Best Selection Free Fitting Free Measuring For the last 27 years Paul and Chris at Abbey Carpets have been meeting the flooring needs of the Catholic Church and the wider Community. Unit 2, Tower Court, St Davids Road, Swansea Enterprise Park, Swansea SA6 8RU (behind Currys and PC World) NEVER KNOWINGLY BEATEN ON PRICE Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm The well planned showroom offers a vast selection of carpets to suit every taste and budget. Adams Carpets, Axminster of Devon, Cormar Carpets, Ulster Carpets and carpets from furlong a well known wholesaler. Members of proving we are the best at looking after you. Abbey carpets (Swansea) Limited Tel: 01792 701861 Happy Birthday R e t r e a t s THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF ICONOGRAPHERS A DAY WITH GUILLEM RAMOS-POQUÍ, Saturday, 2 October 2010 Carmelite Priory, 41 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BB. 10.30 a.m. –, 3.30 p.m. Price £,10 10.30–,12.00: part 1 The process of painting a large Calvary: issues involved in the gesso, gilding a large background and creating gold patterns using punches and gilding fine lines The finishing of the icon The process of painting the icon of St Thé,rè,se of Lisieux 12.00–,12.30: questions 12.30–,1.30: lunch 1.30–,3.00: part 2 The technique of gilding in the icon and early Italian traditions The process of painting the icon of Our Lady of the Sign Creating patterns using gold lines. 3.00–,3.30: questions The day will be held at the Carmelite Priory, 41 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BB Tickets are available from info@bai.org.uk Please pay by PayPal to the above email, or by cheque to John Clawson, 9 Elston Hall, Newark, NG23 5NP Organised by the British Association of Iconographers Catholics do it. Protestants do it. Buddhists do it. Famous television personalities do it. Rumer Godden, the writer, did it and wrote a novel about it. Even non-believers do it. They all go to the Monastery of the Visitation at Waldron, East Sussex for a day, a week or in some cases a year. Some go for the peace and quiet. Some go for the break from routine. Some go, of course, to pray, take a look at their lives and reassess their priorities. A few even end up by staying and becoming nuns themselves. They are women of all ages and of all backgrounds: married, single and widowed. Says the Monastery’,s Reverend Mother Jane Margaret, a Liverpudlian “, It is our mission and our joy to welcome women into the Monastery, to join us in the rhythm of the community and to enjoy the peace, stillness and beauty of our grounds.”, The Monastery belongs to a worldwide group of contemplative nuns, which this year is celebrating the 400th anniversary of its founding by St Francis de Sales and St Clare de Chantal. . Today the Monastery boasts 13 nuns and an ever-growing number of associates, known as the Daughters of St Francis de Sales. The nuns’, ages range from the mid-30s to the mid-90s. One of them has been a nun for 40 years. Their combined age is about 800-years-old! They include teachers, nurses and mid-wives. One nun was a doctor. Another, with her degree in Botany trained at the Royal Horticultural Society’,s Wisley Gardens Another nun worked in a supermarket. Reverend Mother used to teach in a London comprehensive school. Some of them became nuns in their 20s. Others in their 50s. One of them, who has spent 30 years at the Monastery, became a nun when she retired from her job in a bank in the City of London. Women visiting or staying at the Monastery are free to either join the nuns in their daily routine of prayer, work, study and, of course, recreation or they can follow their own programme. The nuns rise at 5.50 every morning. Five times a day they pray the Divine Office in Choir. Their singing is accompanied by a zither or organ played by the Reverend Mother, who was she admits, before entering the Monastery, a Beatles fan! To visit the Monastery for a day is not a problem. To become a real nun, however, takes a little longer. After six-months postulancy a woman can ask to be clothed in the habit and begin her Noviciate . The next two- years she spends as a white veiled novice, then she may take temporary vows for three years. In normal circumstances she then asks to make her Solemn Profession. But whether a woman becomes a nun or not, by going to the Monastery of the Visitation for just one day they can experience what it feels like to be a nun. menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 10
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September 2010 Page Eleven MENEVIA NEWS If you think you are called to the Priesthood, and want the challenge of the gospel, then contact us now. of Fidelity The church needs religious sisters U R G E N T LY t o b r i n g Christ to others by a life of prayer and service lived in the community of Ignation spirituality. Daliy Mass is the centre of community life. By wearing the religious habit we are witnesses to the consecrated way of life. If you are willing to risk a little love and would like to find out how, contact Sister Bernadette. Late vocations up to the age of 46 welcomed. COVENT OF OUR LADY OF FIDELITY Central Hill, Upper Norwood, LONDON SE19 1RS Telephone: 07973 6002563 or Fax: 0208 766 6579 Mobile: 07760 297001 Ministers of religion Prayer Community Mission Write to: Sr. Helen Mary, Thornton, Milton Keynes MK17 0HJ CATHOLIC SINGLES For single, separated, widowed &, divorced practising Catholics. Hundreds of members. For free info tel: 0161 941 3498 o r v i s i t w w w. c a t h o l i c s i n g l e s . o r g . u k Already We Hold Yo u I n Prayer. Living in the heart of London, the Tyburn Benedictine Community has as its spe- cial mission, prayer for the people of England and Wales. Our monastery is built on the site of the Tyburn gallows where 105 Catholics were martyred during the reformation. Our life of prayer draws Sisters from many nations. If you have a special intention, let us know and we will remember it specifically in our prayer. You may like to use the space below. [ ]Yes, please remember my intention/s in prayer. …,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,.…,…,…,................................. …,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,.…,..…,…,…,........................... …,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,.…,…,…,…,…,............................. [ ]Yes, please send me the free booklet on the Tyburn Martyrs [ ]Yes I’,m interested –, please send me vocations details. [ ] I’,d like to become a founding donor of your new monastery in Hamilton, New Zealand. My gift of £, is enclosed payable to Tyburn Mission. Name:…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,......................................... …,…,…,. Address:…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,...…,…,…,.............................................…, …,…,…,…,..…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,........................................…,…,…,…,…,…,…,…, …,…,…,…,…,…,…,…,..…,…,…,…,…,…,....…,…,.....................................…,Please print RETURN TO: Bursar General, Tyburn Convent, 8 Hyde Park Place London, W2 2LJ Phone: 020 7723 7262. EWTN CATHOLIC TV IS NOW ON SKY EPG 589 Sky Freesat £,75 total cost and no month - ly charges. 200 free channels incl. EWTN TV &, Radio. Call EWTN 020 8350 2542 info@stclaremedia-ewtn.co.uk PLAYA BLANCA AFFORDABLE FAMILY VILLA ALL YEAR ROUND BARGAINS For information about life as a priest or brother in the Society of Jesus Please contact Vocations Promoter 114, Mount Street, LONDON W1K 3AH E-mail: voc@gbsj.org www.jesuit.org.uk Pembrokeshire P P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e P e m b r o k e s h i r e National N N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l Park P P a r k P a r k P a r k Saundersfoot S S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t S a u n d e r s f o o t En E E n s u i t e E n s u i t e suite E n s u i t e E n s u i t e E n s u i t e E n s u i t e E n s u i t e E n s u i t e and a a n d a n d a n d Sea S S e a S e a S e a View V V i e w V i e w V i e w V i e w Rooms R R o o m s R o o m s R o o m s R o o m s Families F F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s F a m i l i e s Welcome W W e l c o m e W e l c o m e W e l c o m e W e l c o m e W e l c o m e W e l c o m e Wheelchair W W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r W h e e l c h a i r Friendly F F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y F r i e n d l y #&,! # # &, ! m # &, ! m m # &, ! m # &, ! m to t t o t o beach b b e a c h b e a c h b e a c h b e a c h b e a c h b e a c h harbour h h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r h a r b o u r village v v i l l a g e v i l l a g e v i l l a g e v i l l a g e v i l l a g e v i l l a g e v i l l a g e and a a n d a n d a n d coastal c c o a s t a l c o a s t a l c o a s t a l c o a s t a l c o a s t a l c o a s t a l c o a s t a l walks w w a l k s w a l k s w a l k s w a l k s Ample A A m p l e A m p l e A m p l e A m p l e A m p l e Private P P r i v a t e P r i v a t e P r i v a t e P r i v a t e P r i v a t e P r i v a t e P r i v a t e Parking P P a r k i n g P a r k i n g P a r k i n g P a r k i n g P a r k i n g P a r k i n g P a r k i n g for f f o r f o r f o r guests g g u e s t s g u e s t s g u e s t s g u e s t s g u e s t s CLAREMONT C C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T C L A R E M O N T HOUSE H H O U S E H O U S E H O U S E H O U S E H O U S E H O U S E GUEST G G U E S T G U E S T G U E S T G U E S T G U E S T ACCOMMODATION A A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N A C C O M M O D A T I O N !",`$% ! ! 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", ` $ % `",$ ` ` ", $ ` ", $ ` ", $ #$", # # $ ", # $ ", www w w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k saundersfoothotel w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k co w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k uk w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k w w w s a u n d e r s f o o t h o t e l c o u k TO ADVERTISE TELEPHONE 01636 525503 menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 11
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MENEVIA NEWS September 2010 Published by Bellcourt Limited, PO Box 8455, Newark, Notts NG23 5WX Printed by Mortons of Horncastle ‘,SISTERS OF SINAI’, by PROFESSOR JANET SOSKICE in THE JAMES CALLAGHAN LECTURE THEATRE at 7.00p.m. on Friday 22nd October 2010 Janet Martin Soskice is a Catholic. She grew up in Canada and has lived for some years in England. She is Professor of Philosophical Theology at Cambridge University and a Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge. As well as lecturing around the world, she writes for The Times and the Times Literary Supplement and is a frequent contributor to radio and television. Sisters of Sinai (a book recently written by Professor Soskice) tells an extraordinary tale of 19th century exploration, how two Scottish sisters made one of the most important ancient manuscript finds of the age. Hidden in a cupboard beneath the monastic library at St Catherine’,s in the Sinai desert the twins discovered what looked like a palimpsest: one text written over another. It was Agnes who recognised the obscure text for what it was - one of the earliest copies of the Gospels written in ancient Syriac..... EVERYONE WELCOME ADMISSION FREE Page 12 Getting Married? Be better prepared by attending our marriage preparation workshops. Call 07502182069 or email –, peter.andrewes@ntlworld.com supports people in their marriages, relationships and family life (Swansea Centre) Relationship problems? For caring and confidential counselling, without judgement or discrimination, call freephone on 0800 3893801 Paul Jenkins &, Sons Funeral Directors An independent family business Feidr Castell, Fishguard, Pre-paid Funeral Plans Pembrokeshire, Private Chapel of Rest SA65 9BB, (01348) 873250 menevia news.qxp_Layout 1 19/04/2021 10:39 Page 12
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