Diocese of Menevia News

As the Senedd prepares to debate whether to give legislative consent to Westminster's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Archbishop Mark and Bishop Peter Bignall wish to express their deep concern about legalising assisted suicide in Wales. International experience shows that where assisted suicide is legalised, eligibility criteria expand over time and subtle pressure is placed on those who are elderly, disabled, or who fear becoming a burden. True compassion means accompanying those who suffer and ensuring no one feels abandoned, not ending life. They urge Members of the Senedd to withhold consent and focus on strengthening palliative care. On Monday 26th January, those who can are asked to observe a day of fasting in solidarity with the vulnerable. Please also engage respectfully with your Member of the Senedd to make your voice heard on this important decision for Wales.

• Canon Benedict Koledoye will move from St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea to Canton/Fairwater as Parish Priest and will be in situ for the weekend of 7/8 February 2026. St Mary’s Priory, Canton will also become an “Induction and Formation House” for all priests arriving from abroad. • Fr Phillip Harries will move from Carmarthen to St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral and will be in situ for the weekend of 21st/22nd March 2026. Fr Phillip will be on sabbatical from the beginning of January until that date. • Fr Carlito Reyes will remain at Holy Cross Abbey, Whitland for these next months and will provide cover for Carmarthen, from the beginning of January until the beginning of February, 2026. • Fr Solomon Ugwummadu will move from Canton/Fairwater to Carmarthen as Priest-in-Charge and will be in situ for the weekend of 7/8 February 2026. • Fr Clement Oloruntoba OP is appointed as Priest-in-charge at Gorseinon/Pontarddulais with immediate effect. He will retain chaplaincy at Swansea Prison and Singleton Hospital. • Fr Anthony Nwosu will move to Tenby/Saundersfoot as Priest-in-Charge, with immediate effect and this will be reviewed in the Summer 2026, given his newness to the diocese and the local pastoral situation.

"God enters only his own rooms, where someone is always keeping watch for him..." - Father Alfred Delp SJ. St Joseph’s, New Zealand Road, Cardiff are having an Advent Retreat on Saturday 20 December from 9.15 am – 12 noon . It will begin with Mass at 9.15 am followed by a talk. There will then be refreshments followed by Adoration (during which time there will be an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). The retreat will end with Benediction. All are welcome.

Archdiocesan November Newsletter is now available to read online. This month's edition focuses on our prayers for the Holy Souls during November and the continuing Jubilee of Hope. Archbishop Mark reflects on how our prayers for the deceased express the bonds of love that continue beyond death. The newsletter includes updates on the Sisters of St Joseph's 375th anniversary, the Educator's Mass, next year's pilgrimage, the election of a new Abbess at Poor Clare Abbey, and upcoming events including Welsh Mass and an Advent Retreat. Archbishop Mark continues to urge opposition to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill currently before the Senedd. Read the full newsletter by clicking this link: https://tinyurl.com/2bn38xdf

Shroud of Turin Exhibition at Swansea Minister Church of St Marys' from Nov 17th until Dec 10th 2025 . All are welcome , entry is Free , further information at https://swanseaminster.org.uk/events-%26-news

Understand the Bible from start to finish , the Old and New Testament, with this FREE OF CHARGE, world-renowned course presented online LIVE by Mauro Iannicelli. Starts on Wed 1st October 2025 at 7pm UK time (x8 Wednesday evening sessions). Info & Registration: www.comeandsee.org

Saturday, September 20th at Belmont Abbey. An opportunity to welcome our new monks. Come & hear the Downside community’s unfolding story and get to know their fresh hopes. The next in our Deanery Horizons of Hope meetings, 10am Coffee for 10.20am start.  Followed by a short book launch!

Join us to learn about establishing your own Mothers' Prayers group with the UK national coordinator. Discover how these small, faith-filled groups began under the Holy Spirit's guidance and now flourish in 120 countries. Together we surrender our children and the world's children in prayer to God's love and mercy.  • When & Where : Saturday 13th September, 10am2:30pm All Hallows Church, School Road, Miskin CF72 8PG. Free lunch provided. • Who's Welcome : All mothers, grandmothers, and women with hearts for children • Arranged b y: Nora Woodward and Sister Susan Armond on behalf of the Archdiocese of Cardiff - Menevia. "Stop your crying and wipe away your tears. All that you have done for your children will not go unrewarded; they will return from the enemy's land. There is hope for your future; your children will come back home." - Jeremiah 31:16-17”

March for Life UK takes place on Saturday 6th September in London. . For further information on the coach leaving from St Dyfrig’s, Treforest contact Howard at Howard.bayliss@templebaptist.org.uk; for information about the coach leaving St Alban’s, Cardiff and picking up from Newport, contact Clare on 07983 522 851.