World Communications Day

Webmaster • May 20, 2023


Pope Francis, following tradition, has released his message for World Communications Day on 24 January, the Feast of St Francis de Sales – patron saint of Catholic writers and journalists.


The Holy Father stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to “see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, also in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.“ The call to speak with the heart,” he says, “radically challenges the times in which we are living, which are so inclined towards indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation which falsifies and exploits the truth.”


The Pope hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, and his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue with everyone – even those who opposed him. A gifted theologian, his phrase “Heart speaks to heart” inspired many, none more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman who, on being made a Cardinal in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII, chose as his cardinalatial motto, Cor ad cor loquitur or Heart speaks to heart. Catholics in England and Wales will remember with affection that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the motto for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010.The 57th World Communications Day is celebrated on 21 May 2023.


Today’s Sunday’s Second Collection will be for World Communication Day


This year’s World Communications Day is celebrated today Sunday, 21 May 2023. The theme comes from Ephesians 4:15, Speaking with the heart - 'The truth in love'. In his message to mark the day, Pope Francis stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to "see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.


" The Holy Father, warning against indifference and indignation, hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, in particular his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue. A gifted theologian, his phrase 'Heart speaks to heart' inspired many, none more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman, who chose the phrase as his cardinalatial motto, 'Cor ad cor loquitur'. Catholics in England and Wales will remember with affection that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the theme for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010.


You can read Pope Francis’ message for the day, and, if you feel you can, support the work of the new Communications Directorate of the Bishops’ Conference.

 

Newsletter - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
We are in need of a volunteer to assist in the production of our newsletter This entails working opposite a current parishioner every other week. The newsletter needs to be completed in time for mass at St. Bride’s church, Pontarddulais each Saturday. The volunteer would need to be familiar with Microsoft office as we use Word and Publisher to produce the newsletter. If you are interested speak to Stephen

Health & Safety - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
We are in need of a volunteer to keep our Health & Safety programme up to date. This work is not arduous and entails using a software programme to keep risk assessments up to date. But it does need to be done regularly. If you have relevant qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety e.g. Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, and can spare some time each week please speak to Stephen for more information.

Men's Rosary Rally

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
First Saturday of the month in Swansea Centre, outside St David’s Priory at 1pm.

Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials this week

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
24th - St. Franceis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church; 26th - Sts Timothy and Titus; 27th - St Angela Mercini; 28th - St Thomas Aquinas;  31st - St John Bosco.

Holy Rosary Group:

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
This new group has being formed by a parishioner to enable those who would like to come together to pray the rosary. The group will meet on the first Saturday of the month. Next Rosary Group meeting will be on Saturday 7th February 2026 at 11am. Everyone is welcome. If you haven’t got rosary beads they are available in the repository.

Legislative Consent Motion on Assisted Suicide Bill

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
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.

Our Lady's lamp

By Stephen Nessman • January 25, 2026
Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 25th January 2026 Blessed Sacrament Deceased Farrell Family RIP (SM) St Bride’s No intentions If you wish Our Lady’s Lamp to be lit for a loved one or an intention, please let us know. A donation of £5 is suggested and the candle will be lit all week in the church

Crib Offerings 2025

By Webmaster • January 11, 2026
This year's Crib Offerings will be shared between Aid to the Church in Need and projects helping homeless people within the Archdiocese. If you would like to donate electronically there is a QR code ,which you can scan next to the crib.

Reflection - The Epiphany

By Webmaster • January 4, 2026
 Reflection for the Epiphany – Year A The Feast of the Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations, symbolized by the visit of the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). It is a moment of divine revelation — God’s light breaking into the world, not for a select few, but for all peoples. In Year A , the Gospel invites us to see ourselves in the Magi: seekers who journey through uncertainty, guided by a light they do not fully understand, yet compelled to follow. Their perseverance leads them not to a palace, but to a humble home — a reminder that God’s glory often appears in unexpected places. The Magi’s gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — are more than treasures; they are acts of worship, acknowledging Jesus as King, God, and the One who will suffer for our salvation. Their encounter transforms them, sending them home “by another way,” symbolizing the change that true meeting with Christ brings. Reflection Points: • God’s light is for everyone — no one is excluded from His love. • The journey of faith requires trust, humility, and openness to surprise. True worship leads to transformation and a new way of living. Prayer: Lord Jesus, Light of the world, guide my steps as You guided the Magi. Help me to seek You with a sincere heart, to recognize You in the humble and unexpected, and to offer You the gift of my life. Amen.

The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord

By Webmaster • January 4, 2026
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated on Tuesday 6th January 2026 and is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses as follows: Monday 5th January 26, Vigil Mass in St. Bride’s Church, Pontarddulais at 5pm;  Tuesday 6th January 26, Mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, Gorseinon at 9.30am.