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Truly good, a gift from God

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Pope Francis on the internet

I sometimes in this newsletter refer to various websites, and I know people follow them up. However, I suspect many will think, “Well I haven’t got time for that.” But in the lazy hazy days of summer I would really like to recommend one for your browsing. It’s a large site called New Pilgrim Path www.newpilgrimpath.ie
It’s a huge resource coming from Ireland, a “portal” in internet language, beautifully put together and covering many aspects of our faith and its expression in the arts, music, liturgy, spirituality etc.

As their opening page says, Pope Francis describes the internet as “offering immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is truly good, a gift from God”. They hope that the site and the resources “help you as you seek encounter with the person of Christ, the Word of God in our midst.”

The menu gives an idea of what kind of thing you’ll find: Website of the Week; Music for July; Sacred Music; Poem of the Week; July Book of the Month; Daily Prayer; Inspiration; Online Retreats; Broadcast Resources.

Just taking “Sacred Music” as an example, I came across a spine-tingling setting of the Lord’s Prayer sung by Andrea Bocelli (not usually a huge fan) and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Another example: the “Inspiration” page will take you to Henri Nouwen, Daniel O’Leary and many, many other top writers of our time.

So – why not have a wander through the upside of the internet, and enjoy this “gift from God”

www.newpilgrimpath.ie

Archbishop George on the oche

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Well, what’s a frazzled Dean of Cardiff to do – I can hardly keep track! Last week our Archbishop was appointed to ‘mind the gap’ and look after Menevia diocese until a new bishop is appointed. Now this summer he is on the oche*, chucking his priestly darts, scattering his clergy all over the dartboard of our deanery. It started with Canon John Maguire retiring and Canon Peter Collins replacing him at Canton. Fr Daniel Stanton from Newport will replace him at the Cathedral.

However this week we learn of more clergy moves affecting the city. Fr Paul Millar is to leave St John Lloyd in Trowbridge and Blessed Sacrament in Rumney for leafy Herefordshire, where he will be parish priest of the farthest parishes from Cardiff – Leominster and Bromyard. Fr Brian Gray of St Cadoc’s (and formerly St Brigid’s) will now take over those two neighbouring parishes, and he thereby joins the exclusive ‘3 churches club’! Sisters Marie de Montfort and Maureen Davies continue at Blessed Sacrament.

Now the latest is that Frs Phil Scanlan and Mike McCarthy are leaving St Alban’s in Splott. Fr McCarthy will move to serve St Peter’s and Fr Scanlan to St Joseph’s in retirement – for the second time! The Rosminian Fathers are handing over St Alban’s and will be replaced by the members of the Oratorian Community in formation, presently at the University Chaplaincy.

Oh and course we are gaining Fr Andy Bord at our 3 churches – that’s what I call a bullseye!

Fr Matthew

*For those not familiar with the world of darts: The oche (or throw line or toe line) in darts is the line behind which the throwing player must stand. Interesting (useless?) fact – for steel tipped darts the oche is generally 7 ft 9 1/4 inches (2.37m) from the face of the dartboard measured horizontally. So there!

Archbishop George minds the gap

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Appointed Apostolic Administrator in Menevia

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Tom Burns on the grounds of age (he was 75 on 3rd June) and has appointed Archbishop George Stack to be Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Menevia. Archbishop George assumed his additional responsibilities with effect from Thursday 11 July. On this date, after 17 years as a Bishop (first of the Armed Forces and then of Menevia), Bishop Tom relinquished all responsibility for the Diocese of Menevia, and moved into retirement as Bishop Emeritus of Menevia.

An Apostolic Administrator is appointed by the Holy See for an interim period of time for the pastoral care of a particular Diocese where the existing Bishop has resigned or retired. The role confers upon the appointed bishop (e.g. another Bishop or the Metropolitan Archbishop) the authority to govern the Diocese in the name of the Pope until the See is filled.

With Archbishop George now taking on the extra responsibilities of Apostolic Administrator of Menevia until such time as a new Bishop is appointed, he said: “I will feel humbled by [the Pope’s] request and grateful for his confidence in me. It will be an honour for me to serve the clergy and people of the Diocese of Menevia as Apostolic Administrator. I will also strongly encourage the positive pastoral initiatives and administrative developments already underway in the Diocese… Until now I have been “your next-door neighbour”, but shortly I look forward to getting to know the Diocese of Menevia better, and to learn and appreciate its unique history and characteristics.”

In receiving the news Bishop Tom said: “My prayers are with him and everyone as they move forward together, whilst I take my happy memories into retirement with gratitude to all. Please keep me in your prayers.”

A Mass of Thanksgiving for the ministry of Bishop Tom will be offered at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Swansea on Tuesday 23 July 2019 at 7pm.

Fr Matthew, edited from press release