God's love for you - 9th April 2023

Webmaster • April 10, 2023


The image of Divine Mercy


Is an image requested by Jesus Himself: “I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: ‘Jesus, I trust in You’” (Diary, 327)


The distinctive features of rays of blood and water that flow from the Heart that was pierced by a spear and the scars caused by the wounds of crucifixion reminds us the events of Good Friday (Jn 19:17-18; 33-37) and attest the fullness of God’s love for mankind. When asked about the meaning of the two rays, Jesus explained: “The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls…These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him.” (299)


The Sacraments of Baptism and Penance purify the soul, and the Eucharist most abundantly nourishes it. Thus, the two rays signify the Holy Sacraments and all the graces of the Holy Spirit, whose biblical symbol is water, as well as the New Covenant of God with men in the Blood of Christ. “This image,” Jesus declared, “is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy, because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works.” (742). Our Lord also attached special promises: “By means of this Image I shall be granting many graces to souls; so let every soul have access to it.” (570)

“I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory.” (48)


(Reference: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska - Divine Mercy in My Soul, Marian Press, Stockbridge, MA 01263, 2005)

By Webmaster May 15, 2026
The Parish is facing two repairs. The flat roof over the long corridor has water penetration to the retaining wall capping stones. The tall chimney of the old boiler is blamed for some water penetration and must be removed. The second repair follows a report of water penetration of the tower. The rain entry threatens electric contacts of the bells. Again work on the capping stones and the lead covering which will call for scaffolding to the top.  Project pictures and information will be displayed in the entrance of the Church shortly. The weekly collection is not covering our outgoing costs, as we all know in paying our utility bills. We hope to have various fundraising projects to assist this essential work. If you have any ideas for fundraising please share on the list at the back of Church. Any contributions will be gratefully welcome Fr Chris & Finance Committee
By Webmaster May 15, 2026
“...I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them…” (John 17:8,9) Graciously hear our supplications, O Lord, so that we, who believe that the Saviour of the human race is with you in your glory, may experience, as he promised, until the end of the world, his abiding presence among us. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.
By Webmaster May 15, 2026
In the message for the 60th World Communications Day 2026, Pope Leo told us: "Our faces and voices are unique, distinctive features of every person; they reveal a person’s own unrepeatable identity and are the defining elements of every encounter with others...Faces and voices are sacred. God, who created us in his image and likeness, gave them to us when he called us to life through the Word he addressed to us. This Word resounded down the centuries through the voices of the prophets, and then became flesh in the fullness of time. We too have heard and seen this Word (cf.1 Jn1:1-3) — in which God communicates his very self to us — because it has been made known to us in the voice and face of Jesus, the Son of God...Preserving human faces and voices, therefore, means preserving this mark, this indelible reflection of God’s love. We are not a species composed of predefined biochemical formulas...If we fail in this task of preservation, digital technology threatens to alter radically some of the fundamental pillars of human civilization that at times are taken for granted...The challenge, therefore, is not technological, but anthropological. Safeguarding faces and voices ultimately means safeguarding ourselves...renouncing creativity and surrendering our mental capacities and imagination to machines would mean burying the talents we have been given to grow as individuals in relation to God and others. It would mean hiding our faces and silencing our voices… The task laid before us is not to stop digital innovation, but rather to guide it and to be aware of its ambivalent nature. It is up to each of us to raise our voice in defense of human persons, so that we can truly assimilate these tools as allies…”  There is a Second Collection THIS weekend for the World Communications Sunday.
By Webmaster May 15, 2026
National flags On this Solemnity, we would like to decorate the Church with different national flags that represent all the nationalities that make up our Parish Community. If you have a national flag, can you please bring it to the Church by Sunday 17 May . There will be a box in the porch (please label the flag with your name for returning). Nationalities in the Parish We wish to celebrate the diversity of Parishioners in our Parish on Pentecost. Please add your own Nationality or Ethnicity to the list in the entrance THIS WEEKEND . The list will be typed up and attached to the newsletter on Pentecost Sunday. Bidding Prayers on Pentecost Sunday NEXT WEEKEND , we will be looking for parishioners to volunteer to say one bidding prayer in their own language on Pentecost Sunday. National Dress To celebrate the diversity in our Parish and if you have an ethnic costume, perhaps you may wish to wear it at the Pentecost Sunday Mass. The Our Father At the Pentecost Mass, we will ask parishioners to say Our Father Prayer in their own language (all at the same time) if they wish.
By Webmaster May 11, 2026
PLEASE CONSIDER donating the following base ingredients as needed by the St Vincent de Paul Society: Sugar Oil Flour Tea Coffee Dried beans, Chickpeas, Peas Pasta & Rice  Thank You
By Webmaster May 11, 2026
Archbishop Mark is inviting all unmarried men who feel drawn to explore this possibility to join him for Evening Prayer at St David’s Cathedral, Cardiff, on Sunday 31 May at 3.30pm . Afterwards, there will be a chance to meet with the Archbishop and other men who are discerning a call. To register, email Fr Matt Roche-Saunders, at: vocations@cardiffmenevia.org
By Webmaster May 10, 2026
For the over 55s in the Community Hall, Bedford Street. Wednesdays 1.30pm - 4pm Community Cuppa afternoon involves entertainment (organised by parishioners and guests), quizzes, bingo, raffle and plenty of cake and beverages.
By Webmaster May 10, 2026
Sunday 17th May 1.30pm – 5.45pm Led by Rt Rev Peter Brignall – Bishop of Wrexham Event includes Confessions, Rosary Procession, Mass, Benediction & Blessing of the Sick  For further information contact Canon Pius Augustine on 01239 612 615
By Webmaster May 9, 2026
Bereavement Talk time/Cuppa Would you like a chance to talk about the loss of a family member or friend? Whether it was recent or historical, the bereavement group was set up for this. We meet on 10th May at 2.30pm in St David's Chapel. Please use the back gate in Bedford Street
By Webmaster May 8, 2026
Join us on the 14th May for Holy Mass and the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord.