Thursday 19th March Mass at 10am All are welcome! St Joseph, Pray for us!

So they said to him, ‘Then how were your eyes opened?’ He answered, ‘The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, “Go to Siloam and wash.” So I went and washed and received my sight.’ (John 9:10-11) O God, who through your Word reconcile the human race to yourself in a wonderful way, grant, we pray, that with prompt devotion and eager faith the Christian people may hasten toward the solemn celebrations to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Latin "laetare" means "to rejoice", as the opening antiphon said: "Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her." But what is the reason for this joy?  Pope Francis in his 2018 homily told us: "The reason is God's great love for mankind… ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life’ (Jn 3:16). These words...summarize a theme that lies at the heart of the Christian proclamation: even when the situation seems desperate, God intervenes offering man salvation and joy.” On this Sunday the Church expresses hope and joy in the midst of our Lenten fasts and penances. Laetare also reminds us of the event we look forward to at the end of the penitential season and the joy in anticipation of the resurrection.

On the Way of the Cross (1) I was just passing by with my children on the way back home after finished work. But my journey was halted by this big crowd and procession, which I was told that was due to three men is going to get executed. I do not know any of them. Before I knew it, a soldier roughly pulled my clothes and ordered me to carry the cross for one of the prisoners. I quickly refused as I want nothing to do with it. My children also got frightened and started crying, but some kind-hearted women took care of them for me. Eventually out of fear I was forced to comply, but I was so annoyed and unwilling to walk with someone who is so dejected and full of dirt and blood. Yet, this ‘prisoner’ wept and cast a look at me from the ground which touched the bottom of my heart. Out of pity, I helped Him to rise, carried the cross and walked behind Him. Along the way, I observed this Man. He was not like a typical prisoner who curses, shouts, hot-tempered, or looked cruel or calculated. Instead, He bore all the insults, hard blows and sufferings patiently. To the women who cried for Him, He even consoled them instead. There was also a woman who dared to confront the enraged crowd in order to refresh Him by wiping His Face! Who is He really? My compassion towards him increased as I carry the cross behind Him, and I felt my heart was deeply touched by grace. My logic told me He is a good man, He is innocent and definitely did not deserve to die. I was then more than willing to help Him in every way I could. I could not remain in silence with all these abuse by the Pharisees and guards towards Him. And I did exclaimed to His torturers that if they continue this brutality, I will throw down the cross and carry it no further… This road certainly was difficult, as well as carried the extremely heavy cross, I also let this poor Man to lean on me so to support Him and saved Him from falling to the ground. Despite I was exhausted when we reached Calvary, I still wished to remain so I might assist Him, but I got driven away, I could not stay. However, I do not want this unforgettable experience to become just a memory. I want to find out about this Man, I want to know everything about Him.  Reflection : We fast during Lent, because we want to repent from our sins thus turn our hearts back to God, and voluntary selfdenial like fasting is a form of penance. However, when we are determine to fast, sometimes we may find ourselves battled with temptations (e.g. felt extreme hunger as if not eaten for days, suddenly received a party invite) and find them hard to resist. Then think about the Passion of Christ when you carry your cross (i.e. fasting), walk behind Jesus like Simon of Cyrene and pity Him, because it is for your sake that He suffered. Follow Him, Our Lord will surely give you grace and strength to carry on, and bring your heart closer to His Love again.

Solemnity of St David Patron of Wales Monday 2 March Mass at 10am All are welcome! Happy St David’s Day! Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant Hapus!

O God, who have commanded us to listen to your beloved Son, be pleased, we pray, to nourish us inwardly by your word, that, with spiritual sight made pure, we may rejoice to behold your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Lent, live out the Gospel call to love your neighbour. By fasting and giving what you save, you join in Christ’s compassion and help another family put food on the table. Your donation can help families around the world grow food in difficult conditions – such as on flood-resistant floating gardens or using solar-powered water pumps in times of drought. Collect a CAFOD envelope to bless others with your support, donate online at cafod.org.uk/envelope or call 0303 303 3030. Text CAFODLENT to 70085 to donate £10. Family Fast Day envelopes and cash will be collected at the end of Mass this weekend.

"Healing through the Penitents Path" Every Tuesday throughout Lent at 7:30pm in St David's Chapel of St Peter’s Church (Entrance through Bedford St) A potentially life changing Includes talks, prayers, sharing, testimonies, and prayer ministry. See poster in Church porch for more info. A must for those seeking God!

Events for young peo ple at Belmont Abbey this March 2026