Christian Marriage (1) When it comes to Vocations, it is very easy to link this word to Priests, religious brothers and nuns. But do you know, marriage - a union between a man and woman, is also a Vocation too. In fact, this is the first vocation in human history. Because after God created the first male and female, He blessed and said to them: “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it..." (Genesis 1:28). So this is the first 'Mission' He gave to human - 'a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.' (Genesis 2:24) Moreover, this union through the 'covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a Sacrament'. (CCC 1601) During this Sacrament, in front of God and His Church as their witnesses, the man and woman declare their consents and enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, to have and to hold each other from that day forward, and till death do they part.  Therefore, Christian marriage should not be a moment of impulse, nor it is only just 'be together in sexual love and have children'. It is a life-long commitment and a sacred union involve a solemn promise to each other. Yes, a good Christian Marriage is the summit of love

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  God, for ever and ever. Amen

We welcome Fr Emilian Kibiriti IC visiting our Parish, who is the Rosminian Provincial of East Africa Province.  Fr Emilian is going to speak about the Rosminian Mission in Africa during this weekend Masses, please be generous to support their work

A national walking pilgrimage for England & Wales with 4 main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on 13th September 2025, the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Ways start at the Catholic Cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London and will bless our nations with a Sign of the Cross. The routes use established hiking routes. A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' will walk the full distance of each Way, with up to 20 day pilgrims joining for day stages. To register for day stages and for more info: www.pilgrimways.org.uk/become-a-pilgrim-for-a-day

A Conversation with a Religious (3) How is it like living in a monastery? It is a community life, and we have set daily schedule for prayers, work, rest etc. Our life could be a surprise to some and there will be hardships because it is a very different and constant life routine, but as long as we are on this earth, don't we all have different sufferings too? However, if it really is the Will of God you have this Vocation, and with your love to God, you will persevere and overcome all obstacles. As well as you will find your true happiness and your own meaning of life. Is there anything you would like to tell others who think they may have a Religious Vocation? What I want to say is for all who are discerning, not just women. If you do feel God is calling you to religious life or Priesthood, do not ignore it, do not think too long by yourself. Instead, start praying about this and start talking to a Priest or a Sister in your local Church about it, or if you have an Order or Congregation in mind, get in touch with them. Think of the Apostles, when Jesus suddenly called: "Follow Me", they literally left everything behind and followed Him. At the end of the day, even if you have been granted admittance, it is not like you will become a Sister or a Priest the next day, there will still be a long process of discernment. Do not worry, but pray, pray and pray. Let the Holy Spirit guide you every step of your way. I always remember what St John Paul II said: "Open, open wide the doors to Christ. Be not afraid."

Pope Leo XIV has sent a special message to Catholics and people of goodwill celebrating Day for Life. “In this Jubilee Year focussed on the theological virtue of hope, it is fitting that your theme, ‘Hope does not disappoint – finding meaning in suffering’, seeks to draw people’s attention to how the mystery of suffering, so prevalent in the human condition, can be transformed by grace into an experience of the Lord’s presence, for God is always close to those who are suffering and guides us to appreciate the deeper meaning of life, in love and closeness (cf. Message of His Holiness Pope Francis’ XXXIII World Day of the Sick). His Holiness prays that, through your common witness to the God-given dignity of every person, without exception, and to the tender Christ-like accompaniment of the seriously ill, all in society will be encouraged to defend rather than undermine a civilisation founded on authentic love and genuine compassion. The Holy Father entrusts your efforts to the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and to all supporting this ‘Day for Life’, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of fortitude, joy and peace in the Risen Lord.” There will be a Second Collection THIS weekend for ‘Day for Life’ It provides financial assistance each year to organisations working to support the Church’s mission to protect human life from conception to natural death. These range from educational workshops to advocacy campaigns, practical support services to commissioning research.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine…” (John 16:13-15) God our Father, who by sending into the world the Word of truth and the Spirit of sanctification made known to the human race your wondrous mystery, grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.  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.

Tuesday 17th June 11am St Joseph’s Cathedral, Swansea Celebrated by Canon Benedict Koledoye All welcome

Volunteers are urgently needed to help keep our beautiful Church clean. If you are able to spare a short time on a Monday morning  to help with this please contact the Church office on 02920 483 394. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.