CATHOLIC NEWS APRIL 2026

ISSUE 347 APRIL 2026

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MORE THAN 27 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER Published by CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 Editor Nick Layton E-mail cn@cathcom.org or davidl@cathcom.org

Celebrating 40 Years of Welcoming New Disciples into the Life of the Church Growing in Faith and Mission: Record Numbers Gather for the Rite of Election 2026

A record number of people attended the Rite of Election Mass on Sunday at Nottingham Cathedral, with congregants sitting in the choir pews, to make way for the crowds.

Among the congregation of approximately 600 people, 249 people were registered to be baptised or received into the Church.

Consequently, in the Diocese of Nottingham, 109 individuals will receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation this Easter and 140 will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation.

This year’s Rite of Election also marked 40 years since the first ever Rite of Election Mass in the Nottingham Diocese, with Sunday’s celebration welcoming the highest number of candidates in 40 years.

The liturgy lasted for two hours, due to the high numbers, with each candidate being called by name, a moment of profound encounter, honouring the unique journey that brought each of them to this step of faith. Bishop Patrick McKinney then invited each parish group so they could meet him and pray with him individually before the altar.

During his homily, Bishop Patrick meditated upon the diocesan Mission Plan and reminded everybody present that they each had a part to play in being missionary disciples.

The music was led by the African Catholic Community Choir who sang a selection of African and traditional hymns.

Images: Diocese of Nottingham

The Catholic News. April 2026.

Page 2

MORE THAN 26 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

Lifting them up with simple heart to heart encounters My thanks to the team at SVP National Office for this reflection based on their heart-to-heart campaign.

Editor: Nick Layton Editorial Office: CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Telephone: 01440 730399 email: cn@cathcom.org or davidl@cathcom.org Website: www.cathcom.org Distribution enquiries: cn@cathcom.org CathCom Ltd, Publication date: Fourth Sunday of the month for the following month. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Diocese.

Publishers and Owners: CathCom Ltd, N2 Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 7BN Advertising: tel: 01440 730399

As you read this, you will have journeyed through Lent and moved into Eastertide.

Lent is the time to slow down and notice people because there are so many who are lonely out there but it doesn’t always show.

This what the SVP, through its mission, aims to address – seeking out those in need, listening and being present for them.

Helping them feel less alone during Lent and beyond, lifting them up with simple heart to heart encounters.

Parental permission should be sought before submitting photographs of minors.

Views expressed in The Catholic News are not necessarily those of the editor.

Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper.

All items to be emailed to cn@cathcom.org before 10th of the month

Monthly National Catholic Newspaper FEBRuARy 2026

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Popemobile becomes hospital

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St Thomas Aquinas 28th January

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Bethlehem

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Edition 51

Christm

in place the Now, with the ceasefire reinstated with the celebrations are being Christmas tree and lighting of the giant decorations throughout

the city.

of families, dignitaries Manger Square was full the occupied west and people from across to begin the bank for the two hour ceremony out with hymns and festivities. Voices rang people of Bethlehem prayers for peace as the that they are open for announced to the world have dropped by visitors. Visitor numbers and an economy 90% since the war on tourism is dependent almost exclusively return. desperate for people to Christmas season Palestine boasts the longest with the celebrations in the world – beginning on 24/25 December, for western Christians celebrations for the going through the 7 January and finishing Orthodox Christians on for the Armenian with the celebrations January.

Apostolic Church on 18-19 Canawati, said ‘It Bethlehem’s Mayor, Maher years of silence – no has been a bad two work, no spirit of Christmas, no jobs, no all here living from Christmas because are first to be hit down to tourism which was the of silence we have zero. But after two years spirit of Christmas, to decided to reignite the reignite hope.

would of The CaTholiC PosT a very The ediTor and sTaff readers adverTisers and like To wish our and a blessed PeaCeful ChrisTmas haPPy, holy and and hoPe. wiTh God's PeaCe new year filled

History in Their Hands

page 12

A journey of Faith, Hope and New Beginnings page 14

Gwen Wiseman

Listening is Loving

Fingers and Feet

In the likeness and image of God

page 2

page 11

page 14

St. Scholastica: The Power of Love in Prayer February 10th

Jubilee 2025:

A Year of Hope, A Church

MarCh 2026

dark years as lights return after three

public celebrations of During the Gaza war all in Bethlehem in the Christmas were cancelled city relies heavily on occupied west bank. The had a devastating tourism and the war has impact on the city.

www.CatholicPost.co.uk

Middlesbrough and Leeds to share Bishop Marcus

Peace Sunday

Renewed

On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, inviting the Church into the Jubilee Year of 2025. “This is the season of hope in which we are invited to rediscover the joy of meeting the Lord,” he said. “The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world, so that this year may truly become a time of jubilation.”

Jubilee 2025 will be remembered as a year in St. Joseph which the global Church walked together through grief and joy, March 19th continuity and change, discovering that hope, rooted in Christ, as St Paul reminds us, “does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5).

The Year of Francis

A Jubilee That Surpassed Expectations

As the Jubilee concluded on the Feast of the Epiphany, the Vatican confirmed that more than 33 million pilgrims travelled to Rome from 185 countries, far exceeding expectations. The scale of participation made the Jubilee a visible expression of the Church’s universality.

Gwen Wiseman Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved most.

He did not die in a grand church or monastery.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth.

He asked for the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home to God. Near the end of his life, broken in body, nearly blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, Francis did not fear death. He welcomed her as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.” His final moments were an act of complete surrender, a last imitation of Christ who had given everything on the Cross.

How a person dies often reveals how they have lived. Francis died as he lived: poor, free, trusting, and wholly abandoned to God.

Eight Hundred Years Later On 10 January 2026, the Franciscan family across the world, together with the Church in Assisi, gathered in prayer at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to open the Eighth Centenary of the death of St Francis.

The world Francis knew was marked by violence, division, and deep inequality. Our modern world may appear very different on the surface, and yet in many ways it remains painfully similar. Eight hundred years after his death, in a fractured and restless world, his witness still calls us back to the essentials. The faithful from every corner of the globe continue to be drawn by the life of this small, unlikely man. But why?

Francis refused to dilute the demands of the Gospel. He embraced it without reserve, choosing poverty over comfort, peace over power, and humility over status. The Gospel was not simply something he believed; it was the pattern of his entire life, shaping every choice he made.

So completely did Francis give himself to Christ that he prayed to share both the physical suffering of the Cross and the burning love with which Christ offered himself. This prayer

was answered. Two years before his death, Francis received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, becoming the first recorded saint to bear the stigmata.

From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a life that could not be contained. Francis founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, and lay people, now spread across every continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

The Franciscan Jubilee In the context of this centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Jubilee, inviting the whole Church to rediscover the heart of the Gospel through the life and witness of St Francis.

A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is the plenary indulgence attached to this Jubilee, addressed in a special way to the members of the Franciscan families of the First, Second, and Third Orders, Regular and Secular, as well as to Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, and associations that observe the Rule of St Francis or draw inspiration from his spirituality.

At the same time, this grace is extended to all the faithful, who, with hearts detached from sin, participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis of Assisi anywhere in the world. With particular tenderness, the Church has ensured that the sick and the elderly, and those unable to leave their homes for serious reasons may also obtain the plenary indulgence by uniting themselves spiritually to the Jubilee celebrations and offering to God their prayers, sufferings, and the daily difficulties of life. In this way, the mercy proclaimed by St Francis is made accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.

Most dioceses across the UK have a parish or church explicitly named after St Francis of Assisi, and every diocese has at least one church or place of worship connected to the Franciscan charism. This includes Franciscan friaries, Franciscan and Poor Clare convents, shrines and chapels, as well as churches

35 major Jubilee events were celebrated, each dedicated to a particular vocation or group within the Church. These were not merely large gatherings, but moments of encounter where faith was shared, deepened, and renewed.

Opening of the Holy Door,

by Pope Francis. ©Vatican basilicas and traditional pilgrimage Media sites were Maximus, a site associated with the witness reported and priests highlighted of a surge in early Christian Saints for Our Time martyrs. The sight of thousands Confessions, particularly among pilgrims of young The Jubilee Year was further people quietly queuing for seeking to participate fully enriched by the The death of Pope Francis the in the Jubilee sacrament on Easter Monday indulgence. canonisations of Pier Giorgio became one of the defining Frassati and Carlo left an indelible mark during images the year, followed of the Holy Year.

Acutis, the first saints canonised by the conclave and the election

by Pope Leo of Pope Leo This renewed XIV. Their witness proved especially return to the Sacrament XIV on 8 May. But the convergence resonant of Reflecting on the of these Reconciliation moment, the Prefect of the during a Holy Year centred on hope. was one of the clearest signs events transformed the Jubilee Year into a that the City of Rome, observed: “To Jubilee touched hearts as powerful witness of a Church see those young well as in communion; a minds. people in confession, the atmosphere Both saints offer a compelling For many, the Holy Year was Church able to mourn, to gather that was not simply message: in for an event to attend, introduced has beenprayer online booking dedicated to other great Franciscan saints theanguidance but a moment of personal felt, it was something unique that remained holiness is lived in ordinary life, in of the system Holy Spirit, and to move classrooms engraved in everyone’s eyes.”

Further information is renewal, a genuine opportunity to begin access. to manage such as St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, forward and workplaces, on mountain together with renewed again. hope. paths and city St Bonaventure, and St Maximilian Kolbe. In available at www.sanfrancescovive.org. streets. Their canonisations reinforced the The Jubilee of Youth the spirit of the Jubilee decree, these places are For many observers, the Signs of Spiritual Renewal Jubilee of Youth Jubilee’s central conviction that sainthood is to Walk Alongside Francis Among the most striking moments of A Year natural local points of pilgrimage, ensuring Beyond the numbers, the Jubilee’s most the challenged prevailing assumptions about faith not reserved for a few, but is the vocation crucifix in the ruined Jubilee was the Jubilee of Youth, drawing of While praying that the grace of the Year of St Francis isenduring legacy before lies in the all. more among younger generations. It revealed its spiritual impact. a Christthan one million young people Damiano, Francis heard church of Sanattendance accessible to all the faithful, including thoseUnprecedented to Rome. generation not indifferent, but at Rome’s major Confessions searching, open say: “Francis, go and rebuild my Church.” unable to travel to Assisi. were offered at the Circus to depth, meaning, and belonging.

Ask your priest how the Year of Francis will Continued on page 5 At first, he understood this literally. He rebuilt be lived in your parish and diocese.

Veneration of the Mortal Remains of Saint Francis As part of the centenary celebrations, pilgrims are invited to venerate the mortal remains, the bones of St Francis. After his death, and out of fear of medieval relic hunters, Francis’s body was hidden. Almost six hundred years later, in 1818, Pope Pius VII ordered a search for the tomb, which was successfully rediscovered beneath the altar of the Lower Basilica of St Francis.

The tomb was last opened in 1978 under Pope Paul VI for inspection, at which time the remains were placed in a sealed protective container to ensure their preservation. Now, in 2026, Francis’s body will be exposed for public veneration for the very first time.

Public veneration will take place during the season of Lent, from 22 February to 22 March.

Due to the large number of pilgrims expected to travel to Assisi for this extraordinary event,

ruined chapels with his own hands, before slowly realising that Christ was calling him to something deeper, not the rebuilding of stone walls, but the rebuilding of hearts and lives.

This year, the same invitation is extended to us.

Go and rebuild what God desires to restore within you.

Go and rebuild the places where trust and relationships have weakened.

Go and rebuild holiness in the ordinary details of daily life.

Eight hundred years after Francis met Sister Death, his life still points us to Christ and calls us to live the Gospel without compromise.

The journey with Francis begins today.

The Franciscan Year runs from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027.

For pilgrimages, retreats or visits to Assisi, contact Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com | www.viaassisi.com

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Elijah the Prophet appears in the Bible during a time when everything in Israel feels unsettled. As God’s messenger, he carries a message that Israel’s leaders would rather not hear - because real prophecy tends to make people uncomfortable.

And right in the middle of all of that chaos, God sends Elijah, not to somewhere grand, but to a small town outside Israel. At the town gate, Elijah meets a widow gathering a few sticks.

And life for a widow was incredibly hard- no income, no protection, just daily survival.

When Elijah asks her for water, and then for bread, her real worry spills out: she only has a tiny bit of flour and oil left. One more meal for her and her son, and then nothing.

Elijah doesn’t sweep past her fear or pretend it’s not real. He meets her right there and says the words she most needs to hear: “Do not be afraid.” Then he invites her into one small act of trust, promising that God will look after them. And somehow, she finds the courage to say yes.

She bakes the bread… and that’s when the miracle begins. The jar never empties. The jug never runs dry. Day after day, God quietly provides what they need.

Frankly Speaking This article is being re-written on the weekend when we moved into the second Sunday in Lent. The breaking news of a major extension of conflict in Iran involving America and Israel seemed to shatter any hopes of a lasting peace in the Middle East. The fragile peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan was described as “open war” as the hostilities continued in an area all too familiar with military attacks.

These conflicts came into the news bulletins on the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine and Russian tragic confrontation with its sad loss of life. All too often the victims of warfare are innocent civilians particularly when no warning is given. In his first year as a highly respected world authority Pope Leo has constantly appealed for peace. The early weeks of Lent co-inciding with Ramadan will have been a particularly difficult period.

This year on Maundy Thursday it will be exactly one year since American tariff fees on other nations were announced. Since then a number of twists and turns have been announced with regime change in Venezuela and much speculation on the future of Greenland. With so many changes either current or imminent by those in power the plight of human beings can be often lost.

In our country politicians always seem, critical of their opponents on immigration issues. There is also a frequent claim that “Britain is broken”, this harsh judgement can sometimes be linked to “migrants” but in a world where climate change and frequent wat zones are often reported the word refugee is sometimes absent.

Whatever our views on immigration most people wish to see the flow of small boats stopped but it has to be proved that leaving the European Convention on Human Right (ECHR) is the way forward. This legislation

What’s striking is how small the beginning is. A short conversation. A bit of honesty.

Two people choosing to trust each other in a difficult moment. That’s the soil where God starts to work. St Vincent puts it beautifully: “God does not consider the outcome of the work, but the charity that accompanies it.”

In other words, don’t worry about how small something seems. What matters is the love behind it. Maybe that’s the part for us to hold onto: That real change often starts with an honest conversation, and speaking heart to heart matters more than we think. God works through simple moments when we listen and dare to share what little we have.

In your own experience you might wish to consider when a small, honest conversation has made a difference for you or someone else? Why not make this happen now?

By Frank Goulding is a treaty of the Council of Europe that was created by the UK and nine other European countries in 1949. A key purpose was to reaffirm the commitment of these countries to individual freedom, political liberty and the rule of law.

Amongst other aims was the legislation of maintaining human rights and fundamental freedoms.

With no fewer than 5 political parties competing for our support in England alone we know that the country we live in can and will change. All through history our great saints have lived and prayed through changes.

They have frequently incorporated both wisdom and compassion in their actions.

This Easter their example is greatly needed especially by our political leaders who have failed us so often. May the coming Easter Season bring us all the peace the world needs.

The Catholic News. April 2026.

Page 3

Celebration of Consecrated Life Holy Family Parish, East Nottingham

Monday 2nd February Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: This special feast in the Church marks the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Holy Family Parish, East Nottingham are blessed to have three groups of consecrated religious in our parish, the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace and Sr Patricia, a Vocation Sister. Each community spoke about their charism in the Mass and afterwards, we celebrated their presence in our parish with cake and refreshments in the Café.

Sr Patrica, our Vocation Sister spoke about how the Vocation Sisters were founded to promote vocations to priesthood and religious life. Over the years since the Second Vatican Council, they have also worked to help people appreciate that, through our Baptism, God calls each one of us to share in His work, building community through family life as single or married people, or through priesthood or life as a religious Sister or Brother.

Sr Treasa, Presentation Sister, spoke of Nana Neagle (1718-1784), their foundress, woman of hope, friend of the poor, passionate for justice, woman of prayer,

Lady of the Lantern. They are dedicated to reaching out to those on the margins by engaging in compassionate service, especially through various forms of education. Aware of our interconnectedness with each other and all of creation calls them to a Spirituality of Being in Communion and to awaken to the spirit of God present and active in all of life.

Sister Margaret, Sister of St Joseph of Peace, spoke about the Congregation's origins in Nottingham and its mission from there throughout England and to the east and west coast of the USA. She spoke about the CSJP charism of peace through justice, which is brought to life through sisters’ ongoing ministries in peacemaking and activism, environmental justice, and at their house of hospitality in Gedling, where they support young women experiencing homelessness with the support of Nightstop Nottingham.

What a special parish we are!!!

To contact any of our sisters to find out more about Consecrated Life, please email: ccen@dioceseofnottingham.uk

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Edition 51

Monthly National Catholic Newspaper Catholic news and stories from across the nation and beyond to build the Catholic community and deepen Faith

Listening is Loving

Fingers and Feet

In the likeness and image of God

page 2

page 11

page 14

St. Joseph 19th March

The Year of Francis Gwen Wiseman Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved most.

He did not die in a grand church or monastery.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth.

He asked for the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home to God. Near the end of his life, broken in body, nearly blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, Francis did not fear death. He welcomed her as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.” His final moments were an act of complete surrender, a last imitation of Christ who had given everything on the Cross.

How a person dies often reveals how they have lived. Francis died as he lived: poor, free, trusting, and wholly abandoned to God.

Eight Hundred Years Later On 10 January 2026, the Franciscan family across the world, together with the Church in Assisi, gathered in prayer at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to open the Eighth Centenary of the death of St Francis.

The world Francis knew was marked by violence, division, and deep inequality. Our modern world may appear very different on the surface, and yet in many ways it remains painfully similar. Eight hundred years after his death, in a fractured and restless world, his witness still calls us back to the essentials. The faithful from every corner of the globe continue to be drawn by the life of this small, unlikely man. But why?

Francis refused to dilute the demands of the Gospel. He embraced it without reserve, choosing poverty over comfort, peace over power, and humility over status. The Gospel was not simply something he believed; it was the pattern of his entire life, shaping every choice he made.

So completely did Francis give himself to Christ that he prayed to share both the physical suffering of the Cross and the burning love with which Christ offered himself. This prayer

was answered. Two years before his death, Francis received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, becoming the first recorded saint to bear the stigmata.

From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a life that could not be contained. Francis founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, and lay people, now spread across every continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

The Franciscan Jubilee In the context of this centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Jubilee, inviting the whole Church to rediscover the heart of the Gospel through the life and witness of St Francis.

A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is the plenary indulgence attached to this Jubilee, addressed in a special way to the members of the Franciscan families of the First, Second, and Third Orders, Regular and Secular, as well as to Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, and associations that observe the Rule of St Francis or draw inspiration from his spirituality.

At the same time, this grace is extended to all the faithful, who, with hearts detached from sin, participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis of Assisi anywhere in the world. With particular tenderness, the Church has ensured that the sick and the elderly, and those unable to leave their homes for serious reasons may also obtain the plenary indulgence by uniting themselves spiritually to the Jubilee celebrations and offering to God their prayers, sufferings, and the daily difficulties of life. In this way, the mercy proclaimed by St Francis is made accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.

Most dioceses across the UK have a parish or church explicitly named after St Francis of Assisi, and every diocese has at least one church or place of worship connected to the Franciscan charism. This includes Franciscan friaries, Franciscan and Poor Clare convents, shrines and chapels, as well as churches

dedicated to other great Franciscan saints such as St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, St Bonaventure, and St Maximilian Kolbe. In the spirit of the Jubilee decree, these places are natural local points of pilgrimage, ensuring that the grace of the Year of St Francis is accessible to all the faithful, including those unable to travel to Assisi.

Ask your priest how the Year of Francis will be lived in your parish and diocese.

Veneration of the Mortal Remains of Saint Francis As part of the centenary celebrations, pilgrims are invited to venerate the mortal remains, the bones of St Francis. After his death, and out of fear of medieval relic hunters, Francis’s body was hidden. Almost six hundred years later, in 1818, Pope Pius VII ordered a search for the tomb, which was successfully rediscovered beneath the altar of the Lower Basilica of St Francis.

The tomb was last opened in 1978 under Pope Paul VI for inspection, at which time the remains were placed in a sealed protective container to ensure their preservation. Now, in 2026, Francis’s body will be exposed for public veneration for the very first time.

Public veneration will take place during the season of Lent, from 22 February to 22 March.

Due to the large number of pilgrims expected to travel to Assisi for this extraordinary event,

an online booking system has been introduced to manage access. Further information is available at www.sanfrancescovive.org.

A Year to Walk Alongside Francis While praying before the crucifix in the ruined church of San Damiano, Francis heard Christ say: “Francis, go and rebuild my Church.”

At first, he understood this literally. He rebuilt ruined chapels with his own hands, before slowly realising that Christ was calling him to something deeper, not the rebuilding of stone walls, but the rebuilding of hearts and lives.

This year, the same invitation is extended to us.

Go and rebuild what God desires to restore within you.

Go and rebuild the places where trust and relationships have weakened.

Go and rebuild holiness in the ordinary details of daily life.

Eight hundred years after Francis met Sister Death, his life still points us to Christ and calls us to live the Gospel without compromise.

The journey with Francis begins today.

The Franciscan Year runs from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027.

For pilgrimages, retreats or visits to Assisi, contact Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com | www.viaassisi.com

The UK’s first Carbon Neutral National Catholic Paper

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Page 4

The Catholic News. April 2026.

£1,025 was raised for Loros Hospice On weekend 29th / 30th November 2025, Our Lady of the Angels held its annual Christmas Fayre in the parish room. £1,025 was raised for Loros Hospice.

Featured in the church photograph, taken at the presentation on 1st March 2026, are: parish priest Fr Michael Williams, Deacon Andrew Martin (spiritual chaplain of Loros), Deacon Keith Hannah, Professor Robin Graham-Brown (vice president of Loros), plus other parishioners who organised the Fayre.

Deacon Andrew Martin gave a moving homily at the well-attended Sunday Mass about the care undertaken at Loros for the terminally ill.

Although a wet and cold morning, a steady turn out of parishioners and friends from the other churches plus the village community ensured the success of the event.

Father Michael, Deacon Andrew and the organizers were delighted with the final amount raised for Loros.

Elizabeth Sparkes

From: Elston Hermitage…….....

On the second Sunday of Easter we keep Divine Mercy Sunday. In the Gospel reading on this Sunday we hear Thomas saying “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my fingers into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

(John 20: 25 ) I suppose Jesus would have been rather disappointed with Thomas’ attitude or even annoyed. However Jesus was not upset, rather he showed mercy to Thomas. It is here that Thomas experiences the mercy of God, which has a concrete face, the face of Jesus, the Risen Jesus.

Thomas’ story shows us that God’s mercy involves more than forgiveness of our sins, great as that is. It also involves his compassion for our weakness and his patience with our slow progress. It’s a wide mercy that frees us from our doubts, our fears and our guilt as well as our sins. Like Thomas it allows us to experience Jesus’ Divine life more fully so that we can follow Him wherever he leads us.

By Fr David + h.d.n. Priest

In the end, God’s mercy of course cannot be separated from His love. He is love and He is mercy - this is His very nature. Every day Jesus comes and stands before us, desiring to show us that He is Our Lord and God. Everyday He wants to remove from us our doubts and fears and forgive us our every sin and everyday He wants to open us to more of His life and blessings.

St Faustina, called the “Apostle of Divine Mercy” heard Jesus tell her, “I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it,pressing it to My Merciful Heart “ (Diary 1588). Is this not what Jesus did for Thomas? And is this not what he wants to do for us too? Perhaps we should never underestimate the power of Divine Mercy!

As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday this Eastertide, let’s spend some time thinking about the ways in which we have already received mercy from God and let the experiences fill our hearts with a greater love for Jesus - who is Mercy incarnate and who will draw us to a deeper faith. God’s Mercy is the foundation of our lives, a Mercy that is new every morning, a Mercy that will never end. (Lamentations 3: 2223)

We pray that Divine Mercy Sunday will help us feel God’s wonderful tenderness, that we will feel His embrace, and we will become more capable of mercy, patience,

forgiveness and love. May others see in us the Merciful face of Jesus. “Jesus I trust in you.”

The Catholic News. April 2026.

Page 5

Prayers and Parade central to Derby's St. Patrick's celebrations Following 10 am Mass of St. Patrick in Derby's Pugin church St. Mary's the people paraded to the Irish Centre on Saturday March 14th . Fr. Tim O'Sullivan celebrated the Mass with other priests of the diocese of Nottingham and much of which was in the Gaelic language . Father Cole PP highlighted the humanity of Patrick, his unique role of establishing Celtic Christianity long before Roman Catholic orthodoxy and the influence of Irish Christianity globally. He reiterated the simply yet profound message

of the three leaved shamrock 'telling' the central Trinity message of Father - Son and Holy Spirit . For the short distance from St. Mary's, the parade passed Derby Cathedral to the Irish Centre , the people in the parade were entertained by the beating drums and pipes of Birmingham's Irish Pipe Band. Spring sunshine enhanced to festivities, Irish music song and dance were enjoyed at the Irish Centre for the rest of the afternoon .

Story and Pictures - Gerry Molumby

St Patricks Parade march Parish priest of St Mary’s Fr Andrew Cole thanking all who took part in delivering Derby’s St Patrick’s mass and parade

The Brennan family

Page 6

The Catholic News. April 2026.

Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Easter Explosion Bang! It was as if the stone was blown away from the tomb, when Jesus rose again from the dead. Death could not hold him captive. On Easter morning he was seen alive by the earliest witnesses, setting off a chain reaction, described in the Acts of the Apostles.

The first reading on Easter Sunday morning (5th April) gives us St Peter’s testimony. After Jesus had been put to death by being hanged on a tree, God raised him on the third day and revealed him to the chosen witnesses.

Peter declares: “We ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”

This was not fake news or a made-up story. His closest friends saw Jesus alive again. That is why Peter was utterly convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead. Later he was even willing to die for this conviction, suffering as a martyr in Rome during Nero’s persecution.

Peter’s message was that everyone who believes in Christ receives the

forgiveness of sins. And Peter himself was the first to receive this forgiveness, when Jesus said: “Peace be with you,” indicating that Peter was pardoned after denying Jesus three times.

On Easter Wednesday (8th April) we hear one result of the Easter explosion. When Peter and John encounter a lame man begging at the temple gate, they have no money to give him, but they have something better for him. Peter tells him through the power of Jesus to walk. And the incapacitated man leaps up, cured of his lameness. The explosive energy of the risen Christ has given him the strength to walk.

Another result of the Easter explosion is told in the first reading on the Second Sunday of Eastertide (12th April). After Peter’s earliest preaching in Jerusalem, three thousand people are converted, and some of them feel the impulse to join together as a community with the apostles.

These believers bond together, inspired by the presence of the risen Lord among

them. They are united in the breaking of bread and join in praying together, inspired

by Jesus’ powerful love.

The first reading on the Third Sunday of Eastertide (19th April) offers Peter’s explanation of the Easter explosion, presented to the crowds on Pentecost morning. He began by saying that people had heard of the miracles and signs worked by Jesus—and naturally he himself could give full details about many of them.

But then Jesus was arrested and nailed to a cross—yet somehow this was part of God’s saving plan.

Now Peter announces the good news: “God raised him up.” Peter sees this as fulfilling God’s promise made long ago in one of the Psalms: “You will not abandon my soul to Hades or let your Holy One see corruption.”

That is why Jesus did not remain in the tomb but rose again.

Ripples from the Easter explosion reach as far as Africa, as narrated in the first reading assigned for Thursday of the third

week of Eastertide. An Ethiopian eunuch, returning from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, encounters St Philip, one of the earliest deacons. He is reading Isaiah’s prophecy about the Suffering Servant, led like a lamb to the slaughter, but he cannot understand its meaning.

Philip tells him that Jesus has fulfilled this text through his crucifixion. Full of enthusiasm, the man asks to be baptised. Afterwards, filled with joy, he goes off on his journey, bringing the good news to his people in Africa. The effects of the Easter explosion are expanding.

In Eastertide we also feel the effects of the Easter explosion. After his terrible suffering, Christ has overcome sin and death, offering us new life. We are invited to let his power into our lives, renewing us in hope and transforming us into his vibrant witnesses. As Pope John Paul II once said: “We are the Easter people and alleluia is our song!”

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Salesians of Don Bosco

Fr David O'Malley SDB

Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace I was called some years ago by a worried mother of a teenage girl. She had come down to breakfast to announce that she no longer wanted to be called Mary but would answer only to Teresa. Her mother was shocked. She was named after a dearly loved aunt who died just a year ago. It felt like an insult her mother told me and it wasn’t an easy ending to a lovely spring morning. 'Teresa' persisted in blanking her mother unless she used her new name.

"She seems like a stranger to me now" her mother said in despair. This, in many forms is the experience of many parents who see their teenage children change beyond recognition. Teresa’s change of name has persisted to this day and the family has adjusted. "I will always love her whatever she calls herself" her mother confided in confusion on the phone.

In Matthew 25:35, Jesus states, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" and we often read that verse in terms of foreigners, refugees and new acquaintances. Teresa reminds us that when we think we know someone well they can still surprise us.

They can become strangers even in the same family. We have a picture of other people in our mind, we say we can predict how they will act, but often they do not follow the script we have written for them.

They become strangers to us, at least for a while. It is disturbing especially when they are close family or friends. So, when people upset us, surprise us and change can we welcome them as Jesus asks? Or do we filter our affections until they return to ‘normal’? Can we respect their freedom to be different, to explore new ways of living and choosing? Can we allow them that freedom as adults even if it looks weird or wonderful? That of course, is how God deals with us, giving us a radical freedom to choose our way in life. When loved ones change suddenly, we get frightened on their behalf, and we need to express our concern as well as offer guidance when it can be heard. But we also need to guard against condemnation and isolation. There is also the tendency to passive aggression, the long silences, the sarcastic comments, the failure to show the usual signs of care and respect for someone who has become a stranger.

I mention all the above because it is at the core of Pope Leo’s theme for 2026.

“Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace” Many commentators have taken this to refer to the many horrendous conflicts taking place in Europe, in Africa and parts of Asia. It is seen as a plea for world peace and is a much-needed reminder not to escalate conflict between nations by making them into strangers. It is much easier to do violence to others if we see them as different, damaged and demonic.

The same point was made by Nelson Mandela on a visit to Parliament in 1996.

“Racism is a blight on the human conscience. The idea that any people can be inferior to another, to the point where those who consider themselves superior define and treat the rest as subhuman, denies the humanity even of those who elevate themselves to the status of gods."1 It is the same blight on the conscience that allowed the extermination of Aborigines in Australia, Native Americans in the USA and at present there are over a million Rohingya people in camps escaping violence in Myanmar. How can we do this to one another? Simply by making them strangers, excluding and closing our hearts and minds to them. Why do we do it as nations? Fear. Fear of losing the status quo, the things we take for granted, the entitlements that we see as our rights even if others suffer because of them.

These fears can be seen being worked out in real time in Iran at present. Fear is running like a virus through a population that is desperate for peace and for stability.

The fear is built on a long history of hurt and mistrust. Shame that is not recognised leads to defensiveness and a misuse of power that leads those in power to get their retaliation in first. Dialogue is impossible and peace evaporates. As Pope Leo said on St David’s day this week.

“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.”2

Pope Leo is challenging us in his peace theme to approach such challenges “unarmed” without hostility to others and with an enquiring mind.

When defensiveness is replaced by openness “heart can speak to heart,” as St Francis de Sales reminds us, and peace can be pursued. To approach the stranger ‘unarmed’ takes courage and a faith in God’s presence that can only be sustained by prayer. To be unarmed is not to be totally in control and allow God to be God in the uncertainty. To be unarmed is to feel the arms of God around you as you speak your truth in love to the stranger. That unarmed approach is what brings about a disarming of the tension and unlocks goodwill and trust for a different future. At an international level these are huge issues.

We need politicians to challenge some of the more self-centred concerns of their voters which can leave leaders with limited opportunities for a disarming peace. The political situation is beyond most of us to influence individually. We can however approach family and friendships with an unarmed and disarming peace as Teresa’s Mother did with her strange teenager.

In family and friendships what might it mean to be ‘unarmed’? Sometimes it can feel that world war three has broken out in our own kitchen and you feel like calling in the UN. More often there is cold war unfolding, sometimes for months, between two family members or friends. Nothing is said but diplomatic relations have definitely been broken off. It is hard to know how to lower your defences, to be unarmed in that silent war. As usual, the Gospel comes to help us with a challenge in Luke 6. 27 and36: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

It’s easy to see this as naïve and even impossible advice from Jesus. But it can’t be, because this is what Jesus did himself.

He cut through boundaries, welcomed the

stranger, the leper, women and gentiles with an unarmed and disarming peace.

Eventually he gave his life rather than depart from the merciful openness of his Father. There’s the key. Jesus was living in the constant presence of a loving Father who gave him strength to be unarmed and be merciful. So, in our family war zones we might want to remember that we are just a breath away from the love and mercy of God, which is ‘closer than our jugular vein’ as our Muslim brothers and sisters say.

When we know that we are loved by God, really know it, it makes us stronger, more honest more compassionate and patient and we become unarmed and able to help others disarm too. In our Salesian tradition we use the word ‘amorevolezza’ which is often translated from Italian as loving kindness.

It is lived out in many small gestures of care, appreciation, concern, delight and understanding. It is communicated by small gesture from a word in the ear, a hug, a simple thoughtful act like making a cup of tea, a thankyou and above all just a smile. This constant flow of loving kindness is what helps to disarm our relationships and allows us to deal with bigger differences when they arise. However, you can’t do any of these things well unless you, like Jesus, are in touch with your Father in heaven as described by Matthew 5.45.

May you be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

So, when you are next at mass and are invited to share a sign of peace, take the risk of sharing this unarmed and disarming peace and not just being ‘nice.’ Decide to be a peacemaker wherever you can in your own life and trust Jesus’ words.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27) Nelson Mandela during an Address to the Joint Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall, London, England, 11 July 1996 2 Sunday Address March 1st 2026 1

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Stations of the Cross celebrated at the Good Shepherd Church

EASTER MASS TIMES 2026

Polish Guides, Scouts etc. on the Sanctuary after leading the Stations of the Cross It has been a great tradition for many for over fifty years now that the Stations of the Cross are celebrated and journeyed each Friday in Lent at 7:00 pm. In more recent years we have moved to the leadership of the Way of the Cross by different groups within the parish.

Naturally St. John Paul II parish, Nottingham, has developed a close connection with the Polish Community

meeting at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, Sherwood Rise and annually welcome the Polish Uniformed Groups (Brownies, Cubs, Guides, & Scouts) to the Sunday before the Feast of St. Casimir, 4th March to make and sell St. Casimir’s Cakes. Always well received by the community.

The following Lenten Friday the Uniformed Groups return to lead us all into the Way of

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the Cross. The involvment of such different leadership again identifies the diversity of the St. John Paul II, Nottingham parish.

Naturally on the Friday nearest St. Patrick’s Day (17th March) the Irish community take on the leadership. We have yet to discover some Welsh speakers in the Community, whilst the Keralan community are well represented by the many Altar Servers who also take their turn in leadership.

The Catholic News. April 2026.

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A Jubilee That Surpassed Expectations

Near the end of his life, broken in body, nearly blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, Francis did not fear death. He welcomed her as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.” His final moments were an act of complete surrender, a last imitation of Christ who had given everything on the Cross.

How a person dies often reveals how they have lived. Francis died as he lived: poor, free, trusting, and wholly abandoned to God.

Eight Hundred Years Later On 10 January 2026, the Franciscan family across the world, together with the Church in Assisi, gathered in prayer at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to open the Eighth Centenary of the death of St Francis.

The world Francis knew was marked by violence, division, and deep inequality. Our modern world may appear very different on the surface, and yet in many ways it remains painfully similar. Eight hundred years after his death, in a fractured and restless world, his witness still calls us back to the essentials. The faithful from every corner of the globe continue to be drawn by the life of this small, unlikely man. But why?

Francis refused to dilute the demands of the Gospel. He embraced it without reserve, choosing poverty over comfort, peace over power, and humility over status. The Gospel was not simply something he believed; it was the pattern of his entire life, shaping every choice he made.

So completely did Francis give himself to Christ that he prayed to share both the physical suffering of the Cross and the burning love with which Christ offered himself. This prayer

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to this work. This is my dream being realised.”

The event was organised by Tracey Carter, Relationship Manager at Project St Thomas, who said the celebration was about recognising the people behind the charity’s rapid growth.

“The last eight months have been an incredible journey for Project St Thomas, and none of it would have been possible without the people in this room,” she said.

“From volunteers and food collectors to sponsors and partners, every single person plays a part in helping us support our community. This event was simply about saying a heartfelt thank you and reminding us all what we can achieve when we work together.”

The event was attended by volunteers, food collectors, sponsors, community leaders and partner organisations and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and talk about their different contributions to PST. Among the community initiatives which PST offers are, ‘Tom’s Kitchen,’ which is a weekly community café; Tuesday coffee mornings with crafts and conversation and a Men’s ‘Tools and Talk’ Group, which brings men together for conversation, card games and support with DIY projects.

These are just a few of the weekly events launched by PST, which promote companionship, good and affordable food and a sense of welcome and belonging.

PST’s future plans include opening a CMA (Community Money Advice) Connect Centre, which is expected to welcome clients in late February or early March.

This service is being supported by Seagate Homes Group, which has created a private office space within the building, to facilitate confidential, one-to-one appointments.

PST has partnered with many more local businesses to provide high quality services

to its clients, including local supermarkets; Nestflex; Unirose; Bryan Morriss Funeral Directors, Burmor Construction and Moulton Bulbs to name but a few. In early 2025, B and Q redecorated the premises at Project St Thomas, having chosen it as their favourite local charity.

Project St Thomas is also partly funded by the diocesan Mission Enabling Fund, which is dedicated to cultivating Encounter; Discipleship and Mission, as envisaged by Bishop Patrick McKinney. Find out more about the Mission Enabling Fund.

The event was further supported by the Chairlady of South Holland District Council, who has chosen PST as one of the three charities she is supporting during her term of office.

Representatives from the council’s Housing Team, who assist with food donations, also attended the celebration, alongside NHS partners and other community figures, including Jenna Withers, the Headteacher of St Norbert’s Catholic Primary School.

Source: Diocese of Nottingham

Renewed

On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, inviting the Church into the Jubilee Year of 2025. “This is the season of hope in which we are invited to rediscover the joy of meeting the Lord,” he said. “The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to the transformation of our world, so that this year may truly become a time of jubilation.”

Jubilee 2025 will be remembered as a year in which the global Church St. Joseph walked together through grief and joy, continuity and change, 19th discovering thatMarch hope, rooted in Christ, as St Paul reminds us, “does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5).

As the Jubilee concluded on the Feast of the Epiphany, the Vatican confirmed that more than 33 million pilgrims travelled to Rome from 185 countries, far exceeding expectations. The scale of participation made the Jubilee a visible expression of the Church’s universality.

Gwen Wiseman

would of The CaTholiC PosT a very The ediTor and sTaff readers adverTisers and blessed like To wish our ChrisTmas and a haPPy, holy and PeaCeful God's PeaCe and hoPe. new year filled wiTh

During a celebration attended by around 70 supporters and volunteers, Fr Jim Burke of the Immaculate Conception and St Norbert Church said: “Project St Thomas is a living expression of the Church’s mission here in Spalding,” he said. “It is built on generosity, compassion and service, and this event shows us just how strong the community is around that mission.

St. Scholastica: The Power of Love in Prayer February 10th

The Year of Francis He did not die in a grand church or monastery.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth.

He asked for the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home to God.

Canawati, said ‘It Bethlehem’s Mayor, Maher of silence – no has been a bad two years work, no spirit of Christmas, no jobs, no all here living from Christmas because are first to be hit down to tourism which was the of silence we have zero. But after two years spirit of Christmas, to decided to reignite the

Project St Thomas hailed as a 'dream come true' by the local parish priest

Gwen Wiseman

Listening is Loving

Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved most.

Christmas season Palestine boasts the longest with the celebrations in the world – beginning on 24/25 December, for western Christians for the going through the celebrations 7 January and finishing Orthodox Christians on for the Armenian with the celebrations January.

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was answered. Two years before his death, Francis received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, becoming the first recorded saint to bear the stigmata.

From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a life that could not be contained. Francis founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, and lay people, now spread across every continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

35 major Jubilee events were celebrated, each dedicated to a particular vocation or group within the Church. These were not merely large gatherings, but moments of encounter where faith was shared, deepened, and renewed.

The Franciscan Jubilee In the context of this centenary year, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Jubilee, inviting the whole Church to rediscover the heart of the Gospel through the life and witness of St Francis.

A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is the plenary indulgence attached to this Jubilee, addressed in a special way to the members of the Franciscan families of the First, Second, and Third Orders, Regular and Secular, as well as to Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, and associations that observe the Rule of St Francis or draw inspiration from his spirituality.

At the same time, this grace is extended to all the faithful, who, with hearts detached from sin, participate in the Jubilee by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis of Assisi anywhere in the world. With particular tenderness, the Church has ensured that the sick and the elderly, and those unable to leave their homes for serious reasons may also obtain the plenary indulgence by uniting themselves spiritually to the Jubilee celebrations and offering to God their prayers, sufferings, and the daily difficulties of life. In this way, the mercy proclaimed by St Francis is made accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.

Most dioceses across the UK have a parish or church explicitly named after St Francis of Assisi, and every diocese has at least one church or place of worship connected to the Franciscan charism. This includes Franciscan friaries, Franciscan and Poor Clare convents, shrines and chapels, as well as churches

dedicated to other great Franciscan saints such as St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, St Bonaventure, and St Maximilian Kolbe. In the spirit of the Jubilee decree, these places are natural local points of pilgrimage, ensuring that the grace of the Year of St Francis is accessible to all the faithful, including those unable to travel to Assisi.

Ask your priest how the Year of Francis will be lived in your parish and diocese.

Veneration of the Mortal Remains of Saint Francis As part of the centenary celebrations, pilgrims are invited to venerate the mortal remains, the bones of St Francis. After his death, and out of fear of medieval relic hunters, Francis’s body was hidden. Almost six hundred years later, in 1818, Pope Pius VII ordered a search for the tomb, which was successfully rediscovered beneath the altar of the Lower Basilica of St Francis.

The tomb was last opened in 1978 under Pope Paul VI for inspection, at which time the remains were placed in a sealed protective container to ensure their preservation. Now, in 2026, Francis’s body will be exposed for public veneration for the very first time.

Public veneration will take place during the season of Lent, from 22 February to 22 March.

Due to the large number of pilgrims expected to travel to Assisi for this extraordinary event,

Opening of the Holy Door,

by Pope Francis. ©Vatican basilicas and traditional pilgrimage Media sites were Maximus, a site associated with the witness reported and priests highlighted of a surge in early Christian Saints for Our Time martyrs. The sight of thousands Confessions, particularly among pilgrims of young The Jubilee Year was further people quietly queuing seeking to participate fully enriched by the The death of Pope Francis for the in the Jubilee sacrament on Easter Monday canonisations of Pier Giorgio became one of the defining indulgence.

Frassati and Carlo left an indelible mark during images the year, followed of the Holy Year.

Acutis, the first saints canonised by the conclave and the election

by Pope Leo of Pope Leo This renewed XIV. Their witness proved XIV on 8 May. But the convergence return to the Sacrament especially resonant of Reflecting on the of these Reconciliation moment, the Prefect of the during a Holy Year centred on hope. events transformed the was one of the clearest signs Jubilee Year into a City of Rome, observed: “To that the Jubilee touched powerful witness of a Church see those young hearts as well as in communion; a minds. people in confession, the atmosphere For many, the Holy Year was Church able to mourn, to that was Both saints offer a compelling message: not simply gather in prayer for an event to attend, but a moment felt, it was something unique the guidance of that remained holiness is lived in ordinary life, in classrooms of personal Holyhas Spirit, and to move renewal, a introduced been system an online bookingthe engraved in everyone’s eyes.” genuine opportunity to begin forward together with renewed and workplaces, on mountain again. hope. paths and city is Further information to manage access. streets. Their canonisations available at www.sanfrancescovive.org. reinforced the The Jubilee of Youth For many observers, the Signs of Spiritual Renewal Jubilee of Youth Jubilee’s central conviction that sainthood Among the most striking is moments of the challenged prevailing assumptions about faith not reserved for a few, but is the vocation of Jubilee was the Jubilee of Youth, drawing more among younger generations.

It revealed a all. than one million young people to Rome. generation not indifferent, but searching, open Confessions were offered at the Circus to depth, meaning, and belonging.

Continued on page 5 At first, he understood this literally. He rebuilt ruined chapels with his own hands, before slowly realising that Christ was calling him to something deeper, not the rebuilding of stone walls, but the rebuilding of hearts and lives.

This year, the same invitation is extended to us.

Beyond the numbers, the Jubilee’s Francis most A Year to Walk Alongside enduring legacy lies in its spiritual ruined in theimpact.

While praying before the crucifix Unprecedented attendance at Rome’s Christ heardmajor church of San Damiano, Francis say: “Francis, go and rebuild my Church.”

Go and rebuild what God desires to restore within you.

Go and rebuild the places where trust and relationships have weakened.

Go and rebuild holiness in the ordinary details of daily life.

Eight hundred years after Francis met Sister Death, his life still points us to Christ and calls us to live the Gospel without compromise.

The journey with Francis begins today.

The Franciscan Year runs from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027.

For pilgrimages, retreats or visits to Assisi, contact Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com | www.viaassisi.com

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More than 30 people gathered for an inspiring pro-life talk The day began with Mass at 10am celebrated by Fr Philipp Ziomek

human life is regarded with equal dignity and must be protected at all stages.

The keynote speaker for the day was Fr Bernard Murphy, who is a member of the Order of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, an order especially dedicated to the pro-life cause.

Fr Bernard praised the work of the St Colete’s Pregnancy Support Centre in Nottingham, which offers free, confidential and non-judgemental advice to women facing crisis pregnancies.

Fr Bernard, who is based at St Fidelis Friary in Canning Town, East London reflected on the Scriptural Roots of the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life.

Students from Nottingham University Pro Life Society were in attendance at the event, along with trainee doctors and young families.

Addressing a diverse audience composed of both Catholics and Protestants, Fr Bernard emphasised the Church’s unwavering stance on the defence of human life. He explained that this commitment extends from the moment of conception through to natural death.

One of the young adults who went along, called Joseph, said: “I found the talks really engaging and entertaining too. I especially liked how he drew on scripture, both Genesis and the epistles, to show how the sanctity of life runs through all of scripture and is central to our faith. I am still chewing over some of the big ideas in his talks days after the event.”

He reminded listeners that the Church’s teaching recognises no distinction based on age, social status, or ability; every

The Pro-Life movement in Nottingham has also just commenced its 40 Day for Life campaign, for the season of Lent.

During this time, they will hold vigil near to the BPAS clinic in Stapleford, but they are not permitted within 150m of the clinic following buffer zone regulations.

Any woman who seeks their help will be referred to the St Colete’s Pregnancy

Centre and they welcome any new supporters who wish to join in the vigil.

If you want to find out more about pro-life work in the diocese please email: pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk Or St Colette's scpscuk@gmail.com

St John Paul II prepares for its annual Christmas Fair Already “remote” preparation is in hand for the St. John Paul II Parish Christmas Fair in the Parish Assembly Rooms on Saturday 28 November 2026 10.30am to 2.30pm. The parish community is conscious that our Grade 2* Church, of which we are custodians for future generations, needs a lot of work to ensure we hand it on to our children in as best possible condition. To date we have ensured the roof is sound and the facias fully brought up to standard. Our next major project is what is known as the “mullions” and “transoms”; the uprights and cross beams that maintain the windows. Although not in the original design of the Church, they were meant to be only a temporary fix until such times when finance would allow for the original to be achieved. Conversations continue with our Diocesan Buildings & Sites Office as well as Heritage England in the hope that we can bring the Church off the “Heritage at Risk” register as soon as possible after over 20 years with this designation.

The parish community continues to work hard to this end and has raised £330,000 towards this project to date. The estimated costs of all works are in the region of

£750,000. Our picture shows Mr. Philip Martin, Secretary to the Parish Finance receiving a cheque of £300 from Liz Clunie, County Councillor for Arnold South in support of our endeavours. Anyone wishing to support the works on the Good Shepherd Church, part of St. John Paul II parish, Nottingham – please contact us at goodshepherd@dioceseofnottingham.org.uk St. John Paul II parish Roving Reporter

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The Catholic News. April 2026.

A Diocese awakening to mission Parishes across the Diocese are embracing renewal through the Mission Plan core themes with the support of Formation for Mission

A renewed passion for evangelisation is aglow in the Diocese of Nottingham, following the launch of Bishop Patrick’s McKinney’s radical ‘Mission Plan.’

The Mission Plan, which was launched in January, focuses on the three themes of Encounter, Discipleship and Mission and how to realise the vision of a truly missionary diocese.

The Department for Adult Formation for Mission has already begun to engage parishes with the bishop’s plan by helping to outline practical ways, in which they can make their communities more missionary.

On Saturday January 31st, the department organised an inspiring day on evangelisation at St Mary’s Church in Derby, with Abbot Hugh Allan, Mission Director for the Bishops’ Conference as the keynote speaker, former Apostolic Administrator of the Prefecture of the Falkland Islands and Ecclesiastical Superior of the Mission sui iuris of the islands of Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha.

The day began with Mass, celebrated by Canon Andrew Cole the Parish Priest.

Abbot Hugh Allan preached on the importance of how our actions should match our words, when we evangelise.

He shared an anecdote about a Norbertine priest, who used to preach very strongly on the evil of foul language, who when preaching during Midnight Mass, fell down the pulpit’s stairs and issued a different profanity as he hit each step.

Abbot Hugh reminded the congregation that God’s words must fully permeate us, otherwise when we share the Gospel our own words will be empty.

Mass was followed by further talks on the themes of Encounter, Evangelisation and Mission, which were also led by Abbot Hugh.

The Abbot explained how during his previous role as Apostolic Administrator, each of the islands which he served taught him something new about evangelisation, including making decisions and sticking to

them; really listening to those we are trying to evangelise, that small actions bear great fruit, and one person can make a big difference.

The day also involved two workshops on relational and spontaneous evangelisation, led by Georgia Clarke (Alpha in a Catholic Context) and Joe Hopkins with Fran Hazel, respectively.

In his capacity as Director of the Department for Adult Formation for Mission, Joe also led a morning on Encounter at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Arnold (part of the parish of St John Paul II), on Saturday February 28th.

Reflecting on this first theme of evangelisation, outlined in Bishop Patrick’s Mission Plan, Joe highlighted how encountering Christ leads to a relationship, Christ desires to know us and to be known.

Examples he gave were of Matthew and Zacchaeus the tax collectors and the woman who touched his cloak, hoping to be healed.

Source/image: Diocese of Nottingham Joe pointed out that it was only once Christ had formed this relationship with those who He encountered that they went on to receive other graces from the Lord, healing, acceptance, repentance.

Following this powerful reflection on Encounter, those attending were inspired to talk about what helps them to encounter Jesus, such as pilgrimage, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.

They also reflected on what they could do as a parish to foster Encounter and draw others closer to Jesus. Joe will return over the next to months to explore with the parish Discipleship and Mission.

"This is an exciting time in the Diocese of Nottingham," Joe commented. "We know from the wider national picture that there is an increasing hunger to know God in our church communities and beyond.

"The bishop's Mission Plan is empowering parishes to take those first steps in meeting others where they are and revealing the true face of Christ, through their words and actions."

Page 12

The Catholic News. April 2026.

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

Oxford guy, a leading chap, who's been to Mecca to get David's boy (8) 14 Graduate is, with anger over race, wearing a clerical head covering (7) 17 New report supports pharaoh who killed Josiah (5) 20 Arkwright's circle is embraced by revolutionary dynasty (4) QUICK Across 7 Mountains where Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac (6) 8 Deadly; subject to death (6) 9 Variation in spelling of Acre in the OT (4) 10 Infamous son as described in Jesus' parable (8) 11 One of the Synoptic Gospels (7) 13 St ----- of Glendalough, Co Wicklow, d 618? (5) 15 Son of Japheth and wife of Hosea bearing the same name [Gen] (5) 16 Occupation of the apostle brothers Andrew and Simon Peter (7) 18 Common designation of Psalm 51, set to music

by Allegri and others (8) 19 Post-Shrovetide fast (4) 21 Descendant of Cain: 20's father (6) 22 Fearsome person: kind of sauce (6) QUICK Down 1 Archbishopric second only to Canterbury in importance in the C of E (4) 2 Popular name of a Pharisee, possibly, who hosted Jesus in Bethany (5,3,5) 12

3 4

6 12 14 17 20

Meeting of a knightly order (7) Pulpits or reading desks in early Christian churches (5) 5 English translation of 'Hallelujah!'

(6,3,4) Citizen of an NT Roman province (8) Fourth son of David (8) Cap worn commonly by RC clerics (7) Pharaoh, the slayer of Josiah at Megiddo (5) Captain for 40 days and nights (4)

SOLUTION Across: 7 Moriah, 8 Mortal, 9 Akko, 10 Prodigal, 11 Matthew, 13 Kevin, 15 Gomer, 16 Fishing, 18 Miserere, 19 Lent, 21 Lamech, 22 Tartar. Down: 1 York, 2 Simon the Leper, 3 Chapter, 4 Ambos, 5 Praise the Lord, 6 Galatian, 12 Adonijah, 14 Biretta, 17 Necho, 20 Noah.

CRYPTIC Across 7 Henry tracks Tolkien's mine to reach Solomon's temple (6) 8 Awful creature! (6) 9 Acre in Alaska's fine, in retrospect, for Hebrew port (4) 10 He came back after nudge, one by a spirited lass (8) 11 This book's dull...also cut (7) 13 Irish saint's oddly evoking good old Exodus (5) 15 She, unfaithful to the prophet, married raver, it's going round (5) 16 Occupation Ulster's withdrawn from, coming to an end (7) 18 Psalm setting, before/after? – a tight one (8) 19 Spring fast with hospital department appeal ending (4) 21 One of Cain's descendants turned bad in Paris, taking 17's heart (6) 22 Unwanted buildup of swabbies, one on top of the other (6) CRYPTIC Down 1 City that's ultimately shabby, on the other hand is the capital of Kosovo (4) 2 Some versions have this chap meeting Jesus in hero's temple in error (5,3,5) 3 Guy retired after return of writer's block (7) 4 Doctor regularly looks into muscles – they used to read a lot from them (5) 5 Hear old priest's moving 'Hallelujah' (6,3,4) 6 Someone Paul addressed after show, one decked in brown (8)