CATHOLIC NEWS FERUARY 2026

ISSUE 345 FEBRUARY 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

Pilgrims from all over the world visit the eternal city in the run up to the close of the Jubilee Year

When visitors arrive they are escorted into St Peter’s with a Crucifix bearing the Jubliee logo During the last weeks of December, my wife Fiona and I (Christ the King Parish Alfreton, Derbyshire) along with many volunteers from all over the world were in St. Peter’s square to prepare and escort the groups of pilgrims as they entered at agreed times to complete their pilgrimage.

My son Cormac and I joined her for Christmas to visit Rome, swapped turkey, and ham for pasta on Christmas Day! Went to explore the Vatican museum, pay respects at the grave of Pope Francis and walk through the equally ornate jubilee door at the large cathedral of St. Paul's Outside the Walls.

On Jan. 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Mass and performed the rite for the closing the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing to an end the Jubilee of Hope that Pope Francis began on December 24, 2024.

This liturgical act officially closes the year.

In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation, in which people are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation.

Story and pictures by Gerry Molumby More pictures on page 10

St Stephens Day Blessing after the Angelus

The Catholic News. February 2026.

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

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.

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As I write this article the country is bracing for Storm Goretti, due to bring strong winds, heavy snow and a blast of cold wind to a diocese that is already shivering from the cold snap that came with the new year.

Households will be preparing for the coming climactic onslaught, turning the heating up, ensuring the fridge, larder and freezer are properly stocked and the warm layers are at hand. Most will be sharing this time of challenge and hardship with family and friends, making it seem easier to get through the tough times the bad weather creates.

However, there will be some who will find this time particularly difficult, some who do not have the infrastructures or supportive networks around them to make their lives easier at this time. It is such a time that the Warm Space at Our Lady and St Joseph’s parish hall in Matlock becomes even more essential.

The number of attendees has grown over time, with folk hearing about us through word of mouth, and we are now averaging around 20 per week. Some are homeless; some are lonely and isolated; some are there just to catch up with (new) friends.

Our Warm Space is led by the parish’s SVP conference members who are brilliantly supported by volunteers from the parish.

Part of the provision’s success has been the welcoming and non-judgemental approach taken by the volunteers as well as the consistency of a welcoming and friendly face every week.

This latter point is very important as initially a number of our visitors each week were reluctant to engage in too much conversation – due to a lack of trust and understanding of what the Warm Space could offer beyond a comfortable room and some refreshment. Over time friendships and trust have been built and the hall has become an important part of the week for its visitors and volunteers with a lively buzz to the atmosphere where laughter and friendly conversation are the norm. Indeed, we have folk waiting at the door from 9.30am each Monday now, keen to be let in.

The Warm Space has been running for 3 years now and has gone from strength to strength. It is part of the Churches Together in Matlock initiative to offer such a provision to those in need throughout each week.

Here at Our Lady and St Joseph’s we open our doors on a Monday from 10am until 2pm. Other denominations offer a similar provision on other week days.

The Warm Space offers more than just a friendly facility. There is always something to eat and drink, attendees have access to a free grocery shelf, a coat rail and the opportunity to access sleeping bags, hats, gloves and scarves and new underwear. In addition, we have an arrangement with The Arc Leisure Centre in Matlock to provide shower facilities for those seeking a freshen up.

This provision has evolved over time and we are extremely grateful to all who support us, particularly our parishioners and parish priest. We receive grants from Derbyshire County Council through Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Matteoli Woods as part of their community support programme, and recently a legacy from a late parishioner.

We work in concert with CAB and Adult Social Care and Health, who provide signposting to other services our visitors might be interested in.

We are very proud of our facility and take great satisfaction in enabling the SVP mission through the service provided every Monday. If any of you reading this article would like to learn more about setting up or developing your own parish Warm Space, please do get in touch with Lance Philpott at lance.philpott59@gmail.com

Frankly Speaking

By Frank Goulding

DECEmbEr 2025 Edition 48

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rs Jerusalem Church leadefire statement on Gaza cease JAnuAry 2026

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St Nicholas - 6th December

Pope to COP30: We are guardians of creation

Edition 49

in our region that and to other communities displacement, death, continue to suffer livelihood. We wars cease to the ends injuries, hunger, and loss of "[The Almighty] makes into the Gaza the bow and shatters therefore call for a rapid surge of the earth; he breaks of not shields with fire. He strip and other affected communities the spear, he burns the and medical that I am God; I will be only food, clean water, fuel, says, 'Be still, and know and I will be exalted in supplies, but also temporary shelters exalted among the nations, a prelude to a speedily medical facilities all as the earth."" (Psalm 46:9-10) program for the Popemobile enacted and exhaustive of destroyed becomes throughout our war- massive clearing and rebuilding Along with millions living hospital of millions around homes, businesses, and civilian infrastructure. torn region, and hundreds and Heads of the the globe, We, the Patriarchs to view with rejoice at the recent At the same time, we continue Jerusalem, in Churches against in Gaza, and the great concern the increasing violence page 3 enactment of the ceasefire in in the West Bank captive. local communities release of those held expansions there. connection with settlement parties to concerned the to opportunity this appeal take We therefore We would like to to efforts of all those in and the international community as a whole recognize the enormous who worked current negotiations to widen the scope of the the international community this major Occupation of both the include an end of the relentlessly to accomplish the to leading West Bank and Gaza, achievement. state living sideestablishment of a Palestinian the present State of this first stage of the by-side in peace with We hope and trust that just the end of the Gaza War, Israel. Only in this way, we believe, will a ceasefire truly signals between truly established in the and that any further disagreements through and lasting peace be the larger Middle resolved the parties will be Holy Land and throughout applying the negotiation and mediation, East. the resumption than rather utmost restraint, region as a whole has give a special word of of hostilities. Indeed, our We would also like to During the Gaza war all public celebrations of St to contemplate those living inside suffered long enough encouragement to Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the the time to embark Church and Holy Family otherwise. Now is clearly Porphyrios Orthodox occupied west bank. The city relies heavily on of healing and as those serving at Alupon the very long pathway Catholic Church, as well tourism and the war has had a devastating so profoundly needed Your perseverance in reconciliation that is Ahli Anglican Hospital: impact on the city. hardships of and Israelis. between Palestinians faith amidst the immeasurable served as a shining the past two years has Now, with the ceasefire in place the you our encouraged by the us all. We pledge to the prophets and We are especially the with by are being celebrations long envisioned the example for so reinstated by leading us to peace demonstrated Jesus support, where we will commitment to the Almighty for lighting and our Lord treewhich of the giant Christmas continued prayers and old and for and giving thanks EI-Sheikh Summit we realize sages of to even as to ensure that the weeks participants of the Sharm the city.gave up his own life, rising decorations throughout this auspicious moment, himself of this work diligently has only just Christ a vindication of your marking the commencement months ahead will be that the work of peacebuilding life beyond the grave. other international the grace to new us all Manger agreement, and by many The Patriarchs and Heads Square was full of families, dignitaries trust in God's divine providence. begun. May God grant task, this impressive global in Jerusalem to thisandvital actors, and we hope that west of the Churches people from across the occupied rededicate ourselves age of materialize into a widefellow Christians that golden mobilization will soon spirit, we join with our bank for the two hour ceremony to begin the shepherding us toward in that offers In this world the operation around scale humanitarian festivities. Voices rang out with hymns and and others of goodwill Palestinians of Gaza immediate relief to the prayers for peace as the people of Bethlehem announced to the world that they are open for visitors. Visitor numbers have dropped by 90% since the war and an economy dependent almost exclusively on tourism is desperate for people to return.

Jubilee of Prisoners

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St Thomas Aquinas 28th January

Bethlehem Christmas lights return after three dark years

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In a world caught between the roar of storms He pointed out that peace is not simply and the silence of inaction, the that the poorest and most vulnerable Pope Leo XIV absence will pay reflect a new understanding of war, but the presence of spoke not merely as a religious justice, the highest price if we fail. of our place in leader, but as respect for creation, and solidarity creation. a voice for our shared home. among He reminded us nations. “If you want to cultivate that the health of our planet, peace, care He acknowledged progress the dignity of — referencing the He spoke for creation,” he urged. In other every human being, and the of a “new human-centred hope for lasting words, our Paris Agreement of 2015 — but candidly international peace are inseparable. treatment of the Earth reflects financial architecture” that our respect for observed that the “path remains long and ensures each other. especially the poorest and complex”. Words alone, he most He opened with a sharp recognition declared, are vulnerable are enabled to participate, of reality: insufficient. They must be transformed to “In the midst of a world that into flourish, and to protect is in flames, as a And he did not mince words about the moral their dignity. He invited choices and actions rooted result of both global warming in responsibility, “education and armed dimension. The ecological crisis, he said, “is in integral ecology” that shows a justice and equity. how conflicts,” he told the gathering, this moral issue” — one that personal, family, community reveals our and political conference must become “a sign of hope.” The interdependence and calls for choices shape our future. a new solidarity, But perhaps the imagery is stark — fire, flames, most compelling vision was crisis — yet the especially between wealthier and highly his call for underlying message is one of an “ecological conversion” — possibility, not industrialised an nations, and those most interior despair. as well as external change. He vulnerable to climate impacts. urged He reminded us that our finances, our education, our policies Continued on page 3

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Palestine boasts the longest Christmas season in the world – beginning with the celebrations for western Christians on 24/25 December, going through the celebrations for the Orthodox Christians on 7 January and finishing with the celebrations for the Armenian Apostolic Church on 18-19 January.

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

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

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We started this year with the World Day of Prayer for Peace. January 1 was the day when we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. To those of us who look to the lives of the great saints to guide our Faith we may never know just how many prayed for a peace which also incorporated the guidance of Our Lady.

Our political leaders always seem keen to tell us statistics. They usually try to give the impression that our lives are getting better even when they are not. Some of the facts about our social issues do need further investigation.

We are all familiar with the events of that first Christmas if only from the words of the carols that we sing. Even some prominent non-believers seem to sing

carols but that is another story. One recent “statistic” was the 354,000 in England alone who do not have a home of their own.

During the recent Christmas season many support organisations, yes often Christians will have served thousands of meals providing hot food to those in greatest need. To remember or support the homeless is not just a story for the charities.

Perhaps the biggest problem for our political leaders is not just talking about the money allocated to social and affordable homes but actually building these houses.

There are however, often deep-rooted social issues which should concern all of us. Homelessness can originate from a family row, mental health problems and sadly abuse. The Renters’ Rights legislation on “no fault evictions” may help to bring down the statistics but the good

will of all politicians towards this issue is sadly missing. Let us not forget that children are all too often the innocent victims. Is there a real strategy at all from any politician on a scandal which should never have happened?

The number of students at our universities who commence degrees in artificial intelligence grew by more than 40 percent last year. Clearly those promoting AI might be wary of the word “artificial”. Our young people are growing up in a rapidly changing world. We all cannot live in the past but we can all learn from the past. I would commend the recent prayer card devoted to Saint John Henry Newman. This great English Saint urged is all “to do some definite service”.

There is nothing artificial about this.

The Catholic News. February 2026.

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Legion of Mary Annual General Reunion

On the 13th of December 2025, five days after the Feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Legion of Mary praesidium from Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, and Alfreton whichmakes up the Leicester Curia of the Diocese of Nottingham, celebrated their Annual General Reunion.

This year, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Praesidium of St. Barnabas Cathedral Nottingham had the honour to host the function, the main purpose being to foster a spirit of unity and affection in the Legion family.

The afternoon started with the Celebration of the Eucharist at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Nottingham Cathedral, celebrated by Rev Fr. John McCay, Spiritual Director of the Nottingham Praesidium followed by the Legion Prayers and the recitation of the Holy Rosary. It was truly spiritually uplifting to be in the presence of God and among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who gave honourand love to Mary, His mother.

Conversation, laughter and true joy abound on that day but most especially God’s graces and our Holy Mother’s love.

To another year, of worship, service and evangelisation.

Ave Maria!

The celebration continued at the Cathedral Hall where food and drinks awaited the congregation.

Friends and families of the Legionaries, as well as parishioners and visitors of St. Barnabas Cathedral and nearby parishes have been invited to join and celebrate in this joyous occasion of getting to know one another, building connections between each Praesidium and also spreading not only by words but in action the good works of the Legion of Mary.

Bishop Patrick Mckinney graced us with his presence and gave a short talk. He shared the second phase of his pastoral plan for the next 5 years . He underpinned the importance of active ministries by a solid prayer life and in particular the participation in the Sacrament of the Holy Mass. He mentioned that he sees these reflected in the Legion of Mary, who were already living this out.

The Legion of Mary are prayer warriors, it is said inMatthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you “

Bishop Patrick did us a wonderful tribute by leading all those gathered in prayer and cutting the Legion cake.

The Legion of Mary are workers of mercy, visiting the sick, the dying, the abandoned and the lonely in hospitals, homes and other institutions. Sharing the gift of hope, faith and God's infinite love.

Everyone had their fill of the sumptuous food,different culinary specialties from the diverse culture that make up the Legion family and friends. The food and drinks never seemed to run out, the more food we gave out, the more blessing we felt were coming our way.

And the Legion of Mary are Our Lady’s soldiers and evangelisers, going into the world armed with God’s Word and Mary’s maternal protection through the many Catholic prayers and devotions passed on from generation to generation.

who comes forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in battle array as our companion and our strength, we the Legion of Mary glorify the Lord and consecrate ourselves to His Most Sacred Heart.

The Christmas music that filled the air, was signalling what is to come in the next few weeks, the peace and hope that can only be found in our Saviour Jesus Christ and with His mother the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Submitted on behalf of St Barnabas Cathedral

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The Catholic News. February 2026.

St Francis of Assisi Parish Bible Study Group wraps up year of growth The Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Bible Study Group meets weekly on a Tuesday.

Each week parish members gather to study a chosen topic grounded in Scripture, discuss its meaning, and draw practical lessons for living in the spirit and light of the Gospel. All participants are active members of the parish, contributing prayer, insight, and fellowship.

Last Tuesday we concluded our sessions for the year with a final study, prayer and worship as we shared reflections on how our learning has deepened our faith and understanding of God’s call. The group will resume in the second week of January, meeting again on Tuesdays at 19:00 in the Holy Trinity Community Centre, Newark. All parishioners are warmly invited to join as we continue to grow together in faith and discipleship.

Wishing all a Blessed Christmas and may our Lord’s light be with you and your families this season and throughout the new year!

Alexandre Espada Beato

From: Elston Hermitage…….....

In our little village of Elston I am always amazed by the many people who own a dog, some even two or three dogs. Many of these people pass the hermitage here being the remotest part of the village and leading to the open fields. This line up of dog walkers never fails come rain or shine. It is a daily routine they know their dogs need and they too themselves enjoy the exercise. It is just something they do because they know how important it is for their dogs and themselves to establish a healthy exercise routine.

In the middle of this month, February we shall begin the season of Lent and it’s this kind of attitude that Jesus is asking us to have when it comes to the traditional practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. They should be part of our everyday routine - just as much as the dog walkers in our village.

Of course, we know how challenging it can be to keep up with these everyday routines and practices. Life often seems to get in the way. But isn’t that the whole purpose of Lent? To step back from the busyness of life a little so that we are able to grow closer to God? These forty days of Lent offer us a wonderful opportunity to enter into the blessings of a routine. If

By Fr David + h.d.n. Priest

we are able to commit to praying every day this Lent we will be on our way to forming a permanent habit of spending time with God and letting his word change our hearts.

If we are able to commit the next six weeks of Lent to fasting from some food or activity or attitude that has too tight a grip on us, then we stand a chance of becoming less attached to this world and more attached to Christ. If we are able to commit to giving some of our time or money to helping the poor on a regular basis, generosity and compassion, will flow from us more naturally.

Jesus is inviting us to ‘return to the Lord, your God‘ this Lent. (Joel 2:13) Every journey begins, every walk, with the smallest, most ordinary steps. So let us get into the daily habit of running to Jesus, come rain or shine through these three ordinary spiritual practices. Then simply watch to see if something extraordinary comes of them.

I pray that Jesus will help us to embrace the everyday, ordinary practices of Lent, and grow closer to him.

Have a good and holy Lent!

Image Tima Miroshnichenko

The Catholic News. February 2026.

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Centenary Celebration

St Philip Neri’s RC Church in the parish of Our Lady and All Saints in Mansfield, celebrated their Centenary with a spectacular Flower Festival stretching through into the third week of October. It was open to the public. The title was “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and there was an arrangement to celebrate all the Church’s liturgical year beginning with Advent, followed by Christmas, The Baptism of Our Lord, The Sacred Heart, Palm Sunday, Maunday Thursday, Good

Friday, Easter Sunday, St Philip Neri, Patron Saint, Holy Trinity and Whitsuntide, Harvest Festival, All Saints and Remembrance, and Christ the King. The children of St Philip Neri with St Bede Voluntary Academy and the Polish Scouting Association all contributed to their displays, together with the ladies of St Philip’s parish and St Theresa’s, Warsop. displays, together with the ladies of St Philip’s parish and St Theresa’s, Warsop.

Yvonne Kennison

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The Catholic News. February 2026.

Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Passing the Test On the First Sunday of Lent (22nd February), we hear the gospel story of Jesus being led into the wilderness where he is tempted for 40 days. The word “tempted” here could also be translated “tested”.

In other words, Jesus was being tested to see if he was ready for his mission of redeeming the world. We can view his three tests as his qualifying exams for his saving role.

Three time-honoured Lenten practices are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Here we see Jesus praying and fasting for 40 days in the desert, to be close to his heavenly Father without any distractions.

Naturally, after these 40 days, he was very hungry, so the first test was the temptation to turn stones into bread.

All of us can easily feel hungry after just a few hours without food. We can picture Jesus looking at stones and imagining scones.

But Jesus resists the devil’s temptation.

Scripture teaches us that our life does not come from bread alone, but through what God decrees for us and what he gives us in his word. Later, when Jesus is in Gethsemane, he will resist the temptation to walk away from his final test. Instead, he will pray to God: “Thy will be done”.

Jesus’ second test was the temptation to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, to display his power as the Messiah. The devil quotes the psalmist’s promise of angelic protection, and in fact the angels do come and minister to him at the end of these 40 days. But Jesus does not tempt God in the way suggested by the devil.

At the crucifixion, Jesus will be taunted in a similar way: “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross”. But he will continue his endurance in his extreme trial, even to the point of death.

Lastly, Jesus’ third test was the temptation to gain power over all the world’s kingdoms by worshipping the devil. Again, Jesus resists the devil by quoting scripture: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve”.

After Jesus has suffered on the cross and risen again, he will tell his disciples to go to a high mountain, where he will tell them: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”. Through the resurrection, Jesus will indeed be given absolute authority. This power will not come to him from the devil or without suffering, but rather after he has accepted suffering and death in obedience to his Father’s will.

The story of Jesus being tempted or tested in the wilderness is very extreme, but we ourselves often face lesser temptations or various testing situations. For us, the Church commends three remedies: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

In prayer, we show that we seek to obey God’s will by following Jesus, relying entirely on God for everything.

In fasting or self-denial, we seek to turn our attention away from our bodily needs, to focus on God. And in almsgiving, we recognise what God has given us and aim to share it with others, especially those in need.

Jesus has shown us the way by spending 40 days in the desert, praying and fasting. We ask God for the grace to keep a good Lent, so that we can better appreciate Jesus’ saving death and resurrection.

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The Catholic News. February 2026.

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Derbyshire supports children and parents of SEND For several years Fran Hazel, a Catechist at St Mary’s Church in Derby, has organised a monthly Sunday Mass for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and their families. Their timetable for the first half of this new year, 2026, has been announced. The Masses are held in the Holy Family Church, Allestree, at 2.00p.m. on a Sunday afternoon, together with a music band and signing as part of the celebration. Some of the children volunteer to read and serve the Mass. Fr. Jonathan Cotton has been the priest celebrating the Mass on behalf of the local clergy. After the Mass, as part of a social time, a table of food is ready to share with drinks.

The setting for the Mass is informal with family groups sitting around a table. On the table, there are pictures depicting the Sunday Gospel ready to colour in during the Mass. As well as the colour pens, there are fidgets and bubbles available, and various musical instruments are on hand to shake, rattle and roll during the final hymn.

A friendly, welcoming atmosphere is enjoyed by all who come, with questions, thoughts and ideas readily shared throughout the Mass. Do you know of any family who would welcome a Mass like this? Let them know. Why not come yourself? More information can be obtained from Hazel: fran.hazel@dioceseofnottingham.uk.

Some of the group at a recent Mass in Holy Family Church All are very welcome. Here are the dates announced for this year so far: January 11th. March 8th. May 10th. July 12th.

Fr Jonathan Cotton

SSPP Parish and School Missionary Discipleship Parishioners from Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Church in Lincoln have been continuing to strengthen the link between themselves and Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Catholic Voluntary Academy. In the spirit of missionary discipleship, many projects have been shared during the season of Advent.

The parish have supported the school food bank with festive and essential donations, and these have been used to make Christmas food parcels for families in need within the school and local community. The school put on an amazing 'Christmas Spectacular' to a very full church made up of families and parishioners who were treated to an absolutely incredible evening of music from the school choir and band whilst also being reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

Colouring-in for the Feast of Christ the King

Not only this, but the following day they did it all again for local primary schools to enjoy as well. Students from the school collected chocolate prizes for the much-loved chocolate tombola at the

parish Christmas Fayre, and once again the choir performed magnificently at this event too. Lastly, on Friday 12th December, students from the school held a festive community event for the parishioners during which intergenerational conversation was encouraged and the students and parishioners worked together to complete a Christmas quiz and a craft activity. At this event, the school also launched their fundraising appeal to support a group of sixth formers who are planning on joining the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2026.

Lucy Wright, Lay Chaplain

Page 8

The Catholic News. February 2026.

View from the Pew

By Dr Jay Kettle-Williams

Biting the hand that feeds you …

Monthly National Catholic Newspaper Catholic news and stories from across the nation and beyond to build the Catholic community and deepen Faith JAnuAry 2026

Edition 49

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Popemobile becomes hospital

A new Bishop for Plymouth

Peace Sunday

page 3

page 4

page 13

St Thomas Aquinas 28th January

Bethlehem Christmas lights return after three dark years

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

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

Manger Square was full of families, dignitaries and people from across the occupied west bank for the two hour ceremony to begin the festivities. Voices rang out with hymns and prayers for peace as the people of Bethlehem announced to the world that they are open for visitors. Visitor numbers have dropped by 90% since the war and an economy dependent almost exclusively on tourism is desperate for people to return.

Palestine boasts the longest Christmas season in the world – beginning with the celebrations for western Christians on 24/25 December, going through the celebrations for the Orthodox Christians on 7 January and finishing with the celebrations for the Armenian Apostolic Church on 18-19 January.

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

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

The UK’s first Carbon Neutral National Catholic Paper Subscribe@catholicpost.co.uk 01440 730399 www.catholicpost.co.uk

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Look Back in Anger (1956), the realist play written by John Osborne, focuses on the life and marital struggles of an intelligent, educated but disaffected young man of working-class origin, Jimmy Porter, and his equally competent yet impassive uppermiddle-class wife Alison.

The play spawned the term ‘angry young men’ to describe Osborne and others of his generation. The play’s harsh realism made Look Back in Anger one of the first examples of kitchen sink drama.

But it’s not uncommon particularly these days for people to look back in anger across the broadest spectrum of human activity, on the one hand highlighting the negative as overwhelmingly irreparable and condemnatory yet only, if at all, begrudgingly recognising anything positive by way of compensation.

The case of Christianity comes immediately to mind. There are those that cry: ‘Look at the number of religious wars there’ve been?’ As if the ten basic tenets of Christianity have ever espoused war. How ironic, no?

Irony really takes root with questions like: ‘What have the Romans ever done for us?’ from Monty Python's Life of Brian where the characters then continue grudgingly to long-list the Romans’ lasting contributions, listing such benefits as roads, sanitation, aqueducts, law, language (Latin roots), calendar systems, concrete, urban planning (grid systems, towns) and the spread of Christianity essentially laying foundations for modern Western civilization in engineering, governance and culture, despite the exploitation that came with empire. You could probably say the same for many an empire, from Arab to Zulu, over time and space. Not that exploitation need always go hand in glove with empire. But empire, notably the British empire, prompts more fervent anger than applause among a vociferous sector of the populace.

Not the least for its involvement with slavery and calls for reparation. But is it right that the sins of the fathers be visited upon the children? (Exodus 20:5. JB) Well, it's only right and just, as we would say, that Britain’s role in slavery be

deplored. There’s no excuse, especially when we look through Christian eyes. But Britain, in step with her neighbouring nations, only ever had a fleeting role in the long-ongoing sordid drama of enslaving one’s fellows.

It was as late as the 16th century that European merchants, mainly Portuguese, launched the transatlantic slave trade purchasing imprisoned Africans from West African kingdoms for deportation to Europe’s colonies in the Americas.

But evidence of slavery long predates written records with the practice dating back 1,000 years and more to settled agriculture when economic surpluses and high population densities made mass slavery viable.

Slavery occurred in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China, Babilonia, Persia, Israel, Greece, India, Rome along with the Arab Islamic Caliphates and Sultanates, which enslaved over 17 million Africans over 1,300 years, and the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas. The list goes on. So where do you start with passing the parcel when it comes to reparation?

It was not until the 17th century that Britain, itself a victim of slavery in past times, became heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade, the first related voyage being that by John Hawkins in 1562.

Matters developed until 1807 when the Slave Trade Act officially abolished the slave trade in Britain. But it was not until

1833 that slavery itself was abolished with the Slavery Abolition Act. The advent of photography had played an instrumental part in bringing the ills of slavery to the attention of those more fortunate, proving to be a powerful weapon in the abolitionist arsenal.

The Clapham Sect, a group of Christian campaigners counted among its members the devout evangelical Christian William Wilberforce who, influenced by his Church of England upbringing and connections to Methodism, converted to evangelical Christianity in 1785 motivating him to advocate for social reforms including the abolition of the slave trade.

Outlawing and suppression of slavery followed in the 19th century to include the USA and in the 20th century to include the Ottoman Empire, Brazil, Ethiopia, Liberia, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China. Yet slavery continues to this day, generating an estimated £120 billion or more in annual profits.

Let’s not forget that, in the aftermath of Christmas, the Church returns to Ordinary Time. The watchword for the prelude to Lent perhaps suggests we all just look back and repent.

Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).

The Catholic News. February 2026.

Page 9

A mission to sow hope

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DECEmbEr 2025 Edition 48

47 NOVEMBER 2025 Edition

Throughout 2025, St Peter & St Paul Church in Lincoln highlighted Christian persecution, through displays and events.

Inspired by Bishop Patrick’s focus on mission and with the year drawing to a close, the question arose about how awareness of persecuted Christians could be maintained and carried out into the world and the idea of a pin badge to be worn on clothing or attached to a bag was born. The project, which started in the Jubilee Year of Hope, offers a way of carrying hope into 2026 and beyond, and is called ‘Their hope pins on you!’ because it is through people that God, true hope, can act, as St Oscar Romero once called us to be God’s microphones or St Teresa of Avila said we are now Christ’s hands and feet.

Whilst showing we stand in solidarity with the persecuted, another motivation for the badge is that they may spark enquiry, leading to short conversations that will invite others to learn about the issue and pray and act for those affected. We may not be able to stop the persecutions, but we can let the persecuted know they are not alone, offering them hope and follow their example, seeking the grace to stay faithful to the Lord. In that, both they and the badges can also be a personal encouragement for our own faith journeys, to participate in the Eucharist and keep growing. For enquirers who do not go to church, the badge, representing death and new life, portrays, in a simple way, the hope and calling of a Christian, and offers the opportunity to give a mini catechesis, potentially inspiring them to grow in their own faith, or even discover it, receiving hope and building up God’s Kingdom in the process; as Romans 10:14 reminds us, people cannot know if not told.

A badge itself is a quiet and one to one means of mission, pointing to the way persecuted Christians in affected countries often must behave. The inspiration for the design of the badge came from scripture Luke 22:44 and the quote attributed to

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in our region that and to other communities death, continue to suffer displacement, We cease to the ends injuries, hunger, and loss of livelihood. "[The Almighty] makes wars the Gaza the bow and shatters therefore call for a rapid surge into of the earth; he breaks of not shields with fire. He strip and other affected communities the spear, he burns the medical that I am God; I will be only food, clean water, fuel, and says, 'Be still, and know and I will be exalted in supplies, but also temporary shelters exalted among the nations, prelude to a speedily medical facilities all as a the earth."" (Psalm 46:9-10) program for the enacted and exhaustive Popemobile destroyed throughout our war- massive clearing and rebuilding of becomes Along with millions living of millions around homes, businesses, and civilian infrastructure. hospital torn region, and hundreds and Heads of the the globe, We, the Patriarchs with rejoice at the recent At the same time, we continue to view Jerusalem, in Churches in Gaza, and the great concern the increasing violence against enactment of the ceasefire page 3 the West Bank in local communities in release of those held captive. expansions there. connection with settlement parties to concerned opportunity the to this appeal take We therefore We would like to to efforts of all those in and the international community as a whole recognize the enormous negotiations to who worked widen the scope of the current the international community of both the this major include an end of the Occupation relentlessly to accomplish the to leading West Bank and Gaza, achievement. state living sideestablishment of a Palestinian this first stage of the the present State of We hope and trust that by-side in peace with end of the Gaza War, we believe, will a just ceasefire truly signals the Israel. Only in this way, between established in the and that any further disagreements and lasting peace be truly resolved through the larger Middle the parties will be Holy Land and throughout applying the negotiation and mediation, East. than the resumption utmost restraint, rather region as a whole has a special word of of hostilities. Indeed, our We would also like to give to contemplate living inside St During the Gaza war all public celebrations of suffered long enough encouragement to those the time to embark and Holy Family Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the otherwise. Now is clearly Porphyrios Orthodox Church of healing and occupied west bank. The city relies heavily on as those serving at Alupon the very long pathway Catholic Church, as well profoundly needed tourism and the war has had a devastating Your perseverance in reconciliation that is so Ahli Anglican Hospital: Israelis. hardships of impact on the city. between Palestinians and faith amidst the immeasurable as a shining two years has served by the the past you our Now, with the ceasefire in place the us all. We pledge to We are especially encouraged by the prophets and the example for envisionedwith by so longreinstated the are being celebrations demonstrated us to peace support, where we will commitment our Lord Jesus to the Almighty for leading continued prayers and and for which of old and giving thanks EI-Sheikh Summit tree and Christmas the giant lighting of sages to ensure that the weeks participants of the Sharm moment, even as we realize his own life, rising to of this work diligently city. up the gave Christ himself of your this auspicious only just throughout hasdecorations marking the commencement ahead will be a vindication that the work of peacebuilding other international months new life beyond the grave. us all the grace to agreement, and by many Patriarchs and Heads trust in God's divine providence.

Thedignitaries begun. May God grant Manger Square was full of families, this impressive global to this vital task, actors, and we hope that in Jerusalem the Churches rededicate ourselves into a widewest and people from across theofoccupied mobilization will soon materialize we join with our fellow Christians shepherding us toward that golden age of that offers In this spirit, bank for the two hour ceremony to begin the the world in around goodwill scale humanitarian operation of and others festivities. Voices rang out with hymns and Palestinians of Gaza immediate relief to the prayers for peace as the people of Bethlehem announced to the world that they are open for visitors. Visitor numbers have dropped by 90% since the war and an economy dependent almost exclusively on tourism is desperate for people to return.

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St Thomas Aquinas 28th January

Bethlehem Christmas lights return after three dark years

In a world caught between the roar of storms and the silence of inaction, Pope Leo XIV spoke not merely as a religious leader, but as a voice for our shared home. He reminded us that the health of our planet, the dignity of every human being, and the hope for lasting peace are inseparable.

He opened with a sharp recognition of reality: “In the midst of a world that is in flames, as a result of both global warming and armed conflicts,” he told the gathering, this conference must become “a sign of hope.”

The imagery is stark — fire, flames, crisis — yet the underlying message is one of possibility, not despair.

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He pointed out that peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice, respect for creation, and solidarity among nations. “If you want to cultivate peace, care for creation,” he urged. In other words, our treatment of the Earth reflects our respect for each other.

And he did not mince words about the moral dimension. The ecological crisis, he said, “is a moral issue” — one that reveals our interdependence and calls for a new solidarity, especially between wealthier and highly industrialised nations, and those most vulnerable to climate impacts. He reminded us

that the poorest and most vulnerable will pay the highest price if we fail.

He acknowledged progress — referencing the Paris Agreement of 2015 — but candidly observed that the “path remains long and complex”. Words alone, he declared, are insufficient. They must be transformed into choices and actions rooted in responsibility, justice and equity.

But perhaps the most compelling vision was his call for an “ecological conversion” — an interior as well as external change.

He urged that our finances, our education, our policies

reflect a new understanding of our place in creation.

He spoke of a “new human-centred international financial architecture” that ensures especially the poorest and most vulnerable are enabled to participate, to flourish, and to protect their dignity. He invited “education in integral ecology” that shows how personal, family, community and political choices shape our future.

Continued on page 3

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Palestine boasts the longest Christmas season in the world – beginning with the celebrations for western Christians on 24/25 December, going through the celebrations for the Orthodox Christians on 7 January and finishing with the celebrations for the Armenian Apostolic Church on 18-19 January.

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

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

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Tertullian “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church” and so a droplet of red blood is inset with a seedling that resembles a cross in shape. The seedling, rather than an overt cross, offers ambiguity, reflecting the need of Christians in countries of restricted freedom to disguise themselves, it may also be more likely to draw questions than a well known religious symbol.

Badges were created in time for Red Wednesday and have, so far, helped raise money for the parish and for Aid to the Church in Need (to assist persecuted Christians), as well as being used to help school pupils in learning about mission.

Rather than raising money, the main aim has been to foster prayer and encourage us to be ‘ambassadors of hope’ as Bishop Patrick called for during the jubilee year, spreading awareness of persecution and the hope of salvation that exists thanks to Jesus Christ, Our Lord. The badges however are not magical, putting on a badge will not transform anyone into an ambassador of hope, only by ‘putting on Christ’ and living a life of love, will we become such. Even so, each badge is like a seed, dormant whilst in its packet or stored away, yet if, upon finding a receptive heart, is planted on clothing or a bag and exposed to sunshine and rain, has the potential to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, though, both the purposes and outcomes of the badges and project belong to God; to Him be the glory and many thanks to all who have given support in any way.

Jo

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The Catholic News. February 2026.

Continued from page 1

Vatican Museum Visitors

The Icons of all 265 past Popes including Pope Francis with the empty sites for future Popes

Christmas Eve and no room in the inn for many pilgrims in the heavy rain.

Before midnight Mass Pope Leo came onto the steps of St Peter’s and gave his blessing.

Keeping guard the Swiss way

Madonna and child stained glass by Joseph Bertini and Ceasar Ponti as a gift for Pope Pius XI (3 May 1792 - 7 February 1878

Page 11

The Catholic News. February 2026.

Derby primary school graded Outstanding

by Catholic Schools inspectors St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy has been graded Outstanding by Catholic schools’ inspectors.

The school, in Littleover, Derby, underwent its Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspection, which is the national framework for the inspection of Catholic schools, over two days in November 2025.

The overall quality of Catholic education provided by the school, Catholic life and mission, religious education and collective worship were all graded Outstanding.

Inspectors said: “The dedicated and focused leadership provided by the genuinely inspirational headteacher, and her impressive senior leadership team, ensures that this school is always striving to improve. Leaders continuously seek new ideas which will positively enhance the experiences of pupils and improve the outcomes they achieve academically, spiritually and as children of God.” The report said that the behaviour and attitudes of pupils were truly exemplary.

“They (pupils) undertake a wide range of valuable leadership roles, demonstrating genuine respect and support for one another. They know they are valued and cared for by the adults with whom they spend their days,” inspectors said.

Catholic social teaching and the school’s mission are deeply embedded in the fabric of the school and everything it does, according to the report.

Inspectors said: “These values are celebrated, and implemented in tangible ways within the school community, the parish, the local area, nationally, and globally.

“Religious education lessons are challenging and well thought through, so that all pupils, including those who find learning more difficult, can be fully included and attain high standards of skills and knowledge.”

Pupils at St George’s clearly know they are valued and cared for as unique persons, created by God, the report said.

“They exhibit highly positive attitudes to school life, having understood and embraced the values of kindness, respect, faith, perseverance, acceptance and service. They understand the theology, in child-friendly terms, of the Catholic mission of the school, and how they can help to implement it. Their behaviour is

exemplary, and they have deep respect for themselves and others,” inspectors said.

Pupils demonstrate excellent knowledge, understanding and skills in religious education lessons, appropriate to their age and almost all pupils, including those with additional needs, make good progress and achieve well, relative to their age and starting points.

“Pupils’ ability to speak with confidence about what they have learnt in religious education is very strong,” the report said.

Another strength highlighted in the report was prayer and liturgy, which was described as being “at the heart of the school, ever-present and central to gatherings of pupils and staff.”

Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher, said: “This report is a wonderful affirmation of the faith-filled, inclusive and compassionate community that St George’s is. I am incredibly proud of our pupils, who live out our mission with kindness, respect and integrity every day, and deeply grateful to our staff, governors, families and parish for their unwavering support. Our Catholic faith shapes who we are and how we serve, and this inspection recognises our commitment to nurturing the whole child — academically, spiritually and personally.”

This latest Outstanding grading from Catholic Schools Inspectors follows on from an Outstanding grading in all areas from Ofsted in May 2024.

Page 12

The Catholic News. February 2026.

1

2

3

4

5

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

CRYPTIC Down 1 One from India to look out for, they say (4) 2 This recipient of a letter is a kind of record: he's a Scot (8) 3 Part of Malta's no-go 'zombie' sector (4) 4 Religious type – one to find in York, for example (8) 5 One Coptic play that turns out to be prophetic...

(11) 6 ...notice Earth in turmoil? (3,8) 10 Fuming after Ulster's reversal over weapons (2,2,4) 11 Place in Gilead's a goal for leading actor's comeback (8)

9

10

What you used to be is there – just get rid of the radical element (4) 17 There's a tiny number in jail, brother, for 13 murder (4) QUICK Across 5 Member of a 16th Century German 15 protestant sect condemned as heretics

by Luther (11) 7 Along with Daniel and Job, one of Israel's three righteous men (4) 18 8 Bible people from southern Dead Sea area (8) 9 Domestic dog, aka Persian greyhound (6) 4 11 Ancient Persian god of light and truth (6) 5 12 --- Khan, spiritual head of Ismaili 6 Muslims (3) 13 Native of a middle eastern Arabic republic (6) 10 14 Town in Canaan which after the Conquest was 11 given to the tribe of Judah (6) 15 Restrict; impoverish (8) 16 17 Cap worn by fundamentalist Mormon women (4) 17 18 Formal sporting event, tournament (11) 16

QUICK Down 1 Adherent of a monotheistic religion established in the 15th century by former Hindus (4) 2 Recipient of one of Paul's epistles (8) 3 Mediterranean home of the Giant's Tower, the world's oldest man-made religious structure (4)

11 12 14

16

17

Clergyman, as usually called in Protestant churches (8) Significantly prophetic (11) Part of Genesis featured in Haydn's landmark oratorio of 1798 (3,8) Strongly protesting; actively rebelling (2,2,4) Where Jacob saw angels before reuniting with Esau (8) Biblical pronoun (4) First child of Adam and Eve (4)

SOLUTION

Across: 5 Adiaphorist, 7 Noah, 8 Edomites, 9 Saluki, 11 Mithra, 12 Aga, 13 Syrian, 14 Hormah, 15 Straiten, 17 Coif, 18 Competition. Down: 1 Sikh, 2 Ephesian, 3 Gozo, 4 Minister, 5 Apocalyptic, 6 The Creation, 10 Up in arms, 11 Mahanaim, 16 Thee, 17 Cain.

CRYPTIC Across 5 German heretic Diaspora hit badly (11) 7 Arkwright: name of American hospital at first (4) 8 Its English, eccentric, retro style introduces these biblical people (8) 9 Barker's part of this universal UK institution (6) 11 Persian god, legend says, is meeting with one in Egypt (6) 12 Turkeys lord it in the oven? (3) 13 Aramaean maybe investing a Welsh girl with a little time (6) 14 Horse or pig meat that's served up in a Canaan town (6) 15 Distress bearings found in the sea off Dover (8) 17 Women's headgear, providing it's firm at the front (4) 18 Into pit come the sporting opposition (11)

8