CATHOLIC SOUTH WEST JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

Inside

Vocations Page 2

Finding yourself in Assisi Page 4

The sacrament of Baptism Page 5

International Mass celebration The Fool's Prilgrimage Page 10

Page 6

2 June 2026 Catholic South West

CONTACTS & DETAILS Catholic South West is a monthly newspaper for Catholics in the Plymouth, Clifton and Portsmouth Dioceses. It is published by Bellcourt Ltd

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Considering a vocation Bishop Nicholas Hudson recorded a message from Rome for Vocations Sunday which took place on 26 April. The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales met at the English College’s Convento Palazzola just outside Rome from 18-23 April for a oneday plenary assembly and week-long ongoing formation as Pope Leo XIV followed his Apostolic Journey through Africa to its conclusion.

In his message, recorded in the chapel where he was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Cyril Restieaux, Bishop Nicholas reflects on his own personal faith journey.

“This is a very special place for me. It was in the chapel that I took my first solemn action towards ordination.”

“Jesus said, you did not choose me, I chose you.…I have had a strong sense of calling ever since I was quite young that Jesus might want me to come and see and explore this vocation. I would say the same thing to any young man who thinks the Lord might be calling him to the Priesthood.”

Bishop Nicholas encouraged anyone considering a vocation to speak to their Priest.

Bishop Nicholas also spoke about the important role of Women Religious and encouraged young women who feel they might be called to the religious life to approach a Religious Sister.

If you would like more information about vocations in the Diocese of Plymouth, just scan the QR code.

You can find out more about a day in the life of Nuns and Priests on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference website by scanning the QR code.

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Catholic South West

June 2026 3

Day of Prayer for Victim Survivors of abuse

Each year, the Catholic Church in England and Wales marks the Day of Prayer for Victim-Survivors as an opportunity to pray for all those who have suffered abuse, particularly within the life of the Church.

This year, the Day of Prayer took place on 5th May. For the Catholic Diocese of Plymouth, this day is an important moment of reflection, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a time to recognise the pain and lasting impact experienced by victim-survivors of abuse and to affirm our commitment to listening, supporting, and working to create safer communities for everyone.

The Day of Prayer for Victim-Survivors reminds us that safeguarding is not only about policies and procedures. At its heart, safeguarding is about people. It is about ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and that those who have experienced harm are heard and supported.

Across the Diocese, parishes and communities are encouraged to mark the day through prayer, reflection, and

awareness-raising. This may include prayers during Mass, moments of silence, lighting candles, or sharing information about the support available to victimsurvivors. As a Church, we recognise that words alone are not enough. Raising awareness of this day is one way of showing support and standing alongside victim-survivors. It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to safeguarding and to building a culture where abuse is never ignored, concerns are always taken seriously, and people feel safe to come forward.

The Diocese of Plymouth Safeguarding Team continues to work closely with parishes, clergy, volunteers, and communities to ensure safeguarding remains a priority across all areas of Church life. We are committed to promoting safer environments, providing training, supporting those affected by abuse, and learning from the experiences of victim-survivors. If you or someone you know has any concerns or could benefit from speaking to somebody about their experiences, please contact the safeguarding team: tel: 01364 645430 email: safeguarding@prcdtr.org.uk

Prayer from Fr Mark Skelton: Lord God Almighty, You are the Creator of all that is and the Rock on which we can stand firm. On this day we remember those who may feel unsafe and insecure because of the cruelty and abuse of others, who may have lost their sense of self and feel discarded or alone.

Lord Jesus You are the Good Shepherd who goes in search of all who feel lost, hurt or abandoned. On this day of special prayer we pray for those who have suffered at the hands of others , who carry the wounds inflicted by the guilty and the uncaring or dismissive.

God, the Holy Spirit, You are the one who inspires and enables.

We pray for those who feel powerless or ignored, those who have lost hope in justice or authority because of their experiences.

Be with them, Inspire them, encourage them and enable them to rediscover their joy in life.

Be with us, that we may be more powerfully reflect and live out Your Compassion, our Justice, Your Truth, Your Love.

We make this prayer in Your Name, God Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

4 June 2026 Catholic South West

Finding yourself in Assisi The Parish of the Holy Family Exmouth Pilgrimage April 22 – 29, 2026 The Viewpoint of first-time Pilgrims Like most people, my preconceived idea of what a pilgrimage might entail was strongly influenced by viewing some episodes of the BBC Pilgrimage series – as a physical, soul-searching experience amongst strangers who became friends over time.

Those within our parish who have been on former pilgrimages (and there have been 16 of them!) were united in their reassurance. It would be a great experience; could be taken at one’s own pace, whilst accessing the spiritual and group activities on one’s own terms. This reassurance was important to me as my husband isn’t Catholic and I wanted him to enjoy himself and not to feel out of place.

The sun shone for us as we explored the city and the surrounding area of peaceful havens and churches of the three saints: Francis; Clare and Carlo.

Did we “find” ourselves in Assisi?

These are the thoughts of some of my fellow first-time pilgrims: “It affirmed my personal relationship with Jesus, although we were all on 34 different paths and stages of our journey.”

“It was a transport of delight!”

“We had such fun – a lot of laughter; good food and wine.”

“New friendships were forged.”

So what was the reality?

Firstly, the 34 members of the party were drawn from all walks of life and they were friendly and accepting. The culture of being kind and generous ran through the group, whether in practical tasks like navigating the airport with our luggage or being willing to discuss their own faith.

Secondly, the organized set pieces of Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Compline and, most importantly, the masses were a surprising joy – providing structure and a welcome opportunity to pray. Our daily observances were guided

by Fr. Philip and Mgr. Keith and, on several occasions, Sr. Elaine from the convent of Casa Madonna della Pace sand and accompanied us on her guitar. We were provided with a booklet which was invaluable. It was a hybrid, containing information about places to visit; devotional prayers / extracts to guide our thoughts and prayers and the allimportant order of service for our communal worship. It was the physical manifestation of a really well-organised trip - every aspect was covered – thank you Father Philip and Jane.

Finally, Assisi provided the perfect environment for reflection. It is a truly beautiful town and rightly attracts many visitors. However, it is much more than a tourist destination. The sacred sites linked to St Francis are beautifully kept, and carefully documented his life. You can imagine his life through the spartan conditions at the hermitage on the hill to the church of San Damiano which is essentially in the countryside and much as Francis would have experienced. His legacy is everywhere with his writings and the Order of the Franciscans.

For me, it was about exploring my Catholic faith, which, in truth, I hadn’t given in-depth thought to for nearly 30 years. I had always thought my Christian faith was a code to live by, but this pilgrimage has made me think what this means. It has also made me look at the liturgy afresh – in particular offering one another the sign of peace. I have returned to my busy life and have found myself reflecting on the words of the prayer often attributed to St Francis: “Make me a channel of your Peace.”

So – should you have the opportunity to go on pilgrimage, I would urge you to consider it.

Lesley Ann Jones & friends

Different Thoughts from another New and Apprehensive Pilgrim When I signed my grandson and me up for the pilgrimage to Assisi last year, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

However, as the departure date grew nearer, I became more apprehensive. My concern was not so much finding myself in Assisi, as not losing William there.

William had no worries at all. We left a month after his tenth birthday and he was very excited. What we were both expecting from this pilgrimage can be summarised by the essentials we packed in our pilgrim’s backpack. I packed my First Aid kit and a guidebook to Umbria, detailing all the noteworthy paintings in the churches of Assisi. William packed his handbook to rocks and minerals, a set of Top Trump cards on ancient Egypt and

numerous back issues of ‘The Beano’. His essentials were very useful; mine never emerged from the backpack.

listening to the organ, and visiting our favourite gelateria in the Piazza Santa Chiara.

We both took lots of photographs during our week away, but I think that photos can never replicate the memories of our experiences in Umbria. I will always remember exploring the narrow, hilly, streets of Assisi, climbing the steep and stony path to the Hermitage and stopping frequently to watch the bright green lizards scurrying away among the rocks, sitting together in the Duomo at Orvieto

Yes, the pilgrimage was different to what I was expecting. I suppose I imagined that I would find God in all those churches we never visited. Instead I found Him sitting by the fountain in the Piazza, eating an ice cream. And William’s verdict on the pilgrimage? ‘It was really fun.’

Jane Cheyne Parish Office Manager

Catholic South West June 2026 5

The Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism Every religion has some sort of initiation process. This includes Christianity. We hear in the Acts of Apostles that once people believed in the message of Jesus Christ, they were baptised and received the Holy Spirit. It was a mark of a new way of life of adhering and following the message that Jesus Christ gave us.

Following the way of Jesus Christ or being Christian is a lifelong process. We do not mature at one moment in time, but for most of us, it takes a lifetime. The Sacraments of Initiation are the beginning of the process into the life of Christ, primarily the Paschal Mystery – that is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Church teaches that through the Sacraments of Initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In a modern understanding, we are freed from selfishness, pride, injustice, and wrongdoing, and brought to fullness of life in Christ, which is a life of giving, justice, reconciliation, peace, and love. Let us focus on the gateway to the life of Christ and to the other sacraments - Baptism.

Using true water and the formula determined by the Church - “I baptism you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”, we are washed and freed from our sin and are reborn as children of God and are incorporated into Christ’s body, the Church. Looking at the ‘materials’ involved in a sacrament help us to have a deeper understanding of what is happening in the sacraments. Water has the quality of cleansing and purifying.

Through baptism, original sin and any

personal sin is washed away. Humanity enjoyed a harmony with God, with each other, and with creation at one time, but through the sin of Adam and Eve, that harmony was broken. It had a ripple effect. We see the effects of this, time and again, in the world around us with so much injustice, hatred, pride, and war.

Although Baptism washes away Original Sin, we still face the reality of a struggle with sin. The Sacraments of Healing help us with this struggle. Water also has the quality of renewal and refreshment.

Newness of life in Christ by being incorporated into him and therefore being his sons and daughters. We are conformed to the likeness of Christ, that our manner of life is transformed slowly into his life. Being incorporated into Christ also entails that we are incorporated into the life of the Trinity – a life of love and relationship. By being incorporated into Jesus Christ, we are incorporated into his Body, which is the Church. Being Christian is never a private endeavour but is cooperative. It is easy for us to view the celebration of the sacraments in a magical manner, but it involves, and presupposes, faith. That firm trust and belief in the message of Jesus Christ.

Faith also entails that we live it out and foster it by prayer, reading the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments, and works of charity for each other. The Sacrament of Baptism is the start of our Christian journey and not the end. We are in need of the other Sacraments for this life in Christ to grow and mature.

Fr Anthony Fyk

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6 June 2026 Catholic South West

International Mass celebration

Bishop Nicholas and parishioners from Sacred Heart church in Exeter gathered recently to celebrate an International Mass. Now in its fifteenth year, this gathering recognised the diversity of the members of its parish as well as the shared sense of family and welcome to all.

59 flags representing the different nationalities in their congregation were presented. Lasting comments were shared about the message of Hope, and the recognition that no matter where you are from, the way that we greet each other and look after each other is surely a blueprint for Hope in this world.

Catholic South West June 2026 7

HOPE happened across the diocese From the 13th - 20th May we invited all of our churches to stand in solidarity with A Million Acts of Hope campaign.

This national initiative celebrated the everyday acts of kindness, care and connection happening across the UK. Shining a light on the everyday acts of hope and the people and communities that make them happen.

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth designed a Welcome banner utilising the 75 languages that have been identified in each of our parish communities.

Each church displayed a poster version of the banner, and we invited parishioners to take a look and see how many languages they recognised.

We know that our congregations are a great witness of Welcome and belonging to all. Look out for future banners and flags displayed outside your churches to show the local community that, no matter what your background, you are welcome to come and join in with all of parish life. millionactsofhope.org

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Pray with the Pope

That everyone might have food In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amén.

Lord of creation, You gave us the fertile earth and, with it, our daily bread, as a sign of Your love and providence.

Today we recognize with sorrow that millions of brothers and sisters continue to suffer from hunger, while so many goods are wasted at our tables.

For resources on how to Pray with the Pope, either on your own or in groups, use this QR code.

A global issue According to the World Food Programme’s 2026 Global Outlook, 318 million people will face food crisis or even worse situations this year.

The agency warns that the conflict in the Middle East could push an additional 45 million people into facing dire hunger before the middle of this year.

In a press release accompanying the video, Fr. Cristóbal Fones, international director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the intention is very significant.

“This intention," he said, "comes from the Pope’s heart. It pains him deeply that so many people in the world cannot access something as essential and human as food.

This is why he is asking everyone not to remain indifferent but to take decisive action, first with prayer, then with concrete gestures of solidarity.”

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.

Awaken in us a new awareness: that we learn to thank for every food, to consume simply, to share with joy, and to care for the fruits of the earth as a gift from You, destined for all, not just a few.

Good Father, make us capable of transforming the logic of selfish consumption into a culture of solidarity.

May our communities promote concrete gestures: awareness campaigns, food banks, and a sober and responsible lifestyle.

You who sent us Your beloved Son Jesus, broken bread for the life of the world, give us a new heart, hungry for justice and thirsty for fraternity.

May no one be excluded from the common table, and may Your Spirit teach us to see bread not as an object of consumption, but as a sign of communion and care.

Amen.

8 June 2026 Catholic South West

Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Facing Stress Mental health is a major issue for many people in our society today. Even if a person is physically healthy, the stresses of life can cause mental anguish and distress. Naturally there may be causes that are specific to individual circumstances.

The stresses can be more painful because many of us in today’s society are conditioned to expect an easy stress-free life. A hundred years ago, everybody knew that life was tough, with many challenges. Today resilience to face challenges is less common.

The scriptural writers knew that life on earth could be hard. That is why they shared their experiences of sorrow as well as joy. For instance, the Book of Job describes the suffering of one good man who finds little sympathy from his so-called comforters.

The prophet Jeremiah also offers a very direct and honest account of the

travails he suffered for being faithful to his personal vocation. When he was called

by God, he was warned that he would face opposition, even from his own people. But God gave him this promise: “I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you.”

Hence, he could affirm his faith: “The Lord is with me as a mighty warrior.” Even when facing severe opposition, the prophet did not take vengeance into his own hands but relied on God to vindicate him and overcome his enemies.

The first reading on the 12th Sunday of the Year (21st June) has an extract from the last of Jeremiah’s five laments. These are like his diary entries or Facebook posts, chronicling with searing honesty his reactions to the distress caused by his opponents.

When God intervened to rescue him, he offered thanksgiving: “Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, for he has delivered the life of the needy from the power of evildoers.” Jeremiah had entrusted his pain and anguish to God, and now he expressed his gratitude when his distress was eased.

One of the most painful experiences in life is to be betrayed by people you have trusted. During this sad experience, Jeremiah laments: “All my familiar friends are watching for my downfall.” The prophet had aimed to be faithful to his calling, but when his message displeased those around him, they turned against him.

Faced with this difficult situation, Jeremiah sought refuge with God, remembering God’s earlier promise.

In the gospel for Sunday 21st June, Jesus also tells his followers not to expect an easy life. Indeed, because some of his early followers could face martyrdom, Jesus tells them starkly: “Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

Moreover, he reminds his hearers that each person is immensely valuable to God: “Even the hairs of your heads are all numbered. You are of more value than

Funeral Services

many sparrows.” God values each person, created in his image and likeness.

When we face personal struggles, sometimes we can doubt our selfworth and think that we are useless.

We can even feel that God no longer cares about us. In such a situation, there is no simple cure. But we can draw inspiration from courageous witnesses who have gone before us, whether prophets like Jeremiah, great saints like the martyrs, or brave people we have known.

When he was called, Jeremiah had been told by God: “I am with you, to deliver you.” And when he faced opposition, he said: “The Lord is with me as a mighty warrior.” Like Jeremiah, we can trust that we are not alone in our difficulties. God is with us, even if sometimes he seems distant. So, in the bad times as well as the good times, let us commit our lives to him.

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Catholic South West June 2026 9

View from the Pew

By Dr Jay Kettle-Williams

‘God of Gode, Leoht of Leohte’ Language has always interested me, particularly etymology which is concerned with the development of words. By that term ‘language’ I mean the code we employ in everyday intercourse between ourselves as we go about our business and with the constituent parts: verbs, nouns, adverbs, adjectives and their fellows.

It’s interesting to note that human language is the only social institution without which none other could function.

Without language we wouldn’t have the Bible, we wouldn’t have the Ten Commandments, we wouldn’t have the Sermon on the Mount, there’d be no homilies at Mass (please don’t smile at this point) … and Shakespeare, let alone Dickens and the others, would never have put quill to paper.

So a video clip on ‘X’, formerly Twitter, recently caught my attention. It had been originally posted a year or more ago by the Church of England.

The Church of England, as we all recognise, was formally founded in 1534 through the Act of Supremacy. King Henry VIII was declared "Supreme Head of the Church of England" in official severance of ties with the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. This act of separation was primarily in response to the Pope's refusal to annul Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the youngest daughter of the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile) who had returned Spain to Catholicism after nearly eight hundred years of Muslim rule (711-1492).

But the video clip took us back to long before 1534, long before Catherine of Aragon, the mother of Mary Tudor (Queen Mary I of England) and who played such a pivotal role in English politics and the prelude to the English Reformation.

The presenter of the video on ‘X’ spoke about the monk Aelfric who in 992, ironically some 500 years before the establishment of the CofE, translated the Nicene Creed from Latin into the English of his day, here in Latin and in modernday English: CREDO in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium.

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas.

Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei **unigenitum, ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt.

Who, with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified: Who has spoken through the Prophets.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father; through Whom all things were made.

Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.

Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven. And he was made flesh by the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.

He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered, and was buried. On the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.

Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis.

And He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.

Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.

And (I believe in) one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi.

Amen.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.

Amen.

The Nicene Creed, or Symbolum Nicaenum, was first adopted at the First Council of Nicaea (in the modern Turkish city of Iznik) in 325 AD and later amended at the First Council of Constantinople (in modern-day Istanbul) in 381 AD. It serves as a fundamental statement of Christian faith, accepted by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and most Protestant churches.

To watch and listen to the presenter of the video clip reciting the Nicene creed in Old English, Aelfric’s English of one thousand years ago - parts of which are intelligible to this day, parts of which are certainly not – simply scan the QR code.

Enjoy!

Notes, Acknowledgements and Attribution: Accompanying image (Statue with Blowing Horn) after the sculpture Exultate Jubilate by Philip Jackson; Texts/References adapted and/or adopted from http://en.wikipedia.org under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike License 4.0: /; The title of this article is taken from Aelfric’s translation. See video clip.

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

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10 June 2026 Catholic South West

The Fool’s Pilgrimage

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Edition19th 52 March

Wiseman Saint Francis of Assisi died on pages1226, 3 October 6 & 7 was answered. Two years before near the small chapel he loved his death, page 8 most.

Francis received the wounds of Christ on his page 11 St Alphege - April 19 hands, feet, and side, becoming He did not die in a grand church the first or monastery. recorded saint to bear the stigmata.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth. From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a He asked for the Passion of Christ according life that could not be contained. Francis to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home and lay people, now spread across every to God. continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

Near the end of his life, broken in body, nearly blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, The Franciscan Jubilee Francis did not fear death. He welcomed her In the as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.”Gwen Wiseman context of this centenary year, Pope Leo and self-will became His final XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan theJubilee, hidden path of momentsThis wereyear an act marked of complete the 800th surrender, anniversary inviting sanctity.toHe whole Church of the theFrancis’ was canonised - April 19 rediscover a St lastAlphege imitation the only two death ofof ChristFrancis Saint who had given For years heart of Assisi. after his Gospel death the through oneof the

by Pope everythingextraordinary life and Gregory IX, who on the Cross.month, witness of St from 22 February described Francis. him as one of the to 22 greatest imitators March, the mortal remains of the saint were of Christ the Church had ever How a person dies often reveals known. placed on public veneration, how they A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is dedicated drawing have lived. Francis died as he to other great Franciscan saints lived: poor, free, pilgrims from across the world the plenary For indulgence an online booking system has attached to this Jubilee, such to Assisi.

Fr Quackenbush, trusting, and wholly abandoned been introduced the veneration of Francis’ as St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony to God. addressed in a special way to of Padua, to manage access. remains was not about the members of St Bonaventure, Further information is death. “The and St Maximilian Kolbe. In the Franciscan families of During that time, hundreds available at www.sanfrancescovive.org.

First, Second, emphasis we’re trying the Eight Hundred Years Later of thousands the spirit of the Jubilee decree, make is that this isn’t and Third Orders, Regulartoand these places are about passed through the Basilica, On 10 January as well natural death,” he said. “It’sSecular, 2026, the Franciscan family many travelling local points of pilgrimage, ensuring about life.” as to Institutes of Consecrated A Year to Walk Alongside Francis Life, Societies that the grace across thehundreds, even with world, together thousands of miles of the Year of St Francis is the Church forApostolic in of the Life, and associations that observe While praying before the crucifix chanceintoprayer Assisi, gathered spendatjust accessible to all the faithful, in the ruined the aBasilica few brief the Rule of St Francis orThe of moments including those church of of wheat drawgrain inspiration San Damiano, Francis heard Santa Maria before from unable to travel to Assisi. deglithe remains Angeli Many pilgrims arrived to open Christ of the the humble Eighth friar his spirituality. who with curiosity or say: “Francis, go and rebuild my Centenaryonce of the Ask your priest how the Year called deathhimself Church.” of St Francis. devotion. But as they “the little poor one.” of Francis will moved through the be lived in your parish and diocese.

St Simon Stock - May 16th At the sameexperience something time, this grace At first, he understood this literally. deeper is extended The world to allbegan to stir knew itwas marked by the faithful,within them.

At Francis He rebuilt first glance, who, with hearts Standing ruined chapels with his own before detached violence, division, and deep might have seemed that the remains from Veneration hands, before of pilgrims had simply inequality. of the Mortal Remains of the in Our sin, participate saint, come to see the they slowly realising that Christ was encountered Jubilee by making anot only the the bones of modern world may appear calling him to very different on Saint Francis a medieval memory to any of Yet the a holy man something deeper, not the rebuilding Franciscan friars servingpilgrimage the surface, and yet insaint. conventual from the past Asbut at the partthe of the centenary celebrations, of stone ways church Basilica say many or question that shaped pilgrims walls, but the rebuilding somethingit remains dedicated painfully similar. Eight Francis’ far deeper was place of worship to life: St of hearts are invited “Lord, and lives. hundred to venerate what years after his Francis the mortal remains, the This do you anywhere want meintothe year, the same invitation is extended began as an act of devotionof Assisi death, in aunfolding. world. do?”

This With fracturedWhat was thebones of St Francis. After his death, and and restless question to world, his particular tenderness, out of us. became something Francis once the asked Churchbefore witness still has ensured calls us back to themore fearofofSan personal: the crucifix medieval relic hunters, Francis’s essentials.

The a moment that the sickDamiano, and the elderly, body of prayer, thosestill faithful from when and unable he was wasyoung everyreflection hidden. Almost six hundred years for many, corner and, a restless of the globe a renewed to leave their later, in homes for serious man Go and rebuild what God desires encounter searching reasons may 1818, Pope Pius continue to be drawnwith for direction. faith. by the to life of this small, also obtain the VII ordered a search for the plenary indulgence by uniting unlikely man. But why? restore within you. tomb, which was successfully themselves spiritually to rediscovered Go and rebuild the places where After venerating the the Jubilee beneath the altar of “It is startling to see the trust and remains, the Lower Basilica of St pilgrims were celebrations and offering to God crowds” relationships have weakened.

Francis refused into a nearby chapeltheir prayers, Francis.led Among tothose dilutewelcoming the demands to renew of theto Assisi sufferings, pilgrims baptismal Go and rebuild holiness in the difficulties of life. their was and the daily Gospel. He In embraced Fr Daniel ordinary shifting the focus without reserve, this way, thepromises, MaryitQuackenbush, mercy proclaimed by St Francisfrom the life of OFM Conv., an Francis choosing American details of daily life. poverty over is The tomb was last opened to their own. The friars friarcomfort, in 1978 under Pope from peace over made Eight hundred years after Francis all, regardless of framed this power, and humility over statusupstate New York whoaccessible Paul VI momentto for inspection at whi h ti met serves at the Basilica and through the words of The Gospel ci Christ in the is responsible for thet Gospel of John: “Unless English-language Mass a grain of wheat falls celebrated each into the earth and dies, it remains Sunday morning. just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life “It is startling to of Francis is a living see the crowds,” Fr example of that Gospel truth. Like Quackenbush said. “The the grain of fact that Francis still wheat that falls into the earth, has this appeal after Francis eight hundred years surrendered his life completely to proclaims something God. In about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition Fr Quackenbush, the and reputation, explanation lies in the he discovered a freedom that transformed depth of Francis’ interior not life. “He had no only his own life but the lives of countless enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought others. was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.”

The saint’s holiness Francis spoke of death not with fear was not built on outward but with drama alone but on trust, referring to it in the Canticle an interior struggle, of the a constant effort to Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The surrender everything enthusiasm to God. “He was Francis still generates among the constantly trying to people of put to death whatever God is a sign he isn’t dead,” wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.” explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition The remains of Saint Continued on page 2 Francis of Assisi

St. Joseph

The Year of Francis

Gwen

Gwen Wiseman

Francis opened On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope inviting the the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, of 2025. “This is Church into the Jubilee Year we are invited to Gwen Wiseman the season of hope in which the Lord,” he death, rediscover the joy of meeting Two years before his us to spiritual renewalwas answered. said. “The Jubilee calls of Christ on his died on 3 October 1226, received the wounds Saint Francis of Assisi us to the transformation of ourFrancis the first and commits chapel he loved most. and side, becoming a near the smallthat this year may truly become hands, feet, world, so the stigmata. recorded saint to bear flowed a time of jubilation.” church or monastery. radical conformity to Christ He did not die in a grand earth. From this Francis be laid naked on the bare as a year in that could not be contained.

He asked to2025 be remembered according life Jubilee thewill friars, sisters, Passion of Christ a worldwide family of together He asked for Church walked him. He founded which the ofglobal across every to be read to and Gospel John change, people, now spread to the and joy, continuity home and lay through grief then, quietly, he went reaches far beyond psalms. Andthat hope, sangdiscovering rooted in Christ, as Stcontinent. Yet his influence (Romthose who wear a habit. to God. Paul reminds us, “does not disappoint”

Fingers and Feet

page 11

The Year of Francis

: Jubilee 2025Renewe d Fingers and Feet

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They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

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Edition 53Winners

The Roaming Catholic in Vietnam

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

Is morality Cycling to 5:5). broken in body, nearly The Franciscan Jubilee Near the end of his life, dead?

Lourdes year, Pope Leo by years of severe fasting, blind, and exhausted In the context of this centenary A Jubilee ThatHeSurpassed Jubilee, welcomed her death. proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Francis did not fearExpectations the His final XIV has “Sister Bodily Death.” on the Feast of theinviting the whole Church to rediscover sister: as aAs the Jubilee concluded and surrender, that moreheart of the Gospel through the life were an act of complete and self-will became the hidden path of moments Gwenpage Wiseman Epiphany, the Vatican confirmed given 4 page 9 of Christ who hadRome from imitation a last Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two system has been introduced witness of St Francis.

33 million pilgrims travelled to than booking an online This year marked the 800th anniversary of the is on the Cross. information great Franciscan saints far exceeding expectations. The everything years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who access. ofFurther 185 countries, is dedicated to other deathtoofmanage Saint Francis Assisi. For one St Anthony of Padua, the Jubilee a visibleA particular grace of the Year of St Francis described him as one of the greatest imitators scale of participation made at www.sanfrancescovive.org. such as St Clare of Assisi, In availablemonth, reveals how they from 22 February to 22 attached to this Jubilee, dies St Maximilian Kolbe. extraordinary Church’s universality. a person of theoften How expression the plenary indulgence of Christ the Church had ever known.

St Bonaventure, and as he lived: poor, free, places are March, the mortal remainsAlongside of the saint Francis were way to the members of have lived. Francis died the Jubilee decree, these addressed in a special Year to Walk drawing pilgrimsruined Second, the spirit of to God. ensuring placedMedia onApublic veneration,the and wholly events were celebrated, eachthe Franciscan families of the First, crucifix in the Jubileeabandoned points of pilgrimage, trusting, 35 major ©Vatican before natural local For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ Pope Francis.

While praying as well is across Holy Door, byYear or group Opening of thegrace of St Francisfrom the world to Assisi. heard Christ Orders, Regular and Secular, Francis of the Time dedicated to a particular vocation for Our Damiano, Saints that the remains was not about death. “The emphasis the witness Laternot merelyand Third thoseof church of San Years were associated sitethe including Hundred of Consecrated Life, Societies Church.”by the faithful, with myenriched Eightthe Church. These Institutes sites were Maximus,toa all rebuild within andwas further Year “Francis, we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about family as tobasilicas Jubilee go and traditional pilgrimage say: The that observe accessible Franciscan the moments of encounter martyrs. The sight of thousands 2026, but Christian earlyto During that time, hundredsGiorgio of thousands Life, and associations January in unable gatherings, On 10 large travel to Assisi. of Apostolic Frassati and Carlo highlighted a surge Pier in the priests of for and death,” he said.

“It’s about life.” from Church queuing reported the canonisations and will with deepened, Francis passed through the Basilica, many people quietly young He rebuilt ofyour was shared, the world, travelling faith together of St Francis or draw inspiration pilgrims Ask Leo this literally. across where priest how the Year ofdefining images the Rule understood first, hethe first saints canonised by Pope AtAcutis, Confessions, particularly among the diocese. the Basilica of became one ofand before hands, gathered in prayer at own hundreds, even thousands of miles for theresonant his Assisi,renewed. in the Jubilee sacrament his spirituality. withproved be lived in your parish especially chapels ruined seeking to participate fully witness The grain of wheat to open the Eighth XIV. Their of the Holy Year. calling him to chance to spend just that a few briefwas moments Santa Maria degli Angeli Christ realising on hope.

Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or of slowly a Holy Year centred St Francis. on Easter Monday indulgence. during grace is extended to all Francis Pope of of theofdeath The death of the Mortal Remains the rebuilding Centenary before the remains of thenot humble friar whoof stone At the same time, this deeper, Veneration the of from something Prefect the followed devotion.

But as they moved through the year, the moment, lives.

Francis who, with hearts detached left an indelible mark during the Sacramenta of Reflecting onSaint of hearts faithful, once himself little poor one.” andmessage: rebuilding

by Leothe This but the“the renewed return to the youngcalled walls, marked making signs of Pope experience something deeper began to stir pilgrims election to knew thewas observed: “To see those Both saints offer a compelling Francis and in the Jubilee by clearest is extended the conclave world The by the centenary celebrations, sin, Rparticipate of Rome, part of As City iliation was one of the conventual l This year, the same invitation within them. Standing before the remains of deep inequality. Ourh mortal remains, the violence, division, and pilgrimage to any Franciscan invited to venerate the At first glance, it might have seemed that the saint, they encountered not only the very different on dedicated to St are death, and out of us. modern world may appear church or place of worship of St Francis. After his pilgrims had simply come to see the bones of memory of a holy man from the past but the in the world. With bones many ways it remains hunters, Francis’s body God desires to the surface, and yet in what Francis of Assisi anywhere fear of medieval relic Go and a medieval saint.

Yetrebuild the friars serving at the question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what in hundred years after his years later, the Church has ensured you. painfully similar. Eight particular tenderness, restorefarwithin hidden. Almost six hundred say something deeper was do you want me to do?” This was the question the and those unable was and restless world, his a search forBasilica death, in a fractured places where trust and that the sick and the elderly, rebuildasthe 1818, Pope Pius VII ordered andbegan unfolding.Go What an act of devotion Francis once asked before the crucifix of San to the essentials. The serious reasons may rediscovered have weakened. witness still calls us back to leave their homes for tomb, which was successfully relationships more personal: a moment of St something corner of the globe Damiano, when he was still a restless young indulgence by uniting Basilica became faithful from every holiness in the ordinary the altar of the Lower also obtain the plenary Go and rebuild of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed to the Jubilee beneath by the life of this small, man searching for direction. continue to be drawn themselves spiritually details of daily life.

Francis. encounter with faith. to God their prayers, Francis met unlikely man. But why? celebrations and offering Eight hundred years after under Pope difficulties of life. In After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led still points us to Christ was last opened in 1978 life sufferings, and the daily his tomb The Death, the is of Sister

by St Francis the demands “It is startling to see the crowds” without into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal at which time the Francis refused to dilute this way, the mercy proclaimed Paul VI for inspection, calls us to live the Gospel it without reserve, all, regardless of Among thoseand welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was promises, shifting the focus from the life of in a sealed protective Gospel. He embraced made accessible to compromise. remains were placed in Mary Quackenbush, comfort, peace over Fr Daniel OFM Conv., an today.

Francis to their own. The friars framed this preservation. Now, begins choosing poverty over circumstance. container to ensure their The journey with Francis public status. The Gospel friar from upstate New York who from moment through the words of Christ in the be exposed forAmerican power, and humility over 2026, Francis’s body will The Franciscan Year runs he believed; it was the UK have a parish or Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls serves at the Basilica and is2026 responsible for the 2027. first time. to 10 January was not simply something Most dioceses across veneration for the very 10 January life, shaping every after St Francis of English-language Mass celebrated each into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; the pattern of his entire church explicitly named the has at least one during Assisi, if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) Sunday morning. or visits tobut choice he made.

Assisi, and every diocese veneration will take place For pilgrimages, retreats connected to the Public February to 22 March.

For the| friars, the life of Francis is a living gwen@viaassisi.com church or place of worship season of Lent, from 22 contact Gwen Wiseman: give himself to Christ includes Franciscan of pilgrims expected “It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of So completely did Francis Franciscan charism. This Due to the large number event, www.viaassisi.com both the physical Poor Clare convents, extraordinaryQuackenbush that he prayed to share said. “The fact that Francis still wheat that falls into the earth, Francis friaries, Franciscan and to travel to Assisi for this and the burning love as well as churches suffering of the Cross has this appeal after eight hundred years surrendered his life completely to God. In shrines and chapels, himself. This prayer with which Christ offered proclaims something about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, h di d f d h f d

Parishes go solar

page 10

Catholic & Anglican Dioceses Choose Palestinian Olive Oil for their Holy Oils indcatholicnews.com

In Holy Week, our thoughts and prayers were very much on the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land In an act of deep symbolism and solidarity a number of Catholic and Anglican Dioceses have again chosen Palestinian Olive Oil as the base for their Holy Oils.

Reflecting on the continued suffering of those living in the Holy Land, a representative from Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace, said: “[We are] deeply shocked by all the suffering we see imposed on those in the Holy Land. We have seen

indescribable mass destruction of lives, homes and land in Gaza, and the people of the West Bank are seeing destruction and violence that goes far beyond the harassment and obstruction they have experienced for decades.

“The last olive harvest in Palestine was one of the most difficult in memory. Across the West Bank farmers have faced violence, intimidation and the constant fear of attack. Armed settlers have blocked access to olive groves, set fire to trees and vandalised property. Some have assaulted farmers and their families or threatened them with guns and batons. In some areas, olive trees have been bulldozed or uprooted by the Israeli army. Harvesting for many has become as act of defiance and resilience. Families have had to make an unthinkable choice - to stay away from their

groves and let the olives fall, rather than risk their lives and that of their families.

“Never has our solidarity and support for the Holy Land been needed more and this Easter it's good to know that we can be linked in such a special way, through the use of olive oil from the Holy Land, to the Palestinian families who have produced the oil that will be used throughout the year in the Sacraments of the Sick, Baptism and Holy Orders and in the anointing of new bishops."

Canon Rob Esdaile, parish priest of St Dunstan's, Woking, has campaigned for peace and justice for many years, reflecting on the significant challenges faced by Palestinian farmers he said: “The olive tree has long been a symbol of the heritage of the inhabitants of the Holy Land. Psalm 133 uses the vivid image of olive oil running down a man's beard as a

Image: Gwen Wiseman

symbol of peace in the community and of 'brothers dwelling in unity', while the same oil was used by Samuel to anoint both King Saul and King David.

“In the face of military blockades and the theft of land [the annual olive harvest] has become a symbol of resistance and hope. Our liturgical use of Palestinian olive oil is both an act of solidarity and a very physical prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and of the whole Holy Land."

While we take part in the services of Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost, we remember that since the war on Iran, all Palestinian places of worship in Jerusalem have been closed by the Israeli Authorities... denying access to worship for Muslims and Christians. We are asked to keep them in our prayers as we hope for a Just Peace for all in the Holy Land."

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The heat.

The noise.

The endless swarm of scooters moving in what can only be described as organised chaos. I thought it was bad in Bangkok, but this, well this seems even more of a challenge.

You don’t so much cross the road… as step into it and trust. That trust builds confidence and you just “go with the flow”.

Vietnam.

It’s been on our list of places to go for a while, and finally it made it to the top. We love Southeast Asia – and Vietnam is great. It hits you fast.

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And somewhere in amongst all that, fresh off the plane, slightly disoriented and not entirely sure what time zone my body thought it was in… I found myself standing in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

It was a Sunday, we had landed into Ho Chi Min City (HCMC) formally known as Saigon. Made our way to the hotel in downtown and left our luggage to go exploring.

There was a mall, Lisa had gone to Zara.

Naturally.

And I’d gone to church. Also, naturally.

The usher at the door stopped me “No Tourists!” he said, a little forcefully - “I’m here for mass” my phone said to him via google translate–he smiled and waved me in.

Stepping inside, was still as hectic as outside – the good people of Vietnam, like

other Southeast Asian countries are busy.

Yet, as mass started everything softened.

The noise dulled.

The pace slowed.

The familiar rhythm of a Catholic church— quiet, reflective, ordered—wrapped itself around me like something I didn’t realise I needed.

In a city that felt so different… this felt the same.

I had, walked into an English mass – Catholicism is relatively big in Vietnam – technically an atheist country because of its communist political majority yet faith, and the practice of it is everywhere.

And I think, at that moment, I assumed that was what I’d be looking for throughout the trip (of life)—little pockets of familiarity in an otherwise unfamiliar world.

The shared camaraderie of the normal person in the street, or church, or shop.

Back home, in merry old England religion tends to live in buildings. And in the privacy of our own minds and homes.

Church on a Sunday.

Quiet, contained, separate from the rest of life.

Our faith is a personal thing–to talk openly about our religion invites arguments! Or debates, even within those who share the same banner of beliefs.

Catholic South West June 2026 11 We keep it personal. But in Vietnam… it’s everywhere.

Different rituals. Different meanings. But the same instinct.

Small altars tucked into the corners of homes.

Incense burning gently in shop doorways.

Offerings of fruit and flowers placed carefully beneath photos of loved ones.

The same quiet human desire to reach for something beyond ourselves.

It wasn’t something you went to. It was something you lived alongside. At first, I tried to make sense of it.

Was it Buddhist?

Was it something else?

Was it… everything?

There were temples, yes.

There were churches too.

But nothing seemed to sit neatly in a single box. And the more I looked for a clear answer, the more Vietnam seemed to quietly resist giving me one.

And then, somewhere between the questions and the observations… a realisation clicked into place. Because the more I noticed, the more I realised that while the forms were different… the feeling wasn’t.

I’d see incense placed gently into a holder outside a home… and think of the thurible swinging softly during Mass.

To honour. To remember. To connect.

And maybe, for the first time, I stopped trying to define what I was seeing… and just let myself experience it.

Hoi An was one of those places where that feeling really settled in. As night fell and the lanterns lit up the river, there was a stillness that didn’t need explaining. People releasing candles onto the water… not with urgency, not with noise… just a quiet intention. No instructions. No structure.

They’re everywhere in parts. Bold. Cheeky.

Completely uninterested in your personal space. At one point, I’m pretty sure one of them sized me up as an easy target.

By the time we reached Hanoi, something had changed. Not outwardly. But quietly.

Internally.

And as I stood in front of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, I felt that same sense of familiarity I’d felt at the start of the trip.

And watching them—grabbing, pulling, reacting purely on instinct—it was hard not to laugh… and also recognise something uncomfortably familiar.

The same structure. The same rhythm.

The same faith I’d always known. But it didn’t feel quite the same. Because now, it wasn’t the only place I’d recognised it.

Because for all our rituals, our beliefs, our attempts at mindfulness and meaning… we’re never that far removed from instinct.

I’d seen it in the smoke of incense on a street corner.

In the stillness of lanterns floating on water.

In the vastness of Ha Long Bay. Even, in a strange way, in the chaos of a monkey with no regard for personal boundaries.

From reaction. From impulse.

The Fool, it turns out, isn’t just wandering through Vietnam. He’s very much alive and well.

Just a moment.

And it struck me that maybe the sacred doesn’t always need a framework. Maybe it just needs space.

And then came Ha Long Bay. And everything went quiet again. But this time, not because of walls or buildings or structure.

Because of scale.

Of course… just as you start to feel like you’re getting somewhere with all this…

Vietnam has a way of bringing you straight back down to earth.

Towering limestone cliffs rising out of still water.

Mist hanging in the air.

Silence that didn’t feel empty… just full.

Or rather… face to face with a monkey.

There was no cathedral here. No altar. No stained glass. And yet it felt like one of the most sacred places I’d been.

Vietnam didn’t give me a new religion. It didn’t challenge my faith in the way I thought it might. It did something else. It expanded it. Because what I found wasn’t something different. It was something familiar… expressed in ways I hadn’t yet learned to recognise.

And maybe that’s the real pilgrimage. Not travelling to find something new. But travelling far enough… to see what’s been there all along.

Because standing there—well, floating there—you couldn’t help but feel small.

Not insignificant. Just… part of something bigger. Something that didn’t need explaining. Didn’t need defining. Just needed witnessing.

The Pilgrimage continues.

Namaste – Have a Great Day Dan Sobey

MAY 2026

www.CatholicPost.co.uk

Edition 53

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

Cycling to Lourdes

Is morality dead?

Parishes go solar

page 4

page 9

page 10

St Simon Stock - May 16th

Catholic & Anglican Dioceses Choose Palestinian Olive Oil for their Holy Oils indcatholicnews.com

In Holy Week, our thoughts and prayers were very much on the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land In an act of deep symbolism and solidarity a number of Catholic and Anglican Dioceses have again chosen Palestinian Olive Oil as the base for their Holy Oils.

Reflecting on the continued suffering of those living in the Holy Land, a representative from Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace, said: “[We are] deeply shocked by all the suffering we see imposed on those in the Holy Land. We have seen

indescribable mass destruction of lives, homes and land in Gaza, and the people of the West Bank are seeing destruction and violence that goes far beyond the harassment and obstruction they have experienced for decades.

“The last olive harvest in Palestine was one of the most difficult in memory. Across the West Bank farmers have faced violence, intimidation and the constant fear of attack. Armed settlers have blocked access to olive groves, set fire to trees and vandalised property. Some have assaulted farmers and their families or threatened them with guns and batons. In some areas, olive trees have been bulldozed or uprooted by the Israeli army. Harvesting for many has become as act of defiance and resilience. Families have had to make an unthinkable choice - to stay away from their

groves and let the olives fall, rather than risk their lives and that of their families.

“Never has our solidarity and support for the Holy Land been needed more and this Easter it's good to know that we can be linked in such a special way, through the use of olive oil from the Holy Land, to the Palestinian families who have produced the oil that will be used throughout the year in the Sacraments of the Sick, Baptism and Holy Orders and in the anointing of new bishops."

Canon Rob Esdaile, parish priest of St Dunstan's, Woking, has campaigned for peace and justice for many years, reflecting on the significant challenges faced by Palestinian farmers he said: “The olive tree has long been a symbol of the heritage of the inhabitants of the Holy Land. Psalm 133 uses the vivid image of olive oil running down a man's beard as a

symbol of peace in the community and of 'brothers dwelling in unity', while the same oil was used by Samuel to anoint both King Saul and King David.

“In the face of military blockades and the theft of land [the annual olive harvest] has become a symbol of resistance and hope. Our liturgical use of Palestinian olive oil is both an act of solidarity and a very physical prayer for the peace of Jerusalem and of the whole Holy Land."

While we take part in the services of Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost, we remember that since the war on Iran, all Palestinian places of worship in Jerusalem have been closed by the Israeli Authorities... denying access to worship for Muslims and Christians. We are asked to keep them in our prayers as we hope for a Just Peace for all in the Holy Land."

The UK’s first Carbon Neutral National Catholic Paper Subscribe@catholicpost.co.uk 01440 730399 www.catholicpost.co.uk Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

12 June 2026 Catholic South West

16 Jewish commentary on the Torah, and thanks over Left’s abuse being put down (6) 18 The King’s hard to follow, like Tolkein’s take on some in Middle Earth (6) 19 Setback: part of a clear single-mindedness of this 7 country? (6) 20 One of Joktan’s boys at work: say hello, Rex (5) 22 Sacred-sounding festival in 7 (4) QUICK Across 7 Roman province of western Turkey, and home to 14 for instance (4) 8 Syrian home to Aramaeans who fought and lost to David (8) 9 Mohandas Karamchand -----. Leader whose nickname meant ‘Great Soul’ (6) 10 One-time home in 7 for NT correspondent? (6) 11 Assembly of church canons (7) 13 Woody tissue (5) 15 One-time island home of the Philistines (5) 17 First city taken by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land (7) 21 Son of Herod the Great – the first husband of Herodias (6) 23 City of Lombardy set between Lakes Maggiore and Como (6) 24 Emperor, 41-54 AD, who forced all Jews to leave Rome (8) 25 OT country east of Babylonia, capital Susa (4) QUICK Down 1 One of the Twelve Tribes (8) 2 Penurious; impecunious (4,2) 3 Counsel; warning (6) 4 Cremona violin-maker and music teacher to Stradivarius (5)

5 Marine bird of prey: rugby player from a merged Welsh regional team (6) 6 Part of the Nguni group languages along with Swazi and Xhosa (4) 12 British rule in Colonial India (3) 14 One in receipt of a letter from Paul, written about 62 AD while in prison in Rome (8) 16 Some Jews’ interpretation of the Torah (6) 18 Puckish, imp-like (alternative spelling) (6) 19 David, ‘the sweet psalmist of ------ (6) 20 Descendant of Shem, one of Joktan’s sons (5) 22 Boisterous and colourful Hindu festival (4)

Solution Across: 7 Asia, 8 Damascus, 9 Gandhi, 10 Tarsus, 11 Chapter, 13 Xylem, 15 Crete, 17 Jericho, 21 Philip, 23 Varese, 24 Claudius, 25 Elam. Down: 1 Issachar, 2 Hard up, 3 Advice, 4 Amati, 5 Osprey, 6 Zulu, 12 Raj, 14 Ephesian, 16 Talmund, 18 Elvish, 19 Israel, 20 Ophir, 22 Holi.

CRYPTIC Across 7 Landmass of alkali – silicon, iron, aluminium, primarily (4) 8 7 city Paul sought, but could not see? (8) 9 Brigand hierarchy's share supplies a 7 political leader...

(6) 10 ...to place American sailors west of Saul's place in7 (6) 11 Guy retired following return of writer's block (7) 13 Tree tissue needs unspecified quantities of citrus fruit, mostly (5) 15 Titus helped make Church here tangible without deception (5) 17 Rebel top guns pulled out of housing project being built i in 7 town (7) 21 Apostle has cheek to back a Greek character (6) 23 Italian town – East-South-East following French department's lead? (6) 24 Praise for Capri's evacuation of American leader to Rome (8) 25 Ancient 7 country's secure wall: extra dam's eventually built (4) CRYPTIC Down 1 Father's vessel's first-class, about to go north to fish (8) 2 In need of cash for Oliver Trophy after Yacht Club pulled out (4,2) 3 Recommendation to expose weakness after promotion (6) 4 Rug’s edging looks top-notch – it’s an enduring fiddle (5) 5 One in flight seen above quarry’s very large (6) 6 African stays after little Benjamin somehow gets free from Zebulun (4) 12 7’s British administration conflict is overturned (3) 14 Record a fellow and a Welsh girl being recipient of a letter from Paul (8)