CATHOLIC SOUTH WEST MAY 2026

MAY 2026

Inside

Gather 2026 Page 3

Washing the Feet of Prisoners Page 4

What is the Liturgical Year?

Page 5

70th anniversary celebration Page 6

Christ Ascends in Glory ‘I am with you always’

2 May 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

AIMS To build community in the South West by sharing stories relating to Catholic life around the South West.

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Holy Hour for the Dignity of Life

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The Bishops of England and Wales prayed a Holy Hour on 19 April for the dignity of all human life as peers in the House of Lords continue to debate whether to make Assisted Suicide law.

This was to present a unified, prayerful front to offer this petition to Our Lord for the dignity of life from conception to natural end and to pray that assisted suicide will not become law.

Parishes and Catholic communities of our two nations were asked to unite and hold a Holy Hour on the same day as the Bishops.

In a Lenten statement, the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend John Sherrington, reaffirmed the Church’s principled objection to the Terminally Ill

EDITORIAL GUIDELINES 1) Think of the readers: If you are writing about an event, think about the readers that don’t know anything about it. Outline what happened, but focus on why people go, why it is important to them, or some teaching that was given. Make sure readers learn something from your

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They look fine on the screen but terrible in the paper!

(Adults) End of Life Bill, and urged Catholics to pray for parliamentarians debating the Private Members’ Bill in the House of Lords. Archbishop Sherrington, the Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops’ Conference, asked for a special prayerful focus on those who are suffering near the end of their lives and those who care for them.

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Catholic South West

May 2026 3

GATHER 2026 “I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live.”

Sarah Barreto has shared a short article about the GATHER conference which took place from 20–22 March.

“GATHER 2026 was a deeply prayerful and hope-filled weekend of faith, friendship and formation, bringing together 130 delegates from across the Diocese and beyond in Torquay on the fifth weekend of Lent. Shaped by the theme, “I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live,” the conference offered a joyful and nourishing space in which participants could reflect on the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in their own lives.

This year’s conference focused especially on synodality as a lived experience. Avril Baigent, co-founder of the School for Synodality and Director of Pastoral Development in the Diocese of Northampton, opened the weekend by sharing the fruits of the Synod so far and exploring its potential for the renewal of parish communities. Through her guidance, delegates engaged in Conversations in the Spirit in small, facilitated groups, learning a prayerful and attentive way of listening, discerning and sharing together. What began, for some, with hesitation soon became one of the most valued aspects of the weekend, with many speaking of the depth of the conversations, the joy of genuine encounter and the sense that the Holy Spirit was truly at work among them.

On the second day, Fleur Dorrell, Biblical Apostolate Manager for the Bishops’ Conference and creator of The God Who Speaks, offered three rich and inspiring sessions. Drawing on the Book of Tobit, she explored themes of journeying, accompaniment and listening together in faith, helping delegates to see the wisdom of scripture as a living resource for the Church today. Later, through reflection on sacred art, she opened up creative and contemplative ways of encountering God, inviting participants into deeper attentiveness through beauty, silence and imagination. These sessions were again followed by Conversations in the Spirit, which many found energising, life-giving and spiritually fruitful.

spoke of his experiences at the Synod gatherings in Prague and Rome. He also celebrated the concluding Mass, helping to root the conference firmly within the wider life and mission of the Church, and encouraging all present in the call to grow ever more deeply in synodality.

weekend, beautifully supported by music and shared worship. Fellowship also flourished beyond the formal sessions, especially over meals and at the conference dinner, where new friendships were deepened and the warmth of the community was evident throughout.

A particularly valued contribution also came from David Wells, whose long association with these conferences stretches back more than twenty years to their original beginnings. Drawing together the themes and experiences of the weekend, he offered a thoughtful and encouraging sense of the road ahead, helping participants to look to the future with confidence and hope.

The presence of Pauline Books and Media added another welcome dimension to the weekend, offering a carefully selected range of resources that extended the conference experience and supported ongoing faith formation.

The conference was greatly blessed by the presence of Bishop Nicholas, who joined participants on Saturday afternoon, shared reflections on his own journey and

As ever, the liturgical life of GATHER was central to the experience. Morning and evening prayer, together with the final Mass, were among the highlights of the

The conference owed a great deal to the generosity and commitment of the GATHER Team, who served throughout with joy, warmth and care: Sarah Barreto, Angela Folland, Susanne Kowal, Maria Quinn, Rebecca Selby, Mark Skelton, Jonathan Stewart and Liz Toy. Grateful thanks are also due to the Livermead Cliff

Hotel, Torquay, whose staff and management once again provided generous hospitality and excellent service.

GATHER 2026 was marked by a strong sense of renewal, shared discernment and joyful hope. It offered a living experience of the Spirit at work drawing people together, deepening faith, and encouraging the Church to move forward with courage, openness and trust. As David Wells told us afterwards, ‘It’s a humble story of 22 or so weekends, which can be best summed up by the conversations in the bar. As one participant said to me last Saturday evening “These weekends have kept me in the Church”. “Why?” I ask myself. Perhaps the stories we also need to tell, are the stories of those on the receiving end.’”

4 May 2026 Catholic South West

Washing the Feet of Prisoners

On Maundy Thursday, Bishop Nicholas Hudson visited HMP Channings Wood, a men’s prison near Newton Abbot in Devon. He was accompanied by lead Prison Chaplain, Fr Anthony Onuoha. At the prison, Bishop Nicholas celebrated a Liturgy of the Word, during which he washed the feet of twelve prisoners.

“We wash each other’s feet because Jesus told us to; and because it reminds us we are servants,” Bishop Nicholas told them.

“Did you know that Jesus spent his last night on earth in prison?” he asked the prisoners. “I’ve seen the kind of place: it’s a hole in the ground; and it’s awful. He comes to be with you today to wash your

feet as a way of saying, ‘Know that I am with you; I suffer with you’. And he calls us to treat our neighbour, even our fellowprisoner, with respect.”

“Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” [John 13:34]. Maundy Thursday begins the Easter Triduum, the period which commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus; this period includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday, and ends on the evening of Easter. The liturgy commemorates the Washing of the Feet and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

Catholic South West May 2026 5

What is the Liturgical Year?

Recently, I was gifted a grandfather clock and on the top section of the clock face was a section with a smiling moon and numbers from one to twenty-nine and a half. I was intrigued with this and googled what this was all about. I soon learned that it was the lunar moon cycle. Although it is not as common to measure time based on the lunar moon cycles as our ancestors would have done in times past, it was still intriguing to learn about, especially in light of the recent lunar flyby mission of Artemis II. Time is intertwined in our lives. Our daily schedule is around time – what time I get up – what time I have lunch – what time do I finish work. No matter if we look at an antique grandfather clock or the latest version of the Apple watch on a wrist, we tend to structure our days around time. In addition, we measure our life, in terms of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Of course, in God, there is no time. The notion of ‘eternal’ is something very difficult for human minds to grasp, as we are so ingrained in time. However, God works within time with creation and salvation history. Hence, the celebration of the liturgy occurs within time and space.

Liturgically we have difficult cycles. We have the annual cycle, which begins with the First Sunday of Advent and ends with Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. Throughout the year, the Paschal Mystery of Christ unfolds before us, with special focus on the Incarnation, the Nativity, Epiphany during the Christmas Season, and the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which we prepare for during Lent, and what we celebrate during the Easter Triduum, which culminates with the Ascension and

Pentecost. Also, within the annual cycle, we have the celebration of different saints, which we call the sanctoral cycle. We have a weekly cycle, with Sunday, the Day of Resurrection as the focus. And lastly, we have a daily cycle, from the rising of the sun in the morning to its setting at night.

The mystery of Christ is inexhaustible, and although we will never be able to grasp it, our faith and understanding deepens over time. The liturgical calendar is a structure system of liturgical celebrations that take place over the course of a year. Specially, the celebration of different mysteries of the life of Christ, of Mary, and the Saints.

By which we are slowly immersed into the life of Christ.

Over the years, through the repetition of the celebration of feasts, different elements of the mystery of Christ speak to us at different times of our life. What is at the heart of the liturgical year is the Paschal Mystery – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a sense this is the master key in unlocking history, salvation, and time. “Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. All time belongs to him and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age for ever. Amen” are words we hear during the celebration of the Easter Vigil when the Paschal Candle is engraved. Time sanctifies us and the liturgical year is sacramental in the sense that the different liturgical celebrations through the year form and shape time. All things in life take time, and our participation within the liturgical year, assists with our growth to full maturity in Christ.

Fr Anthony Fyk

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6 May 2026 Catholic South West

HCPT Lourdes Group 176 celebrate 70th anniversary The HCPT Children’s pilgrimage Group 176, led by Canon Tom Finnegan, travelled to Lourdes during Easter week as part of the charity’s 70th anniversary celebrations. The group brought together pilgrims from Bristol, Portishead, Clevedon, and Trowbridge, including seven young people with a range of needs, each contributing their own personality, energy, and joy to the journey.

During their time in Lourdes, the group participated fully in the HCPT programme, including the Trust Mass, group liturgies, visits to the Grotto, and the moving torchlight procession, which concluded with a celebratory fireworks display.

These moments provided opportunities for both reflection and celebration, deepening the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

The theme of the pilgrimage, “Together in Love,” was evident throughout the week and shaped every aspect of the experience. It was seen in the care and

support shown to one another, the new friendships that developed, and the strong sense of community that formed within the group. Each day reflected a shared spirit of inclusion, belonging, and mutual encouragement.

As the week progressed, the young people embraced every activity with enthusiasm—whether singing, participating in the Lourdes experiences, or spending time together socially. Their joy, courage and resilience were a constant inspiration to those around them and clearly demonstrated the meaning of being “together in love.”

The pilgrimage was made possible through the dedication, prayers and generous support of parish communities and from many individuals in the Clifton Diocese. Overall, it was a deeply meaningful and joyful celebration of faith, inclusion, hope and love, honouring both the present experience and the long legacy of HCPT.

Catholic South West May 2026 7

Well done to the pupils of St Peter’s who collected over 300 Easter Eggs to donate to Stella Maris!

Richard Cunningham, Executive Headteacher of St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, Waterlooville writes: Well done to the pupils of St Peter’s who collected over 300 Easter Eggs to donate to Stella Maris. The charity visits seafarers in the ports of Portsmouth and Southampton to offer those far from home an Easter chocolate gift along with religious artefacts to support them in their faith. Current global conflicts have added even more risk to the work of seafarers in certain global waterways, so our support and prayers are needed more than ever for the seafarers who keep our supermarket shelves stocked and our consumer items in supply.

Thank you to all the families and staff who donated Easter Eggs for this great cause.

Pray with the Pope

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

For priests in crisis In the life of the Church, priests are called to accompany, support and serve their communities. But they themselves can go through difficult moments in which they need closeness and support. With this in mind, Pope Leo XIV, in his prayer intention for the month of April, invites us to pray for priests experiencing a crisis, that they might experience the nearness of God and his people, and rediscover hope and joy in their vocation.

In this month's intention, the Holy Father thinks especially of priests “when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope." He prays that they might rediscover that "they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons…and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people." Likewise, he invites the entire community to care for them through being near, sincere listening, and constant prayer, recognising that they too need to be supported on their journey.

Pope Leo prays In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd and companion on the journey, today we place in your hands all priests, especially those going through moments of crisis, when loneliness weighs heavily, when doubt clouds their hearts, and when exhaustion seems stronger than hope.

You who know their struggles and wounds, renew in them the certainty of your unconditional love.

Let them feel they are not mere functionaries or lonely heroes, but beloved sons, humble and cherished disciples, and pastors sustained by the prayer of their people.

Good Father, teach us as a community to care for our priests: to listen without judging, to give thanks without demanding perfection, to share with them the baptismal mission of proclaiming the Kingdom in word and deed, and to accompany them with closeness and sincere prayer.

May we support those who so often support us.

Holy Spirit, rekindle in our priests the joy of the Gospel.

Grant them healthy friendships, networks of fraternal support, a sense of humour when things don't go as expected, and the grace to always rediscover the beauty of their vocation.

May they never lose trust in You, nor the joy of serving your Church with a humble and generous heart.

Amen.

8 May 2026 Catholic South West

Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Clothed with Power from on High We live in an age of space travel.

Astronauts can be launched into space and even spend several months on the International Space Station.

Billionaires can book a ticket for a flight into space for a few minutes.

Unmanned space probes are exploring ever further across the solar system. There are dreams of sending a manned spacecraft to land on Mars.

Humans have always been fascinated by space – the vast expanse above us in the skies, with the moon and stars.

Although modern scientists have sent probes to explore the planets and galaxies nearest to earth, there are distant constellations and supernovas that are far beyond human exploration at the moment.

For the ancient pagans, the heavens were the abode of the gods. For the Jews of biblical times, heaven was the dwelling place of God. But we do not have to understand this in a geographical sense.

God is vast and limitless, like space. God is above us and around us, like space. God is almighty and beyond our control, like the forces from space.

Near the end of May we celebrate Ascension Thursday (29 th May), when Jesus bids farewell to his disciples. The Acts of the Apostles portrays Jesus ascending into heaven, until the cloud of God’s presence hides him from their sight.

But we do not need to understand it geographically as a case of space travel – how many miles did Jesus go upwards from the earth? Instead, this is the final appearance of Jesus after his resurrection. As he bids them farewell in

Luke’s gospel account, he blesses them and tells them to wait prayerfully for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

He makes them a wonderful promise in the gospel: in a short while they will be clothed with power from on high. What they would be unable to do by human power, the Holy Spirit would enable them to do. They would be given the power to live like Jesus and spread his love and forgiveness to those around them. They would receive the strength to endure in times of opposition and hardship. And sometimes they would be given the power to heal the sick.

The first apostles would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, and then close by in Judea and Samaria. Thereafter his followers would spread the Christian message across the Mediterranean – and the Acts

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of the Apostles tells us of the apostle Paul arriving to preach in Rome. In later times, right up till today, the good news of Jesus would be proclaimed all over the world.

We cannot live as Christians without the power of the Holy Spirit, first given to each of us in baptism and confirmation. As we look forward to Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to inspire us to follow Jesus. May the Holy Spirit help us to live by Christ’s teaching and bear witness to him by our actions towards family and work colleagues and in our community.

Come O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love!

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Catholic South West May 2026 9

View from the Pew

By Dr Jay Kettle-Williams

Why do dogs bark at night?

MarCh 2026

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The Indians will then tell you why dogs bark at night. That’s because dogs can see supernatural beings, spirits roaming the townships and countryside during the hours of darkness.

Spiritism was founded by Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail (3 October 1804 – 31 March 1869), known by the nom de plume of Allan Kardec, was a French educator, translator and writer. Spiritism is the belief system recognising the existence of spirits and their ability to communicate with the living.

Tylor and Rivail got me wondering to what extent philosophy could be the stepping stone to religion or whether there’s but a thin line dividing the two. So I did the modern thing. I went to Copilot:

-o0o-

‘Philosophy and religion differ most clearly in their methods and foundations: philosophy relies on reason, while religion relies on faith. Both explore meaning, morality, and existence, but they do so in fundamentally different ways.

‘Philosophy is the systematic study of reality, knowledge, ethics and logic using critical thinking, rational argument and evidence. It encourages questioning, debate and scepticism.

• It does not require belief in the divine.

• Its conclusions are always open to revision.

• It aims to understand the world through reason and analysis.

‘Religion is a communal system of beliefs, practices and rituals centered on the divine or sacred. It typically involves: • Faith in a higher power • Sacred texts and doctrines • Worship, ritual and community • Moral teachings grounded in revelation Despite their differences, both ask the same big questions: • Why do we exist?

• What is good?

• What happens after death?

• Is there a God? Philosophy analyses these questions through argument; religion answers them through faith and tradition. Their histories are deeply intertwined, and many religious thinkers (like Aquinas or Maimonides) used philosophy to clarify or defend religious beliefs’.

-o0o-

Reason, we are told, is what separates us from the animals. But maybe it’s not unreasonable to think that members of the animal kingdom might see more than the Quechua Indians ever give them credit for.

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 the season of hope in which the Lord,” he rediscover the joy of meeting spiritual renewal said. “The Jubilee calls us to of our and commits us to the transformation truly become a world, so that this year may time of jubilation.”

Wiseman

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Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3page October 2 1226, near the small chapel he loved most.

In the likeness and image of God page 14

Gwen Wiseman

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Francis. and the daily difficulties Gospel. He embraced of life. In it without reserve, this Go and rebuild holiness way, the mercy proclaimed in the ordinary choosing poverty over

by St Francis is The comfort, peace over made tomb was last opened details of daily life. accessible to all, power, and humility over in 1978 under Pope regardless of Paul status. The Gospel circumstance.

Eight hundred years VI for inspection, at after Francis met was not simply something which time the he believed; it was Sister Death, his life still remains were placed points us to Christ the pattern of his entire in a sealed protective life, shaping every Most and calls container us to to live ensure their preservation. dioceses across the UK the Gospel without choice he made. have a parish or 2026, Now, in Francis’s body will be exposed church explicitly named compromise. after St Francis of for public The journey with Francis veneration for the very Assisi, and every diocese So completely did Francis begins today. first time. has at least one give himself to Christ church The Franciscan Year runs or place of worship connected that he prayed to share from to the Public veneration both the physical Franciscan 10 January 2026 to 10 will take place during January 2027. charism. This includes suffering of the Cross the Franciscan season and the burning love friaries, of Lent, from 22 February Franciscan and Poor with which Christ offered to 22 March. For pilgrimages, Clare convents, Due himself. This prayer shrines to the large number of retreats or visits to and chapels, as well pilgrims expected contact Assisi, as churches to travel Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com to Assisi for this extraordinary | event, www.viaassisi.com He did not die in a grand church or monastery.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth.

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

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The Year of Francis

Scholastica: APRIL St. 2026 Prayer The Edition 52 10th February

Gwen Wiseman

The Quechua Indians of Peru will tell you that in the countryside, particularly at night, you can hear the mountains, large and small, speaking and talking to each other in much the same way as parents and offspring. Animism is a belief system fundamental to many indigenous cultures.

Animism embraces the idea that all physical phenomena - including animals, plants and physical features - possess a distinct physical essence. Sir Edward Burnett Tylor (2 October 1832 – 2 January 1917), English anthropologist and professor of anthropology, reintroduced the term animism (faith in the individual soul or anima of all things and natural manifestations) into common use. He regarded animism as the first phase in the development of religions.

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Gwen

as a year in be remembered Jubilee 2025 will Pope Francis opened 2024, On Christmas Eve Church walked together the which theofglobal St Peter’s Basilica, inviting change, the Holy Doorgrief is and joy, continuity and “This through Jubilee Year of 2025.

Church into the that in Christ, as St hope, rooted discovering we are invited to of hope in whichnot the season disappoint” (Rom Paul reminds us, “does meeting the Lord,” he rediscover the joy of Refugee Art and Conversion 5:5). us to spiritual renewal said. “The Jubilee calls Writing of our Stories to the transformation and commitsAus That Surpassed a Jubilee Competition year may truly become world, so that this Expectations Winners Feast of the of jubilation.” timeAs the Jubilee concluded on the that more confirmeda year and self-will became the hidden path of in Gwen Wiseman Epiphany, the Vatican as page 8 pages 6 & 7 Rome from 2025 will be remembered Jubilee travelled totogether Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two than 33 million pilgrims This year marked the 800th anniversary of the the global Church walked expectations. The which years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who 185 countries, far exceeding and change, death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one a visible grief and joy, continuity made the Jubileeas through described him as one of the greatest imitators St scale of participationrooted in Christ, extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 that hope, universality. discovering expression of the Church’s of Christ the Church had ever known. not disappoint” (Rom “does March, the mortal remains of the saint were us, reminds Paul placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims 5:5). 35 major Jubilee events were celebrated, each For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ Pope Francis. ©Vatican Media or group Opening of the Holy Door, by from across the world to Assisi. dedicated to a particular vocation Saints for Our Time remains was not about death. “The emphasis of merely That Surpassed a site associated with the witness A Jubilee the the Church. These were not enriched bywe’re within pilgrimage sites were Maximus, trying to make is that this isn’t about sight of thousands The Jubilee Year was further The encounter basilicas and traditional of martyrs.

Expectations Christian moments but early During that time, hundredsGiorgio of thousands a surge in large gatherings, Frassati and Carlo the canonisations of Pier death,” he said. “It’s about life.” on the Feast of the reported and priests highlighted quietly queuing forpassed concluded Jubilee was shared, deepened, and through the Basilica, many travelling As the faith pilgrims of young people where

by Pope Leo that more Confessions, particularly among Acutis, the first saints canonised became one of the defining images the Vatican confirmed Epiphany, hundreds, even thousands of miles for theresonant renewed. in the Jubilee sacrament seeking to participate fully The grain of wheat travelled to Rome from XIV. Their witness proved especially of the Holy Year. than 33 million pilgrims chance to spend just a few brief moments The centred on hope. indulgence. expectations.

Year Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or Monday Holy a Easter on exceeding during far Francis Pope 185 countries, The death of and self-will became the hidden path of before who Gwenfriar Wiseman a visible the the remains of the humble the Jubilee followed devotion. But as they moved through the madeduring the year, on the moment, the Prefect of of participation an indelible mark scaleleft Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two called himself “the little poor one.” return to the Sacrament of Reflecting young those once universality. a compelling experience something deeper began to stir This Both year marked 800th anniversary message: of the offer election of Pope Leo This renewed saints the the Church’s and the signs City of Rome, observed: “To see conclave expression by the of years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who ili ti was one of the clearest within them. Standing before the remains of death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one described as one of the greatest imitators At firstMedia glance, it might have seemed that the saint, were celebrated, each theyhim encountered not only the

by Pope Francis. ©Vaticanextraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 35 major Jubilee events Opening of the Holy Door, of Christ the Church hadthe ever known. pilgrims had simplySaints come tofor seeOur the Time bones of memory vocation or group of a holy man from past but the saint werethe with the witness ofMarch, the mortal remains of the dedicated to a particular Maximus, a site associated a medieval YetYear the was friarsfurther servingenriched at the byquestion that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what were not merely Jubilee Thesaint. pilgrimage sites were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims within the Church. These Carlo For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ martyrs. The sight of thousands basilicas and traditional Frassati Giorgio Basilica canonisations say something far deeper wasand do of Pier a surge in early Christian moments of encounter you want me to do?” This was the question queuing for thefrom across the world to Assisi. large gatherings, but and priests highlighted young people quietly

by Pope Leoremains was not about death. “The emphasis deepened, and reported canonised unfolding. What began as an act of devotion Francis once asked before the crucifix of San among pilgrims of of the defining images Acutis, the first saints where faith was shared, Confessions, particularly sacrament became one we’rewhen tryinghetowas make that thisyoung isn’t about became something more personal: a momentresonant proved especially Damiano, still isa restless fully in the Jubilee witness Their time, XIV. that renewed.

During hundreds of thousands seeking to participate of the Holy Year. hope. death,” hefor said.

“It’s about life.” of prayer, reflection and, for centred many, a on renewed man searching direction.

Year a Holy during passed through the Basilica, many travelling on Easter Monday indulgence. encounter with faith. the of The death of Pope Francis hundreds, even thousands of miles for the on the moment, the Prefect year, followed Reflecting of the message: during Sacrament The grain of wheat mark the After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led a compelling left an indelible “To see those youngchance renewed return to Bothto saints spend offer just a few brief moments signs City of Rome, observed: election of Pope Leo This withbaptismal curiosity or “It is startlingisto seeinthe crowds” life, in classrooms into aMany nearbypilgrims chapel toarrived renew their was one of the clearest by the conclave and the lived atmosphere that was holiness before the remains of ordinary the humble friar who city convergence of these Reconciliation touched hearts as well as people in confession, the devotion.

Butthe asfocus they from moved Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisipaths was and promises, shifting thethrough life of the XIV on 8 May. But the mountain onlittle the Jubilee that remained workplaces, onceand called himself “the poor one.”

Jubilee Year into a that not simply felt, it was something unique the experience something deeper began Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an Francis to their own.

The friars framed thisto stir reinforced events transformed the many, the Holy Year was Their canonisations eyes.” streets. communion; a minds. For in everyone’s personal in of Church a of is engraved moment within them. the Standing theinremains of American friar from upstate New York who moment through wordsbefore of Christ the sainthood powerful witness that event to attend, but a conviction central At first glance, it might have seemed that of Jubilee’s to gather in prayer for an to begin again. the they encountered not falls only the Gospel of saint, John: “Unless a grain of wheat serves at the Basilica and is responsible thevocation Church able to mourn, a genuine opportunity the isfor but the a few, the Jubilee of Youth reserved Spirit, and to move renewal, pilgrims simplyfor come to see bones of memory nothad of adies, holyitman fromjust theapast but the earth and remains grain; For many observers, English-language Mass celebrated each into the the guidance of the Holy about faith renewed hope. a medieval all. saint. Yet the friars serving at the life: “Lord, but if question it dies, it that bearsshaped much Francis’ fruit.” (John 12:24) what Sunday forward together with challenged prevailing assumptions The Jubilee of Youth a morning. moments of the among younger generations. It revealedBasilica say something far deeper was do you want do?”

This was question For the friars, theme lifetoof Francis is athe living Among the most striking open 5 of that pageFrancis as an act of devotion Signs of Spiritual Renewal most Jubilee was the Jubilee of Youth, drawing more generation not indifferent, but searching, once asked before Gospel truth.

Likethe thecrucifix grain ofof San Continued “It isunfolding. startlingWhat to began see the crowds,” Fr onexample the Jubilee’s people to Rome. became something personal: moment when he the was still a restless Beyond the numbers, wheatDamiano, that falls into earth, Francisyoung meaning, and belonging. Quackenbush said. “The more fact that Francisa still than one million young Circus to depth, in its spiritual impact. of prayer, reflection and, for many, years a renewed were offered at the enduring legacy lies man searching direction. to God. In surrendered his life for completely has this appeal after eight hundred at Rome’s major Confessions encounter with faith.

Unprecedented attendance proclaims something about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, h di After venerating d f d the hremains, fpilgrims d were led “It is startling to see the crowds” into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was promises, shifting the focus from the life of Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an Francis to their own. The friars framed this American friar from upstate New York who moment through the words of Christ in the serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls English-language Mass celebrated each into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) Sunday morning.

For the friars, the life of Francis is a living “It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still wheat that falls into the earth, Francis has this appeal after eight hundred years surrendered his life completely to God. In proclaims something about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the he discovered a freedom that transformed not depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no only his own life but the lives of countless enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought others.

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They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness was not built on outward drama alone but on an interior struggle, a constant effort to surrender everything to God. “He was constantly trying to put to death whatever wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition

Francis spoke of death not with fear but with trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm Francis still generates among the people of God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.”

Continued on page 2

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi Image: Gwen Wiseman

I remember visiting a zoo once when I was overseas. There were two chimps in a cage. One of the two performed what struck me as an incredible acrobatic feat.

I smiled and clapped involuntarily. The other chimp looked at me, smiled, looked back adoringly at his fellow ‘cage-mate’ and started clapping along with me. Then his chum joined in. And we all clapped together. And then there’s that video clip, which recently went viral, of a young orangutan watching the classic confidence trick: ‘The Shell Game’ or ‘Three shells and a pea’. I leave you to hunt for that on the internet.

Animism and Spiritism apart, our Catholic faith embraces respect not only for Mother Earth but also for the animal kingdom which inhabits it. St Francis and Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudate Si’ alone bear cogent witness.

£1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month

I am for ever reminded of the lyrics of the 1970 folk-pop song ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ as interpreted by Joni Mitchell: ‘They paved paradise and put up a parking lot’.

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 Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0: /

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

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10 May 2026 Catholic South West

Guernsey Pupils ‘Walk for Water’ Elizabeth Dene, Chair of Governors for the Voluntary (Catholic) Schools Cluster in Guernsey shares news from two of the Catholic Primary schools on the island.

As part of their Lenten fundraising, the pupils at Guernsey’s two Catholic primary schools, St Mary and St Michael and Notre Dame du Rosaire Catholic Primary Schools, embarked on sponsored walks to raise money for The Eleanor Foundation – a Guernsey based charity which provides clean water and supports school communities in the East African country.

The pupils from St Mary and St Michael walked from their school at Rue des Monts to Bordeaux and back earlier this

week, while Notre Dame’s pupils yesterday walked from their school in St Peter Port to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church at Rue des Monts for a joint end of term Mass.

work in Tanzania. The ‘Walking for Water’ events were intended to reflect the daily journeys many other children must make simply to collect water for their families from wells miles away from their homes.

The children have been learning about John the Baptist and the importance of water during Lent. The schools said the children have been exploring how water is a sign of new life, cleansing, and belonging in faith.

Allister Carey, the founder of the Eleanor Foundation, spoke with the children from both schools during Lent to explain to them why clean water is so important. He told them their sponsored ‘Walking for Water’ events will make a big difference to the lives of children and their families living in the areas where the charity focuses its work. He explained that each shallow well will provide clean, safe water for about 1,000 people and mean that

The children have been taught that many families around the world do not have access to clean, safe water as we do. In response to this, both schools chose to support The Eleanor Foundation with its

To Advertise contact Nick on 01440 730399 nick@ cathcom.org

children, especially girls, will not have to walk long distances to collect water, which all too often will be contaminated with bacteria, for their families.

Mr Carey also told the children that their efforts had inspired an anonymous supporter of the charity to pledge fifty pence for every £1.00 the children raised through sponsorship. The sponsorship total stands at £5,814 and with the generous pledge from the anonymous donor the total amount raised, bringing the total to under £9,000, meaning that five communities will benefit from wells built with the fundraising from the two schools.

Catholic South West May 2026 11

Pope in Cameroon: The peace of Christ calms life's storms Around 200,000 people gathered for Mass with Pope Leo at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, today. Many had camped out the night before, and hundreds of thousands of others followed it in areas surrounding the venue. The festive celebration marked the culmination of the Pope's four day visit to Cameroon before heading to Angola, the next destination in his pastoral journey to Africa.

The Holy Father expressed his profound gratitude for the welcome he recieved and the moments of joy and faith experienced together.

In his homily given in French, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading recounting on how Jesus' disciples navigated the strong winds while crossing the lake of Tiberias with feelings of fear and doubt. The Pope recalled how the Church down through the ages has "navigated many storms and 'strong winds'", just as we must in our own lives.

At times, life's tribulations can make us feel overcome by adverse forces, he acknowledged. Yet, we must always remember, he said, that "Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil" and "Jesus does not abandon us, just like he did not abandon the disciples on the Sea of Galilee."

The Pope said knowing Jesus never abandons us allows us to get up after every fall and not allow the storms of life to stop us. "We go forward always with courage and trust." While "faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations", we can be assured that Jesus is with us.

"He does not immediately calm the storm, but comes to us in the midst of the danger, and invites us, in our joys and sorrows, to remain together with him, like the disciples, in the same boat."

As Jesus is with us, we must also be close to those who are afraid and suffering, the Pope said, saying we must "draw near to them" and "embrace them" since "no one must be left alone to confront life's adversities." This is why every community needs to create and support one another with mutual aid, especially "when faced with crises -- be they social, political, medical or economic -- everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs."

Jesus' exhortation "do not be afraid" is spoken to each one of us individually and as a community, the Pope explained, and

it gives us encouragement to confront problems and challenges, especially related to poverty and justice, all together with a sense of common responsibility.

"Faith does not separate the spiritual from the social. Indeed, it gives Christians the strength to interact with the world, responding to the needs of others, especially the weakest. The isolated efforts of individuals are not enough for the salvation of a community: instead, what is needed is a communal commitment, which integrates the spiritual and moral dimensions of the Gospel in the heart of local institutions and structures, making them instruments for the common good, and not places of conflict, self-interest or sterile struggles."

The Pope recalled how the first disciples faced the challenges of sharing the faith and living in community, overwhelmed with the immense challenges that emerged. But they gathered together, discussed the issues, and then united in prayer to discern how best to share the Good News and be attentive to those suffering among them, assisting widows and orphans.

"Listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being attentive to the cry of the suffering, they not only avoided division within the community, but they also equipped it with new instruments suitable to its growth, transforming a moment of crisis into an occasion of enrichment and development for everyone."

In conclusion, Pope Leo bade farewell to the congregation, recalling how everyone will return to their daily lives and "the Church continues on its course towards the final goal, thanks to the grace of God and the commitment of every person." He encouraged everyone to treasure and remember "the beautiful moments that we have experienced together alive in our hearts," and as we face life's difficulties to always "make space for Jesus, allowing him to enlighten and renew us every day by his presence."

"The Church in Cameroon is alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony. With the help of the Virgin Mary, our Mother, may your joyful presence continue to blossom. And may the strong winds, which are never lacking in life, be an occasion for growth in the joyful service of God and your brothers

and sisters through sharing, listening, praying and the desire to grow together."

Dion along a long red carpet to the foot of the aircraft waiting to take him on the next leg of his Apostolic Journey - to Angola.

After a farewell ceremony at the Cameroonian airport, Pope Leo walked with Cameroon's Prime Minister, Joseph

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They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ Gwen Wiseman This year marked the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 March, the mortal remains of the saint were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims from across the world to Assisi.

During that time, hundreds of thousands passed through the Basilica, many travelling hundreds, even thousands of miles for the chance to spend just a few brief moments before the remains of the humble friar who once called himself “the little poor one.”

At first glance, it might have seemed that pilgrims had simply come to see the bones of a medieval saint. Yet the friars serving at the Basilica say something far deeper was unfolding. What began as an act of devotion became something more personal: a moment of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed encounter with faith.

“It is startling to see the crowds” Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an American friar from upstate New York who serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the English-language Mass celebrated each Sunday morning.

“It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still has this appeal after eight hundred years proclaims something about his holiness.” For Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness was not built on outward drama alone but on an interior struggle, a constant effort to surrender everything to God. “He was constantly trying to put to death whatever wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition

and self-will became the hidden path of Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who described him as one of the greatest imitators of Christ the Church had ever known.

For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ remains was not about death. “The emphasis we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about death,” he said. “It’s about life.”

The grain of wheat Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or devotion. But as they moved through the experience something deeper began to stir within them. Standing before the remains of the saint, they encountered not only the memory of a holy man from the past but the question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” This was the question Francis once asked before the crucifix of San Damiano, when he was still a restless young man searching for direction.

After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal promises, shifting the focus from the life of Francis to their own. The friars framed this moment through the words of Christ in the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life of Francis is a living example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth, Francis surrendered his life completely to God. In letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, he discovered a freedom that transformed not only his own life but the lives of countless others.

Francis spoke of death not with fear but with trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm Francis still generates among the people of God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.”

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi

Continued on page 2

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12 May 2026 Catholic South West

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

18

Is she, looking up, last one raising any cash at Christmas? (5) 21 First family's home study is situated below, note (4) QUICK Across 7 Latin hymn translated into a popular carol by a canon of Westminster Cathedral (6,7) 8 Christ or the Messiah, as named from a reference in Isaiah (8) 9 Where Moses commanded Joshua to build an altar (4) 10 White vestment like a double-Y embroidered with crosses, worn by the Pope (7) 12 Dynast and hymnodist from humble origins, integral to both Testaments (5) 14 Young bird, especially of domestic fowl (5) 16 Kings of Israel and Judah sharing the same name (7) 19 Son of Jacob cursed by his father for attacking Shechem (4) 20 Early Christians who aimed to return to man's primitive innocence (8) 22 Hill overlooking Jerusalem where Solomon built an altar (5,2,6) QUICK Down 1 Mountainous region south of the Dead Sea in OT times, also called Seir (4) 2 Name God gave to Jacob... (6) 3 ...and one of Jacob's twelve sons (7) 4 Extension of the nave in a church (5) 5 Nun and

6 11 13 15 17 18 21

missionary dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997) (6) Ascetic 5th century British theologian (8) One of the five Philistine cities (8) Area north of biblical Israel famous for its cedar trees (7) Queensland resort city facing the Great Barrier Reef (6) Greatest of all the gods of ancient Egypt (6) Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ (5) Land west of Nod (4)

SOLUTION

Across: 7 Adeste fideles, 8 Immanuel, 9 Ebal, 10 Pallium, 12 David, 14 Chick, 16 Jehoash, 19 Levi, 20 Adamites, 22 Mount of Olives Down: 1 Edom, 2 Israel, 3 Zebulun, 4 Aisle, 5 Teresa, 6 Pelagius, 11 Ashkelon, 13 Lebanon, 15 Cairns, 17 Osiris, 18 Carol, 21 Eden.

CRYPTIC Across 7 Dead set, if else fails, to make 18 when in Rome (6,7) 8 I am the Spanish waiter in Messiah! (8) 9 Mountain in Joshua can be seen in section of Horeb, altitudinally (4) 10 Friend from Troy, one leaving an ecclesiastic band (7) 12 Drama queen's back to support the lead in Dallas – the Dynasty chap? (5) 14 Youngster gets sophisticated in front of the king... (5) 16 ...one in Judah has Henry bound by kinky Joe to tree (7) 19 It's the first name in jeans for Matthew! (4) 20 Early Christian sect which barely made it out of 21? (8) 22 To which place did Jesus ride a girl's horse? (5,2,6) CRYPTIC Down 1 Esau's people's place, where style's in ascendant (4) 2 First of Issachar's successors really annexed extra land here (6) 3 Exist, being raised in African surroundings, to name brother of 2 (7) 4 Passage from article is on the Spanish uprising (5) 5 Missionary's desirable little home in Darjeeling? (6) 6 Drugs prisoner detained by the Pope is ascetic (8) 11 Get trees from 11 or 16 by the thousand, to rebuild lone Philistine city... (8) 13 ...and cedars from here to build Jerusalem, the French and British find later (7) 15 Queensland site's stop-start finish confused CIA and the Navy (6) 17 God's pupil is confronted by a very large introduction (6)