NOVEMBER 2026
Inside
Adoremus 2026 Page 2
Sacraments at the Service of the Communion Page 4
Vibrant heart for Marian devotion Page 6
The Fool’s Pilgrimage Pages 10 & 11
Chapter Mass Dedication of Plymouth Cathedral Page 3
2 November 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
Adoremus 2026, the National Eucharistic Congress
AIMS To build community in the South West by sharing stories relating to Catholic life around the South West. To encourage readers to get more involved in - or start - projects and initiatives in the local area. To provide thought-provoking articles to help readers deepen their Faith.
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Pilgrims from the Diocese of Plymouth joined Catholics from across England and Wales in London recently for Adoremus 2026, the National Eucharistic Congress. This photograph was taken following a Eucharistic Procession through the streets of London, from St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, to Westminster Cathedral. Many thanks to all the faithful who accompanied Bishop Nicholas and represented the Diocese in the capital!
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Catholic South West November 2026 3
Chapter Mass Dedication of Plymouth Cathedral Tuesday 22nd September 2026 was the 146th Anniversary of the Dedication of Plymouth Cathedral. The Anniversary Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral by Bishop Nicholas Hudson – Bishop of Plymouth - and members of the Cathedral Chapter. Canon John Deeny gave an inspiring homily on The Rite of Dedication Most of us will probably never experience the Dedication of a Cathedral. It is a rather rare event and we won't be celebrating another one in the Diocese any time soon! We may well witness the Dedication of a church. In fact, there is one coming up soon when we will celebrate the joyful occasion of the dedication of the church in Tiverton. The Rite of Dedication is a wonderful and beautiful ceremony, and it is rich in symbolism. It was so on 22nd September 1880, when this Cathedral was dedicated by Bishop Vaughan. The ceremony was more elaborate then, but essentially it was doing the same thing as the Rite we would celebrate today. In the ritual: the church doors are opened, water is sprinkled, the walls and the altar are anointed with chrism, relics are placed beneath the altar, incense is burned, the pillar of smoke rises towards the roof, candies are lit and, most significantly, Holy Mass is celebrated! But what is interesting about today's readings is that, while we might naturally focus on the Cathedral building, the Word of God keeps taking us beyond the building itself. In the first reading, Ezekiel has a vision of water flowing out from the Temple. It begins as a small stream, but it becomes a river, bringing life wherever it goes. The trees along its banks bear fruit and their leaves bring healing. And that is a wonderful image for what a Cathedral is meant to be. We gather here to worship God, to hear his Word and to celebrate the Eucharist. But what happens here is not intended to remain here. Like the water flowing from the Temple, the life we receive here, is meant to flow out into the diocese and into the lives of God's people, and beyond.
Then St Peter gives us another image. He says that Christ is the living stone, and that we ourselves are "living stones", being built into a spiritual house. A Cathedral is made of stones. They have been here for generations, and have witnessed countless Masses, baptisms, weddings and funerals. But St Peter reminds us that the Church is made of living stones, the people who have gathered here, down through the generations, to worship God and to receive the sacraments. And, we are built upon Christ. And Peter goes on to say. "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession." And he tells us why: that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." That is a wonderful description of the Church. We are gathered here because God has called us, and we are called to proclaim what God has done for us. And that applies to all of us here today. We belong to Christ and to his Church and each of us has a part to play in its life here and now. But this is not just any church. It is the Cathedral, the mother church of the Diocese of Plymouth. it is the church of our Bishop, and the Chapter has a particular responsibility for its life and worship. From here, in a particular way, we are reminded of our unity as one diocese, even though we gather week by week in many different parishes and communities. In the Gospel, the Samaritan woman asks Jesus where people should worship. Is it on their mountain or in Jerusalem? Jesus says: "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth". We rightly treasure our Churches and Cathedrals. They are sacred places, very often beautiful places. They hold the prayers and memories of generations. And this Cathedral has a particular place in the hearts of many of us. We have gathered here for important moments in our lives, and in the life of the Diocese. We have prayed here, celebrated here, and have had times of sadness here, too.
Over the years, this place has become very familiar to us, and we have a genuine affection for it. But God cannot be contained within any building. And perhaps that helps us to understand why the ritual of dedication is so rich. The symbolic actions of the liturgy also speak to us, the living stones. The church doors are opened, symbolising that Christ is the gateway to salvation, and that we are called to be a welcoming and hospitable people, open to all. We are sprinkled with water. We are reminded of our baptism, when we were washed clean and welcomed into the life of Christ. The altar and walls are anointed with chrism. We are reminded that we too have been anointed and called to belong to Christ. Incense rises from the altar, reminding us of the prayers of the Church, rising before God. And then the candles are lit, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world, and we are to be light to the world, and there are the relics. Perhaps some of us are the relics too! So, on this feast we should not only ask, "What has this Cathedral been dedicated for?" We might also ask, "What have we been dedicated for?". The answer is clear: We have been called to worship God, to proclaim the Gospel, and to serve those in need. We come here to worship and to receive the life of Christ. We then carry that life into the world by what we say, by how we live, and by the way we care for those who are poor, vulnerable or in need.
The Church's care for those who are in need belongs to the very nature of the Church. As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, the Church's proclamation of the Word, celebration of the sacraments and service of charity belong together. Perhaps that is what Ezekiel's river is saying to us. The water flows out from the Temple. It brings life and healing wherever it goes. That is why the dedication reaches its climax not in the anointing of the altar or the lighting of the candles, but in the celebration of the Eucharist. Everything leads to this altar. Here Christ gives himself to us. Here we are fed by his Word and by his Body and Blood. Then we return to our parishes, our homes and our daily lives. When this Cathedral was first dedicated, the liturgy would have looked rather different from the rite we celebrate today. But the essential thing would have been the same: God’s people gathered around Christ, worshipping the Father. One hundred and forty-six years later, we are gathered here for our time. Others came before us, and others will come after us. But Christ remains, and his Church continues. So today we give thanks for this Cathedral, for the faith of those who built it, for the generations who have worshipped here, and for all that God has done through this place. The river in Ezekiel's vision did not stop at the Temple. It flowed out, bringing life and healing. May something of the life we receive at this altar flow out, through us, into the diocese and the wider world.
4 November 2026 Catholic South West
Sacraments at the Service of the Communion - Matrimony
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Fr Stephen Wang appointed as new Bishop of Arundel and Brighton
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Priest braves heatwave on 108-mile walk
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Reflections on My First Year as a Permanent Deacon
LifeTeen Summer Camp
TikTok Priest
God of Our Senses
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When love needs first aid
St Monica - August 27th
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a Celebrating the Completion of ration Transformative Cathedral Resto
Archbishop thanks those who united to defeat assisted suicide Bill cbcew.org.uk Archbishop John Sherrington, the Archbishop of Liverpool and Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Bishops’ Conference, has offered his gratitude and thanks to those who wrote to their MPs to stop the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through parliament. Archbishop Sherrington also expressed his gratitude to disability rights groups and legal and healthcare professionals for raising a collective voice to uphold “the dignity and sanctity of every life.”
and beauty bringing renewed colour, vibrancy to this sacred space.
Throughout this debate, we have argued that our response to those facing serious illness, disability or the challenges of old age should be rooted in solidarity, care and respect. The true measure of a compassionate society is its
Reflections on My First Year as a Permanent Deacon
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pageSt Monica 11 - August
27th
St Hildegard of Bingen Feast day: 17 September
cbcew.org.uk
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its crunch vote and second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, 11 September .
three-year programme
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We are pleased that MPs have voted to oppose the passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. We would like to thank those who wrote to their MPs to stop the bill’s progression and who assisted the campaign against the bill in other ways. I would like to express my gratitude to those MPs who voted against the Bill and the many people from across society who made their voices heard – doctors, legal professionals, disability groups, other faith communities and those of no faith who stood up for the dignity and sanctity of every life. We are thankful for the many prayers which have been offered during these weeks.
Kindness is King
Priest braves heatwave on 108-mile walk
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The following interview is part of the Catholic News podcast which features interviews with lay people, religious and clergy involved in dioceseofsalford.org.u the k Church's work in England Salford Cathedral and Wales. has reopened its doors
Archbishop’s Full Statement interior scheme, restored statues, renewed key liturgical decoration, the repositioning of on Chapel features, and a new glass entrance a visible sense of heritage, Street designed to offer Alongside restoring the cathedral’s of the city. in its future. welcome in the heart the project has also invested flexibility, Improved facilities, increased Purcell Architects and a strong We are grateful to enhanced accessibility and for their expertise help ensure Simpsons of York commitment to sustainability to specialist Their project. the and the people throughout repairs to its stonework has the cathedral can continue to serve the Evangelist longstanding knowledge of heritage conservation The Cathedral Church of St John ensuring it could continue come. back on infrastructure while of the of the diocese for generations to welcomed worshippers and visitors enabled the careful restoration of a growing community. while weekend of to meet the needs character historic Saturday 4 July, when a cathedral’s much of the work focused on essential and completion of celebrations began to mark the has been the While incorporating modern standards A key element of the project fabric of the building, visitors will historic repairs to the support its future mission. this significant project. transformation technology to restoration of many of the cathedral’s remarkable a notice the reinstatement of heart of the features, including the cathedral. Improvements Continued on page 2 Having served as the spiritual schemes and the throughout the cathedral original decorative new energy-efficient exterior lighting diocese for more than 175 years, stained-glass windows, include to address conservation of required extensive restoration
dioceseofsalford.org.uk
Fr Stephen Wang appointed as new Bishop of Arundel and Brighton
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Celebrating the Comp Transformative Cathe letion of a dral Restoration
Fund Living Before Legalising Dying
bringing renewed colour, vibrancy and beauty to this sacred space. Alongside restoring
scheme, restored statues, renewed interior decoration, the repositioning of key liturgical features, and a new glass entrance
restoration, renewal on Chapel heritage, Street A diverse range of people, the project has also designed to offer a and invested in its future. visible sense of notrefurbishment just welcome in the heart have raised their voicesThe Cathedral Catholics, that has transformed the cathedral Improved facilities, increased flexibility, of the city. Church of St John the in opposition enhanced accessibility Evangelist longstanding and a strong Private Members' Bill welcomed worshipperstoandthis We are grateful to visitors back on infrastructure repairs to its stonework and commitment to sustainability Purcell Architects and that Saturday seeks to help ensure Simpsons while ensuring it could to legalise 4 July, when a weekend continue the cathedral can continue of York for their assisted suicide. Our of to meet the needs to serve the people expertise began to mark the completion of a growing community. newcelebrations Prime Minister, throughout the project. of the diocese for generations of Their specialist to come. Burnham, has said that this significant project. Andy knowledge of heritage A key element of the now is not the time for conservation has project has been the While enabled the careful much of the work focused this debate and it wouldHaving served as the restoration of many restoration of the of the cathedral’s historic on essential cathedral’s spiritual heart of the be better sort repairs to the fabric of historic features, including outthe character the building, visitors than 175 years, the reinstatement the UK's palliative care diocese for moreto while will incorporating cathedral original of notice a modern standards required and remarkable decorative schemes social extensive carerestoration transformation technology and crisis. to address conservation and the throughout to support
The Bill failed after it’s Second Reading by 270 (Yes) votes to 286 (No) – a majority of 16.
its doors following a Salford Cathedral has reopened renewal three-year programme of restoration, the cathedral and refurbishment that has transformed
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St. John Henry Newman October 9th
God of Our Senses
willingness to support people through difficult circumstances rather than encouraging them to end their lives. Every day, families, friends, carers and healthcare professionals demonstrate extraordinary generosity in accompanying and supporting those who are suffering. Their dedication reminds us of the value of human relationships and of our shared responsibility to care for one another, especially at life’s most vulnerable moments.
We remain convinced that the most effective way to address suffering at the end of life is through greater access to excellent palliative and end-of-life care. Ensuring such care is available to all who need it can help people experience comfort, dignity and support in their final days. We will continue to promote these as priorities and to stand alongside those who devote themselves to caring for the dying in hospices, hospitals, care homes and communities.
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May all the sick and frail find comfort in the support of their loved ones, and the love of God, which transcends all suffering. I ask the Catholic community to continue to pray for our legislators, that they will ensure that our laws always uphold the dignity of human life. Archbishop John Sherrington Lead Bishop for Life Issues Archbishop of Liverpool
and what
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windows,
the cathedral’s
the cathedral. Improvements include new energy-efficient exterior lighting
its future mission.
Continued on page
2 Dr Karen Groves MBE needs to be fixed? "We've moved on a lot (Inset) in nearly 50 years, and Dr Karen Groves MBE “It's a huge challenge, qualified as a doctor but it's taken many years at now for this area, we've got integrated a time when the modern hospice of work to build hospice and palliative and specialist How does a hospice relationships with all palliative care services achieve care movement was other working local services, and those only just beginning. standard palliative care gold out of Queenscourt, are really important and which is our local hospice, so that everything's end-of-life care? What knitted together, and the specialist clinical are the key "Pain and other symptoms that and educational hub, provides the continuity were really poorly seeing ingredients? of care. managed, not due to patients and families “I think there are many," lack of compassion in Queenscourt or itself, or an equal says Dr Groves. "But care, but just through number in our local hospitals, "It's made a big difference a lack of knowledge," to the number of a few of the main ones, are: investment said Dr Groves. "There and twice as many in people who selection, are able to stay in was a lot of fear among again in our local care ongoing training, and their own real support of the public and health homes. Some people homes and their own professionals about homes, which is where accuse hospices of skilled clinical and non-clinical staff. the Plus time use of morphine, and providing a gold standard and attention to detail also of speaking to the vast majority of people really service for to the every want very patient and to be few, and I would people about their illness family - that's really important. counter that to say that and what to expect living their lives, and living them where A huge number to the full, to hospices have in the future. It just wasn't of committed volunteers the opportunity to done in those days." the end." develop without whom the integrated services service can't provide across all settings, the standard of care then actually they can provide that To address this and to meet end-of-life a responsive, helpful, it does. Then the financial care Dr Groves advocates for a 'continuity support and needs in West Lancashire, goodwill of the community of care' reliable, and consistent service in Formby, and so that integrated which of this area - West services are provided patients and families have Southport, Dr Groves confidence, and Lancs, Southport and Formby founded Queenscourt consistently - who've they're much less likely and appropriately for Hospice in Southport to dial 999 because of supported the building, the each person in the late 1980s. growth, and the across a number of care fear or not knowing what to do in a situation. development of their services. settings. It makes a big difference." Continued on page 2
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Recently my family had the joy of celebrating our parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. What a milestone! I had a sense of great delight for them. Throughout this time, as all married couples would experience, I saw moments of joy, happiness, and laughter – but also moments of stress, worry, and sadness. It is amazing to see their commitment to each other through thick and thin, and cooperating with God, to bring and raise children, and to support each other. Reflecting on this joyful occasion, I could see the value and appreciation of the Sacrament of Matrimony that my parents lived out for the past fifty years. After reflecting upon the Sacraments of Initiation and Healing, it is now time to focus our attention on the Sacraments at the service of the Communion – namely Matrimony and Ordination. These Sacraments are directed to the service of others and confer a mission in the Church to build up the People of God (cf. CCC 1534). The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, that this special relationship, also called a covenant, is when “a man and women establish between themselves a partnership of the whole life, is but is nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring” (CCC 1601). When we reflect upon the Preface, which is used during the celebration of a Nuptial Mass, it mentions that the union between a husband and wife gives a sign of Christ’s loving gift of grace. This Sacrament showcases the love that Christ has for his Church. The consent between the couple, is vital in this celebration, in which they declare that they take each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in
sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part” (Form A of the Consent). In a sense, in all circumstances of life, they commit to remain with each other. One can never plan out one’s married life. With certainty, there will be smooth sailing, with happiness, laughter, and joy, but at the same time, there will be moments of tension, anxiety, and stress. But as a ship must continue a steady course of travel in rough weather, a married couple remain with each other. Married life is certainly not always easy going, and there will be challenges. Left to our own efforts, it won’t cut it. We need God’s help, his grace, to keep the steady course. In a sense, although the celebration of this Sacrament is one off event, in reality, it is lived out every day. The Church is always of support for the couple, especially through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, and moral support through prayer and counselling services. There are times that a couple in a marriage may irrevocably separate for a variety of reasons. Mistrust and hurt may result from such separations, but the Church, especially its ministers, has the important task and mission to always accompany individuals that have separated, always showing compassion, understanding and mercy. No family or parents are perfect, and thank goodness for that, but through this Sacrament, God’s love and grace is tangible. Couples come in a variety of shapes and sizes these days, and this Sacrament reminds us, that God is present in all circumstances of their lives. Fr Anthony Fyk
Catholic South West November 2026 5
Bishop Nicholas prays with seafarers during Stella Maris visit On Tuesday 29th September, Bishop Nicholas Hudson visited Victoria Wharf with Caritas Plymouth, on a visit hosted by Stella Maris. During his time spent at the port and on board various vessels, he met seafarers from across the world and heard about their lives at sea and the families waiting for them at home. The Bishop described the morning as both “fascinating” and “very moving”. Among the seafarers he met were people from the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine and the UK. Stella Maris, the Catholic Church’s maritime charity, offers practical and spiritual support to seafarers and fishermen while they’re in port. These
people often have to work away from their families and communities for long periods of time, so the work Stella Maris does in supporting them is extremely important. For Bishop Nicholas, asking about the seafarers’ families was an important part of the visit. “They seemed genuinely touched to hear us ask about their families and their children back home, and how they all were”, he said. He also prayed with the seafarers, including for their families and for the safety of their vessels. His visit gave him an opportunity to assure them that they remain in the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Diocese, “and to tell them that we hold them very much in our hearts”.
Pray with the Pope
Those with mental illness God of life, You know the innermost depths of our hearts, the light and shadows within us, the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees. Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters who struggle with challenges to their mental health, who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness. You call them by name, with tenderness, and in you they find dignity and hope. Forgive us for the times we have looked the other way, feeding the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses. May your Church be an open house, a safe space where everyone has a place, a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.
For resources on how to Pray with the Pope, either on your own or in groups, use this QR code.
Pope Leo has stressed the importance of mental health ministry for the Catholic Church and the wider society. “Melancholy, bad character, confusion of senses — today, we understand that behind these old labels lies a deep, silent suffering not only of those affected by mental disorders but also of their loved ones and their communities,” Pope Leo said. He added: “We live in a world full of tensions, and even as solutions grow so does the number of people in crisis. Let us pray for the mental health ministry — an urgent and ever more needed service in our Church and in the world.”
We pray to you, Lord, for those who care: professionals, family members, volunteers, men and women who, with patience and love, build bridges of understanding and comfort. Give them strength and compassion to sustain others. Send your Spirit upon us, that we may learn to welcome and integrate care for mental health into the life and ministry of our communities and of the whole Church, and thus become a living sign of your mercy, which never abandons and always restores. Amen.
6 November 2026 Catholic South West
St. Boniface Catholic Parish Church and its vibrant heart for Marian devotion St Boniface Parish Church in Southampton is under the spiritual and pastoral care of our priests, who belong to the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV). Their founder, Venerable Bruno Lanteri, remind us to always Think of Mary and Call on Mary. True to this, the parish has then organized several activities to promote our Marian Devotion. On October 7, we participated during World Rosary Day by joining worldwide parishes, Catholic associations in praying the rosary at 7pm local time. This was reverently attended by our parishioners , with Rev. Fr. Jufel Baldado, OMV leading the Adoration and the meditation and praying of the rosary. Special thanks to our organizer, Ms Diana Agacy.
Rev. Fr. Tom Kleinscmidt,OMV, our parish priest, welcomed and thanked everyone during the concert. The participating groups and inviduals were 11 AM St Boniface Music Group, Koro Filipino from St Edmund’s Church, Abolim – Goan Choir, Nigerian Choir, Holy Family Schola- choir group from Holy Family parish who sang Gregorian chants, Saturday Evening Mass Group and even our own priests, Rev. Fr. John Idio, OMV and Rev. Fr. Jufel Baldado , OMV. Young musicians Cliff Lam on piano
and Angel Pueblo played Ave Maria brilliantly. We also listed to Blessed Futton Sheen’s favorite poem Lovely lady in Blue which was beautifully delivered by sisters Lily and Jasmina. The acapella trio Alvin Agbay, Lovely Mallari and Ayesha Gayanillo sang the Our Father as an opening prayer. Cif Semblante did a stellar job of being our emcee. We would like to thank our lovely stewards namely Clinirose Locsin, Nova Glen, Maria Nora Zuniga, Monette Lopez for ushering in our parishioners well during the concert.
Mae Felongco, the project lead and proponent ,wishes to thank everyone as it has successfully raised funds for our Roof Tile project and support our Oblates of the Virgin Mary (OMV) priests. She hopes to hold the Marian exhibition yearly from then on. Our heartfelt gratitude to our OMV priests, Core Leadership team (CLT), Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Filipino Catholic Community (FILCATHS) ,Couples for Christ (CFC) Southampton and all the parishioners for the support.
On October 10 , the parish gathered to celebrate two special occasions: this year, the order of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary has turned 200 years last July and by the following year , in June 2027 our beautiful St Boniface Parish is turning 100 years. In celebration, we staged a Marian Concert and Exhibition, which was a first in the parish, and even in the Diocese of Portsmouth.
We started the celebration by opening the exhibition in the morning with Rev. Fr Jufel Baldado, OMV blessing the images while the young talent of Heart Dembruque played Ave Maria on cello. The exhibition was a spectacular display of almost over 50 images of the Blessed Mother from all of our parishioners who are Marian devotees. We wish to thank our resident and inhouse decorator Krystalle dela Cruz for our beautiful display with the help of Cif Semblante, Fe Sarsoza, Monette Lopez, Mae Oga and Princess Pizarras. Special thanks to Neri May and Catherine Hulme for they have brought the most number of lovely images of the Blessed Virgin. All through these momentous years, our parish has been home to a community of faithfuls coming from rich and diverse culture, and has been a breeding ground for all the many wonderful talents. So in gratitude for all the blessings we have received through the intercession of our Lady, we shared in fellowship through music and in prayers by staging a Marian Concert participated by singing groups coming from within and nearby parishes.
Polish Mass St Boniface is commemorating and celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of a Polish Parish and Community in Southampton. We welcome Fr. Sanda, the Polish Parish priest, members of “Karpaty” Folklore Group, representatives of various Polish organisations and members of the Polish Parish. On the 30th September 1946, Polish Soldiers and their families arrived by ship in Southampton from Italy. These were soldiers who had fought beside Allied troops in North Africa and Italy in the Second World War, famously taking back the monastery at Monte Cassino.
Many of the veterans did not want to return to Poland because of the political situation and so were resettled in England in over 200 camps: one of these being the Resettlement Camp at Hiltingbury in Chandler’s Ford. Their first chaplain was Fr. Tadeusz Urbanowski followed by Fr. Antoni Jankowski. The first Mass outside the camp was celebrated in our church of St. Boniface and this is what we are celebrating today. Polish masses were held at St. Boniface for many years and we are honoured and happy to welcome the Polish Community back here today. Special thanks to Ms Irena Sachrajda for organizing this event.
What’s Next: When All the Saints Come Marching In Inviting all children (including adults,too) to dress up as their favorite saints on All Saints Day and join us at the 11am Mass or 5.30 pm Mass. A fellowship of saints shall then follow. This is organsed by Children’s Liturgy. Mae Felongco
Catholic South West November 2026 7
Safeguarding Team to launch the first chaplaincy for abuse survivors in England and Wales The Safeguarding Team of the Diocese of Plymouth is developing the first chaplaincy in the English and Welsh Catholic Church for survivors of sexual, spiritual, emotional and institutional abuse. The project will support survivors of sexual, spiritual, emotional and institutional abuse, whether that abuse took place within or outside a Church setting. It aims to provide a space where people can explore the impact of trauma on their faith and relationship with God, with someone of their choosing. At the heart of the project is a survivor steering group, whose experiences and ideas are guiding its development.
Martin Christmas-Nelson, Head of Safeguarding for the Diocese, explained that the initiative grew from conversations in the Diocese’s online and in-person survivor forums. “From these forums grew a shared sense of purpose to create something meaningful and tangible, taking accountability to support other survivors who were still in silence,” he said. “It very much grew organically from the ground up, and the Diocesan Safeguarding Team are stewards, rather than governors of the project.” Drawing inspiration from accompaniment and chaplaincy initiatives in Ireland, the
Jubilees celebrated at Holy Trinity, Dorchester Holy Trinity Church in Dorchester marked its Golden Jubilee on Monday 12th October, with a celebration that also honoured three Permanent Deacons on their Silver Jubilees. Parishioners gathered for Mass celebrated by Bishop Nicholas, giving thanks for 50 years of Holy Trinity and for the ministry of Deacon Jim Brennan, Deacon Geoffrey Carey and Deacon Jonathan Simon, each marking 25 years of service as a Deacon. The occasion brought together these significant milestones in the life of the parish and the wider Diocese, and also
included the institution of Ben Sloper into the Ministry of Reader. Bishop Nicholas also blessed the parish’s Golden Jubilee plaque, providing a lasting reminder of this anniversary in Holy Trinity’s history. The celebration offered an opportunity to give thanks for all who have contributed to the parish over the past five decades. Please keep Ben, Deacon Jim, Deacon Geoffrey, Deacon Jonathan and the whole Holy Trinity community in your prayers as they continue on their journeys of faith and service.
Diocese has been working with survivors to develop a ministry rooted in listening and accountability. One member of the survivor steering group described what the project could mean for those who use it: “It represents mutual support, peer support and shared lessening of shame that unites people. “It is an opportunity to make meaningful change and empowers survivors to do this themselves and be taken seriously, with the Diocese able to amplify that message with a dedicated chaplaincy. It gives a space to sit in faith and make sense of trauma and help support our relationship with God.” The group member also expressed hope that the chaplaincy would offer an
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opportunity for accountability and acknowledgement from the Church, demonstrating a commitment to taking abuse seriously and helping others feel able to use their voices if they wish. The proposed ministry will involve both lay Catholics and clergy, giving survivors a choice about whom they speak to and how they receive support. It is intended to be available to both lay people and clergy who have experienced abuse. The aim is to begin offering the service by mid-2027, with further training planned for those wishing to become chaplains. As Martin explained: “We intend for Plymouth Diocese to be a beacon of hope for those who want to see the church provide more space for survivors to use their voices proudly, openly and without shame.”
8 November 2026 Catholic South West
Scripture Focus
By Fr Jeremy Corley
Our hope of being always with the Lord November is traditionally the month when we remember the dead. Immediately after the Feast of All Saints (1st November), we keep All Souls Day, the commemoration of the faithful departed (2nd November). As we remember those who have gone before us, we pray for them, in the hope that we will see them again in the resurrection. During November, as the leaves fall from the trees, we are reminded of our mortality: “Like flourishing leaves on a spreading tree, which sheds some and puts forth others, so are the generations of flesh and blood: one dies and another is born” (Sirach 14:18). On the 32nd Sunday of the Year (8th November) we hear consoling words about our resurrection hope from St Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. This letter is precious because it is probably the first New Testament writing, dated around the year 50 AD.
In the northern Greek city of Thessalonica, Paul had briefly proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection (Acts 17:1-10). But as a result, Paul was accused of preaching Jesus as another king besides Caesar. When a riot broke out, he had to slip out of the city by night. Yet despite their experience of persecution, the new Thessalonian Christians remained firm in their faith. Hence Paul writes to encourage them in their difficulties. Evidently, they were missing community members who had died—as Paul calls them, “those who have fallen asleep.” Even if they naturally mourn for the departed, Paul does not wish them to grieve like other people who have no hope. He reminds them of the heart of our Christian faith: “we believe that Jesus died and rose again.” Jesus has overcome the power of death, and in future, as the creed tells us: “he will come again in glory
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to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.” Paul uses language from apocalyptic expectations to describe the Lord’s second coming: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” The apostle’s words served to encourage the Thessalonians at their time of loss and difficulty. They still resonate today, because we share the same hope of being always with the Lord in heaven, reunited with our departed relatives and friends. Then on the 33rd Sunday of the Year (15th November) we hear St Paul’s exhortation, again addressing the church at Thessalonica. Some of the community had
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a vivid hope that the Lord would quickly return in glory. In fact, a few members of the church had even given up their daily work in order to prepare to meet the Lord at his expected coming. Faced with this situation, Paul needs to moderate their immediate expectation. He refers to Jesus’ own teaching that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43-44). The best preparation is simply to get on with our daily lives with full awareness that at some point the Lord will call us to himself. Hence Paul says: “You are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of the day. So then, let us keep awake and be sober.” In this month of November, as we remember the faithful departed, we pray for the grace to be ready whenever the Lord may call us.
Catholic South West November 2026 9
View from the Pew By Dr Jay Kettle-Williams
redemp orist
Must Try Harder One of my maternal Gran’s favourite and often-quoted sayings was ‘The more you know, the more you know how little you know’. As a child, I had trouble getting my head round that. But nowadays I tend to complement it with an aphorism of my own: ‘The more you think you know, the less you really know’. Yes, I admit to leaning heavily on the Socratic paradox: all that I know is that I know nothing. What we do know, and how we accumulate that knowledge, can come from any number of quarters including education (from the Latin educare meaning to bring forward and nurture towards potential); instruction (whereby we are told and guided as to what to do); indoctrination (whereby we are told to accept beliefs, values or ideas and denied critical thinking); training (whereby we learn behaviour); teaching (whereby we are incentivised to learn) … Then there are the wall plaques which Gran seemed to have everywhere. But, putting those wall plaques to one side for a moment, there are two words which embody so many positive qualities from among the list above, qualities which we Catholics are encouraged to embrace
p u b l i c a t i o n s
Fr Denis’ Diary
Praying with Pictures
and to take forward: Evangelisation (Preaching); Proselytisation (Converting).
THROUGH THE YEAR
DIARY
2027
I once put it to a gentleman of the cloth that we lay members of the Church are on the back foot when it comes to spreading the word and particularly to converting. My point was that by wearing a dog collar a priest is already flaunting his business card. Lucky ole him! No ice to be broken there. ‘But a dog collar is both shield and target. It’s a two-way street,’ he commented wryly. Incidentally, I recently went online to learn a bit about dog collars. Nothing much there. But please don’t follow my lead. Every time I now go online - be that Google, eBay, the News, Amazon or whatever – I am pestered by companies trying to sell me all manner of priestly apparel. But I digress. Apologies. Walking down our high street recently, I stopped across the road from a street evangelist publicly proclaiming his Christian faith through mike and thunderous loudspeaker. Some people hurried by, a few slowed, perhaps feigning to pause momentarily as they changed loaded shopping bags from one hand to the other, barely listening to the Good News. So I crossed over, sidled up to the preacher and muttered, albeit sotto voce, ‘Well done! God bless.’ He responded immediately, his words at full volume, 100% audible to all those near as well as those not so near: ‘Thank you, sir. God bless you too. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you.’ I slunk away, almost cowering. ‘Alert to convert,’ he then whispered. I’m sorry. Forgive me. I simply don’t have that man’s guts. It’s not for me to stand on the street corner and proclaim God’s
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love. Instead, I just sit hovering over my keyboard and shielded by the screen sitting in front of me. In Matthew 28:18-20 (JB), the resurrected Jesus says, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you.’ That’s some hill to climb! Jesus wasn’t one for mincing his words. So, excuse the paraphrasing as I take my lead from John Milton (1608-1675), poet and polemicist best known for Paradise Lost, as I ask: Do those also serve who only sit and type?
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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:/; Photographs ©: J L Kettle-Williams
Dr J L Kettle-Williams is an experienced business communications consultant and wordsmith (tutor, writer, translator).
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10 November 2026 Catholic South West
The Fool’s Pilgrimage The Adventures of a roaming Catholic in Benidorm Perspective. Perception. Two words that are remarkably similar, and perhaps more connected than we sometimes realise. With Scarlet away at university but home again for the summer, and Willow reaching the end of college, we decided it would be nice to have a proper family holiday together. One of those increasingly precious opportunities when the four of us could escape normal life for a week and simply be together. So Lisa booked us a holiday. To Benidorm. Benidorm? I have to admit, it wasn't exactly the destination I had pictured. Over the years we've been incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful adventures together — travelling through Asia, exploring unfamiliar cities, temples, cultures and cuisines. The sort of places that feel like an adventure before you've even stepped off the plane. And then there was… Benidorm, because, rightly or wrongly, Benidorm comes with an image. In fact, we had actually travelled through Benidorm once before. Back in 2012, my cousin Luke and his now wife, Kat, were getting married in Calpe, a little further up the coast. Having jumped off the plane in Alicante and into a hire car, myself, Lisa and my mum drove through Benidorm on our way there. That was my first proper glimpse of the place. I remember looking at these enormous high-rise hotels and apartment blocks towering over the waterfront and thinking simply: Wow, not necessarily a good wow, not necessarily a bad wow. Just… wow. And that fleeting view from a car window became, for me, Benidorm. Of course, over the years the picture had been coloured in a little more. Mention Benidorm and most of us immediately conjure up an image. High-rise hotels. British bars. Full English breakfasts. Mobility scooters. Stag and hen parties. Sunburnt bodies and questionable decisions. The strip and the Red Dog and Chaplins Bar! Perhaps even a little bit of snobbery creeps in. "Benidorm? Really?" But off we went. With an open mind, an open heart and, hopefully, a little of the adventurous spirit that has accompanied this particular fool on his other pilgrimages. And something rather unexpected happened, I really liked it. Our apartment was lovely. The weather was glorious. We had some great family
time. We explored, laughed, ate, drank and, of course, enjoyed the obligatory family arguments because no family holiday would be complete without at least one disagreement about where we're going, what we're eating or who is taking too long to get ready. In other words, we had a thoroughly normal and thoroughly lovely family holiday. Lisa and I are also pretty active when we're away. Holidays for us have never really meant spending seven days horizontally beside a swimming pool, so we'd brought our paddleboards with us and managed to get out on the water. We also found a local gym, which was brilliant. There were some fantastic fitness classes all conducted in Spanish, this was another little lesson in perspective. Because despite Benidorm being packed with tourists, there was still plenty of Spanish-ness about the place. We were visitors in somebody else's country, after all. When you're trying to communicate across a language barrier, it's incredibly easy to misinterpret people. Someone doesn't respond to you and you can think you're being ignored. Someone answers abruptly and you can perceive them as rude. But perhaps they're neither, perhaps they simply haven't understood you. We're quite fortunate because we're used to being around people from different countries and linguistic backgrounds. You learn to point, gesture, smile, mime and occasionally massacre somebody else's language while they very kindly try to work out what on earth you're talking about. One of my Polish clients always says my attempts at Polish make her ears bleed! Again, change the perspective and the perception changes with it. Whenever I'm away, one of the first things I tend to do is look for the nearest Catholic church. And one of the lovely things about Spain is that you're rarely too far away from one. But sometimes, amongst all those churches, one seems to call to you. Maybe it's coincidence. Maybe it's a little synchronicity. Maybe, if you're looking at it through the eyes of faith, there's something more going on. For me, that church was Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen — the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Of all the churches I could have wandered into in Benidorm, I found
Family time is golden time - Dan, Lisa, Willow, Scarlet myself in one bearing the same name as one of my home churches back in Plymouth.
I'd simply created a perception of myself as someone who perhaps didn't do that sort of thing anymore.
There was a lovely symmetry to that.
Then I saw the big red slide, Verti-Go. Up I went, it's 33 metres high — roughly the height of a 13-storey building — and you step into a capsule before a trapdoor opens beneath your feet and sends you hurtling down the slide at speeds that can exceed 100 kilometres an hour, at the time, I knew none of this. which was probably just as well.
A long way from home, in a place I'd arrived at with all sorts of preconceived ideas, I walked into somewhere unfamiliar and immediately found something familiar. And perhaps that's another example of perspective and perception. You can travel across countries looking for difference and discover it everywhere, or occasionally, you can look amongst all that difference and suddenly recognise something of home. Another great family day out was to Aqualandia water park. Well, a family day out for three quarters of the family anyway. Lisa doesn't really do water parks, apparently, they involve getting your hair wet. So while Lisa sensibly avoided such reckless behaviour, the girls and I headed off for a day of slides, pools and general aquatic stupidity, and once again, I found myself thinking about perspective and perception. I used to be something of an adrenaline junkie. Don't tell my mum, but I've bungee jumped, jumped out of an aeroplane, had a full contact stick fighting match and done various other things over the years that seemed perfectly sensible at the time. But approaching 50, I had already decided before we'd even entered the park that perhaps some of the more adventurous rides might now be a little beyond me. Notice the important words there: I had already decided. Nobody had told me I couldn't do them. My body hadn't told me I couldn't do them.
All I knew was that the floor disappeared beneath me and, wearing nothing more protective than a pair of swimming shorts, I suddenly found myself accelerating towards the bottom at a speed normally associated with driving rather than swimming. It was terrifying, exhilarating and absolutely brilliant. I shot out of the bottom, stood up, turned around and ran straight back to the stairs to do it again. It was only afterwards, when I discovered just how high and fast the thing actually was, that it sounded slightly more ridiculous. I was telling somebody about it later and explained that you could apparently reach speeds of more than 100 kilometres an hour, they looked slightly horrified. "Blimey. Did you have to wear some sort of protective clothing?" Nope, swimming shorts. And perhaps that's where Benidorm was beginning to teach this particular fool something. I had arrived with a perception of the place. At the water park, I'd arrived with a perception of myself and at various points during the week, I'd been reminded that my perception of other people could be just as easily distorted. Continued on next page
Catholic South West November 2026 11 Perspective shapes perception and perception, if we're not careful, can start putting boundaries around our lives before reality has even had the chance to prove us wrong, but I don't think the answer is simply positive thinking. There is an old temptation to suggest that whenever something difficult happens we should simply "look on the bright side". Monty Python even gave us the wonderfully catchy Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. And yes, given the choice, the bright side is usually a nicer place to look. But forced positivity can be every bit as distorting as negativity. Sometimes something is difficult, sometimes something is disappointing, sometimes people are rude, sometimes holidays go wrong, sometimes Benidorm really does look exactly like the stereotype of Benidorm. Perhaps wisdom isn't about forcing ourselves to see everything positively. Perhaps it's about being willing to look at something from more than one perspective.
Optimism gives us one. Pessimism gives us another. Realism another. Stoicism another and Faith another. Maybe then we can decide which one – which point of view do I want to make my own. And sometimes we need to move through that whole myriad of perspectives before arriving somewhere much quieter: acceptance. Not pretending something is wonderful, or deciding it's terrible. Just seeing it a little more clearly for what it actually is and perhaps that was ultimately my experience of Benidorm. Was it what people had told me it would be? Absolutely. Was it also completely different from what people had told me it would be? Absolutely. It was noisy and peaceful. British and Spanish. Touristy and local. Ridiculous and beautiful. Familiar and foreign. It was Benidorm. And by the end of the week I didn't need somebody else's opinion of it. I'd made my own.
Would I go back? One hundred per cent. I'm not suggesting I'm rushing to the airport next week. There are still plenty of places in this wonderful world that this fool would like to wander through first. But if the opportunity arose for a bit of Spanish sunshine, a relatively short flight, some paddleboarding, a fitness class I barely understand, a little church that feels strangely like home and perhaps another terrifying descent down a waterslide wearing nothing more protective than my swimming shorts… I'd happily return.
Maybe that's the lesson from this particular Fool's Pilgrimage. Whenever we arrive somewhere carrying a suitcase full of preconceived ideas, there's a danger we'll spend the whole trip simply looking for evidence that we were right. Perhaps it's better to travel a little lighter, an open mind, an open heart. And a simple knapsack on your back… with your swimming shorts in it. Until the next journey. Namaste. Dan Sobey
IN MEMORIAM Derek Fry (b. 1926) Derek Colin John Fry, 100 years old last January, died on 30th August, during this year’s August Bank Holiday. Derek - husband of Ann and father of Matthew, Robbie and the later Charlie had been a church organist since the outbreak of WW2, when he was 13 years of age. He has broadcast organ recitals on BBC Radio 3 and taught in some senior schools before becoming head of music at The Northern Grammar School. His last teaching appointment was as head of music at St John's Cathedral Choir School, Portsmouth, where he had been organist from 1976. Apart from broadcasting on Radio 3, Derek - a modest, even shy man of private faith - had a number of honours and diplomas to his name including: Associate of the Royal College of Organists (ARCO); Associate and Licentiate and Fellowship diplomas from Trinity College London; Associate of the Royal College of Music (ARCM). Among his compositions are four English Masses, his most renowned composition perhaps being Veni Creator Spiritus. A long-standing and effective contributor to the liturgy at St John’s, Derek will be missed by many.
Derek’s funeral was held at St Swithun's Church, Southsea, Portsmouth on Tuesday October 6th at 11am. Fr Anthony Fyk, Parish Priest, paid the following tribute: One of the greatest abilities for humans is the ability to create. From vast architectural marvels to the most minute technological devices. From masterpieces of artwork to exquisite compositions of music. The ability for rational humans to use their God-given talents to create wonders using basic elements of the earth. Such is the creative power of humans! Such creative power the late Derek had with music, in that he had the ability to share his talents with numerous students and the faithful of the Diocese of Portsmouth over the years. Creativity is something we share with God, who created this world, this universe and ourselves. Sounds are vibrations, which create a chain reaction, and travels in waves. It travels through air, water, and metals. The ear receives sound waves which makes the ear drum vibrate. Tiny bones and liquid turn these vibrations into signals which go to the brain. Our brain puts all these signals together in order for us to make sense of it. For us humans it is not mere vibrations, but music. Something that transcends the physical,
something that has a spiritual quality. “Music is indeed the mediator between the spiritual and sensual life,” wrote Beethoven. Just like sounds are vibrations, the life and works of Derek, created a chain reaction, which touched so many people’s lives. From his beloved wife Ann (whom until almost to the very end of his earthly life played duets together every evening), to his children, to all his students, to singers, to clergy, to faithful throughout the decades. Never underestimate the power of beauty and goodness, in spreading or vibrating to other people. The same is with love, as we heard Paul remind us this morning. Yes, there is a sense of great loss for us present at the passing of Derek, who touched so many people’s life, and we cannot excuse our feelings and emotions of sadness and loss, but we trust in each other’s support, and primarily, in God, who has prepared an ‘everlasting home’ for Derek and us. A trust in the God shepherd which guides us all through life. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is the Paschal Mystery, our life in transformed into this ‘everlasting home.’ A home, where there is no hurt, pain, sorrow or suffering. But of love and peace. This life of love and peace begins now, as this life on earth is
not spent aimlessly, but with purpose, joy, and love, just like how music touches our heart, mind and spirit, God and ourselves touch others with peace and love. Derek, you have lived a long and fruitful life. You have touched many people’s life with your gift and talent of music. We give thanks for you sharing this with so many people especially with the faithful at the Cathedral and across the Diocese of Portsmouth. May you say, as your favourite composer Johanne Sebastion Bach once said, “I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.” -o0oDerek Fry was laid to rest in Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth. Requiescat in pace.
12 November 2026 Catholic South West
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 missionary dedicated to helping the poor in India (19101997) (6) 6 Ascetic 5th century British theologian (8)
11 One of the five Philistine cities (8) 13 Area north of biblical Israel famous for its cedar trees (7) 15 Queensland resort city facing the Great Barrier Reef (6) 17 Greatest of all the gods of ancient Egypt (6) 18 Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ (5) 21 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) 18 Is she, looking up, last one raising any cash at Christmas? (5)