New year, more blogging...

This time, I'll try and keep to this promise!

2010 has flown by, and so much has happened! 2011 is going to be an interesting year - my nieces first birthday, my brothers wedding and my parents 30th wedding anniversary, as well as my graduation and another personal event which I'll fill you all in, as and when!

So, memories of 2010! My brother proposed to his girlfriend, and she accepted, the new generation of my family came into the world. A new government was formed, I visited Rome on my own and of course, the Holy Father visited.

But there were so sad times during 2011 as well, the death of my grand father in February was quite a shock, and I fell out with a lot of my friends due to their lifestyle choices.

But anyway, enough of my blabbing over the events of this year, and what is to come next year.

I pray that God may bless your 2011.

In Domino

New Nuncio for Great Britain

It's official then:

NOMINA DEL NUNZIO APOSTOLICO IN GRAN BRETAGNA

Il Santo Padre ha nominato Nunzio Apostolico in Gran Bretagna S.E. Mons. Antonio Mennini, Arcivescovo titolare di Ferento, finora Nunzio Apostolico nella Federazione Russa e in Uzbekistan.

[01818-01.01]

Mea Culpa

I ask your forgiveness readers, I have been a bit lazy of late with regard to posting on the blog. I must confess that I have, quite literally, been enjoying my summer break!

Anyway! What has happened? A fair bit. I have a full time job (until I go back to university), I'm doing filing for the local council's social services department. I have passed my second year (only just passing Greek) and of course, I went on pilgrimage to Rome!

Pictures I hear you cry, PICTURES!

Well, here we go!

Anyone who has been to Rome should have visited this church. It is on the Via di San Giovanni in Laterano and the name of the church is the Basilica di San Clemente. The story goes that Pope St Clement was martyred when he was thrown over the side of a boat with an anchor tied around his neck. When the tide went out there became visible a tomb made of stone, inside the tomb was the martyred Pope. In the 9th Century, St Cyril translated the bones of St Clement to Rome where they were 'deposited' in the high altar of the church of St Clement.

The Mother Church of the world, and one of my personal favourites!

THE AUDIENCE! I was seven rows from the front! Ahahaha! The Holy Father was sporting a rather fetching red saturno.

...I am considering uploading the pictures of the Three Peaks and my Rome pilgrimage to an image hosting website so, if you ever get that bored, you can trawl through them!

I believe that Miss Ellen E. has tagged me in a post so I shall now get on to thinking about my three favourite prayers.

In Domino.

Apologies!

Sincere apologies readers for my absence! I have no excuse apart from that of laziness! Well, that and the fact I've been busy recently, work, uni, mountain climbing etc...

It has been well over a month since I last blogged and I think its pretty safe to say a lot has happened! I could not write a blog without congratulating our new Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. David Cameron MP. I pray that he and his cabinet with breath fresh air into what was a dead and decaying governmental system!

As well as this we (in Cardiff) had the last Mass of his Grace, Archbishop Peter Smith. It was a sad affair for all and his last Mass was on Pentecost Sunday during which he confirmed 14 youngsters from St Johns College (the Cathedral choir school).

As previously mentioned I've been climbing mountains, three mountains are worthy of mention. Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Alas we didn't climb them in the 24hr challenge, instead we allowed ourselves some rest (drink and food) and we did them on three separate days. Sunday 30th May (Ben Nevis), Monday 31st May (Scafell Pike) and Tuesday 1st June (Snowdon) - what an experience! I managed to get a few decades of the Rosary prayed whilst climbing these three 'Goliaths'.

I shall post a few pictures here, but I'm looking into posting them on a website and linking it here.


I think this is when Ben Nevis started to level off a bit before the massive hike to the summit... but it's still not half way up!


Finally at the summit after a trek of 20 minutes in snow. The pole was sinking 2 feet deep into the snow at some points!

This is my favourite picture taken walking up the second of the three mountains (Scafell Pike)

And finally...

Wales (Snowdon), at its gloomiest and wettest! We (or rather I) got soaked coming down, I was foolish and didn't put my coat on, it wasn't raining there was a lot of moisture in the air...if that makes sense!

Anyway, I'm off to Rome on Monday for a few days rest-bite in the Casa di San Brigida...I will be attending the Papal Audience on the Monday and will listen out for my name!

In Domino

Interesting article.

I was pointed in the direction of this article by a good friend of mine. I think you may find it of interest.

In Domino

Does the Devil ever 'win'?

I was walking home after a long day in work on Saturday and I got to think; does the Devil ever 'win'? And I thought of instances where pure evil have prevailed over good. Then I thought of 'lesser' instances when the Devil, it could be argued, has won.

And I came to the conclusion that every time we sin, it is a mini-victory for the Devil. Every time we have an ill-thought about someone, when we over-indulge, when we do something which is deemed 'bad' - basically whenever we sin the Devil 'whoops and hollers'.

But these are short-lived victories on the most. As soon as we, as Catholics, go to Confession the Devil has lost. As soon as we as Catholics turn back to God, accept our faults and failings and seek His forgiveness the Devil loses. Hence the 'short-lived victory'.

There is however a problem with this, not everyone goes to confession. And I'm not talking of Protestants who don't embrace this sacrament. I'm talking primarily of Catholics who do not take 'advantage' of this beautiful gift which has been bestowed on the Church.

But what does this mean? I think this means that the Devil continues to have these small victories, but for those who don't turn back to God these small victories become greater and greater.

I'm not going to make a sweeping statement and say that all non-Catholics are falling into a hole that they will never escape. There are plenty of non-Catholics who live good lives and there are plenty of Catholics who don't. But there are people out there who sin without realising, and then fall further into sin. It is these people that need our prayers; it is these people who need the Church.

The immense feeling of 'lighter shoulders' on leaving the confession is truly wonderful! Forgiveness is one of the greatest human characteristics. But through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we are not forgiven by a human for doing something against them. We are forgiven for letting ourselves be tempted by the Devil, and in doing so, acting against God.

Catholics! Go to confession!

In Domino

Peter Smith to go to Southwark.

The news has broken that Archbishop Peter Smith is to be translated to the See of Southwark (his home diocese). I think I speak for most in the diocese when I saw he will be sorely missed. Over the last 8 and a half years he has been a good pastor to the Church in this diocese;

The Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the Most Reverend Peter Smith, until now Archbishop of Cardiff, as the new Archbishop of Southwark

Archbishop Smith was named the tenth Archbishop of Southwark on 30 April 2010. He succeeds the Most Reverend Kevin McDonald (2003-2009).

Archbishop Smith was born on 21 October 1943, ordained priest on 15 July 1972, ordained Bishop of East Anglia on 27 May 1995, transferred to Cardiff on 26 October 2001.

Commenting on his appointment the Archbishop said;

“After eight very happy years in the Archdiocese of Cardiff, I am very sad to be leaving Wales.

“Over these years I have enjoyed working with the priests, deacons, religious and laity of the Archdiocese in Wales and Herefordshire and thank them for their help and co-operation in so many areas of Diocesan life and work. I am especially grateful for their support in bringing about the re-organisation of pastoral provision for the Catholic community, and fostering the mission of the Church in so many ways. My experience of the Archdiocese is that the spirit of St. David is still very much alive and summed up in his dying words: 'Be joyful; keep the faith.'

“I should also like to thank the leaders of the other Christian Churches communities, and the leaders of other faiths in Wales. We have enjoyed a fruitful dialogue and relationship to the benefit of our particular communities and wider society. I have found the civic authorities, in particular the Welsh Assembly Government and Local Authorities, have been unfailingly courteous and helpful, as has the local media. I am deeply grateful for that too.

“I shall never forget the warmth and generosity of the people of Wales, not only the Catholic community but so many others, and their great sense of humour and cheerfulness.

“However, my sadness at leaving is tempered by the prospect of returning to my roots in South London and going home to the Archdiocese in which I was born and for which I was ordained a priest in 1972. I am very much looking forward to that and to serving the people, religious, deacons and priests of the Archdiocese of Southwark as their Bishop. It is good to be returning home, although I feel there is part of me which will always have a 'second home' in Wales.”

He has been good to me over the years; answering the plethora of letters I have sent him and I will never forget the meeting I had with him around this time five years ago to talk about the priesthood and how I felt a personal calling to serve the Lord. He understood where I was coming from and listened.

I pray that the Lord will guide him in his new ministry as Archbishop of Southwark.

In Domino.

William Hague

William Hague is quite simply a genius of political wit! Some of his speeches in the House of Commons have, not only members of the Conservative Party, but also the government benches, literally, verging on the brink of tears.

If I was on the government benches I would not have been able to control myself when he said most of this:



There are a few other videos I’ve come across where I’ve been laughing, at some points, uncontrollably! No matter what political convictions you have, you cannot deny... Hague is a Master Orator.

I thought I’d include a political blog in the run up to May 6th, 2010. I trust we all have our polling cards at the ready. I intend on being one of the first to vote. I also plan on staying up all night with a mini-election party!

Mountains.

Well, what an interesting Friday!

It started off pretty normal with the usual business of university etc... but ended up in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been (it was all planned well in advance, but still it was magnificent.)
It was decided last year that for my uncles 50th birthday this year that we will climb the three peaks (Ben Nevis, Scaffel Pike and Snowdon) at the end of May, so for training purposes my father, brothers and I climbed Pen-y-Fan yesterday (the highest peak in South Wales and I believe in Souther Britain, although you may want to correct me on that.) And well, the view from the top was simply outstanding, if I'd had my camera with me I would have taken many photos. However I only had my phone.

The above photo is about 5 minutes walk from the top itself, however there is quite a steep incline before you get there!

This is my father and my eldest brother lagging behind! Eventually there was a 15 minute gap between them and the middle brother, with me in the middle.

Praying the Rosary was a truly wonderful experience (unfortunately I had to pray it silently and on my own but I was content.)


My father and my brother at the top of 'Pen-y-Fan'. Middle brother and I had been there for a little while before they arrived.

An hour up and about 45 minutes coming down (roughly for middle brother and I). The next practice run is to be - Cadair Idris.

In Domino

And a child is born...

...in the University Hospital of Wales at 15.26 on the 8th April 2010.

This is in reference to my niece. The name chosen was Roxanne (no middle names as yet).

Please pray for my brother and his family at this most joyful time!

In Domino

Urbi et Orbi

May the Grace and Joy of the Risen Christ be with you too, Holy Father.

Before..

Before I begin my blogging silence (until after the Easter Vigil) I would like to take this opportunity to which the readers of this blog a blessed Good Friday and may your Holy Saturday be one of quiet contemplation as we await the glorious Resurrection of Our Lord.

I also hope you will join me in praying for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. He has had a very difficult time of late, as has the whole Church.

Today (2nd April) is a very important day for me as it marked a change in my life. Five years on from that change I would like to ask your prayers for me personally.

And finally, today is the anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II. We should pray for him and for his cause.

Dilemma...

I face a dilemma; what should the new header be tomorrow? Do I include pictures from Holy Week 2009 (of the Holy Father) or what?

Suggestions in the comment box please.

(I have a new graphic programme and I am quite keen to use it!)

Baby on the way.

Amidst all the problems of the past weeks there are a few things which keep me going. The first is that the Church will always prevail.

Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?
Simon Peter answered and said: 'Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God'
And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.
And I say to thee: That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And this, dear readers, is the proof of the fact that the church will always prevail. For Christ said so to Peter. The Church will always come under attack from the Devil, for the church is the Body of Christ, the Devil hates the Church. But, as Christ said 'hell shall not prevail against it'.

The second thing keeping me going is that fact that pretty soon (6 days away) the newest member of the family is expected to arrive. That's right, Catholic Student is to become an uncle. The names are (for a boy) Finn, and (for a girl) Roxanne.

I ask your prayers for; (1) better names, and (2) that the baby may be healthy.

As yet my brother is adamant that his child will not be baptised... I also ask your prayers that the Lord will bring him (my brother) back to the Church.

St Peter - pray for us.

In Domino.

I..

...along with fellow blogger Catholic with Attitude support His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

May the Lord preserve our Holy Father, Benedict. May He give him life and protect him in this life and reserve for him the reward of the just. Amen.

I think it important that we remember this prayer too;

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell,
Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

In Domino

Well...

...how did I hear about this latest scandal? Not via the BBC (initially) it was in a text from my brother which read; 'Do I need to pass comment about the latest Papal scandal?' I quickly went to the BBC website, read the story and the utter rubbish it accuses the Holy Father of, when I replied to my brother our conversation descended into a slinging match, eventually he called the Catholic Church a perverted boys club.

I find all this, especially from my brother deeply distressing. I pray for him, I think you should too.

Anyway, I left the textual conversation there, no doubt he thought he'd won; I went to bed and when I woke up I was greeted by a very interesting comment posted on Fr Ray Blake's blog. I think I will simply copy and paste the argument which the commenter has;

Fact: The revolting abuse took place over a long period up to the 1970s
Fact: Archbishop Weakland was enthroned in 1977. He first raised the issue in a letter to Cardinal Ratzinger in 1996; the only letter he wrote to the Cardinal.
Fact: Cardinal Ratzinger acted immediately and designated his deputy to conduct the investigation.
Fact: The investigation was in progress when the errant priest wrote to Cardinal Ratzinger asking for mercy because he was dying.
Fact: Fr. Murphy died 7 months later.
Fact: Those in the diocese who had the power to act when the allegations began to surface did not very much.
It's all in the documents, which most of the hysterical anti-Pope brigade won't bother to read.
The former Archbishop Weakland when asked directly to confirm the Pope did nothing, merely said those in authority should have acted sooner. He added he should have acted sooner.
But then Fr Weakland's record on such matters doesn't bear much scrutiny.
The most troubling question is who released these internal church documents, knowing that they could and would be misused to injure the Pope?
Thank God that at last someone has spoken out for the Pope. Thank you, Archbishop Nichols.

It appears to be, as Damian Thompson suggests a stitch-up of the most disturbing kind.

In my text to my brother this morning I outlined all that the comment leaver said and concluded with the simple line; 'If the Pope is guilty of anything, he's guilty of showing compassion and being a Christian."

Thoughts?

In Domino

Good Friday Reflection...2005

It was in 2005 when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, (Benedict XVI) wrote the reflections for the Good Friday Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, that he best put into words a problem which has plagued the Church in recent times;

"How often is the holy sacrament of his Presence abused, how often must he enter empty and evil hearts! How often do we celebrate only ourselves, without even realizing that he is there! How often is his Word twisted and misused! What little faith is present behind so many theories, so many empty words! How much filth there is in the Church, and even among those who, in the priesthood, ought to belong entirely to him! How much pride, how much self-complacency!"

Pray for our Holy Father.

St Peter
Pray for Us

In Domino

Radio 4...

...the Today programme.

Goodness! the Archbishop of Cardiff, Most Rev. Peter Smith was on Radio 4 this morning talking to John Humphrys'... I think his Grace keeps his cool, where I simply couldn't. Mr Humphrys' seems a little, shall we say, ignorant.

Click here to listen to it.

In Domino

He's Coming!

I realise I'm a bit late on the pick up, well I found out when we all did, but I haven't posted on it yet.

When I heard that the Holy Father has (unofficially) accepted the invitation of Her Majesty's Government to come to Britain on a state visit I became like a child, quite excited. As I'm only 21 it will be my first experience of a Papal visit. My mother remembers with fond memories when Pope John Paul II visited Cardiff (something which I notice the Pope is not going to be doing).

My mother was banned by the doctor from going to the Mass at Pontcanna fields (she was heavily pregnant and ready to 'drop' at any time). So she was quite annoyed, however providence played its hand and when she was out for one of her daily walks to the shops she was stopped by the police from crossing the road, wondering why, she looked down the road only to be greeted by the sight of the Pope-mobile as His Holiness made his way to the airport – she insists even to this day that John Paul II looked straight at her and blessed her.

Hopefully I will at least go to one of the events organised. It’s just a waiting game now.

In Domino

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig

...supposedly that is the Gaelic way of wishing blessing today; St Patrick's Day.

We all know little bits of the Life (Vita) of St Patrick. He was British, kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland where he worked on a pig farm. Eventually he escaped and went back home. However he had a revelation from God, asking Patrick to return to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity. And... that's pretty much all I can remember, apart from the famous snake story, and of course the use of the Shamrock to teach the Trinity.

Anyway, I went to St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary School and so know this hymn quite well;

Hail, glorious Saint Patrick, dear saint of our Isle,
On us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile;
And now thou art high in the mansions above,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

Hail, glorious Saint Patrick, thy words were once strong
Against Satan's wiles and an infidel throng;
Not less is thy might where in heaven thou art;
O, come to our aid, in our battle take part.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

In the war against sin, in the fight for the faith,
Dear saint, may thy children resist unto death;
May their strength be in meekness, in penance, their prayer,
Their banner the cross which they glory to bear.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

Thy people, now exiles on many a shore,
Shall love and revere thee till time be no more;
And the fire thou hast kindled shall ever burn bright,
Its warmth undiminished, undying its light.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

Ever bless and defend the sweet land of our birth,
Where the shamrock still blooms as when thou wert on earth,
And our hearts shall yet burn, wherever we roam,
For God and Saint Patrick, and our native home.

On Erin's green valleys, on Erin's green valleys,
On Erin's green valleys look down in thy love.

So once again, Happy St Patrick's Day. I will probably have a pint (or two) of Guinness later on.

In Domino

Rose vestment time...

..following on from the post by Fr. Tim Finigan and the beautiful vestments that were worn in Blackfen on Sunday I thought I'd show you, dear readers, what was worn in Cardiff's cathedral.

Now it is important to note that the Canon was away at St Johns Seminary, Wonersh... something to do with the permanent diaconate. In his absence we had the retired priest in residence who regularly refers to me as a; 'Latinist'.

You may wish to look away now.



You may notice that the strip of pink (there is no way that is rose) is attached with Velcro. You may also notice the two statues, one is St Anthony, the other Pope St Pius X... I wonder what they, the latter in particular, would make of this.

In Domino

Spring?

I stepped out onto the terrace this evening and it was quite a beautiful evening so I decided to take a few pictures.

(the sun sets behind my apartment building so I get light, without the problem of being blinded)

I was pretty impressed anyway! There are a few other pictures:


This is a view across the water at 'Cardiff Bay'. You can see the curved roof of the Wales Millennium Centre, you can also see the Pier Head Building (the read building with the clock tower) and of course, one of Cardiff's luxury hotels (St. David's Hotel and Spa - it has the odd roof).

And this is a picture of the Cardiff barrage. It's because of this that the 'bay' exists! Or rather, the 'lagoon' as my father calls it.

In Domino

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Dedwydd!!

Happy St David's Day!!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy St David's Day, regardless of whether you are Welsh, English, Irish or whatever!

Today, all across Wales, schools will be having mini-Eisteddfods - I seem to remember singing "Sospan Fach" a song about a "Little Saucepan" on numerous occasions. Getting louder with each verse! Also, today there was a March from Cardiff City Hall, I don't know where it went as I was in university at the time.

I also missed the Royal Welsh on parade in Cardiff over the weekend. The were 'on guard' at Cardiff Castle. And I can't believe I missed it, however I did see a tank being driven down the road in front of Cardiff Castle yesterday. This was quite surreal.

Anyway, back to today's Solemnity, I sang this morning one of my favourite hymns; O Great St David. It was written by a former Archbishop of Cardiff, the Most Rev. Francis Mostyn.

O great Saint David, still we hear thee call us,
Unto a life that knows no fear of death;
Yea, down the ages will thy words enthral us,
Strong, happy words: "Be joyful, keep the faith."

On Cambria's sons stretch out thy hands in blessing;
For our dear land thy help we now implore.
Lead us to God, with humble hearts confessing
Jesus, Lord and king forevermore

Christ was the centre rock of all thy teaching,
God's holy will -- the splendour of its theme.
His grace informed, his love inflamed thy preaching;
Christ's sway on earth, the substance of thy dream.

On Cambria's sons stretch out thy hands in blessing;
For our dear land thy help we now implore.
Lead us to God, with humble hearts confessing
Jesus, Lord and king forevermore.

St David
Pray for us

In Domino

Pope Picture of..

the week!

Right, my quote of the week failed; alas that was due to my laziness, I'll post the odd quote every now and again that I feel is worthy of posting, however I will now be having "Pope Picture of the Week".

What ideally will happen is that I will trawl through the picture archives of the Vatican website finding a picture that makes me smile, be it of HH Benedict XVI or of his predecessor it doesn't matter!

Also if you have any... and I mean ANY pictures of any Pope you wish for me to post as the picture of the week then e-mail me; if you can come up with a caption then that would be immense!

So, for the first one...

*thought bubble* - "brick by brick"

In Domino

"Remember man...

...that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return"

If there was to be any day to remind us Catholics of our mortality it is "Ash Wednesday".

My favourite Gospel reading was read yesterday, it conjures many images in my head (having seen the Passion of the Christ) of people, dressed like Caiaphas standing on the street corners, proclaiming the Old Covenant to the people. It seems to me a funny image, but I might be alone on this one.

Our Lords message in yesterdays Gospel was pretty straight forward; humility. We should be humble before the Lord for it does not matter what other people think of us. All that matters is what the; Father who sees all that is done in secret, sees us doing.

Our Lord tells us not to have sad faces when we fast, but to show no sign of the lack of strength brought on by ones fasting, to carry on as normal for the Father sees everything, and it is only his opinion that matters.

So we must come humbly before the Father not boasting about what we are doing. We must take up the message of yesterdays Gospel; humility, not just in Lent, but throughout the whole year, for the rest of our lives.

We must come humbly before the one who, "so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

In Domino

Lent is...

...well, tomorrow!

I've decided to give a few things up and maybe even take up the odd thing; however I will not tell you dear readers, just in case I fail.

My 'Lent reading' however is something I am quite pleased about; The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is one of the books; the other is the Rule of St Benedict. I have yet to read either of them so this shall be most interesting.

Most interesting however is a new prayer book which arrived this morning. I have heard a lot about it and look forward to begin praying with it tomorrow; I shall be using the "The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary" I am rather excited!

Well, I shall leave it there. I'll let you know how I get on with the Little Office.

In Domino

BBC at Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral.

As the topic heading suggests, the BBC (BBC Radio Wales) were in the Cathedral on the 4th February; they were recording for two programmes. The first of which was aired this morning at 8.05; the other will be on Easter Sunday at the same time.

The preacher was the Very Rev Canon Peter Collins, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David.

It is a 'liturgy of the word' and can be heard here.

I tend to refrain from posting on Sundays but I thought I'd be different today.

In Domino

Funeral.

Tomorrow (12th February) is my paternal grandfather’s funeral; I ask for your prayers.

I will be reading Psalm 23. I really do think it is a beautiful Psalm, it was originally suggested that I sing it, however I have never heard of it being sung, although I suppose it would have been sung initially and probably should be sung, after all we do ‘sing’ the Psalms when we pray the Divine Office.

But anyway, I shall read it, as I think it sounds better read. Especially being as it will be hard enough to read tomorrow, let alone sing!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have prayed for my family and I at this time, we have found it a great comfort and want you to know that we greatly appreciate it. I would like for you to know that you are all firmly in my prayers.

I will get back to blogging properly when this week is over, maybe even Monday. I’ve just found it quite difficult to get anything done over the past week.
I leave you with the words of the Psalm I shall read tomorrow; (King James edition)

The LORD is my shepherd
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul
He leadeth me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

In Domino

Quote

My quote of the week is not so much the original but how it has been paraphrased.

In 1976 Margaret Thatcher sat down to an interview for Thames TV, during which she said "...and Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They [socialists] always run out of other people's money. It's quite a characteristic of them."

I use this paraphrase every now and again, when my Socialist brother is in ear-shot!

"The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."

I have a great respect for Lady Thatcher, and I do wonder what she must be thinking has happened to the Party which she led for many years. It seems to have gone off the rails.

Prayers

I come to you dear readers for prayers at this time. My paternal grand father John Malcolm James passed away yesterday.

I ask for your prayers; both for the repose of his soul and for my family at this difficult time.

I also ask for your prayers for me, personally, as today I turn 21!

In Domino

My Bishop meets the Pope...

I wonder what was said?!

Pope Benedict: "So, tell me Peter; where do you send your students for the Priesthood?"

Arch. Peter: "erm... erm... well..."

Just a bit o' fun ;-)

In Domino

Requiescat In Pace.

Please pray for the soul of my maternal grandfather.

Alfred William George Schofield.

Whilst he wasn't a Catholic my mother has always maintained that he was 'going about' converting to Rome.

It is 48 years to the day the he passed away, my mother was four.

Requiescat In Pace.

In Domino.

Catholic Cardiff...

..I popped into Cardiff city centre today (not something I try to do too often outside of term time) and I found quite an interesting book entitled "Catholics in Cardiff" by John O'Sullivan.

There were a few pictures of interest, including one which I think a follower of this blog might appreciate.

So here we go, but where to begin?!

Now... I realise this is the American prelate, the Most Rev. Fulton J. Sheen. You may well be asking why he was in Cardiff, or at least the archdiocese; well the caption reads: "American writer and broadcaster Bishop Fulton Sheen with pupils at Newport in 1971. (Courtesy of O'Sullivan Archives)"

What some of you may, or may not know is that before Cardiff became the principal diocese of Wales in 1916 the main diocese of Wales was that of Newport. Now because when the diocese was 'elevated' to an Archdiocese and the centre moved to Cardiff it meant that Newport would become a titular See, the See that Bishop Fulton Sheen was titular of, hence his visit to Wales.

This image is of the Most Rev. John Murphy, Archbishop of Cardiff 1961 - 1983. The caption reads: "Archbishop John Murphy is seen here on his way to St David's Cathedral for his enthronement on the 31 October 1961".

I have nothing else to say about the image other than... that's a deacon (or sub-deacon) with a biretta on!!

This last image is perhaps my favourite, NUNS! Proper nuns! The caption tells us that this is the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy, in procession (presumably into the chapel) at Llantarnam Abbey just outside Newport in the 1960s.

Needless to say their 'habit' (if you can call it that) is a lot different these days!

Our Lady of the Taper - Pray for Wales
Our Lady of Penrhys - Pray for Wales

Outnumbered...

it's a British television programme which I have been known to roll around laughing whilst watching it; this years Christmas episode was hilarious!



I do apologies for one word in the first minute used by the mother.

The reason I enjoy watching it, is because it reminds me of conversations had with my parents by my brothers and I, and the girl (Karen) reminds me of my youngest cousin.

Watch and enjoy! There is nothing religious about it, just good laughs!

The business with the mothers father, might ring true for a few readers. In particular it is quite poignant for my family... the un-political correctness (is that a word) mentioned is quite similar to something my grandfather said recently... the awkward looks were priceless!

"Where have you been?!"

I can hear some of you asking where I've been, well never fear. It wasn't an official hiatus; I was revising for two exams, both which I feel went well. One was for the module entitled "Monotheism from Moses to Freud" the other was today (Monday 18th) and it was Greek... of the Hellenistic variety.

So here we are, exam season is over until the Summer (Thank God).

Well, what has happened during my Great Silence?! There have been some fairly dramatic events; one which sticks in the mind is this awful, truly shocking disaster to hit Haiti.

According to a few websites the 'patron' of Haiti is Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We should pray for her intercession!

I must say that whilst being shocked at the event, I am overwhelmed by the amount of support being given, both financial and 'man power' wise from across the world.

In Domino

Let it snow!

And my goodness has it, and it still is (if only lightly). I've never known snow like this is Cardiff. There's something about this weather that makes a lot of people happy be it the days of school/work or the fact it looks nice.

The following are a few snaps I took this morning when I awoke!



The view from the apartment looking out from the terrace towards Cardiff docks.

This is the view from the terrace towards the link road (it links Cardiff 'Bay' with 'west' Cardiff)


And this is the view out towards Cardiff 'Bay' across the 'lagoon' as my father calls it!

I have seen many people walking past my apartment going to the gym in my building and some of them are wearing t-shirts... craziness, no?!

Anyway, today the tree comes down; i'm leaving the crib out until the 2nd February.

I wish you all a Happy Feast Day (of the Epiphany)

In Domino

Epiphany confusion...

...confused? I am! Why did the Bishops Conference of England and Wales change things? Why did they move certain Holy Days of Obligation to nearest Sunday? It makes no sense to me; it seems like the Church in England and Wales is bowing to the society in which we live, personally I look forward to the day when we are back in sync with the rest of the Church universal!

The main problem, for me at least is when do I pray the Feast of the Epiphany? I took the decision this year to do so on the 6th January. However I added the Three Kings to the nativity scene on "Epiphany Sunday"...

This was the scene I meditated on (briefly) Sunday evening. It really does focus one's mind! There is a candle to the far right as well, which is partially out of shot!

I love Christmastide! It is full of some of Holy Mother Churches most wondrous and glorious feasts! I will be popping to church tomorrow and will offer festive greetings to the priest, hopefully if it is the priest who I hope it is he will return them!

I took a quick peek at the Monastic Diurnal for the Feast of the Epiphany and the antiphon for the second psalm really stuck out;

"Apértis thesáuris suis, obtulérunt Magi Dómino aurum, thus et myrrham allelúia."

Or to you and me,

"Opening their treasures, the Magi offered the Lord, gold, frankincense and myrrh, alleluia."

There is something truly beautiful about Latin. People often compare it to Welsh as a 'dead' language, but when one prays in Latin or hears a Latin Mass (EF or OF) it is truly beautiful.

That rambling about Latin came from nowhere! But it is beautiful.

I shall leave it there for now.

In Domino

2010...

...it's been pretty uneventful so far, apart from the numerous religious feasts, of course!

As you can see I've changed the blog layout, yet again! It'll stay like this until the baptism of Our Lord.

I feel an odd sense of pride when people start "following" my blog, yet I also feel that I should watch what I type; making sure there are no errors... I'm sure you'd make sure I corrected my errors though, people of the blogosphere are good like that!

That's all for today's ramblings, quite a short one, but ramblings none the less! I look forward to writing more throughout 2010!

In Domino