Bishop Philip writes…
Operation Epic Fury and the Iranian fight-back are truly disturbing. As ever in the Middle East, events can easily spiral out of control, with more and more countries involved. At his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo said: “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.” Lent is a time of prayer, self-denial and charity. This week, let us pray to the Holy Spirit, yes, for peace, but especially that as many innocent people as possible are spared and that there will grow up a renewed desire for diplomacy and dialogue.
Meanwhile, welcome to this edition of e-News for Tuesday 3rd March 2026. A disturbing development has occurred in Jersey: you can read my statement in this issue. As we enter the second full week of Lent, please continue to pray for vocations, especially for the men who came along to discuss the priesthood with me on 4th January. May the Lord give them grace and light to discern their vocation in life, whatever it may be.
With all good wishes and an assurance of my prayers,
In Corde Iesu
+Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth
[Image: Catholic World Report]
