Bishop Philip writes…
Did you see the eclipse last month? Here in Britain, it was only a partial eclipse, but my friends John and Kate were in Spain and took this impressive photo. Today, 1st September, is the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It opens a ‘Season of Creation’ which runs from 1st September to 4th October (the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi), when we are meant to pray for, protect and share our common home. Seeing an eclipse is yet another reminder of the marvels of God’s creation. How amazing it is that the mass and movement of the moon is so finely calibrated that when an eclipse happens the moon perfectly covers the disc of the sun! It makes us think of that line in the Preface Dialogue at Mass: Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro ‘Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.’ Praise God for the wonders of His creation!
Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News, Issue 545 (2026/29) for Tuesday 1st September 2026. As we have not had an e-News for the last two weeks, there is quite a bit of news to catch up on. Please pray for the Diocese at this time, our clergy and parishes in which some new appointments are being made, and also our 67 Catholic schools as they prepare for the new academic year. Let’s also pray for those killed and missing in Nepal after the disastrous flood there – and for an end to the senseless war in Ukraine, now well into its fourth year.
Have a blessed week ahead!
With all good wishes and an assurance of my prayers,
In Corde Iesu
+Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth
