Bishop Philip writes…
This photo is of a rescue worker walking through the rubble of a multi-story residential building damaged in a recent Russian ballistic missile strike on Kyiv. The Russia-Ukraine war, with its relentless bombardment and continuing causalities, seems to show no signs of slowing down, despite the recent flurry of diplomatic efforts involving the US. Increasingly, the war is about damaging each other’s infrastructure. Let us pray that this senseless war will end. May there be a real change of hearts and a new desire to negotiate and dialogue, bringing an end to the conflict.
Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News issue 546 (2026/30) for Tuesday 8th September 2026. I ask your prayers for three special intentions: first, 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 begin the new academic year. Secondly, please pray for the defeat of the bill to permit assisted suicide that comes before Parliament for its second reading this Friday, 11th September. And let us pray also for those killed or missing in Nepal, and for God’s blessing on the rescue workers.
Finally, may the Lord bless you with His love over the coming week.
With all good wishes and an assurance of my prayers,
In Corde Iesu
+Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth
[Image: Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images]
