Welcome from Bishop Philip

Dear Friends,
The Confirmation season is currently in full swing, with many youngsters from across the Diocese descending on the Cathedral to receive this energising Sacrament. Last weekend, I went over to Guernsey to confirm people there on Saturday before returning for the Mass on Sunday with 64 candidates from Havant and Basingstoke. This week, Fr. Anthony Fyk continues his series of catecheses about this Sacrament: please make sure you study it – and also say a prayer for those being confirmed. Meanwhile, these next days, I am leading the diocesan pilgrimage to Oberammergau for the Passion Play – and I take your prayers and intentions with me. The Play, which is staged every ten years, should have taken place in 2020 but was postponed until this year because of COVID. Thanks to all who have sent in their news items for this week. Finally, don’t forget that this Thursday is the great Solemnity of the Ascension, a day on which we should go to Mass. With my prayers and best wishes from Oberammergau.