Bishop Philip writes…

Once again, the fragile nature of our world is before our eyes as a further escalation of war and violence is underway in the Middle East. The fighting is between Israel and Iran, but there is a real danger that America and the Gulf nations will be dragged in. Let us pray earnestly this week for peace and for an end to this warfare. Pope Leo has appealed for the authorities in Iran and Israel to act with ‘reason’ as airstrikes between the two countries are killing dozens and sending civilians into shelters. He has called on the nations to pursue dialogue. The Pope said he was following the situation with great concern: “In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason.”

Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News for Tuesday 17th June 2025. We are in the month of June which customarily is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Christ: I’ve drawn attention to a beautiful prayer you can say: the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Our thanks to all who have for submitted content for this issue. I wish all our readers a blessed week ahead.  

In Corde Iesu

+ Philip

Bishop of Portsmouth