CLERGY and church leaders from across west Wales gathered this week for one of the most significant services in the Christian calendar, as the Diocese of St Davids held its annual Chrism Mass.

The service, led by the Bishop of St Davids, brought together priests, readers and lay worship leaders in a celebration of unity, ministry and renewal ahead of Easter.

Joining him at the altar were Bishop Wyn Evans and Bishop John Saxbee, in a service rich with symbolism, tradition and meaning.

During the Mass, the bishop praised the “diversity of talents, ministries and traditions” within the diocese, urging those present to remain Christ-centred and committed to serving their communities.

What is the Chrism Mass?

The Chrism Mass is one of the most important services of the church year, traditionally held during Holy Week in the run-up to Easter.

It is a time when clergy gather with their bishop to renew their vows and reaffirm their commitment to ministry. The service also emphasises unity within the church, bringing together representatives from parishes across the diocese.

For many, it is seen as a moment of reflection before the intensity of Easter services begins.

Why are oils blessed?

A central part of the Chrism Mass is the blessing of holy oils, which are then distributed to churches throughout the diocese for use in key religious rites over the coming year.

There are typically three types of oil blessed:

Oil of the Sick – used for healing and comfort during prayer for those who are ill
Oil of Catechumens – used during baptism as a symbol of strengthening and preparation
Sacred Chrism – a specially consecrated oil used in baptisms, confirmations and ordinations

The use of oil has deep roots in Christian tradition, symbolising the presence of the Holy Spirit, healing, blessing and being set apart for a sacred purpose.

A service of unity

The distribution of these oils marks a practical and symbolic link between the cathedral and every parish in the diocese.

Each church will now use the same blessed oils in their services, reinforcing the sense of shared identity and mission across Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Chrism Mass remains a powerful reminder of the church’s continuity, tradition and the collective role of its clergy and lay leaders in serving their communities.

Team leader breached position of trust at Letterston care home

A PEMBROKESHIRE care worker has been sentenced after admitting assaulting an elderly resident at a residential home in Letterston.

William Gough, aged 42, pleaded guilty to assault by beating when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard the incident took place while Gough was working as a carer at Graylyns Residential Home.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates that the altercation began after Gough removed a cup from the resident as a safety precaution.

“The victim threw a Kylie chair pad at the defendant when she became frustrated,” she said.

“But as William Gough walked towards the kitchen, he threw another seat Kylie towards her.”

The court was told that Gough also made “unpleasant comments” about the woman, although these were said in a separate room and not heard by the victim.

Gough, of Three Meadows, Haverfordwest, was represented by Alexandra Wilson KC, who said her client had no previous convictions and that the resident had not suffered any physical injury.

However, she acknowledged that Gough’s position on the day was an aggravating factor.

“An aggravating factor was that on the day of the offence, Gough’s role was that of team leader and was working in a position of trust,” she said.

She added that Gough is no longer employed at the care home and insisted the offence was out of character.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order. As part of the sentence, Gough must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs and a £114 court surcharge.

Victim says incident has left him anxious and struggling months later

A TEENAGER was left “terrified” and suffering ongoing anxiety after being assaulted by an oil rig worker at Bluestone holiday park near Narberth, a court has heard.

The incident took place on Friday (Dec 27), just two days after Christmas, at a soft play area within the popular Pembrokeshire resort.

Speaking through a victim impact statement read to Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, the child said the assault had a lasting impact on his mental health and daily life.

“Since the incident I’ve been feeling down and depressed, and this has been noticed by my school,” he said.

“I’ve become very anxious and I think about what happened daily. It was terrifying. It hurts so much and I’m still struggling with how I’m feeling.”

The court heard that 45-year-old Adam Chubb, of Meyrick Park Crescent, Bournemouth, became angry after accusing the teenager of refusing to play with a younger child.

Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told magistrates the situation escalated quickly.

“The defendant snapped, pushing the teenager to his upper back causing him to fall forward,” she said.

“The defendant then pushed the child backwards yet again into the automatic door.”

CCTV footage of the incident was played in court.

Chubb, who works as an offshore oil rig worker, pleaded guilty to assault by beating.

Defending, Michael Kelleher told the court his client had no previous convictions and accepted his behaviour was unacceptable.

“He had an argument with the 15-year-old, and pushed and shoved him,” he said.

“There was no injury, but of course, this should not have happened.

“He’s concerned that as an adult, he should not have reacted like that to a 15-year-old.

“This was completely out of character and he’s desperate to apologise to the child, but until now he’s been unable to contact him.”

Magistrates ordered Chubb to pay a total of £2,683, including a £1,856 fine, a £742 court surcharge and £85 costs.