Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Pembrokeshire Catholics travel to Cardiff for Blessed Carlo Acutis relic visit

Published

on

A GROUP of Catholic faithful from Pembrokeshire will travel to Cardiff to witness the visit of a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a revered young figure set to be canonised by Pope Francis on April 27, 2025. The relic, a fragment of the membrane surrounding his heart, will be brought to the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia from February 14-17, offering the faithful an opportunity for prayer and veneration.

A modern saint for a digital age

Blessed Carlo Acutis, who was born in London and later lived in Milan, dedicated his short life to his faith and the use of technology to spread the Gospel. Diagnosed with leukaemia, he died at the age of 15 in 2006, but his legacy continues to inspire young people worldwide. Carlo’s passion for technology and his deep faith earned him recognition as a model for modern youth, and his beatification by Pope Francis in 2020 has drawn significant devotion.

Pilgrimage from Pembrokeshire

Devotees from parishes across Pembrokeshire, including Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, and Tenby, are organising transport to attend the event in Cardiff. Many are eager to take part in the Masses, veneration sessions, and talks surrounding the visit of the relic.

Local parishioner Mary Davies, who will be making the journey, said: “Carlo Acutis is a real inspiration, especially for young people. He used technology to share his faith, showing that holiness is possible in our everyday lives. This visit is a blessing for Wales.”

Father John Morgan of St David and St Patrick’s Church in Haverfordwest said: “We encourage as many people as possible to take this opportunity to pray before the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. It is a moment of grace for our diocese.”

Schedule of the relic visit

The relic will visit key locations, starting at the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David in Cardiff on Friday, February 14, before moving to Belmont Abbey, Swansea’s Co-Cathedral, and the Sacred Heart Church in Morriston over the weekend. The tour will conclude with a visit to Blessed Carlo Acutis School in Merthyr on Monday, February 17, where Archbishop Mark O’Toole will celebrate Mass.

Throughout the visit, there will be Masses, opportunities for veneration, and talks about the life and legacy of Blessed Carlo. Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, from the Diocese of Assisi, will accompany the relic, offering insights into Carlo’s journey to sainthood.

A historic moment for Wales

The relic’s visit to Wales is particularly significant as the Church prepares for Carlo’s canonisation. With his focus on modern evangelisation, many see him as a saint for today’s world.

“His message that ‘everyone is born an original but many die as photocopies’ is a call to embrace our faith fully,” said youth leader Tom Jenkins, who is organising a group from Pembrokeshire. “This is an event that will strengthen our faith and deepen our devotion.”

For more information on transport and group travel arrangements from Pembrokeshire, local parishes are encouraging interested individuals to get in touch as soon as possible.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

on

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Continue Reading

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

on

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Continue Reading

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

on

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

Continue Reading

Crime12 hours ago

Man spared jail after baseball bat incident in Milford Haven

Judge says offence was so serious only a prison sentence was justified A 44-YEAR-OLD has been given a suspended prison sentence after...

Crime23 hours ago

Rural cannabis factory exposed after five-year operation in Carmarthenshire

Family-run drugs enterprise brought in millions before police raid during lockdown A FAMILY who relocated from England to a remote...

Business2 days ago

Senedd rejects calls to ‘eliminate’ rates for small businesses

A CONSERVATIVE call to abolish rates for all small businesses in Wales has been voted down by the Senedd amid...

Community3 days ago

Christmas song pokes fun at Haverfordwest’s ‘Instagram-friendly’ bridge

Rock track raises money for charity while giving a gentle dig to the council A BRAND-NEW Christmas rock song by...

Crime3 days ago

Police reassure community after school lockdown incident in Carmarthen 

DYFED-POWYS POLICE have issued reassurance to the community after Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen was placed into a precautionary lockdown on...

Local Government4 days ago

Councillors call for urgent review as flooding hits coastal communities

Motion demands assessment of drainage infrastructure after Castle Pond overflow A MOTION on emergency flooding concerns was brought before Pembrokeshire...

Crime5 days ago

Phillips found guilty of raping baby in “worst case” judge has ever dealt with

Baby’s mother cleared as judge says case “shaken me to my core” CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS has been found guilty of the...

News5 days ago

Storm Bram triggers widespread flood alerts across West Wales

As of Tuesday 9 December 2025, coastal communities in Pembrokeshire remain on high alert as Storm Bram continues to batter...

Education5 days ago

Parent challenges council over Manorbier school closure data as long-running dispute deepens

Fire-damaged school has operated with limited capacity since 2022, but consultation still uses original figures A ROW over the future...

Business6 days ago

Manorbier Castle Inn warns colossal rates hikes will ‘push venues to the brink’

Local inn among many facing dramatic increases from April 2026 MANORBIER Castle Inn has warned that its business rates are...

Popular This Week