Community

First millennial saint: Carlo Acutis relics visited West Wales ahead of canonisation

Published

3 months ago

September 8, 2025

THE CANONISATION of Carlo Acutis, the London-born teenager declared a saint in Rome on Sunday (Sept 7), has a special resonance in Pembrokeshire, where parishioners travelled earlier this year to venerate his relics in West Wales.

Known as “God’s influencer,” Acutis used his love of technology to create websites documenting miracles and teaching about the Catholic faith. He died of leukaemia aged just fifteen in 2006, and became the first saint of the millennial generation following a ceremony at St Peter’s Square, presided over by Pope Leo.

Relic tour of Wales

In February 2025, a first-class relic of Acutis — a fragment of the membrane surrounding his heart — toured the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia. Thousands gathered to pay their respects as the relic visited the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St David in Cardiff, Belmont Abbey, St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Swansea, the Church of the Sacred Heart in Morriston, and Blessed Carlo Acutis School in Merthyr Tydfil.

Among those present were parishioners from Pembrokeshire, who travelled by bus to attend the veneration. The group joined hundreds of others in prayers, Mass and Adoration, making a direct link between local Catholics and the global moment of Sunday’s canonisation.

Clergy reflections

At Belmont Abbey, Father Matt told parishioners: “The very place that we loved Jesus from was enriched by the presence of Carlo’s relic. His witness speaks across generations, showing that holiness is possible in ordinary life.”

In Cardiff, Archbishop Mark O’Toole welcomed the relic and celebrated Mass, describing Acutis as “a model for young people who long for meaning in a digital world.”

An inspiration for youth

Carlo was born in Chelsea in 1991 to Italian parents who were temporarily living in London, before moving back to Milan. He enjoyed football and video games, and is remembered for saying: “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”

His mother, Antonia Salzano, has said that miracles were attributed to him from the day of his funeral, beginning with the healing of a woman suffering from cancer. Two of these miracles were formally recognised by the Vatican in the process leading to his sainthood.

Local pride in global moment

For the Pembrokeshire parishioners who made the journey by bus earlier this year, the canonisation has an added meaning. They were among the first in the UK to venerate his relic and pray before it, connecting their own parish life to the wider Catholic Church.

As Father Matt reflected: “Carlo shows us that sanctity is not distant. It is real, it is alive, and it is possible today.”

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

20 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

21 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

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).