Dear friends in Christ, This Sunday the pilgrimage to the grave of St John Kemble takes place at Welsh Newton. Full details of the pilgrimage are available on the reverse of the newsletter. The main event is at 3.00pm with Rosary, readings and prayers at St John Kemble’s Grave in the Churchyard at Welsh Newton. As the patron of our deanery and local martyr, let us ask for his prayers and intercession. It was wonderful to take part in two concerts of organ music and Gregorian Chant in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the feast of the Assumption last Saturday and Monday. On Saturday the concert was here at Belmont Abbey and on Monday evening it was at Moccas Church which also welcomed the statue of Our Lady of the Waters and the Wye, who was floated downstream from Hay to Bredwardine in order to raise awareness and as a call for action to stop pollution of the River Wye. They were both very popular events and I am sure that they will be taking place again next year. Next Sunday we have our Parish BBQ which is free for everyone to attend after the 11.00am Parish Mass, starting around 12.30pm. The monks from both of the resident communities at Belmont will also be joining. Please make sure you sign up so we have an idea of numbers so we can cater for burgers, sausages and bread rolls. We would be grateful if you could bring a salad, pudding or savoury dish. Tea, coffee and squash will be provided, but please feel free to bring other drinks for yourselves. The sign up sheet is available in the glass porch. It is a great opportunity for parishioners who attend different Masses to interact with each other!
CAFOD - DAY OF CREATION: On Tuesday, 1st September the season of creation commences. This is an ecumenical celebration uniting Christians in prayer for and in praise of God's glorious creation. The theme for this year is living waters. Please join us on this day for a meditative walk around the Abbey grounds pausing and relecting at beautiful visual displays centred on the immersion of living waters-and then for a light lunch in the Parish Centre. Please see the CAFOD board in the porch for full details of the day. Please sign the book in front of the board if interested and take an invitation. P
ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE GRAVE OF ST JOHN KEMBLE � SUNDAY, 23RD AUGUST 2026 9.15am Mass at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. 10.15am Pilgrims set off to walk to Welsh Newton - bring a packed lunch. 3.00pm Rosary, readings and prayers at St John Kemble’s Grave, Welsh Newton Churchyard. 4.15pm Benediction at St Mary’s Church, Monmouth. Everyone welcome.
Assisted Suicide Bill - Message from Archbishop Mark There will be a Second Reading and vote in the House of Commons for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) on 11th September. As Catholics, we oppose this legislation since it attacks the innate dignity of every person. It is also very poorly written and gives no safeguards to healthcare staff, nursing homes, or hospices, all of whom will be pressured to implement the bill if the legislation is passed. I encourage all Catholics to write to their MP. The Bishops' Conference has information available on its website at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/. On the page, there are various resources, copies of statements and guidance on writing to your MP, and please, please do so, to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
An Ecumenical Service in anticipation of the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross at 3.00pm Sunday, 13th September at Tintern Abbey. The monks of Belmont Abbey will be singing alongside Newport Cathedral Choir. Abbot Brendan will be preaching. Please bring a folding chair and umbrella. Entry to the Abbey and parking is free to those attending the service. Lunches and teas, are available in the village.
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2027: To all those aged 18-30, join Archbishop Mark and a group from the diocese heading to next summer's for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. With Pope Leo and a million other young Catholics, we'll enjoy a full schedule of activities and formation, in a country with a vibrant and growing Catholic community - we'll also have opportunities to meet up before we travel. The dates of the trip are July 28th to August 9th, and the cost is £1500 per person plus the cost of lights (TBC - in the region of £800 to £1200). Places are limited and will be allocated on a irst come irst served basis. For more information contact Fr Matt Roche-Saunders at wyd@cardiffmenevia.org.
HE TROJAN WAR FACT OR FICTION?: A free illustrated lecture examining the archaeological evidence about the Trojan War with David Rohl. Saturday, 5th September, starting at 2.00pm to 4.00pm, in The Chapterhouse, Belmont Abbey. Free parking, Free entry including complimentary refreshments.
On the weekend of 5th/6th September the World Apostolate of Fatima (England and Wales) is bringing to the parish of Our Lady and St Michael in Abergavenny, the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima. All are invited to come and see this beautiful National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, with the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco. Please see the timetable on the poster in the porch or visit: www.worldfatima-englandwales.org.uk
THE BIBLE: MYTH OR HISTORY?: A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. A free illustrated lecture series in Biblical Archaeology with David Rohl. Session 7 - In Search of Eden: The geography of Paradise and its fabled garden. Saturday, 12th September 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Belmont Abbey. Free parking, Free entry. Monthly lectures on the second Saturday of each month.
ROTHERWAS CHAPEL MASS: Will take place on Wednesday, 19th August at 11.30am. Abbot Brendan will celebrate the Mass of the Assumption at Rotherwas Chapel (HR2 6LD). Seating will be provided and parking is available.
