Chaplain's Message
Welcome to the website for the University Catholic Chaplaincy at Cardiff. As with so much in life the website needs to be constantly updated and changed so as to avoid the accusation of appearing neglected or out of touch. Like ourselves this website is a work in progress and as with so much in life we are grateful for your patience!
The recently replaced door hinges to University Catholic Chaplaincy here at 62, Park Place, Cardiff tell their own story of the many visitors each day who drop in to pray, go to Mass, go to Confession, study in the library, catch up with friends or just chill in the common room. Life here is never dull. It's not just a Centre; it is in every sense like every other Catholic family home, a place with all the strengths and weaknesses that go with being a big family.
The diversity of life at the Catholic Chaplaincy here at Cardiff University could not be adequately represented on a website. For the most part, profound encounters as well as the belly laugh moments are either deeply personal or unrehearsed and therefore cannot be "put on hold" for a photo gallery. The routine of the University Catholic Chaplaincy is gently formed by daily Mass, the daily opportunity for Confessions and the time to pray the rosary and other seasonal devotions and the silence of the chapel. The year is also marked by retreats at the University Catholic Chaplaincy as well as at other venues. Guest speakers, socials, receptions, homilists and other events ensure that 62, Park Place is always a drop in place for Catholic students and their friends.
The University Catholic Chaplaincy at 62, Park Place has a Blessed Sacrament chapel. The chapel is accessible to everyone and is fortunate to be at the very centre of the University Campus. Catholic students are also very fortunate to have St. David's Cathedral, St. Peter's Roath, St. Joseph's New Zealand Rd., Nazareth House, Colum Rd., and St. Mary of the Angels, Canton all in walking distance of the campus. Students are well provided for Mass and the sacraments.
In a culture so prone to sound bite and brand mission statement a University Catholic Chaplaincy cannot be easily slotted into any pigeonhole. One has to approach a Catholic Chaplaincy with an open mind. It is only from our encounter with Jesus Christ in the Mass, pondering Him in the Sacred Scripture, receiving Him in Eucharistic communion, placing oneself before Him in the tabernacle abiding silently in the chapel that one can begin to understand the purpose or value of the University Catholic Chaplaincy. It is from the commandment and in imitation of Christ's invitation to live out the call to Love God and one's neighbour that one can begin to understand what we try to live here and also explain the Archdiocese of Cardiff's commitment to support the University Catholic Chaplaincy at 62, Park Place.
All are welcome here and I hope and pray that all feel welcomed. Life as a student at a university exposes one to so many influences good and bad, the successful student learns to distinguish the friendships and influences that are truly worthwhile and those that are harmful. The University Catholic Chaplaincy is at the service of the whole academic community with special responsibility to its Catholic members who enjoy inalienable rights on account of their Baptism. This readiness to serve the academic community here at Cardiff University originates in the Catholic Church's commitment to the dignity of each person while at the same time exhorting and working alongside people of good will who will pursue that knowledge that builds a culture that upholds the supreme importance of peace and human development for the common good.
The University Catholic Chaplaincy seeks to work in a way that upholds the value of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. This manner of working alongside Christians and communities of other faiths springs from the Catholic Church's commitment to promote respect for religious liberty as a fundamental human right.
[Left] Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Rev. Jens-Martin Kruse during his visit to the Lutheran Church in Rome on 14th March 2010. The Supreme Pontiff spoke of the importance of relationships between the different Christian churches.
[Right] Pope Benedict XVI greeted the former Chief Rabbi Elio Toaff during the Papal visit to the Roman Synagogue, February 2010. The Pope urged Jews and Christians "to come together to strengthen the bonds which unite us and to continue to travel together along the path of reconciliation and fraternity."
[Left] Pope Benedict XVI during his address to diplomats observed "we are in great need of an authentic dialogue between religions and between cultures, capable of assisting us, in a spirit of fruitful co-operation, to overcome all the tensions together... I wish to reiterate my great esteem for Muslims, encouraging them to continue to work together, in mutual respect, to promote the dignity of every human being and the growth of a society where personal freedom and care for others provide peace and serenity for all. In this way, religions will be able to play their part in responding to the numerous challenges currently facing our societies. Assuredly, recognition of the positive role of religions within the fabric of society can and must impel us to explore more deeply their knowledge of man and to respect his dignity, by placing him at the centre of political, economic, cultural and social activity."