History of the Chaplaincy
The University Catholic Chaplaincy serves Cardiff University, University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC), University of Wales College of Medicine and the Welsh College of Music and Drama.
It was established in 1949 at a site in Colum Road, Cardiff. In 1953 it moved to 46 Park Place and in 1996 to its present location at 62 Park Place. The Chaplaincy is dedicated to St Thomas Aquinas, the patron Saint of students.
The founder and chaplain for 21 years was Fr Julius Leo Caesar, a Benedictine of Ampleforth. He was followed by Fr Damian Webb also an Ampleforth Benedictine. Fr Volan Evans was the next Chaplain and was followed by three Jesuits: Frs Anthony Nye, Brian Conway and Brian Wall. In 1995 Fr John Meredith was appointed Chaplain, he left in May 1998 to become Parish Priest at Cwmbran. Fr John Owen served from June 1998 until September 2009.
The present chaplain is Fr Gareth Jones, appointed in December 2009.