We have a Pope! Habemus Papam – Welcome Pope Leo XIV! “Cardinal Vincent Nichols, one of 133 Cardinal-electors who took part in a Conclave that culminated in the proclamation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, has spoken about the man who has succeeded Pope Francis as the 267th Supreme Pontiff. Describing Pope Leo XIV as a “citizen of the world,” Cardinal Nichols explained why his life experience and Catholic ministry provide the necessary ingredients to lead the Catholic Church: “He was brought up on the south side of Chicago – the poorer side of Chicago. He has been the General Superior of the Augustinians twice – which basically means he’s travelled the world twice – fulfilling those responsibilities. He’s been a teacher, a diocesan bishop, and a member of the Roman Curia, and that’s a combination of talents that, once we’d reflected on the life of the Church and what was needed at this time, made it pretty clear that here was a man who was bringing the right depth and breadth of experience to the papacy.” Speaking at a press conference at the Venerable English College in Rome, on Friday, 9 May, Cardinal Nichols elaborated further on the qualities of Pope Leo XIV: “He has a very gentle manner. He’s very calm. He’s clear in his mind and can be decisive. I’ve seen him resolve difficulties, both organisational and personal, in a way that didn’t leave enemies behind him, and he can hold people together. In terms of governance, he has a doctorate in Canon law, so he knows how things should be done.”

5th Sunday of Easter.

‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.’

John 13:31-35

 When Judas had gone out from the upper room, Jesus said, ‘Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you.

  ‘A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’

This Easter, we welcomed into Full Communion with the Catholic Family of St Boniface: Anthony, Peter, Mary, Esther, Abigail and Christopher.

On Sunday, 11th May Liam will be confirmed and receive Holy Communion to complete his initiation into the Catholic Church.

St Boniface Parish Pilgrimage to London on 31st May. Leaving at St Boniface at 08:15. Returning to St Boniface for 19:30. Cost £ 35. Deposit of £15 is non-refundable. Full payment is required by 15th May. Payment methods include: if by cash, please hand it into the parish office; and if by bank transfers (a preferred method) please use bank account details shown here: Name: CDP Southampton St Boniface; sort-code: 30-93-04; account number: 00888002, and please reference: Pilgrimage25. The payment includes a donation to Westminster Cathedral/Tyburn Convent/a gratuity for the coach driver. For more info: fhc@st-boniface.org.uk . Bring your own lunch.

Westminster Cathedral houses the seat or ‘Cathedra ‘of the Archbishop of Westminster and is the Mother Church for Catholics in England and Wales. For over 100 years it has been the focus for national Catholic celebration and worship; a symbol of faith in the heart of the capital. Thousands of people come every year drawn by the beauty, majesty and holiness of this living, working church. Here you can gain the Year of Hope Jubilee indulgence. The Benedictine Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre reside at the Tyburn Convent. The life of the Tyburn nuns is centred on Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration for the glory of God and prayer for the needs of the whole human family. There is always at least one nun kneeling in silent adoration before the Holy Eucharist enthroned in the monstrance. In her hands the rosary beads are symbols of her intercession for all humanity. The convent is the home to the Shrine of Tyburn Martyrs where 350 Catholic Martyrs are honoured (of whom 105 known Tyburn Martyrs) who witnessed to their faith by dying for it during the Reformation. Only 1 place remaining.

Our next event is the St Boniface Pentecost/Bring and Share - date 8th June 2025.Everyone is invited to join together in the hall for a Bring and Share in the church hall. 

Please come along and bring with you a dish that you would like to share. Some drinks, including tea and coffee will be provided but feel free to bring more! 

If you have a national dress, please feel free to wear this too.

 Where: St Boniface Church Hall

When: Sunday 8th June 2025 at 12.15 to 3pm

Who: All Parishioners!

Please could you contact @Helen Bignell or myself or Guada Dagongdong if you would like to bring anything. We will keep a running list to make sure all can enjoy the generous contributions.