First gathering of Bishops' Conference in Wales
The Bishops' Conference are holding their first-ever meeting in Wales this week. During his homily at Mass today, concelebrated by all the bishops at St David's Cathedral in Cardiff, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor said they were delighted to be in Wales. The visit was a sign of the communion between English and Welsh Catholics, he said, adding that: "We share a common task." Praising the steadfastness of Welsh Catholics, the Cardinal said the Church had always lived through challenges. "If we have to swim against the stream, " he said, "it is is our natural habitat." Referring to the day's Gospel, (the story of Zachariah in the fig tree) he reminded the congregation of jesus' words of encouragement: 'Do not be afraid. I am with you always."