Apostolic Blessing for Welsh Catholics

The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti delivered a message and an Apostolic Blessing for Welsh Catholics from Pope Francis during a special Mass in the Welsh language which was celebrated at the Church of St James, Spanish Place on 30 March.

Archbishop Gugerotti said Pope Francis was: "most pleased to be informed of the Mass in Welsh..."

The message continued: "Mindful of Wales' cultural and historical heritage, and of its venerable Christian tradition nurtured by great saints such as Beuno, Winifred and Cadoc, the Holy Father wishes to encourage Welsh people and those who wish to preserve this patrimony to practise it and to inspire others to study, speak and pray in this ancient language.

"His Holiness wishes to convey his spiritual closeness and prayerful best wishes to all those taking part in this important ecclesial event. As a pledge of heavenly graces, the Holy Father invokes the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St David, Patron of Wales, and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing."

The Mass has been recorded and is available on Youtube (see link below). The introductory music as people arrive is played for the first 30 minutes of the recording, with the Processional and Mass then following. Fr Gildas Parry was the chief celebrant and four Welsh choirs and a Welsh military band also took part. The Papal Nuncio is called forward at approximately 1.52.35 to deliver the Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis as the Mass concludes, prior to the final blessing.

Watch a recording of the Mass here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWwU9fAY8mc