Cardiff-Menevia Vocations

17/09/2026

Sisters of Mary Morning Star are hosting a ‘Come and See Weekend” for young women, aged 18-35, who are discerning a vocation to the contemplative life.

Information on the poster.

Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw
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06/09/2026

Just before the beginning of the Forty Hours Devotion, at The Oratory of St. Philip Neri in formation at Cardiff, the newest member of the community, Br. Benedict Joseph, was clothed, and begins his formation.

Please keep Br. Benedict and the oratory community in your prayers.



Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw
cardiffmenevia

04/09/2026

It was an immense blessing to spend time with the parish of Our Lady & St Michael, Abergavenny this evening, praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

It was made even more special by it being Fr. Matthew’s 33rd anniversary of ordination! Happy anniversary! Let us thank God for the blessings of his ministry among us.



Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw
cardiffmenevia

04/09/2026

First Friday for Vocations

“Lord, we are blessed to be in Your Presence”.



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Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

03/09/2026

It’s a huge blessing to introduce you to John, our newest seminarian for the Archdiocese. He begins at Allen Hall tomorrow.

Here, he introduces himself to you…

My name is John Oladotun Osinkoya. I am a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia and will begin my formation at Allen Hall Seminary this autumn.

Originally from south-western Nigeria, I am the youngest of four children. Growing up in a devout Catholic family, I was actively involved in parish life from an early age as an altar server, choir member, and participant in the Holy Childhood Association. These experiences deepened my relationship with God and gradually awakened a desire to serve Him as a priest, helping others encounter His love.

My seminary journey began in Nigeria in 2010 but was cut short six years into my formation; I was advised to withdraw based on health concerns at the time. Thus, I decided to take proper care of my health and discern more deeply outside the seminary environment. I later completed a Master’s degree in Communications & Media Studies in North Cyprus before moving to Wales in 2024 to pursue an MSc in Human Resource Management. While worshipping at St Dyfrig’s Parish in Treforest, I experienced a renewed and stronger call to the priesthood. After careful prayer and participation in the Archdiocesan discernment group, I applied to train for the priesthood here.

I am particularly excited about beginning formation at Allen Hall and embracing the opportunity to grow closer to Christ, serve the people of this Archdiocese, and become a bridge between God and His people in the years ahead.

To anyone considering discerning a vocation, especially to the priesthood, I encourage you to listen calmly and prayerfully to the voice of God speaking in your heart. Do not quickly dismiss even the smallest spark. Speak with your parish priest or the vocations team; they will gladly walk with you. As St Augustine reminds us, “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you, O Lord.” Trust that God will fan that spark into a steady flame if it is His will.

— 🙏 —

Please pray for John and also Ashley, who is currently on placement. Let us pray also for vocations to the priesthood.

Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

25/07/2026

Monastic Experience Weekend
Friday, 18th - Monday, 21st September
Belmont Abbey, Hereford

Seeking God?

Have you ever wondered whether God might be calling you to a deeper life of prayer, community, and service? Would you like to experience the rhythm of monastic life from the inside? Belmont Abbey invites men who are exploring their vocation to spend a weekend living alongside the monks and sharing in the great Benedictine tradition.

vocation or just curious about the monastic life and open to God's call, this weekend offers an opportunity to step away from the pressures of daily life and listen more attentively to the voice of Christ.

“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart.”
— Rule of St Benedict

The weekend is open to men aged 18 to 45.
It begins on the Friday with departures after lunch on Sunday or Monday morning.

To find out more please contact

Dom Andrew Berry: [email protected]




Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

21/07/2026

This week, Fr. Daniel makes his annual retreat to Belmont Abbey.

Speaking to priests of the importance of retreats, St. Charles Borromeo reflected:

“Do not neglect yourself. Remember that you cannot pour out devotion on others if your own heart has become dry. First fill yourself, and then what overflows will be given to others”.

In a busy world, it’s true to say that we cannot give what we do not have ourselves. The words of St. Charles Borromeo are as true for the priests of the twenty-first century as for his own clergy in his day.

Please pray for our priests, and also for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, especially from within our own Archdiocese.



Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

12/07/2026

Huge congratulations to Alan de Ste Croix who was ordained to the diaconate yesterday by Archbishop Mark O'Toole.

To watch the Ordination Mass, click the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IhJoPztS1M

Please pray for Deacon Alan, his family and all the parishioners of the Parish of Our Lady of the Valleys.



Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

Alan James de Ste Croix was ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop...

11/07/2026

Please pray for Alan de Ste Croix, who will be ordained to the diaconate today in his home parish of Treforest. Let us keep him and his family in our prayers.

# diaconate

Archdiocese of Cardiff Menevia - Archesgobaeth Caerdydd Mynyw

10/07/2026

This month, the Discernment Group have the opportunity to pray with the parish community in Treforest, in anticipation of Alan’s diaconal ordination tomorrow.

Pope Benedict XVI reflected that:

“Every vocation is born of prayer and from prayer. And only through prayer can it persevere and bear fruit.”

Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life in our Archdiocese.