Bishop Philip writes…
It’s now twelve years since my father died. His passing had a big impact on me and upon all the family. Having lost Mum in 1999, Dad’s death left a big hole. But thank God for our Catholic Faith! For it’s in the face of death that our faith and the promises of Christ are a real consolation. When we die, we go before God, like being in church before the Blessed Sacrament. To meet God will truly be heaven, the fulfilment of everything we have longed for and desired. Yet for most of us it will also be overwhelming. We will want to thank God immensely – but also to say how truly sorry we are for all our sins. We will want to be cleansed and purified. We will want to put right anything that still might need putting right. This is the state we call ‘Purgatory.’ The light of Christ will bring us healing, but it will also refine us, which is why we will need all the love, support and friendship of those who in this life care for us. Indeed, praying for the dead, and having Mass offered for them, is truly a great act of charity.
Let’s try to keep this month of November special by saying some additional prayers for the faithful departed, especially those with no one to pray for them. Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News issue 554 (2026/38) for Tuesday 3rd November 2026. Thank you for all your support and your prayers. Over these next days, may the Lord bless you, your family and friends, with His love.
With all good wishes and an assurance of my prayers for you.
In Corde Iesu
+Philip
Bishop of Portsmouth
