Reflection - The Transfiguration

Webmaster • August 6, 2023

A Glimpse of Heavenly Glory The Transfiguration also offers us a foretaste of heaven, where we will behold God face to face in all of His glory. In our earthly journey, we often struggle to grasp the fullness of God’s presence and the reality of the afterlife. However, the Transfiguration reminds us that one day, in heaven, we will experience the radiant splendor of God’s divine presence. Like the apostles on Mount Tabor, we too will witness the glory of the Risen Christ, which will surpass anything we can currently comprehend.


The Feast of the Transfiguration calls us to embrace the call to holiness. As we contemplate the glorified Christ, we are invited to renew our commitment to living lives of virtue and grace. Just as the apostles were transformed by their encounter with the transfigured Christ, we are called to be transfigured by our encounter with Him in the Eucharist and through prayer. This transformation is an ongoing process, as we seek to become more like Christ and reflect His light to the world.


The Feast of the Transfiguration is a profound celebration of Jesus’ divine nature and His ultimate triumph over sin and death. As we meditate on this event, we are reminded of the heavenly glory that awaits us and the transformative power of encountering Christ in our lives. Let us strive to follow the example of Peter, James, and John, embracing the call to holiness and allowing Christ’s light to shine through us, so that others may also catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits those who faithfully follow Him. May the Feast of the Transfiguration inspire us to draw closer to Christ and become bearers of His love and light in the world.


© YoungCatholics.com




Themes for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord


• The Transfiguration of Jesus: The gospel describe the moment when Jesus is transfigured before His disciples on a mountain, revealing His divine glory and reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.


• The Presence of Moses and Elijah: During the Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah appear and speak with Jesus, rep resenting the Law and the Prophets, and affirming Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and His authority.


• Peter’s Response and Revelation: Peter’s reaction to the Transfiguration shows his awe and desire to commemorate the event, highlighting the disciples’ struggle to fully comprehend Jesus’ divine nature.


• God’s Voice from the Cloud: God’s voice affirms Jesus as His beloved Son and commands the disciples to listen to Him, underscoring Jesus’ unique role as God’s chosen Messiah and the authoritative source of divine revelation.


• Secrecy and Timing: Jesus instructs the disciples not to reveal the Transfiguration until after His resurrection, indicating the importance of timing and the gradual unveiling of His identity and mission.


* Confirmation of Jesus’ Identity: The Transfiguration serves as a significant confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, preparing the disciples for the challenges ahead and strengthening their faith.


© youngcatholics.com

Archbishop Outlines His Vision for the Archdiocese

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
Archbishop Mark has published a pastoral letter, 'Heart speaks to heart', calling the Archdiocese to become a missionary and synodal diocese built on prayer and four pillars: youth and vocations, evangelising zeal, formation in faith, and loving service. The letter challenges Catholics to encounter Christ more deeply and share that encounter with others, and will be broken into six pieces for study during Lent or Eastertide. Read the full pastoral letter on the Diocese website. ( https:// tinyurl.com/nmj5ppxk )

Help in the Office

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
We have had no concrete offers of assistance with Health & Safety or the Parish Newsletter over the past few weeks the advert has been in the newsletter. This work is all part of keeping the parish running smoothly and as they say ‘Many hands make light work’ . So if you can help in any way please speak to Stephen.

Newsletter - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
We are in need of a volunteer to assist in the production of our newsletter This entails working opposite a current parishioner every other week. The newsletter needs to be completed in time for mass at St. Bride’s church, Pontarddulais each Saturday. The volunteer would need to be familiar with Microsoft office as we use Word and Publisher to produce the newsletter. If you are interested speak to Stephen

Health & Safety - Help wanted

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
We are in need of a volunteer to keep our Health & Safety programme up to date. This work is not arduous and entails using a software programme to keep risk assessments up to date. But it does need to be done regularly. If you have relevant qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety e.g. Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, and can spare some time each week please speak to Stephen for more information.

Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials this week

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
2nd: The Presentation of the Lord; 3rd: St. Blaise, Bishop & Martyr, St. Ansgar, Bishop; 5th: St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr;  6th: St. Paul Mikl and Companions, Martyrs.

Holy Rosary Group:

By Webmaster • January 31, 2026
This new group has being formed by a parishioner to enable those who would like to come together to pray the rosary. The group will meet on the first Saturday of the month. Next Rosary Group meeting will be on Saturday 7th February 2026 at 11am. Everyone is welcome. If you haven’t got rosary beads they are available in the repository.

Our Lady's lamp

By Stephen Nessman • January 31, 2026
Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 1st February 2026 Blessed Sacrament William Stocking & Stocking Family RIP (PS) St Bride’s No intentions If you wish Our Lady’s Lamp to be lit for a loved one or an intention, please let us know. A donation of £5 is suggested and the candle will be lit all week in the church

Men's Rosary Rally

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
First Saturday of the month in Swansea Centre, outside St David’s Priory at 1pm.

Legislative Consent Motion on Assisted Suicide Bill

By Webmaster • January 25, 2026
As the Senedd prepares to debate whether to give legislative consent to Westminster's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Archbishop Mark and Bishop Peter Bignall wish to express their deep concern about legalising assisted suicide in Wales. International experience shows that where assisted suicide is legalised, eligibility criteria expand over time and subtle pressure is placed on those who are elderly, disabled, or who fear becoming a burden. True compassion means accompanying those who suffer and ensuring no one feels abandoned, not ending life. They urge Members of the Senedd to withhold consent and focus on strengthening palliative care. On Monday 26th January, those who can are asked to observe a day of fasting in solidarity with the vulnerable. Please also engage respectfully with your Member of the Senedd to make your voice heard on this important decision for Wales.

Crib Offerings 2025

By Webmaster • January 11, 2026
This year's Crib Offerings will be shared between Aid to the Church in Need and projects helping homeless people within the Archdiocese. If you would like to donate electronically there is a QR code ,which you can scan next to the crib.