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

Prayer for Peace

By Webmaster • May 4, 2026
Bishops invite all people to work for peace and justice and ask Catholics to join them in ‘redoubling’ prayers. We are asked by the Bishops of England and Wales to continue to pray for peace and justice and are invited to say the following prayer as part of our prayers. Prayer for Peace of Pope Saint John XXIII Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, “Peace to you,” grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples of the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.  Amen

Diocese Safeguarding Team

By Webmaster • May 4, 2026
Since 2024 the Diocese Safeguarding Team have been holding a "Safeguarding Café" every month. These dropin sessions allow anyone to pop in and have a chat about administrative matters, concerns, or to simply find out more. This month the team will be holding their Café at The Most Holy Trinity Parish Room, New Street, HR8 2EE from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm (May 28th). Why not pop in for a coffee and a chat? The team look forward to seeing you! • June 25th - 11am to 1pm Monmouth, St Mary RC Church, St Mary Street, NP25 3DB • July 23rd - 11am to 1pm New Castle Emlyn, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Hall, Castle Street, SA38 9AF

Welsh National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan

By Webmaster • May 3, 2026
Led by Rt Rev Peter Brignall – Bishop of Wrexham. Sunday 17 May 1.30 – 5.45.  Event includes Confessions, Rosary Procession, Mass, Benediction and Blessing of the Sick. For further information contact Canon Pius Augustine on 01239 612 615.

Grow your Plants

By Webmaster • May 3, 2026
We plan to have a plant sale near the end of May 26 where these can be sold and the proceeds go to the parish.

Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials this week

By Webmaster • May 3, 2026
MAY 4th May: English Martyrs.

WeBelieve | Festival of Catholic Life

By Webmaster • May 3, 2026
Friday 24–Monday 27 July 2026 | St Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham. WeBelieve Festival brings the Church together in England and Wales. It is an unmissable opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to experience the joy of community, and to encounter personally the Lord Jesus, our salvation. Join us from 24– 27 July 2026 at the historic and beautiful setting of St Mary’s College, Oscott, for a feast of the True, the Good and the Beautiful. Book your tickets at www.webelievefestival.com.

Holy Rosary Group:

By Webmaster • May 3, 2026
First Saturday of the month at 11am in the Blessed Sacrament (Gorseinon) parish hall

Our Lady's lamp

By Stephen Nessman • May 3, 2026
Our Lady’s Lamp - Intentions week commencing 3rd May 2026 Blessed Sacrament Nancy & Ron Powell RIP (SM) St Bride’s No Intention 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

Vocations Sunday

By Webmaster • April 27, 2026
A Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Mark: Archbishop Mark has written a pastoral letter to the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia, inviting all unmarried men who feel God may be calling them to the priesthood to take a first step in discernment. He invites every unmarried man who is open to this call to join him for Evening Prayer at St David's Cathedral, Cardiff, on Sunday 31st May at 3:30pm, followed by an opportunity to meet with the Archbishop and others exploring the same vocation. To watch Archbishop Mark visit the Archdiocese website here . To register your interest, please email vocations@cardiffmenevia.org .

Parish of Gorseinon 59 Club

By Webmaster • April 26, 2026
This is a reminder that the payment for the 59 Club is now due for a further year. Payments should be made by standing order or by Cheque for £48. Cheques being made payable to ‘parish of Gorseinon’. Cash payments are also acceptable. The draw takes place on the first Saturday of the month with the bonus ball from the National Lottery and the winner receives £50. If you want a number speak to Margaret Cleveland or Stephen Nessmann.