Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

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Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth

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Bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church

01/11/2026

SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
ALL SAINTS, solemnity - Holy Day of Obligation (Office Proper)
Diocesan Prayer: To attain the company of the saints; Our twinned Diocese of Bamenda & the Bamenda Committee [Bamenda Sunday]
† Rev Deacon Tony Lush (1999), Fr Joseph McAllister (2004), Fr Robin Sanders (2022)

31/10/2026

Today we welcomed the Relics of St Gerard Majella to St John’s Cathedral as part of the 300th anniversary pilgrimage tour and the last location before they leave the Diocese of Portsmouth.

St Gerard Magella, pray for us!

31/10/2026

Saturday 31st October
Our Lady on Saturday
or: Feria [30th Week in Ordinary Time]
Diocesan Prayer: Our Twinned Diocese of Bamenda and the Bamenda Committee
† Fr Patrick Fannon (1975), Fr Norman Fisher (1992)

30/10/2026

Friday 30th October
Blessed Roger Dicconson, Priest and Companions, Martyrs, optional memorial [Diocesan Supplement]
or Feria [30th Week in Ordinary Time]
Diocesan Prayer: Parishes, Communities and Schools in the Fareham Pastoral Area
† Fr George Swainton (1970)

29/10/2026

Thursday 29th October
Feria [30th Week in Ordinary Time]
Diocesan Prayer: Parishes, Communities & Schools in the South Downs Pastoral Area
† Fr Henry Russell (1914)

28/10/2026

Wednesday 28th October
Ss SIMON & JUDE, Apostles, feast
Diocesan Prayer: Diocesan Team for Justice, peace and Social Responsibility
† Canon Francis Murphy (1944)

27/10/2026

Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aXEQD-Bnr06EKJ6fBel0q1wN0UsJndlOuXgPfooAU7RUQ0xJN1NJUDlLWEJYNEZCWkNIMkVZRjEwMi4u

27/10/2026

Bishop Philip writes…

I’ve been on the Isle of Wight at Quarr Abbey on a retreat over the last few days, amidst storm force winds and much rain. It was remarkable to see the Wightlink ferry from Fishbourne still managing to operate. It makes you admire all those who work at sea, in transport and in other exposed positions. Let us pray for their safety and well-being during these difficult operating conditions. We pray too for all those whose travel arrangements have been disrupted and for families affected by localised flooding.

Meanwhile, welcome to this e-News issue 553 (2026/37) for Tuesday 27th October 2026: https://mailchi.mp/portsmouthdiocese/issue553
You can read this week about the new document from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and download your own copy below. Thank you for all your support. 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,

In Corde Iesu

+Philip

Bishop of Portsmouth

[Image: Portsmouth News]

27/10/2026

Canon David Mahy, R.I.P.

Of your charity, please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Canon David Mahy who died yesterday. May he rest in peace.

David Henry Stacey Mahy was born in Portsmouth on 1st March 1937. Following Formation at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, he was Ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in Guernsey on 12th June 1960 by Archbishop John Henry King. He subsequently became Archbishop King's assistant at Wi******er for the first seven years of his priesthood when the Archbishop changed his mind about sending him to Aldershot after his ordination. In 1967 Fr David moved to St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth first as Assistant Priest and then as Cathedral Administrator before being appointed As Dean of Jersey by Bishop Derek Worlock in 1975. Bishop Worlock, before he was translated the following year to Liverpool. assured him that he wouldn't be forgotten over in Jersey. Needless to say, it looked as if Fr Mahy was forgotten because he went on to serve as Dean of Jersey for 24 years! In 2000, he finally made it to Aldershot, forty years later than originally planned, where he served as Parish Priest, Dean of Aldershot and Coordinating Pastor of Northeast Hampshire until his retirement in 2012. He hung on for a further six months after his 75th birthday as he felt he could not retire before Bishop Crispian! Two years before his retirement, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee not just in Aldershot, but in all the places he had served. He retired to Portsmouth and was for many years a welcome addition to the Cathedral Clergy, often seen celebrating Mass there, as he began a rather active retirement. Fr David Mahy served as an Auditor for the Marriage Tribunal from 1960-1975 and on the National Ecumenism Commission from 1967-1975. He was appointed to the Cathedral Chapter in 1985. [Image: Ana Dobeson]

Address

Bishop's House, Bishop Crispian Way
Portsmouth
PO13HG

Website

http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/

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