Kevin Jones

40 Hours Devotion – Quarant’Ore

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The Forty Hours Devotion (Quarant’Ore) is one of the most beautiful and contemplative traditions in Catholic spirituality. It is a devotion that speaks deeply to anyone who values reverence, safeguarding of the sacred, and the quiet strengthening of a community’s spiritual life. The Forty Hours Devotion is a period of continuous Eucharistic adoration lasting (as the name suggests) around forty hours. During this time, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar, and the faithful keep watch in prayer, silence, and reflection.

It is a communal act of love and reparation, but also a profoundly personal encounter with Christ present in the Eucharist.

Why “Forty Hours”?

The number forty carries deep biblical symbolism:

  • 40 hours traditionally recalls the time Jesus lay in the tomb.
  • 40 days of the Flood
  • 40 years in the desert
  • 40 days of Jesus’ fasting before His public ministry

In Scripture, forty is a number of testing, purification, and preparation — and the devotion mirrors that rhythm.

On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (15th – 17th February), Adoration will be from 4pm to 6pm each day.

Via Crucis

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The Via Crucis is a devotional journey that follows Our Lords’ path from his condemnation to his burial. It consists of 14 stations, each recalling a moment from the Passion. It is prayed especially during Lent and Holy Week, but can be prayed the year‑round. At its heart, it is about walking with Christ in his suffering and allowing that journey to help us prepare fpr Holy Week.

Each Friday during Lent at 5.30pm, we pray the Stations of the Cross (in place of Adoration).

Forthcoming Adult Catechism Classes

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Adult Catechism Class – “Angels and Demons”:
One Friday per month, all are welcome regardless of prior knowledge, both Catholics and non-Catholics. The next class will be held on Friday, 20th February at 7.15pm, following the evening Mass.

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Adult Catechism Class – “The Catholic Moral Life”:
One Saturday per month, all are welcome regardless of prior knowledge, both Catholics and non-Catholics. the morning Mass. Next month’s class will be Saturday, 28th February at 11am.

News from the Diocese: Support extension for anyone affected by church related abuse announced

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The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, alongside the Church of England and the Church of Wales, has confirmed that support for victims and survivors of church-related abuse will continue through the Safe Spaces independent support service. This free, national service offers confidential and trauma-informed help to anyone affected, regardless of when the abuse occurred or their current relationship with the Church.

The extension ensures that Safe Spaces, delivered by the charity First Light, will remain available for a further 15 months while plans are developed for its long-term future. This continued commitment reflects the Churches’ responsibility to ensure that survivors can access professional, compassionate support when they need it most.

Read more here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/support-for-victims-and-survivors-of-church-related-abuse-extended/