The Year of St Francis, Synod and St Carlo: A Pastoral Letter from Bishop John

Saturday 21st February 2026

In his Pastoral Letter to be read to parishes on 21st/22nd February, Bishop John marks the beginning of the Season of Lent by reflecting on our Synodal voting day as we approach its first anniversary. He writes of that time of prayerful discernment, “We are acting on the decisions and the priorities that were established that day and we will have a Pastoral Plan to share with you later this year”

“By the synodal way, we are invited to continue that prayerful listening so that we are constantly considering, and reviewing, how best we may live the Gospel values in our Diocese today.”

We are encouraged to take inspiration from the great St Francis of Assisi in his jubilee year, the eighth centenary of his feast day.

Bishop John writes: “Here was a man who lived his convictions, radically. As a young man, he enjoyed wealth and willingly armed himself for conflict against the neighbouring city of Perugia.

But when he saw conflict as incompatible with his faith, he worked for peace and for the relief of poverty, witnessed in his own personal poverty and in his providing for the poor. He understood the need for a time of silence in his life, for prayer in the presence of God.”

In his letter, Bishop John also notes the recent privilege we had in hosting the relics of St Carlo Acutis, whose short life was devoted to celebrating his faith in prayer and sacrament.

We are reminded of the visit: “Thousands of people came to pray, and to hear of St Carlo’s dedication to attending daily Mass, his desire for frequent confession, the praying of the rosary and spending time before the Blessed Sacrament.”

Bishop John closes with an uplifting and important message: “As the family of the Church in the Diocese of Salford, we are people who are so diverse in terms of our experience and gifts. That diversity is our strength so that, working together, with all those gifts and talents and skills, we make present the body of Christ.

In these days of the Season of Lent, let us all be courageous in asking ourselves, how might we imitate the energy and enthusiasm and conviction of St Carlo Acutis and St Francis of Assisi and make Christ present through the daily actions of our lives.”

Read the Pastoral Letter here.

Listen to the Pastoral Letter here:

 

Tagged | Bishop John | Lent | St Carlo Acutis