Y Cylch Catholig
Under the patronage of the Bishops of Wales
Welcome To Our Website
Aims
To help Welsh-speaking Catholics live a full spiritual life through the medium of their own language, by offering opportunities for worship in Welsh, and by promoting the work of providing books and essential resources to this end.
Ensure that the rich history of the Catholic Faith through the medium of Welsh is preserved for the generations to come.
Welcome
The Catholic Circle has been in existence since 1940.
Ioan Roberts' book, Gwinllan a Roddwyd, Hanes y Cylch Catholig is very readable, and summarizes our history over almost a century.
See our latest objectives above. One objective that has survived the decades is that we are a society that tries to be 'helpful to Catholics who speak Welsh to live a complete spiritual life through the medium of their mother tongue...'
On this website there are a few resources available, and information to open doors. We are meeting on ZOOM these days, as you can see. The Mass will be celebrated in Welsh on a number of annual dates, and monthly in some places. See the 'Mass' page for details.
All activities of the Cylch are voluntary under the patronage of the Bishops of Wales.
We have a membership that represents the four corners of the world. We are keen to give support to learners of the Welsh language.
Saint Dyfrig’s Church 2024 Eisteddfod 8 August at 6.00pm
Information about this is available in our Library page by clicking on this link: Library
Eisteddfod Mass 2024
The tradition of celebrating Mass at the National Eisteddfod is still alive after decades. We even have a few members who remember getting together in the 1950s.
This year, it was Rhondda Cynon Taf's turn to host the Eisteddfod. This is a rich crucible of our culture, and the birthplace of many things that are close to the heart of the Welsh people, our national anthem, countless hymns, and the Eisteddfod as we know it.
In the Pontypridd Deanery, which includes a number of churches in the Rhondda, is St Dyfrig’s in Trefforest. This is where the Eisteddfod Mass was celebrated on Thursday night, 8 August. The Bishop Emeritus Edwin Regan was the president, and the Reverend Father Gildas Parry, O. Praem. was the preacher. Also concelebrating were Father Allan Jones, CRIC, Chairman of Y Cych Catholig, and the Reverend Gareth Leyshon, the parish priest.
The photos on the Library page (use this link: Library ) show the presence of a number of guests, among them the Bishop of Llandaff, The Right Reverend Mary Stallard, Mr John Charles, Deputy Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan Agnes Xavier-Phillips, Master of the Honourable Company of Livery Wales, the Mayor and Mayoress of Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council - Councillor John Thomas and Mrs Debbie Thomas.
This Mass has developed into an occasion for ecumenical cooperation with the presence of a large number of our friends from other churches. Archbishop Mark's letter of welcome was read at the start of the Mass to acknowledge this important work in the life of the Catholic Church. It was good to see so many Cytûn officers present.
A choir was created from scratch for this Mass under the thorough work of Carys Whelan. Meeting 15 times during the last few months was their commitment, singing to beautify the liturgy. Thanks to them! Our hope is that it will continue and increase its span.
There was excellent refreshment after the Mass and a chance for us to socialise. Thanks to the parish for their welcome and to Madeleine Bidder who also helped facilitate the arrangements with Carys.
Use this link to access a recording of the Eisteddfod Mass:
[YouTube Eisteddfod Mass 8 August 2024]