Southampton City Centre Catholic Parish

St. Michael’s Lent – Join Us! We’re inviting men and women (in separate groups) to join us in observing St. Michael’s Lent (Aug 15–Sept 29), a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. We'll take on simple penitential practices (like fasting, limiting distractions, and daily prayer) and meet weekly to pray and support each other. We’ll start with a short intro meeting to explain more. “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!” Speak with one of our Priests after Mass for more details.

Our Lady of the Rosary of La Navál de Manila- Next month, during the Month of the Holy Rosary (October), a special devotional initiative will take place at the side altar of Our Lady in St. Edmund’s Church. A petition book will be available for parishioners to write their personal intentions to Our Lady of the Rosary of La Navál de Manila, a Marian title especially venerated in the Philippines and among seafarers. Given Southampton’s own deep maritime heritage, this devotion holds particular meaning. Once the book has been prayerfully filled with intentions, it will be sent to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Navál in Quezon City, where Dominican brothers and religious will offer prayers for all the intentions submitted.

A framed picture of the miraculous image of Our Lady of La Navál will be placed at the side altar for the duration of the month, along with prayer cards and booklets to aid in personal devotion. These include prayers for the sick, for expectant mothers, and for those at sea—reflecting miracles historically attributed to Our Lady under this title. All are warmly invited to take part in this beautiful opportunity to grow in Marian devotion and entrust their intentions to Our Blessed Mother.

St Francis of Assisi- On Saturday 4th October 2025, the 11am mass at St Edmund's Church in Southampton will be an occasion to join in these international celebrations of the Canticle of the Creatures as an accumulation and culmination of various activities before the mass itself:

• praying the St Francis Novena from 25 September until 3 October www.praymorenovenas.com/st-francis-assisi-novena 

• reading books containing St Francis of Assisi's own texts (you can request PDF copies - for fair use only -  from the email address ssstaycoool@gmail.com - see a short reading list below!)

• watching films (and video clips from them) dedicated to this saint by film directors like Roberto Rossellini, Michael Curtiz, Franco Zeffirelli, Liliana Cavani, Michele Soavi, Fabrizio Costa, Renaud Fely, and Arnaud Louvet

• For more a wonderful website that our parishioner designed, please click here.