IS PEMBROKESHIRE’s newest Catholic priest the youngest in Wales? He and his congregation seem to think he could be…

Father Matt Roche-Saunders, 27, is the new arrival to the Catholic priesthood in Pembrokeshire, and will be acting as curate for St David’s and St Patrick’s Church, Dew Street, Haverfordwest.

“I have found Pembrokeshire to be a very welcoming and open place,” said Father Matt, who was anointed at Swansea’s St Joseph’s Cathedral in August and is originally from Brecon.

Father Matt said he first had a calling to the priesthood when he was 17 years old. “I didn’t know who to talk to. Nobody I knew was becoming a priest and it’s not the average subject for careers advice in schools!” he said.

While he was attending an event for young Catholics he spoke to a priest for advice about how to take up the calling.

After three years of studying Psychology at Exeter University, he returned to the idea of the priesthood.

“I learned a lot about the world and myself at University, but I felt that what would make me happiest would be to serve as a priest,” he said.

Father Matt trained for his calling at Oscott College, a seminary in Birmingham, for five years.

Being a priest in 2018 means being an important part of the community says the young curate.

He makes home visits to the elderly and vulnerable members of the 300-strong parish, and works closely with Mary Immaculate School.

“It really enriches some people’s experiences of being at home when they have a visit – whether it is us or someone else from the parish.”

Father Matt’s colleague in Haverfordwest, Father Liam Bradley, added: “It’s just about supporting the community in their lives and helping them to grow and sharing a Christian message with them.”

In 2021, the parish community will celebrate the 150th anniversary of St David’s and St Patrick’s Church.

The foundation stone of the church was laid on May 11, 1871, and the church was opened in 1872.

In the run-up to the anniversary the congregation are fundraising to renovate some of the church’s community buildings.

The first fundraising event will be an evening of dinner and dancing at the Wolfscastle Country Hotel on Friday, October 26.

Tickets are £35.

To purchase tickets, contact Angela Dullaghan on 07951166892 or angeladullaghan@aol.com; or visit Dai Davies at the Welsh Spitfire Museum, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest.