Leading up to the funeral of our beloved National Spiritual Director, Canon Jason Jones, members of the World Apostolate of Fatima for England and Wales united closely in prayer, reciting a rosary novena for the repose of his soul. A novena of Masses was also offered by priests across the Diocese of Cardiff and Menevia. Such was the immense esteem held for Canon Jason—a dedicated, tireless, and faithful man of God. 

On Thursday, 4th June, Canon Jason’s coffin was received into the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Menevia. The church was full to overflowing, its lights glowing like a beacon in the evening sky as heartbroken parishioners gathered to pay their final respects to the pastor they so deeply loved. 

Special mention needs to be made of Fr. Rod and the visiting clergy who have been vital in supporting the shell-shocked Morriston parish community and maintaining its active sacramental life. 

A Ministry Defined by Pastoral Zeal 

Canon Jason’s 28 years of joyful priesthood were anchored in a heroic pastoral heart and a fierce commitment to deeply rooted Catholic devotions: 

• Divine Mercy: Because Sacred Heart is a designated Diocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy, Canon Jason was a major apostle for this movement. He regularly led multi-hour Feast of Divine Mercy celebrations, complete with continuous confessions, a sung Chaplet of Divine Mercy, readings from the Diary of St. Faustina, and blessings using first-class relics of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina. 
• Our Lady of Fatima & The Five First Saturdays: Canon Jason served as the National Spiritual Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima for England and Wales. He was a passionate champion of the Fatima messages, strictly promoting the daily Rosary and the practice of the Five First Saturdays of Reparation for global peace and the salvation of souls. 
• Eucharistic Adoration: He transformed Sacred Heart into a parish deeply anchored in the Real Presence. He instituted daily, extended hours of Eucharistic Adoration, often live streaming the sanctuary 24/7 so parishioners and distant faithful could pray alongside the Blessed Sacrament. 
• The Latin Tridentine Mass: He maintained a deep love for the traditional liturgy, ensuring that the Latin Tridentine Rite was regularly integrated into the weekly parish life alongside standard Masses. 
• Sacrament of Penance (Confession): Known to spend long, grueling hours daily in the confessional, Canon Jason prioritized mercy and reconciliation, drawing long queues of penitents seeking wise spiritual direction. 
• The Holy Souls and the Dying: He maintained a profound personal devotion to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and spent significant effort conducting heroic, last-minute pastoral outreach to the sick and dying. 

FUNERAL MASS 

On Friday, 5th June, the Funeral Mass was held at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Swansea. The cathedral was packed beyond capacity, with standing room only in the side aisles. 

In the presence of his grieving mother, Eryl, and his older brother, Mark, the Mass was presided over by Archbishop Mark O'Toole, alongside Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy, and over 47 concelebrating priests and deacons. 

In his moving homily, Fr. Gerard Sheehan reflected on Canon Jason’s vibrant personality and highlighted three deeply symbolic items resting upon his coffin: 

Symbols of a Faithful Ministry 

• The Canon’s Biretta: Reflecting his love for "a bit of lace and a splash of colour," the vestment represents the Church’s deep appreciation for his pastoral wisdom and leadership within the Cardiff-Menevia diocese. 
• The Chalice: A testament to the daily celebration of the Holy Mass, which served as his ultimate source of consolation and joy. 
• The Purple Stole: Representing his dedication to the Sacrament of Confession. Inspired by St Faustina’s writings on Divine Mercy, Canon Jason was a joyful man who understood both human frailty and God’s boundless forgiveness, frequently extending this grace to others at the Shrine of Divine Mercy. 

Fr. Sheehan beautifully noted that Canon Jason was a "man of communion" who shared a birth and ordination date with his spiritual hero, St. John Paul II. He was a man of immense warmth, music, and hospitality who fostered an "army" of altar servers, welcomed religious sisters, and mentored international seminarians. 

He enthusiastically embraced cultural diversity, making everyone feel at home, whether celebrating the Filipino Sinulog Festival or supporting Keralite devotions. His warm Welsh tones, sharp wit, and humorous attempts at mastering foreign languages like Polish endeared him deeply to all. 

The homily concluded by touching upon Canon Jason’s love for flowers—viewing them as beautiful channels of prayer—which served as floral tributes of comfort for his family. Fr. Sheehan honoured the Canon's lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary, noting that a rosary was never far from his hand. 

On behalf of the World Apostolate of Fatima, we pray that the beautiful legacy left behind by Canon Jason takes root in our hearts, inspiring us to grow in our own spiritual pilgrimage toward holiness. 



May the soul of Canon Jason rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

Patrick Cunningham 

National President World Apostolate of Fatima