NEWTOWNSANDES
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The spectacular Galloway Viking Hoard has been acquired by National Museums Scotland after raising almost £2m in just five months.
The hoard consists of more than 100 pieces of gold, silver, ingots and jewellery gathered up from across the Viking world and was found more than 1,000 years later by by a metal detectorist in a field in Dumfries and Galloway.
It is still not known whether it was buried by a Viking or in dread of Viking raids, but the exceptionally rare survival of organic material, including scraps of leather and wood found with the precious objects, will eventually reveal much more information.
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“When my brother became a Catholic and a priest, I pursued him with a more unrelenting hatred than any other member of my family. We were completely torn apart; I hated him with the most violent hatred, although he fully forgave me.”
Ratisbonne studied law and began his adult life as an employee of a family bank in France. He was too preoccupied with worldly pursuits to bother with his Jewish faith, and his deep hatred for Catholicism only pushed him further away from any religion. Marriage seemed to be the next step in his life, so he decided to get engaged to his niece according to the customs of the time, but the wedding was postponed due to the girl's young age. Ratisbonne decided to travel aimlessly during the waiting period.
======================
In the Los Roques Archipelago in Venezuela, a beautiful statue of the Virgin of the Valley is hidden in the sea. This amazing location allows you to visit Our Lady while exploring the Caribbean.
Located about 100 miles north of Caracas, Los Roques is one of the country's main tourist attractions. Among the more than 300 islands that this archipelago houses, the Francisquí Keys hide this treasure in their waters.
This statue of the Virgin of the Valley is about five feet high and is made of cast bronze.
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Note: In the 1930s, the Cleveland Academy of Medicine held a contest that solicited submissions for the best set of rules for mental health. The winning set of rules, which we share below, was penned by psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Fetterman and published in the academy’s bulletin.
MENTAL HEALTH RULES
HAVE A HOBBY: Acquire pursuits which absorb your interest; sports and nature are best.
DEVELOP A PHILOSOPHY: Adapt yourself to social and spiritual surroundings.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: Cultivate companionship in thought and in feeling. Confide, confess, consult.
FACE YOUR FEARS: Analyze them; daylight dismisses ghosts.
BALANCE FANTASY WITH FACT: Dream but also do; wish but build; imagine but ever face reality.
BEWARE OF ALLURING ESCAPES: Alcohol, opiates, and barbitals may prove faithless friends.
EXERCISE: Walk, swim, golf — muscles need activity.
LOVE, BUT LOVE WISELY: Sex is a flame which uncontrolled may scorch; properly guided, it will light the torch of eternity.
DON’T BECOME ENGULFED IN A WHIRLPOOL OF WORRIES: Call early for help. The doctor is ready for your rescue.
TRUST IN TIME: Be patient and hopeful; time is a great therapist.
Help support independent publishing. Make a donation to The Art of Manliness! Thanks for the support!
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Knockanure site
https://www.flickr.com/photos/20734873@N08/
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By Walter Sánchez Silva
ACI Prensa Staff, Jul 7, 2024 / 07:00 am
An archbishop in Kenya explained to EWTN News the purpose of the Catholic apostolate “St. Monica Widows,” an initiative that aims to reduce the practice of polygamy in the African country, one of the challenges to evangelization in that nation.
The archbishop of Kisumu in Kenya, Maurice Muhatia Makumba, discussed the project with EWTN News correspondent Colm Flynn as part of a wide-ranging “EWTN News In Depth” report on the state of the Catholic Church in the country.
The Church in Kenya continues to grow, and the Archdiocese of Kisumu is nearing the celebration of the 100th anniversary of its founding.
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WAR: Nothing is more important than the Mass and the Church is bound to keep celebrating it in and out of season. And that includes during a war.
Here are some photos of priests celebrating Mass in war zones, or at least out on the field for members of the military.
You can click on any image to enlarge it.
American soldiers in the bombed Cologne Cathedral (March 1945)
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Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Library & Archive. The CÓFLA is a free independent library and archive situated in Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. It houses a number of specialist collections of national and international importance.
=====================
The image of a "fire rainbow," which is an atmospheric phenomenon known as a circumhorizontal arc, was captured on a camera as it hung for about an hour across a several-hundred-square-mile area of sky above northern Idaho, near the Washington border, on June 3, 2006.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/fire-rainbow/
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By Agnes Aineah
Nairobi, 12 July, 2024 / 9:20 pm (ACI Africa).
Stephen Ameyu Martin Cardinal Mulla of South Sudan has challenged young people in Africa to use all the digital tools at their disposal to champion for good governance and peace, especially in countries that are experiencing violent conflicts on the continent.
In his address at the sixth session of the ongoing synodal conversations, the Local Ordinary of South Sudan’s Catholic Archdiocese of Juba proposed “digital reconciliation”, calling on young people who have a digital presence to push for positive change.
“Reconciliation is the only means by which we can bring about peace in some of our countries that are at war,” the Archbishop of Juba said at the Friday, July 12 2024
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
14th July 2024
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Today, on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, the Church invites us to reflect on heaven as our ultimate destination. Our Lord often used simple,
familiar examples to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, likening it to a mustard seed or a kingdom. In today’s Gospel, we encounter the story of the unjust steward—a parable that can be quite perplexing without proper explanation.
Through it, Jesus teaches profound truths about prudence, mercy, and the use of worldly resources for eternal purposes.
Remembering Anselm Gallagher:
This coming Wednesday, the 17th, a 6 pm Requiem Mass will be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Mr Anselm Gallagher. He was a gentle soul, faithfully attending our Masses and particularly devoted to the Friday devotions to the Sacred Heart.
Please make a special effort to attend this Mass, remember Anselm and pray for the repose of his soul.
Seminarians’ Summer Activities
Summer provides our seminarians with a unique opportunity to balance family time and apostolic work within the Institute.
Recently, we were delighted to welcome Abbe Brayan McDermott. He has now gone to spend time with his family and will rejoin us later this summer.
We also welcome his younger brother, Abbe Yonathan McDermott, who has just received the cassock and will be spending part of his summer with us. Additionally, we are pleased to have Abbe Daniel Morans, originally from Dublin, among us this July.
Their summer assignments are designed to help them experience various aspects of their potential future lives as Canons of the Institute. This includes community prayer, housework, accompanying priests in their ministry, interacting with souls, and enjoying outings. Thank you for your continued prayers for Irish vocations.
News from Ardee: Summer Camp Success
I am pleased to share wonderful news from the summer camp in Ardee, led by our sisters. Over 30 young girls have enjoyed a delightful week filled with activities that nurture both body and soul. They have formed lasting friendships and participated in games, music, pilgrimage outings, and lessons in cooking and sewing. The highlight of each day has been attending Holy Mass.
As we are still in the month of July, the month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, let me sign off with an adoration Prayer of Protection by the Precious Blood.
“As we adore You, we praise Your Name, and we rely on You for peace. May the most Precious Blood that pours out from Your Sacred Head, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Temple of Divine Wisdom, Tabernacle of Divine Knowledge and Sunshine of heaven and earth, cover us now and forever. Amen”
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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Reflect
NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan ......
Monsignor Charles Pope recently gave a beautiful insight into a recent Gospel we
had about three weeks ago where the woman touches the hem of Jesus' garment.
The question from Jesus was ‘Who touched my clothes?’ His disciples said to him,
‘You see how the crowd is pressing round you and yet you say, “Who touched me?”’
Monsignor Pope stressed that Jesus specifically said ‘touched’ not bumped up
against!! And there’s a massive difference. Jesus knew the faith, the humility, the
desire for healing, Jesus knew the intentionality of this woman who knew exactly
who He was, not like the crowd almost accidentally bumping up against Jesus. They
didn’t fall down on their knees in faith and humility before him. So the question is
when you come forward to receive Jesus in the Eucharist do you approach Jesus
like the woman and ‘touch’ Him or do you receive communion like the crowd who in
a careless and thoughtless way just bump up against Him. I bring all this up
because during the week about 10 people asked my opinion on the recent
controversy of a politician being refused holy communion but I think there’s a
bigger elephant in the room. And that is: have we as Catholics lost our
understanding of what the Eucharist really is? How many of us have the humility
to fall on our knees and acknowledge our unworthiness to receive the Creator and
Redeemer of the universe God Himself. Instead we puff ourselves up to think we
have a right to receive Holy Communion. The truth is none of us are worthy to
receive God, even the saints themselves always acknowledged that. But by God’s
grace and mercy He has given us Himself that we’ll receive Him with love and faith
and know that by receiving The Body of Christ in Holy Communion is a public
aligning of oneself to all His Church’s teachings. So living and professing contrary
beliefs is sacrilegious, scandalous and a very grave sin. The question I was asked
would I publicly refuse a person communion? The answer is no. I would preach the
seriousness of not receiving Jesus in a state of grace but I would never act as
their conscience. Everyone must ask themselves do we touch Jesus with faith and
love or do we approach Him with indifference and bump up against Him?
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Pro-Life Leader Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
A Prayer of Thanks for our Nation’s Independence
God our Father, your Son Jesus spoke to us a message
of peace and taught us to live as brothers and sisters.
His message took form in the vision of our
Founding Fathers, as they fashioned a nation where all people might live as one.
This message lives on in our midst as a task for us today
and a promise for tomorrow.
We thank you, Father, for your blessings in the past,
and for all that, with your help, we must yet achieve.
Bless our nation and bless each of us. As we thank you for our independence, may we extend its blessings to our youngest brothers and sisters, the children in the womb.
Hasten the day when our nation will be a
nation with liberty and justice, not just for
some, but for all, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Priests for Life
PO Box 236695- Cocoa, FL 32923- Phone: 321-500-1000.
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A Prayer for President Donald J. Trump
Lord of Life and Freedom,
You have told us that those who stand for you
Will be persecuted because of you.
You have raised up President Donald J Trump
As a beacon for truth and freedom and life.
The forces of darkness have tried to cancel him,
Silence him and jail him
And they have not succeeded.
So now they try to kill him.
Lord, we are not surprised at what the radical Left is willing to do.
We are not shocked that those who hate America,
Who destroy the unborn, and who pervert morality,
Have tried to kill the one who is standing in their way.
We pray for the full healing, strength, and protection of President Trump.
Bless his body, soul and mind.
Bless his family, his team and his supporters.
And bless the nation that he has led and will lead again.
His enemies are going after him because he is standing up for us.
They are trying to silence him because he will never allow them to silence us.
But we will not be silenced.
We will not be intimidated.
And we will not be stopped.
Bless this movement for freedom and for life.
Save us from immoral, violent haters.
May our example of strength and faithfulness
Continue to inspire a movement that will
Make America great again
And that will advance your Kingdom
And glorify your name.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frank Pavone, PrayerCampaign.org
===========================
Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt by a 20-year-old gunman at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Thankfully, Trump is safe and is expected to speak at this week’s Republican National Convention.
As this was unfolding, many Canadians were wondering what exactly happened and if the former president was safe.
True North’s Rachel Parker was the only Canadian journalist on the ground at the rally during the incident.
You can only imagine how chaotic and nerve-wracking it was for people at the rally.
But Rachel was still able to post updates throughout the day and even interview attendees on the ground about what happened.
While so-called journalists at the CBC, who weren’t at the rally, attempted to blame Trump and his supporters as the reason for the assassination attempt, we wanted to keep Canadians informed about what was actually happening on the ground.
This is why independent media is vital to Canadians.
We’re not here to push an agenda or promote our pet causes. We report on the news that matters to you.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxbmsFpWQWMDFQVSsjDVZmlKj
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following letter was written by 15 year-old Rosina Markland, the daughter of George Markland (1794-1863) and Mary Nancy Nelson (1808-1864) of Jacksonville, Indiana. In her letter, Rosina speaks of her older brother Thomas “Garah” Markland (1836-1863) who served as a private in Co. D, 93rd Indiana Infantry and contracted a fever and died in the service at Lagrange, Tennessee on 13 January 1863. Se also mentions her sister Esther (1840-1913) who never married and lived with Rosina’s family. Rosina married George Philip Muret (1844-1921) in 1866 and eventually moved to Cowley county, Kansas.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/206127207/posts/38632
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POP Canada June2024; Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s population is over 41 million people in the first quarter of 2024, driven mostly by international migration. the increase in temporary migrants is 21.5% higher in the first quarter of 2024 than in 2023. Currently, just under 2.8 MILLION non-permanent residents live in Canada.
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Homeless
between 8,000 and 11,000 unsheltered individuals."
According to the trust's January headcount, there were 1,032 unsheltered people in Miami-Dade County. "Too many," Book says, "but I don't have 60,000 unsheltered like they do in San Francisco, and I don't have 79,000 the way they do in L.A."
Book's claim of being able to bring that number down to zero in Miami is stunning—maybe even scoff-worthy—because in so many other parts of the country homelessness seems intractable no matter how much money politicians throw at it. And they've thrown a lot.
Los Angeles voters approved a $1.2 billion bond in 2016 to build 10,000 units of permanent supportive housing. Three years later, the city had finished only 1 percent of the promised units. In 2018, California voters passed a $2 billion bondmeasure that promised 20,000 new housing units. CalMatters reported earlier this year that fewer than 2,000 have been finished.
https://reason.com/2024/06/15/gimme-shelter-2/
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Brickbat: Backseat Driver
Charles Oliver | May 14, 2024
Starting July 6, all new vehicles sold in the European Union and Northern Ireland will come with mandatory intelligent speed assistance, which will cause the vehicle to beep or vibrate and eventually slow down if the driver exceeds the
https://reason.com/2024/05/14/brickbat-backseat-driver/
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The Way I See It
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
By Domhnall de Barra
I always like to get a bit of feedback on some of my scribbles here, even if it is not complimentary, otherwise I might think nobody is reading this piece. What I write is only my own humble opinion and I am lucky that I have the opportunity to put my thoughts on paper each week. There would be something wrong if everybody agreed with me because we all differ and I am open to correction at all times. One of the items I did get a reaction to was the one on the abuse of our National Anthem at GAA matches. I didn’t have one negative comment and I am wondering if somebody actually relayed the feelings to the powers that be in the GAA because I was pleasantly surprised last Sunday when Limerick and Clare lined up behind the band and stood to attention for the playing of the anthem right to the last note. The crowd did their usual cheering about three quarters of the way through but it did not affect the players and, if this continues, I am hoping their example will rub off on the followers and restore a bit of respect. I know that people do not disrespect the anthem intentionally and just get carried away in the moment but wouldn’t it be nice to hear the whole stadium filled with the type of passion that we see from other countries when their anthem is played. Anyway, well done to the Munster Council who made the change and to both sides who gave an example for all teams going forward.
The elections took centre stage over the weekend with great interest in who will or will not be elected. The tallymen were busy giving us statistics to ponder but the one figure that disappointed me was the one that told us only about half of those eligible to do so cast their votes. As I said last week, our right to vote was hard won by men and women who put their lives on the line so that we might have the right to decide our own destiny and we should repay them by exercising that right by using our votes. Some of the people who didn’t vote will be the first ones to complain about their local councillor and what is not being done for them. I say, if you haven’t bothered to vote then you do not have the right to criticize anyone. We are so lucky to live in a democracy where we get an opportunity to decide who our leaders are. There are so many countries in the world where the people are downtrodden and dictated to and they would give anything to have what we have so we shouldn’t take our freedom for granted. The results of the local election in West Linerick, Newcastle West area, were, I suppose, predictable with all the sitting councillors returned. Congratulations to them all especially to John Sheahan who is very helpful to us in Athea. Commiserations to all those who didn’t make it and thank you for standing and making n election of it. As I write this it looks like John Moran is about to make history as the first directly elected Mayor of Limerick. He seems to have enough of a lead at the moment but, politics being what politics, all may have changed by the time you read this. John’s people came from Clash and he has already had a very distinguished career. He definitely has what it takes to do a good job for Limerick City and County and it would be great to have one of our own to call on.
The situation in Ghaza continues to deteriorate with Israel pushing to rescue hostages and wipe out Hamas in the process. In doing so they are killing hundreds of innocent civilians and there is absolutely no justification for it. Let us suppose that whey succeed in getting rid of Hamas , do they think that will be the end of resistance from the Palestinians? By killing so many civilians and destroying their houses as well as starving them through not letting aid trucks through they are creating tomorrow’s freedom fighters. If I was a teenager in Ghaza who had seen my home demolished and my family members killed, it wouldn’t take much to persuade me to take up arms and try to get revenge. I say freedom fighter but others may say terrorist. It depends on what side you are on. Of course all war is wrong but it is a reality and once it begins, the gloves are off. The only way to end this conflict is around the negotiating table. Both sides will have to compromise and it is up to the international community to make sure this happens. I am pessimistic about the prospect of a peace in the near future because Israel does not seem to take any notice of what the rest of the world thinks. As long as they are being supplied with the weapons they need they will continue so it is up to those supplying them to call a halt.
To get back to the elections, isn’t it strange to see, in this day and age, hundreds of people counting votes by hand? Surely it is time to come into the 21st century and have electronic voting machines that will simplify the process and will produce a result in no time. I know there was a problem with electronic machines in the past but technology is improving every day and we now have more people capable of ensuring the job is done right. With the old system people make mistakes when marking a paper and the result is that there are a lot of spoilt votes. With the electronic system a button is pressed and there should be a way of checking what choices are made before submitting the final choice. Whether we like it or not, machines are now more accurate and reliable than humans. Every time we have an election there are close calls and recounts are demanded. I have never heard of a recount producing exactly the same number as the first time and I am sure if it was done a hundred times the results would all be different. This is no reflection on those who work so hard counting the ballot papers because it is easy to miscount, especially if you are doing the same thing hour after hour. It is worth giving it another go.
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Congratulations and best wishes in the future to Timmy Woulfe Athea who recently celebrated his 90th birthday. June 2024
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NOTE FROM FR JIM Lenihan .....
I read an article one time on the brilliant English rugby out half Jonny Wilkinson.
It highlighted the fact that while he played for Newcastle Falcons he used to
show up 90 minutes before everybody else and spend that time practising his
kicking. And after the team session he would stay on for a further hour. All top
professionals in sport become as good as they are simply by practice. They develop
what’s called muscle memory. So when that one moment came where Jonny
Wilkinson kicked the winning score to claim the 2003 Rugby World Cup, it was
muscle memory that he called on, those hours of dedication paid off. As human
beings we tend to forget easily. We see amazing scenery and say wow but after a
while it fades from our thoughts. We enjoy a beautiful meal and later when we’re
hungry we don’t even recall it. When teaching children anything, once is never
enough. They need to hear it over and over again or else they’ll eventually forget
it. In our first reading this weekend from the Book of Deuteronomy Moses
noticed how quickly the people of Israel forgot all the miracles and wonders that
God had worked for them. Moses pleaded with the Israelites and the generations
to follow them to never forget God’s love and power in their lives which will define
them as a people of God. Jesus told his disciples at the last supper to do this in
memory of me. The only way his memory would be kept alive was to recall often
the sacrifice he made on the Cross which was celebrated liturgically at the last
supper. Only by practicing our faith every week, worshiping him by recalling his
great sacrifice can we hope to make our Christian faith second nature. When Billy
Graham was asked why did he have to pray all the time he said ‘I leak’. And so do
we. For about 80% of Catholic’s who don’t attend mass on a weekly basis they run
the risk of forgetting the Christian story, moreover in an anti religious society
like ours. We must all accept that our memories are not as good as we think. To
keep the memory of Jesus Christ alive we must practice our faith over and over
again until His ways become second nature to us
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NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART – 30TH MAY TO 7TH JUNE:
O Divine Jesus who said “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you. I knell at Your feet. From whom shall I ask if not from You, whose Heart is the source of all blessings. O Divine Jesus your Heart was moved by compassion for the men and women who came to you in need. You healed the sick, you forgave sinners. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. O Divine Jesus your Heart is still full of compassion for us today in our many needs. Assured of Your love we turn to You and ask… (pause, here mention your request). I admit I am most unworthy of Your favour, Jesus, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercies and You will not refuse a contrite Heart. Look with pity on me, I beg You so that Your compassionate Heart will find in my weakness a motive for granting my request.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.
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How to start your day will likely set the tone for your whole day. So focus on positivity, kindness and on relaxing instead of stressing.
Today is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as
you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something you have left behind.
Let it be something good.
Dear God, Touch the people around me, keep them happy and safe. Give them love, compassion and care. Blass them all with good health, peace in mind and kindness in their heart.
LAST WORD: Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it will always get you the right ones.
==========================
Novena Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ your heart was moved with love for those who sought You.
You healed the sick, fed the hungry and forgave sinners.
You showed to those who would listen the way to true life,
for You are the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Your heart is still moved today by your people and their needs.
Open my heart to hear your word, to accept your love and to respond to your call.
In particular, I beg you to grant me the favour that I ask
during this Novena, (make your request silently)
provided that it will contribute to my own eternal good
and to the building up of your Kingdom of love, peace and justice here on earth.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.
========================
Joseph Pearce Blogs- May 23, 2024
It is not often that the name of Enid Blyton, the bestselling children’s author, is mentioned in the same breath or the same sentence as literary giants, such as Homer, Virgil or Dante. The reason for the unlikely association is in relation to the title of two of her popular series of books featuring the Famous Five and the Secret Seven. These sprang to mind with respect to a consideration of the poets whom everyone should know, irrespective of whether they are famous or forgotten. It might be fun, I thought, to name a “famous five” poets and also a “secret seven” poets who have been hidden beneath the sands of time, sadly and unjustly neglected.
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Reflect
When you find yourself in a position to help someone, be happy and feel blessed, because God is answering that person’s prayer through you. Remember our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the dark, but to be a
light to others so that they may find their way through us.
Dear God, when I stand at the beginning of a new day, bless me with Vision to
see the best of things to come. Wisdom to make good decisions & Faith that you are walking with me every step of the way.
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Don’t take one day for granted, everything can change in a moment. Be grateful for all you have and all that you are. Remember who is most important to you and always cherish them. Life is a gift and
we are blessed.
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LAST WORD: If you keep on going, maintaining your hope and belief that something good will happen it generally does. It is called persistence.
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PRAYER VOLUNTEERS: The Legion of Mary are looking for prayer volunteers.
These prayers include daily rosary and 2 other short prayers (no need to say an
extra rosary if you are already reciting one). The prayers are offered to Our
Blessed Mother to help in her role of mothering. Contact Patricia 0879048659.
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A NOTE FROM FR JIM Lenihan .....
Thank God our weather has improved. For myself I was delighted to get out to my
garden for the first time this week. I was pruning and weeding. It’s hard work but
I know that this deadwood and these weeds are going to suck the life from my
vegetables and herbs and prevents them from reaching their full potential. How
fitting our Gospel passage this weekend is when it tells us that the Father is the
gardener and He prunes us of anything which prevents us from becoming the best
versions of ourselves. Bishop Barron in this week's homily suggests certain things
in our lives that have to go. 1. Unforgiveness 2. Secularism and laziness to
spiritual things. 3. Pornography. 4. Avarice (Over desire for money and material
things) 5. Gossiping. See Glenflesk Facebook page for the link for his full sermon.
==============================
COFFEE MORNING FOR THE LATE FR. TIM GALVIN’S MISSION: on Saturday, April 13 from 11am – 2pm in St. Ita’s Day Care Centre, Abbeyfeale to raise funds for the running of the schools. Further information from Fran on 087 9473333.
VIGIL FOR PALESTINE The weekly Listowel Vigil for Palestine takes place every Tuesday,6pm - 7pm in The Square, Listowel. All Welcome. For information email gerirochford@gmail.com
NATIONAL APOSTOLATE OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Annual Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine Sunday 14th April. Details on coach Contact Breda: 087 674 2306 or Catherine: 087 928 2421.
RECOVERY HAVEN KERRY (CANCER SUPPORT HOUSE) are currently enrolling for an upcoming 𝘾𝙐𝘽𝙎 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚 - a bereavement programme aimed at 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝟴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟮 years of age, who are dealing with the loss of a parent through cancer. Through play & art, children will learn about grief responses and learn how to cope with their feelings. The free, 𝟴-𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 Tuesday, April 9th (4.30pm - 6pm) and names are now being taken on 0667192122.
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The Reach of a Single Village
June 29, 2013
Sean Carlson In this Irish Times article, Seán Carlson examines the successes of emigrants from Moyvane, the village his mother left 40 years ago. Currently based in New York, Seán is completing a book about emigration through the lens of his mother’s experiences. His grandmother was Nell Sheehan and gave birth to 16 children over the course of 24 years.
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/05/12/mothers-day-motherhood-column/2151245/
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SATURDAY
VOL. XII, No. 15.—SIX PAGES. PROVIDENCE COLLEGE. PROVIDENCE, R. I., MARCH 22, 1950
https://digitalcommons.providence.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2574&context=cowl
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Chaplains Thoughts
https://news.providence.edu/chaplains-thoughts-when-children-reject-church/
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Weekly Newsletter
Low Sunday
7th April 2024
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
The joyful Alleluia will resonate in the liturgy until Saturday, May 25th. Yet, as we bid farewell to the beautiful Easter week, we find ourselves immersed in the joyous season of Eastertide with the great Alleluia continuing to echo through our hearts and minds, reflecting the mystery of the Risen Lord who gave His life, in His great mercy and love for us, so that we could be saved.
Today, on this Low Sunday, we are blessed with the presence of Canon Gribbin who kindly made the journey from Ardee to celebrate Mass for us, while Canon Lebocq is in Ardee and Canon Henry started his Eatser break. It is also a great joy to see some of our Institute seminarians joining us for their Easter break from Gricigliano, the Institute of Christ the King’s Seminary based in the Archdiocese of Florence, Italy.
It is a time for them to rest, to be with their families maintaining their strong ties with Ireland. Receiving a solid priestly formation is essential. They spend these years abroad but it is also our prayer that some of them will, in God’s time, serve your souls here in Ireland.
In addition to our returning seminarians, we warmly welcome Michael Quinn, a first-year seminarian from America, as well as Abbe Huemiller, who will be joining us later this week for their vacation. Abbe Huemiller is currently undertaking his placement year in Dijon, France.
Do you know that I celebrate a Mass for the Holy Souls on 10th of every month? If you have any special intentions, please do not hesitate to send them to me, and I will ensure they are included in the Memento during the celebration of Mass.
As the Feast of the Annunciation, 25th March, fell during Holy Week, it will be celebrated on Monday, 8th April. I encourage you to attend Holy Mass on that day. It is a reminder to us that Our Lady made her declaration of total submission to God’s Holy Will. It is worth noting that her ‘Yes’ to Him, gave her a special role in God’s plan for salvation. This great feast also gave us the Magnificat, the Hail Mary and the Angelus.
I am delighted to report that the painting of our church is progressing smoothly, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to admire the work underway beneath the choir loft.
Looking ahead, I would like to remind you that next Sunday we will be holding a special collection in support of the formation of priests in the Institute.
These collections occur twice a year: the last Sunday of October on the Feast of Christ the King and Good Shepherd Sunday. Your generosity plays a vital role in providing our seminarians with the integral Catholic formation they need to be priests.
Please remember to mark your envelopes with “seminary.” Your financial support is essential and we are so grateful to you for it, but we also need and rely on your prayers. Please keep us, your priests in your prayers.
Lastly, if you have unintentionally overlooked your Easter dues this year, I kindly offer a gentle reminder along with my renewed gratitude for your ongoing support.
In the joy of the Risen Lord, Alleluia!
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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The Good Shepherd
In Jesus’ time, being a shepherd was not a pleasant job. Sheep became easily lost and the shepherd’s job was to guide them back to safety. There were many dangers and the sheep were totally dependent on the shepherd. Shepherds would round up their sheep in the evening and guide them into their pen. But it had no gate, so the shepherd would lie across the space in case the sheep were attacked at night. The shepherds literally lay down their lives for their flock. John compares the sacrifice of the shepherd to the ‘hired hand’ who is not really committed to the flock. He does what he has to but flees at the first sign of trouble.
This Good Shepherd Sunday the Gospel describes Jesus as the ‘genuine’ Shepherd who wants a personal relationship with each one of us and who would lay down his life for us. The Gospel emphasises the importance of relationship as the shepherd knows his flock and cares for them. They ‘follow Him’ and it is not a Facebook or Twitter type of following, rather it is a genuine relationship. Everyone matters to the Good Shepherd, regardless of their situations. We are told ‘I know my own and my own know me’. We are called today to follow Jesus in a more personal more intimate way. Even when we stray off the path and get lost, it is then especially that the Good Shepherd comes looking for us.
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Prayer for Vocations. Loving and Generous God, it is You who call us by name
and ask us to follow You. Help us to grow in the Love and service of our Church
as we experience it today. Give us the energy and courage of Your Spirit to shape its
future. Grant us faith-filled leaders who will embrace Christ’s Mission of love and
justice. Bless the Church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our
families and friends who will serve Your people as Sisters, Priests, Brothers,
Permanent Deacons and Lay Ministers. Inspire us to know You better and open our
hearts to hear Your call. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Diocese of Down and Connor 2022
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LAST WORD: The next time you start looking for faults be sure to
use a mirror not a telescope.
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A NOTE FROM FR JIM Lenihan ...
The great philosopher Socrates once said "The unexamined life is not worth
living" How about printing this off or keeping this Newsletter beside your bed and
getting into the good habit of reflecting on your day:
FIVE STEPS TO REVIEW YOUR DAY WITH THE LORD -
(1) GIVE THANKS
Recall the gifts the Lord has given you - moments of delight and joy like a good
sleep or a nice breakfast. Be specific about these events to become conscious of
His presence.
(2) ASK GOD FOR LIGHT
Reflect on how you encountered God in your daily life - in places, events, people,
and creation. Choose a significant event and reflect deeply.
(3) CONTRITION
Feel sorrow in your heart and pray for forgiveness, focusing on one virtue you
need to grow. Additionally, pray for those you've hurt or neglected, seeking their
inner healing.
(4) HOPE AND RESOLUTION
Reflect on your growth in Christ-likeness, thanking God for the mistakes that
have contributed to it. Plan how to respond differently in similar situations,
seeking guidance to remain conscious of His presence and love.
(5) BASKING IN HIS LOVE
Be still and open yourself to the Lord's love. Listen to His assurance of
unconditional love. Imagine Jesus, the Good Shepherd, embracing you. Thank and
glorify Him
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Famine; 1847 Destitution in the Parish of Kilmoe, Houses Razed to the Ground, the Workhouse is full.
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Durrus Evanson Landlord family:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c550F3fK7ZT0qUzH4DjP4I87TPHU5-yK-l4D-_cH-E4/edit
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CROSS: Among the many differences between Catholics and Protestants is the use of a crucifix or cross. The crucifix includes the crucified Christ, whereas a plain cross is empty.
The presence of a crucifix remains a notable distinction between a Catholic parish and a Christian worship space or chapel.
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Clounmacon, Listowel, Rambling House
https://www.facebook.com/reel/777304264036269
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First, let’s look at the plenary indulgences specific to Holy Week. Next, we’ll look at those also available during Holy Week plus any time of the year. Then we’ll review the basic mandatory conditions that must be fulfilled for any plenary indulgence. Then we’ll check on “extras.”
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Video link
https://youtu.be/cRI2p0xEEr8
Filename
Ballylongford and Carrigafoyle Castle March 2024
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Brett & Kate McKay • March 06, 2024
The last several years have seen the rise of a sort of anti-productivity movement. Knowledge workers who feel burned out and that work is pointless, meaningless, and grinding, have been talking more about opting out, “quiet quitting,” and doing nothing.
My guest would argue that, in fact, productivity itself isn’t the problem and that most people actually want to do good work. Instead, he says, it’s our whole approach to productivity that’s broken and needs to be transformed.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/career-wealth/career/slow-productivity-cal-newport/?mc_cid=849b35fd3d
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INVASIVE Plants; We’ve all heard of Japanese knotweed and are familiar with other invasive plants like giant hogweed and common ragwort, but what about Mexican fleabane or Himalayan honeysuckle?
These two non-native plants are among a shortlist of nine species that have been identified as potential ‘future invaders’, which should now be closely monitored.
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With the new film about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini releasing on March 8, it's important to understand how Mother Cabrini became a saint: by dedicating her life completely to Jesus Christ.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first canonized saint from the United States. As a Catholic sister, she immigrated from Italy and founded almost 70 institutions worldwide. These facilities included orphanages, hospitals, and schools for the poor, abandoned, and marginalized.
"Cabrini" tells a powerful story about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (portrayed by Cristiana Dell'Anna) who heroically fought for human dignity for countless lives. Her mission continues throughout the world today.
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March 6, 2024
Catholic Sisters Week, celebrating the women religious who go about their ministry quietly even as their work transforms the lives of people from every walk of life, begins Friday.
Like previous iterations, the 11th Catholic Sisters Week features dozens of events that allow laypeople to both applaud the work of sisters and also connect with them and their ministries. Overseen by Communicators for Women Religious, the annual observance always begins March 8, International Women's Day.
"It's an appreciation, and a welcome to engage in healing, to engage in prayerful, spiritual experiences," said Stacy Spitler, co-chair of the Communicators for Women Religious committee that organizes the week. "It's about raising up sisters' voices."
Margaret Haik, the other committee co-chair, said the week will include big social media pushes, such as the one by Catholic Sisters of Kansas, where congregations will promote the work other communities are doing.
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Friday, 15 March
Secrets of The National Archives: The Index of Suffragettes Arrested
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Old People in England
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/catholic-news-article/?ID=1
Bernadette Martin (pictured), Administrator of the Irish Episcopal Council for Emigrants said,” money donated from parishes each year in the Emigrant collection helps to provide direct practical support to those who need it most like John and people like him. If you are interested in supporting this work please email me at emigrants@iecon.ie
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COMEDY PLAY: Ray O'Sullivan proudly presents Stones, a Comedy Play, on
Thursday 14th of March at INEC club play starts @8pm. Tickets (064) 667 1555.
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM. Lenihan .......
The picture below is the symbolism used in today’s Gospel. Jesus is trying to help
his friend Nicodemus
(A leading Pharisee who was open to Jesus) to help him
understand his mission of salvation and predicts the victory of his impending
death on the Cross by reminding him of an image he’d have been very familiar with
from the scriptures. It’s an image which comes from an incident which takes place
in the wilderness during the time of Moses. Where the people complained against
God and grumbled about the food (Manna) they were receiving. Because of their
lack of love and appreciation, God sent fiery serpents among them to punish them.
If one was bitten by one of these serpents they would die. But when they
repented and turned back to God, Moses was instructed by God to fashion a
bronze serpent and hold it up on a wooden standard for all to see. If one was
bitten a cure was found if they approached this bronze serpent with faith. This is
all very strange and difficult for us to understand but it all becomes clear in the
light of Jesus’ Cross. The bronze serpent is a prefigurement of another symbol of
evil the Cross. Likewise
if we are bitten by the
evil one i.e. we sin which
leads to spiritual death
and again when we turn
to the victorious Cross
of Jesus Christ in
confession we too
receive the spiritual
remedy to save our lives
for eternity
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James Matthew Wilson Blogs
March 6, 2024
On my porch last January, I found a bulky, wet, disintegrating brown envelope. As I moved to open it, the paper simply gave way, exposing a messy assortment of books, booklets and old mimeographed pages about the Catholic martyrs of Ukraine. These were sent by Father Andrew Summerson, a Toronto Byzantine Catholic priest, to help me fulfill an unusual commission from San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone: Create the text of a new hymn (with the music composed by Frank La Rocca) honoring the heroic witness of Ukraine’s martyrs and white martyrs.
This hymn was the very first of an ongoing Benedict XVI Institute project to remember the martyrs of Communism through hymns, liturgies, sacred music, stories, film, plays and painting — a new spring of art for God’s sake. Our second commission is to create a hymn for martyrs of Chinese Communism.
If the outside of the package reminded me of the battered fate of all material things, the interior spoke of great suffering and much death, but also of the witness of faith and the possibility of holiness, even in the face of persecution, torture, penal servitude and assassination.
Why are we Christians in the West so little aware of the great witness of the martyred and the persecuted under the totalitarian ideologies of the 20th and 21st centuries? One reason may be that the Catholic Church logically categorizes martyrs under their national identity, e.g., “Martyrs of China” or “Martyrs of Ukraine.” And yet their witness is universal, or should be.
“Referencing the commonality of these martyrs, and other believers who, although not executed, nonetheless heroically endured persecution in the face of those godless, murderous, totalitarian ideologies that spread across the globe in the twentieth century, helps us teach the next generation to remember their heroic witness to the faith,” Archbishop Cordileone told me via email.
Yet another reason we Christians forget to remember is that artistic creation is now dominated by secular interests. Historically, the Catholic Church has been the source of a great outpouring of art that has lasted through the centuries, uplifting on the concert stage even the most hardened heart.
Archbishop Cordileone’s vision seems unusual today only because we’ve accepted this novel secular dominance of cultural life. In the woke West today (as it was under Communist domination) the aims of art are often lowered from sacred to superficial political purposes. Archbishop Cordileone’s innovative Martyrs of Communism project is thus a revival of the classically Catholic way of preaching the Gospel message. Once truth, goodness and beauty together directed our attentions to the path to God. Now truth and goodness are expected to do the heavy lifting — a task especially difficult in a culture that has given up on rational, objective truth.
Recapturing the role of symbols and stories in evangelizing is an urgent task for Christians today. Dana Gioia, the poet and former National Endowment for the Arts chairman, points out, in a small new book Christianity and Poetry (forthcoming from Wiseblood Books), “Poetry is not merely important to Christianity. It is an essential, inextricable, and necessary aspect of religious faith and practice.” Catholicism, like Orthodox Christianity, once understood that cognitive prose alone cannot convey to us the greater spiritual reality. As Dana Gioia puts it: “The Incarnation deserves an ode, not an email.”
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The Wran
Continued from yesterday…
With Tambourines and Wren boys
Wm. Molyneaux
We had great times with the same Wren, so we did. One St Stephen’s Day I was out with Coolkeragh. They were a good crowd. We were travelling on, whatever. I don’t know that anyone of us knew the names of the people where we were at all. But still is was a good place.
Well, any torn down house or anything, we’d say to ourselves that we wouldn’t go in there at all.
So this house, anyway, we crossed it. It was a
small little pokeen of a house. Myself and the player were talking. We said to ourselves we wouldn’t go in there at all-you know. There would hardly be no one there at all- poor looking.
“Cripes,” says I (as if I had the knowledge)
“ “I imagine,” says I, “but I see an old woman walking around
the house, and now that old woman might only get insulted. We want nothing from her,” says I, “but she might get insulted if we didn’t go into with
the Wren.” “Well, by God, that’s right, Williameen. “We go in then.”
In we went. This poor little woman was inside. A very small little house entirely. She had a few coals down. I went up to the fire, myself and the player. He was Willie Mahoney over in Coolkeragh and a good player he was. The Dickens, I
went up. I was inclined to “hate” the tambourine over the coals. There wasn’t as much fire there as would heat it. Stay, I told him play away. He played away. He played, I think, a hornpipe. God he was a good player! We were at it for a bit, and with that, whatever look I gave, there was the poor woman and the tears rolling down her face.
“Stop, let ye,” says I to the crowd. “Stop, let ye, there
must be something wrong here. Will ye stop!” I turned around to the old woman: “well, poor woman,” says I “there must be something wrong with you or with someone belonging to you.
And if we knew anything like that,” says I, “we were not going to come in at all” says I “if we knew what we know now…. When we see the tears in your eyes we wouldn’t have come in at all….
At that she started, at the top of your voice: “Yerra,Wisha, Weenach!oh!oh!OH!..It isn’t any dohall I have
at all about the Wran Boys!….Yerra, Wisha…..my husband, Tom….he’s inside in the Listowel ‘ospital with a sore leg.
And, and if Tom was here today, wouldn’t he be delighted to see the fine crowd of fine respectable Wren boys that made so much of me as to come in here!
Wait a fwhile ‘til Tom ‘ll come home and if I don’t be telling him that…..oh!oh!oh! and she went on at the top of her voice.
I turned around to the crowd:
“lads,” says I, “have ye much money around ye?
“agor, we have”says the captain, we could have up to
about five pounds, (it was early in the day) “Are ye all satisfied to give this poor woman,” says I, “half of what ye have? The day is long” says I, “and we will make enough to maintain us through the night.” And they said
they were agreeable. The cashier was
just starting to pull out his purse and off she started again: “oh! No! No! Wait awhile now and I must
turn around and give ye something. She had long stockings on her, and she stuck down her hand in one of them-down,
down, and then she got hold of something and she started pulling and pulling til she pulled up a big cloth purse-as sure as I’m telling you there would a quarter sack of male fit inside it! And I couldn’t tell you what money was inside it.
Up she pulled the bag anyway and reached a shilling to myself. “No, ma’am,” says I, “put that in your own pocket.” Then she started again: “oh! No! No! No! If you don’t take that now, decent boy! Oh,Yerra Wisha after what ye had done for me!
Yerra, Wisha, the best friend I ever had in all my life would not do what ye’re after doing for me. That the
Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin Mary may save and guard ye! Bless and
protect ye! And that you and yer crowd might be going around on the Wran,”
says she, “ for the next 100 years without a feather out of ye.”
That happened, for a God’s
honest fact.
https://listowelconnection.com/christmas-2023/
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<<<<<<<<<
Oh for the days of the Kerry Dances
Text from Martin Moore on Facebook
A story from North Kerry. Martin Moore
There is a long tradition of step dancing in North Kerry, and this continues, thanks to dedicated masters such as Jimmy Hickey of Listowel.
The earliest known dancing master was Thomas Moore, known locally as ‘Mooreen na Rinnce’.
Other exponents of this style were Ned Walsh, Jerry Molyneaux, Phil Cahill and Paddy White.
Paddy White was from Bedford, Listowel and at a Feis in Listowel in the summer of 1915, he took first prize in the jig, reel and hornpipe and followed this with the same award for dancing ‘the blackbird’. The newspaper then incorrectly recorded him as ‘D White’.
Paddy lived a long life, and was still dancing when I was a garsoon!
This is all the more amazing considering how his dancing days could have ended on New Years Day 1921.
That evening some neighbours were playing cards at Bedford and they dispersed on the approach of lorries of Crown Forces.
Paddy and Edward Barrett jumped a fence to hide. The occupants of the lorries raided a nearby house, where a man named Mangan, of Kilfeighney, was hiding.
Mangan, took off, was spotted and fire was opened on him. Meanwhile, Barrett and White found themselves in the line of fire and both were wounded. Paddy suffered a broken leg.
The injured men were treated initially in Listowel, and subsequently in the military hospital in Tralee.
Paddy’s son, Ned, told me 23 years ago that the White family came to North Kerry from Antrim about 1704.
Crown Forces bullets could not curtail the dancing of Paddy White, shot at Bedford, 103 years ago.
https://listowelconnection.com/2024/01/
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Tracing the jagged edge of Vancouver Island, the epic West Coast Trail is a six- to eight-day backpacking adventure within Canada's remote Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This 75km self-sufficient expedition challenges around 7,500 hikers each season to climb more than 100 ladders, trudge along beaches ankle-deep in sand and slippery stones and endure the unpredictable West Coast weather.
When Diane Lloyd, a runner, leadership coach and facilitator, hiked the trail in 2019, she realised just how challenging it was. At one point, a curtain of rain poured over the hood of her jacket as she clung to a slippery wooden ladder 20ft from the ground. Clusters of spiky sword ferns clung to the crumbling bank in front of her. Blinking water from her eyes, she gingerly looked up, trying not to disturb her hulking backpack and lose her balance. "One more step seemed like a lot perched on this ladder in the drenching rain," she told me, "and I was just beginning the 75km hike."
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https://healthland.time.com/2013/05/23/older-men-should-pass-on-getting-prostate-cancer-treatment/
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Men who have early-stage prostate cancer will live just as long if they forgo surgery, which carries risks of impotence and incontinence, and simply do nothing but watch their cancer, according to the results of the largest clinical trial on the issue to date.
The findings, published in Thursday’s issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, fall in line with mounting concerns about the overscreening and overtreatment of prostate tumors in the U.S. Each year, millions of men are screened for early disease and, based on the results, many undergo invasive biopsies, surgery or other cancer treatment for tumors that would not have killed them anyway. The procedures may cause impotence, incontinence and even death; as many as 1,000 to 1,300 men die due to complications associated with treatments prompted by screening.
https://healthland.time.com/2012/07/19/study-surgery-for-early-prostate-cancer-doesnt-save-lives/
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Similar to grape-seed and coffee flours, okara flour is high in fiber and should follow the same percentage of the total flour in your recipe. Okara flour is also higher in protein and fat than most other flours. You can purchase it with the fat removed, but this will affect the moisture and texture of recipes. Compared with coffee and grape-seed flours, okara flour has less color and less flavor—just a hint of nuttiness.
Bakers recommend using a bit of extra liquid in recipes made with okara flour, because it’s more absorbent than conventional flours. Note that kinako, a traditional Japanese dessert topping made from powdered roasted whole soybeans, is not the same thing as okara flour
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Women Studies;
Q: How would you evaluate the success of women's studies today?
A: There is no question that women’s studies has been and is a very successful venture. There are over 800 women’s studies programs nationwide, including the opportunity to get a Ph.D. in women’s studies, and to take courses online. Also, as previously mentioned, the creation of the National Women’s Studies Association was instrumental in that it provided a forum for women’s studies scholars to share resources and network. The success of women’s studies is also found in the huge proliferation of books, journals, networks, blogs, and conferences about the field -- both nationally and internationally. The genuine inclusion of “women of color” (which I use in quotes) is still a challenge for the field, but there are many prominent women’s studies scholars who are of
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When the researcher Daniel Chambliss decided to study a group of elite swimmers to figure out what led to excellence, he was surprised to find just how much the top swimmers enjoyed the aspects of training — participating in early-morning practices; swimming back and forth along a black line for hours on end — that most people would find miserable.
Chambliss observed: “It is incorrect to believe that top athletes suffer great sacrifices to achieve their goals. Often, they don’t see what they do as sacrificial at all. They like it.”
Discipline is typically seen as the central key to success.
The idea is that achieving anything worthwhile involves doing hard things; hard things are unpleasant; therefore, success requires the white-knuckle willpower to push through those contrary feelings.
Yet this perspective draws on a very limited, binary conception of human emotions.
There are things that are difficult and enjoyable, challenging but satisfying, utterly compelling despite the pain.
It is a mistake to think that an individual who runs 10 miles each day does so because of discipline; that run is likely his favorite part of the day.
The savant who practices guitar for hours in his bedroom doesn’t make himself do it; he wants to do it.
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Jim Caviezel became the world famous actor with leading role in Mel Gibson’s movie “Passion”. Who is that actor that has so impressively become one with character of Jesus? Personally, he claims that if it wasn’t for Medjugorje, he wouldn’t have ever even accepted that role. Namely, in Medjugorje he had experienced certain dimension of faith that was unknown to him up to that point. In February he came to Medjugorje for the sixth time as pilgrim, and he visited Vienna after that trip.
https://www.medjugorje.ws/index.php?sec=updates&mod=ar&enc=UTF-8&lan=en&count=30&run=view&first=-1&findmode=af&highlight=1&find=medjugorje+Magazine+Ireland&action=OK
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The 2023 United Nations Climate Summit (COP28) ended last month after proceedings dragged into overtime for the final signing of the agreement. The future of fossil fuels took center stage, with activists, scientists, policymakers, and corporate players debating how best to keep global temperature rise under 1.5°C, a target set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The big question: Is a “phase-out” of fossil burning necessary, or will a more gradual transition away from the planet-warming fuel suffice? The COP28 resolution calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels (though with no particular timeline); the scaling-up of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030; doubling energy efficiency by 2030; and the adoption of a climate loss and damage fund for the most affected countries. Even so, this still may not be enough to change our trajectory.
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Daily Reflections — January 6, 2024
Suggested Content for Saturday
Action Item: Resolve to believe in trust in God, who gives you the victory.
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Identifying the Three Wise Men: A Priest’s Discovery Behind the Truth of the Magi Story
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Albert Levis is a Holocaust survivor, psychiatrist, real-estate investor, businessman and a student of Jewish philosophy and Greek mythology. He could also be humanity’s savior — if only more people would listen to him.
Levis, 86, was only 6 years old when his family went into hiding because of the Holocaust. His father and grandfather were killed by Communist rebels after the war, and he only avoided capture by disguising himself as a Christian. These experiences, he says, informed his current understanding that all forms of religion and myth are demonstrations of an innate human need to tell stories as a means of resolving conflicts.
Levis’ Formal Theory of Behavior, which has led to the creation of numerous textbooks and even a board game, is his path for saving the world. In short, the theory focuses on Levis’ quest to explain the scientific process by which humanity turns traumatic, morally troubling experiences into stories.
“It’s not just that it’s been his life’s work, like somebody whose life’s work was to build a business,” Albert’s son Oliver told JTA. “He really has been doing it to save the world.”
Read on for more on Levis’ life story and his plan to fix everything.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcffMvpZWPbvDVNzjmvkJjnD
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THE HUNT MUSEUM LAUNCES THE KITE POWER FESTIVAL: FUN WITH WIND ENERGY: Inspiring Creativity, Community, Recycling and Clean Energy Advocacy.
Kite-Making Workshops reusing Christmas packaging to take place across the County in January
Kite Power Festival takes place on Sunday 11th February in Limerick and Shannon, Co Clare.
The Hunt Museum is organising a county and city-wide Kite Power Festival as part of its current exhibition to highlight the power of wind as an energy resource. The museum is calling on Kite enthusiasts and novices to get creative with recyclable materials and paint the sky of Limerick and Shannon, Co Clare with vibrant kites on 11 February 2024. The Kite Power Festival takes the Hunt Museum’s Climate Change exhibition “Night's Candles are Burnt Out: Climate, Culture, Change & Community”, outside its walls and onto the streets and hills of Limerick as it showcases the power of wind through art, culture and a fun community event. In a visually captivating and eco-friendly manner, this unique family experience, sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group in collaboration with the Limerick.ie Festivals scheme, encourages participants to reuse their Christmas wrapping paper and tinsel and give it new life in the skies powered by the abundant wind in the Mid-West. To help people get involved, Lumen Street Theatre will host a series of Kite Making Workshops across Limerick City and County and in Shannon Town. Some Men’s Shed groups will also host their own Kite Making days. Speaking at the launch, Jill Cousins, Director, Hunt Museum said, “We want to continue to engage people emotionally through art and creativity in campaigning for change to renewable energy sources. The idea behind “Nights Candles are Burnt Out” is the use of culture to develop real understanding of the need to change both personally and nationally. We want to be able to achieve Climate Action 2021 targets by 2030. By promoting clean energy in a fun and unique way, we hope to inspire individuals and communities to embrace sustainable energy solutions.” Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group said, “We are delighted to sponsor this exciting event that will raise awareness in a fun and engaging way of the power of wind as a clean energy resource. Ireland, and the west coast in particular, has one of the world’s leading wind resources, so raising awareness of the opportunities this brings to our region is really key. We would encourage everyone, schools, families, community groups to get involved to promote this great initiative”. Prizes will be given in each location for:
· The best flyer
The best use of recycled Christmas packaging and decoration
The best artistic design
After the festival, all Kites can be lent to The Hunt Museum for a post Festival exhibition.
Save the Date – Festival Highlights:
Saturday, January 13: Lumen Workshop in Adare
Saturday, January 20: Lumen Workshop in Kilmallock
Saturday, January 27: Lumen Workshop in Newcastle West
Tuesday, January 30: Lumen Workshop in Limerick Learning Hub
Saturday, February 3: Lumen Workshop in Abbeyfeale
Saturday, February 3: Hunt Museum Kite Making Day
Saturday, February 3: Men’s Shed Kite Making Day
Sunday, February 11: Kite Power Festival across Limerick & Shannon .
ABBEYFEALE – WHO WE ARE; John Nelligan has been analysing the census returns for the town of Abbeyfeale and sent me the following for inclusion in this weeks notes. He deserves a big thank you for the all the work he put in.
Total Male Female Pop. 2206 -1,068 1,138
Age Male Female Group- 60+ 257 283; 30-60- 428 459; 0-30 -383 396
Status- Single 1,217- Married 716- Separated 77- Divorced 76- Widowed 120
Religious Affiliation- Catholic 1.861- Other 126- Atheist 159- Not stated 60
Ethnic/Cultural- Background- White Irish- Traveller 222- Other White 141
Black/Black Irish 34- Asian/Asian Irish 46- Other 51- Not Stated 39
533- By Place of Birth- U K 154- Poland 60- Other Europe 60- India 13- Rest World 76- Not Stated 38
Total: 401- Further analysis to follow.
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Reflect
Why Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Can Help You Combat Sin, and More Great Links!
The Best In Catholic Blogging
===========================
Thought
MarcIf you want to know how old a woman is, ask her sister-in-law." (Eva Gabor) "Old age comes at a bad time." (Ed Sullivan) "Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened." (Stevie Wonder) "Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you are aboard, there is nothing you can do about it." (Golda Meir) "The older I get, the more clearly I remember things that never happened (Mark Twain) "I’m at that age where my back goes out more than I do." (Phyllis Diller) "Nice to be here? At my age, it’s nice to be anywhere." (George Burns) "First you forget names, then you forget faces, then you forget to pull your zipper up; then, you forget to pull your zipper down." (Rob Reiner) “You spend 90 percent of your adult life hoping for a long rest and the last 10 percent trying to convince the Lord that you’re actually not THAT tired.” (Princess Grace) “Old people shouldn’t eat healthy foods. They need all the preservatives they can get.” (Bob Hope) "At my age, flowers scare me." (George Burns) “It’s like you trade the virility of the body for the agility of the spirit.” (Ed Sullivan) "The years between 55 and 75 are the hardest. You are always being asked to do things, and yet you are not decrepit enough to turn them down." (T.S Elliot) "At age 20, we worry about what others think of us… at age 40, we don’t care what they think of us… at age 60, we discover they haven’t been thinking of us at all." (Ann Landers) "When I was young, I was called a rugged individualist. When I was in my fifties, I was considered eccentric. Here I am doing and saying the same things I did then, and I’m labeled senile." (Milton Berle) "The important thing to remember is that I’m probably going to forget." (Martin Scorsese) "We don’t grow older, we grow riper." (Pablo Picasso) “It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.” (Andy Rooney) “The older I get, the better I used to be.” (Lee Trevino) "I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a lot more as they get older, and then it dawned on me — they’re cramming for their final exam." (George Carlin) "Everything seems to slow down with age, except the time it takes cake and ice cream to reach your hips." (Elizabeth Taylor) "When your friends begin to flatter you on how young you look, it’s a sure sign you’re getting old." (Mark Twain) "You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks." (Dennis Quaid) "There’s one advantage to being 102, there’s no peer pressure." (Adam & Eve) "There are three stages in man’s Life: he believes in Santa Claus, he does not believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus." (Leon Phillips) "Looking fifty is great — if you’re sixty." (Joan Rivers) "Time may be a great Healer, but it's a lousy Beautician." (Zsa Zsa Gabor) AND....................... Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally used up and worn out, shouting 'Man, what a ride!' (Hunter Thompson)
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Reflect
By Joe Bukuras
CNA Staff, Jan 10, 2024 / 15:31 pm
Located in Pittsburgh’s suburban neighborhood of Beechview sits a unique Catholic spiritual center that is the only one of its kind in the world, according to the bishop who opened it last month.
“Our whole eparchy has always wanted a center for prayer and spirituality,” Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn said in an interview with CNA.
The Saint Sharbel Spiritual Life Center is “the only one of its kind in the world,” Mansour said, explaining that the institution offers retreats, courses on spirituality, daily sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, Scripture studies, prayer, reading, and several other opportunities for growth.
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Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932)
Sat 26 Jul 1879 Page 6
ISAAC BUTT.
The following letter written by Mr. Butt, Q.C, shortly before he died, will be read
with sad interest : — United Hotel, Charles-street, St. James's.
MY DEAR O'LEARY, — You have always shown such kindness and care to me that I would like you to know every little thing that happens to me.I am not happy about myself. Yesterday I crossed over in a good passage. I lay down the latter half of the way. Before getting up I felt an uneasy sensation at my heart, with something like palpitation. Geting up I had difficulty in breathing nearly as great as I used to have at Buxton on the night I came over with you. It has continued more or less ever since. My journey to the sitting-room here (you know the length) has been a series of relays and panting’s, and all this is accompanied by vagueness in my trains of thought very perceptible, but scarcely perceivable. Now, surely, my dear friend, it is useless to say that this is of no consequence. Is it not better to accept the truth that it is the knell of the curfew telling us that the hour is come when the fire must be put out and the light quenched? If not, is it not at least something that requires more care than you or I or Butcher have given it?
In other respects I am improving. You will see in this letter that my hand is steadier, but does not this give to these symptoms a worse character? I have observed latterly that in writing I very frequently omit a word, far oftener the syllables or letters of a word. When half an hour in bed last night I had lost all recollection of where I was, or how I came to be where I was. I had great difficulty in settling to myself whether the change from Irish to English time made my watch fast or slow.
Is it not through the want of blood to feed the action of the brain? or is it only congestion of the ganglionic nerves ? Do not laugh at this. Tell me HONESTLY, and as a true, because a candid friend, what you think? I will go to Quain to-morrow, but I fear this is of no use. I have taken a strange notion in my head — I would like to consult a perfect stranger, who does not know me, and see what he would say. If I were to carry out this perverse notion who would be the best man to select?
Can I depend on you to tell me the truth? I will write to you to-morrow what Quain says: —
I am afraid I must stay here until the Education Bill passes. If I go over I must come back again. I will know to-morrow what I will do,
Yours ever sincerely,
ISAAC BUTT.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110560366
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Museum at Eldridge Street is proud to present “On the Lower East Side: 28 Remarkable Women…and One Scoundrel,” an exhibition featuring the work of artist Adrienne Ottenberg.
======================
Wyatt Earp’s Jewish Wife Gets Her Due
By Ted Merwin May 24, 2011 12:00 am
She was the wife of one of the most famous gunslingers in the history of the Wild West, but today few have heard of her. Josephine Marcus escaped her Jewish family in San Francisco and married Wyatt Earp, whose extraordinary legend she helped to craft and perpetuate. In “I Married Wyatt Earp,” an all-female musical now running Off Broadway, she finally gets her due.
Directed by Cara Reichel, the 11-woman musical puts in the foreground the essential role of women in creating the tumultuous world of the Wild West. With book and lyrics by Sheilah Rae and Thomas Edward West, and music by the award-winning composer Michele Brourman, “I Married Wyatt Earp” seeks to dispel the image of the Western frontier as an exclusively male preserve, a place dominated by bands of men who fought endless bloody battles over territory and treasure. Carolyn Mignini (“Tintypes,” “Fiddler on the Roof”) stars as Josie, with Heather MacRae (“Hair,” “Falsettos”), Anastasia Barzee, Carol Linnea Johnson and Cara Massey featured in the cast.
Of all the women on the Western frontier, Josie was one of the most remarkable. Her Prussian Jewish immigrant parents, who had moved to San Francisco from Brooklyn in 1879 by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope with their 10-year-old daughter and her siblings, were certainly no strangers to adventure. But no one could have predicted that just eight years after their arrival on the West Coast, Josie (who was also known as Sadie) would run away from home to join a traveling Gilbert and Sullivan company in a production of “H.M.S. Pinafore.”
Josie wound up in Tombstone, Ariz., just as the frontier town was exploding with population because of a silver strike and boiling over with violent conflict between cowboys and lawmen like the five Earp brothers — conflict that culminated in the infamous shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. After a romance with a deputy sheriff named Johnny Behan, Josie fell in love with Earp, who was to be her mate until his death almost half a century later.
Wyatt Earp has been the subject of dozens of books and films, most of which make him out to be a hero who tamed the lawless Western frontier. In reality, Wyatt was (much like his close friend, the tubercular dentist Doc Holliday) not above profiting from illegal behavior, and he became a bona fide outlaw when he made up his mind to avenge the murder of one of his brothers and the crippling of another.
==================================
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, with each passing day, we are confronted with the challenges of the broad acceptance of recreational marijuana both politically and culturally in Colorado and beyond. I write to you out of pastoral concern for the salvation of souls, and I am convinced of the need to address the impact marijuana use is having on individuals, families, and society in general.
In 2012, Colorado voted to legalize recreational marijuana, and in 2014, it became the first state to permit its sale. As more states follow (as of this writing, recreational and medical marijuana are legal in 23 and 38 states respectively),1 there is a need to speak about the devastating effects of drugs such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, opioids, and others that we have witnessed.
During the campaigns that advocated for the legalization of marijuana and other drugs, many pro-legalization arguments were made, and visions of the future were cast which downplayed any potential negative effects of the legislation. In Colorado, we are now a decade into this experiment. As more studies come out and more deaths from fentanyl pile up, we now have an overwhelming amount of data that reinforces what we have known to be true all along: the legalization of marijuana and cultural acceptance of drug use have been disastrous to our society.
=================================
In other words, to be a soft girl is to radically reject the idea of being a girlboss, the bastion of feminine achievement that was an ideal during the tech boom of the late 2000s and 2010s. Women who strove to be girlbosses went to bed late and got up early to sweat it out at Barry’s or Soul Cycle. They idolized female business leaders like Sheryl Sandberg and Marissa Mayer (who famously worked from her hospital bed after she delivered twins). They sipped cocktails among other professionals at Audrey Gelman’s The Wing, slathered on as much Balm Dot Com as their face could handle from Emily Weiss’s Glossier, preordered the Sophia Amaruso’s biz-advice book literally called Girl Boss while listening to Hillary Clinton speak about breaking the glass ceiling. They took up space, they leaned in, they asked for more.
https://www.glamour.com/story/welcome-to-the-soft-girl-revolution?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb
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Daily Reflections — October 27, 2023
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Maps Cork
https://www.johngrenham.com/places/civil_index.php#maps/
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Rosary
Here are nine quotes from the saints that illustrate the supernatural nature of the Holy Rosary:
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Forgiveness - Healing
Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you. It also
doesn’t necessarily mean making up with the person who caused the harm.
Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps
you get on with life.
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for improved health
and peace of mind. Forgiveness can lead to:
Healthier relationships
Improved mental health
Less anxiety, stress and hostility
Fewer symptoms of depression
Lower blood pressure
A stronger immune system
Improved heart health
Improved self-esteem
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The Amen app is the free Catholic prayer app that inspires your daily conversation with God through faithful meditations and nourishing Scripture. Please enjoy this latest offering from the Augustine Institute.
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Saint Helena's Discovery in Jerusalem
The Roman Emperor Constantine’s mother, Saint Helena, a convert to Christianity, went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to locate where the important events in the life of Jesus Christ occurred, and to preserve the relics of the Christian faith that remained there. One of her goals was to find the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and the very Cross on which he was hung.
Through interviewing many locals, and with the assistance of the Bishop of Jerusalem, Saint Macarius, she discovered the spot and found the True Cross which had been previously hidden by the Jews.
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Born into a family of Muslim migrants, Father Antuan Ilgit converted to Catholicism at age 25. Pope Francis recently appointed him as the first bishop of Turkish origin after Nuncio Julio Murat.
On Feb. 6, Father Ilgit saved the Eucharist from the rubble of the Cathedral of the Annunciation after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Iskenderun, Turkey.
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Have you ever sung "Happy Birthday" to the Virgin Mary as a family?
The Flores Amao family shared how they celebrated the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the beautiful gifts their three little girls prepared for the Mother of God.
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Reflect
Generosity
If you give sparingly, you will receive a sparse harvest. The more generous you are in giving, the more generous the Lord will be in blessing you.
NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan .....
My note today is very much inspired by the amazing experience that myself and
90 others had in Medjugorie over the past week. How would I describe it? As one
of our pilgrims so rightly said ‘it would be like trying to explain to someone the
sensation of getting an electric shock to a person who never had such an
experience', impossible. But for those who were fortunate enough to go they were
truly blessed in so many ways. In light of the past week and today’s Gospel it’s
clear that every person goes through a storm in life but it is only Jesus that can
calm those storms with His amazing power of love and mercy. We’ve also learnt
that one needs to step out of the boat of ones comfort zone of everyday life to
see what’s spiritually possible. With God you can walk on water because nothing is
impossible to Him. We also mentioned during the week that Peter in today’s Gospel
did amazingly well while gazing upon Jesus but once he turned away from Jesus
and focused on all the problems around him he began to sink. How often do we
gaze upon the problems and only glance at the solution? Let us set our gaze upon
Jesus and only glance at our problems. May we reach up to Jesus and let him take
our hand and save us.
-------------------------------
A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan.....
When preparing today’s reflection it made me think of all the jokes I’ve ever
heard about St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, because in today’s Gospel we see Jesus
giving Peter the ‘Keys of the Kingdom’. This simplistic and naive take on this quote
misses a very important understanding of our Church. Jesus is eluding to an
‘office’ which existed during the Davidic Kingdoms in ancient times. Today’s first
reading from Isaiah mentions this role or office, where the King was obviously the
boss but there was an Office in Hebrew called ‘al bayith’ which literally means
"over the house" or what we’d call today the Prime Minister. This role or office
had four distinct features. 1st It's an office, which means it doesn't stop with
the death of one man. It gets passed down from person-to-person throughout the
centuries. It’s an office that has succession. The 2nd feature of this office is
that they hold the ‘Keys’. The key symbolises responsibility. When someone gives
you the keys of their house they give you full responsibility for their home. This
prime minister has full authority and responsibility over the Kingdom. The 3rd
feature of this role as prime minister is to be a father to the Kingdom. Of course
the King is the father of the kingdom but the Prime Minister, in a sense,
participates in the fatherhood of the king. So he will act as a father to the
kingdom by leading it, and governing it, and guiding it. And finally the 4th feature
of this office is its ruling authority. It says that when the prime minister opens,
none shall shut, and when he shuts, none shall open. What does that mean? That's
an expression of his ruling authority over the people. In other words, he has
binding authority. So in light of today’s Gospel and first reading it’s very clear
where we as Catholic’s see the biblical roots of the Papacy. When Jesus gives
Peter the Keys of the Kingdom he’s actually establishing this new office as Pope.
As a father figure the ‘Pope’ meaning Papa cares for Gods Church with loving
authority. May we always pray for our Holy Father and respect the sacred
tradition of the papacy and realise that there’s a lot more to Peter’s role than
simply a gate keeper at the pearly gates!
-------------------------------
Pro Life Leaders
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A Student’s Prayer at the Beginning of School Year
We give you praise, O God, for everything that is new and beautiful,
for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers.
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh.
May we show love to one another and to all.
May the new beginning of this school year remind us that
You give us chances to start over again and again.
Help us to forgive others as we receive Your forgiveness.
Help us to learn and to work together.
Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words
when we speak and when it is better not to speak.
We thank You for our friends, help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day.
Help us to be aware of Your love shown to us in the people around us.
Bless all those who care for us in school and at home.
Help us show our care for them and to say sorry when we need to.
May the Blessed Mother Mary protect us and help us to live
as well as we can, giving thanks and glory to God as she did.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
=================
===========================
Tribute
Meet Betty Baker of Kentucky, Who Just Became Catholic at Age 87
The lifelong Protestant began attending Mass with her daughter and hearing Church teaching on Mary, Confession and the Holy Eucharist — and says simply, ‘I believed everything I heard’
Betty Baker (r) with her daughter, Lisa Baker Graas. (photo: Courtesy Photo)
Patti Maguire Armstrong Blogs
May 18, 2023
You’re never too old to become Catholic, according to Betty Baker of Clarkson, Kentucky, who entered the Church this past Easter at the age of 87.
“I can’t kneel, and I can’t remember the prayers, but being Catholic is the right thing for me,” she told the Register. I had caught sight of Betty’s white hair and sweet smiling face alongside her daughter Lisa who had posted on Twitter @CatholicLisa that her mother became Catholic during the Easter Vigil. Mother and daughter agreed to a phone interview to talk about this momentous event.
Betty had spent a lifetime following Jesus as a Protestant beginning in a small country church in Poplar Grove, Kentucky, where she was baptized at the age of 13. “I always felt God’s presence in my life,” she said.
After her husband died in 2000, Betty began spending more time visiting Lisa and would join her for Sunday Mass at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Clarkson.
“I believed everything I heard,” Betty said. “When my daughter and granddaughter, Bethany (Wagner), asked if I would like to become Catholic, I prayed and asked God what he wanted me to do, and I knew it was the right thing for me.”
But Betty was concerned, given her short-term memory problems and inability to kneel. She brought her concerns to Father Steve Hohman, the pastor of St. Elizabeth’s.
“He explained that kneeling was a sign of humility,” Lisa said. “My mother has to use a walker, and not being able to kneel is very humbling for her.”
Betty enrolled in the OCIA program. Everything she learned resonated with her including the Blessed Mother, Confession, the Eucharist and Purgatory.
“It all felt right in my heart,” she said.
Her experience of visiting beautiful Catholic churches had also drawn her to the Catholic faith.
“I sat in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, and felt the presence of God,” she said. “I have always had a special feeling for cathedrals and classical music. I’ve never understood why some faiths don’t understand that beautiful cathedrals are for God’s glory.”
It was Lisa’s example, according to Betty, that especially led her to Catholicism.
“I saw the faithfulness of my daughter and granddaughter, Bethany,” she noted. When Lisa became Catholic in 1992, her parents had been there to support their only daughter, the youngest of their six children.
“We were happy that she found Jesus,” Betty said. “My husband was a wonderful person. He had given her a Bible when she was young and told her to read it. That’s why I always say to lead by example.”
Betty has 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Bethany is married and lives in Houston with a 1-year-old named Betty (after her beloved grandmother) and a baby girl on the way this summer.
At the Easter Vigil, Betty joined five others receiving First Holy Communion and Confirmation; two babies were also baptized. Betty took the name of St. Monica as her Confirmation saint.
“I felt the presence of God so strong,” Betty said. “It gives me tears in my eyes just talking about it. I had tears during the service, realizing that I was entering into a new life.”
Lisa shared her perspective on her mother’s entry into the Church. “I was happy for her that she came to the fullness of the truth and that she knows now that Dad in heaven can hear her,” she said. “Before, she believed that, but the churches she went to didn’t teach it.
“All the things that people have problems with — like Confession, Purgatory and the Blessed Mother — were so easy for her to believe. I never debated with her, pushed her, or anything like that. I just simply invited her to Mass and shared what the Catholic Faith means to me personally.”
As Lisa shared in her own conversion story, the faith came to her suddenly at Mass one day, but it took time and a lot of reading to wrap her mind around some of the teachings, especially Mary as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.
“It didn’t take time for my mother,” Lisa said. “There was a lot of grace there.”
Lisa is divorced, has four grown children and lives with her mother now.
“My mother and I rely very much on each other,” she said. “We both have severe neuropathy and I have cancer. I accept my cross and rejoice in it because, through it, I am participating in the sufferings of Christ. He loves me enough to share in that with him. Several years ago, I became a Passionist Oblate Associate. I am attached to the cloistered Passionist Nuns of St. Joseph Monastery in Whitesville, Kentucky.”
Lisa offers her suffering in joy for her many intentions (including her children) and for vocations. She shared that prayer requests can be sent to the sisters at nunsp@passionistsnuns.org.
Regarding her mother, she said, “She wants to share now that as elderly people lose their ability to pray, they are actually closer to God in their sufferings. She has fallen several times. She knows what it is like to suffer.”
Betty added, “No one should let their physical and mental limitations keep them from doing what God is asking them.”
Patti Maguire Armstrong
Patti Maguire Armstrong Patti (Maguire) Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and was managing editor and co-author of the bestselling Amazing Grace Series. Her latest books are the humorous and inspirational second-edition Dear God, I Don't Get It, Dear God, You Can't Be Serious!, What Would Monica Do? and Holy Hacks. Patti worked in social work and public administration before staying home as a freelance writer while she and Mark raised their 10 children in North Dakota. Follow her on Twitter at @PattiArmstrong and read her blog at PattiMaguireArmstrong.com.
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Tyler Arnold/CNA
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Water-damaged items sit outside a house in Squabble Creek, Kentucky, near Buckhorn, following historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, July 31, 2022.
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Kentucky Judge Dismisses Life at Conception as a ‘Christian and Catholic Belief’
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Here’s a hint: It’s not in Europe
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Blogs
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Reflect
How a forgotten nun’s visions shed ‘new light’ on the life of St. Joseph
San Jos Alonso Miguel de Tovar A detail from Joseph with the Child and the Flowering Rod, by Alonso Miguel de Tovar (1678–1752). Public Domain.
Courtney Mares
By Courtney Mares
CNA Staff, Mar 19, 2023 / 04:00 am
St. Joseph does not have any words recorded in sacred Scripture, but the published meditations of an 18th-century Italian nun offer the chance to imagine the details of the Holy Family’s daily life as it might have been from the perspective of the foster father of Jesus.
Servant of God Mother Maria Cecilia Baij’s personal revelation, described in the book “The Life of Saint Joseph,” provides an intimate portrait of the life of prayer, suffering, and joy within the Holy Family.
As an artist might fill in the details in a painting depicting a scene in the life of Christ from the Bible, Baij’s account allows the reader to dwell on the scenes that could have made up Joseph’s life with Jesus and Mary, with a particular focus on his interior life.
It begins with the birth of Joseph and provides a 75-page account of his life before meeting Mary, with a focus on how God prepared him with graces for the privilege of meeting the future Mother of God.
From there, the reader accompanies Joseph as he exults in the Incarnation within Mary’s womb, endures trials on the way to Bethlehem, weeps for joy as he holds the Savior of the world in his arms, sings hymns of praise to God with Mary, works with the child Jesus in his workshop, and continually abandons himself to the will of God in the face of uncertainties.
While the Church does not consider it obligatory to believe private revelations as a matter of faith, the book has received an imprimatur and nihil obstat from the Vatican, officially declaring it free from doctrinal and moral error.
Pascal Parente, a professor at the Catholic University of America, translated the 18th-century manuscript into English.
“The account of St. Joseph’s life … was not intended essentially to provide exegetical or historical instruction but rather to serve as a means of edification,” Parente, who died in 1971, wrote in his introduction to the text.
“It reveals the most loving and lovable head of the Holy Family in a new light which cannot fail to impress both the mind and the heart of the reader, thereby making him a partaker of the heavenly peace and harmony that reigned in the Holy Family of Nazareth.”
The manuscript was completed before Baij’s death in 1766 but remained unknown until a Benedictine monk, Dom Willibrord van Heteren, found Baij’s writings in 1900 in St. Peter’s convent in Montefiascone, Italy, and published some excerpts.
Twenty years later, a local priest, Msgr. Peter Bergamschi, took an interest in Baij’s writings in the convent archive and presented them to Pope Benedict XV in a private audience on March 17, 1920, during the month of St. Joseph. The pope encouraged Bergamaschi to publish them.
Maria Cecilia Baij was born in 1694 in Montefiascone, a hill town about 60 miles north of Rome located on the shores of Lake Bolsena. At the age of 20, she took her religious vows with the Benedictine community of Montefiascone. She was named abbess in 1743 and remained in the post until her death at the age of 72.
In her prayers at the convent, Baij received both attacks from the devil and mystical revelations about the life of Christ, St. Joseph, the Holy Family, and St. John the Baptist, which she wrote down in lengthy manuscripts in obedience to her confessor.
Her Benedictine convent, St. Peter’s, remains active today more than 250 years after her death. The sisters welcome pilgrims who walk the Via Francigena, a medieval pilgrimage route that passes through their town. The sisters also still possess all of Baij’s original manuscripts.
Baij is believed to have completed her account of St. Joseph’s life in December 1736. Throughout the text, Joseph is often depicted in prayer, speaking praises to God on his own and together with the Virgin Mary and Jesus.
Baij wrote: “Sometimes, when Joseph worked very strenuously, he would approach his spouse and ask her to condescend to sing for him a hymn in praise of God, and thereby relieve his weariness. The holy virgin would readily comply with his requests. Her singing of the hymns of divine exaltation was so delightful that Joseph often was carried into ecstasy.”
“He once remarked to Mary: ‘My spouse, your singing alone is enough to bring comfort to every afflicted heart! What consolation you gave me through it! What relief for my weariness! What a great joy it is for me to hear you speak or sing!’”
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Skellig Lists, Bandon 1843, Dunmanway 1846, Ballydehob 1912, Celebration of Skellig Night, South Mall, Cork 1845.
Denial March 1862 by John P Hayes, that he compiled 'Skellig List', circulating in Skibbereen accompanied by Statutory Declaration.
https://durrushistory.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=10820&action=edit
https://irelandsotherpoetry.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/the-skellig-lists/
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San Pedro, Philippines — March 20, 2023
Four Sisters of St. Francis Xavier look after 18 residents of a home for older women who need care in San Pedro, a city south of Manila, the country's capital.
The congregation has only two Filipina members today, both of whom work at Mary Mother of Mercy Home for the Elderly and Abandoned with two sisters from Myanmar. Since 2002, the home has provided shelter to women between the ages of 60 and 90, regardless of religious affiliation, who are experiencing homelessness.
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Reflect
Dumbbells are a popular and effective tool for strength training and exercise. They’re versatile, easy to use, and come in various weights and sizes, making them suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
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Thomas More
Beyond England, tributes to More were swift and he was quickly acknowledged as a martyr. His legacy has continued to grow, both because of his published works, but also him dramatic death. While he had made his name as a writer during his own time, his reputation as a public official and pursuer of heretics remains controversial to this day. Canonized in 1935, Pope John Paul II recognised Sir Thomas More as the patron saint of statesman and politicians in 2000.
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Pope Francis will celebrate his 10th anniversary as Pope on March 13, 2023.
As we celebrate this anniversary, let us contemplate his legacy by remembering the saints he canonized. Pope Francis has canonized 911 saints thus far.
https://www.churchpop.com/2023/03/07/pope-francis-canonized-almost-1000-saints-during-his-papacy-heres-some-of-them/?utm_campaign=ChurchPop&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=249286282&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Q70EDmRZ8iRs87iwU2Fh0W4kVQZtkbd9Uf3ljTyYehlO3KY55Knf6TGLq6AfSvUBLeaNC4k542djMneMrVdXyqkj4Tg&utm_content=249286282&utm_source=hs_email
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VOCATIONS: On Tuesday 7 March last, the second day of the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, the Council of Vocations announced a year to promote Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood, which will take place next month on the theme: ‘Take the Risk for Christ’. Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, chair of the Council for Vocations of the Bishops’ Conference, a number of seminarians, priests and bishops launched the year in the College Chapel of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/catholic-news-article/?ID=3
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Prayer for Gods Support
May He support us all the day long,
till the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is
over, and our work is done.
Then, in His Mercy, may He find us safe lodging
and a holy rest, and peace at last. Amen.
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Prayer after Communion
Lord Jesus, I love and adore you. You’re a special friend to me.
Welcome, Lord Jesus, O welcome. Thank you for coming to me.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, O thank you for giving yourself to me.
Make me strong to show your love wherever I may be.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay, close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all of us children in your loving care and bring us to heaven to live with you there
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Praying the Rosary: Most parishioners are aware that the Rosary is recited approx. half an hour, on most days before the Masses. In her messages, especially at Fatima, Medjugorje, and many other places, Our Lady has urged the faithful to pray the Rosary daily. St. Padre Pio has referred to it as the “Weapon of our Times”, so it would please the Blessed Virgin very much, if more people, especially children, took up her invitation, and joined the small Parish group in praying the Rosary. It is prayed for the conversion of Russia, Ireland, and the whole world, for the end of wars, protection from natural disasters, and that the promised, and, long-for reign of peace would soon be ushered in.
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A Greater Good
Evil does not take God by surprise. Instead, God uses it to draw out a greater good. Through this, even the betrayal against Christ becomes part of the story of your salvation.
Living Water
The Lord calls you to imitate the person of Psalm 1 and be like a tree planted by streams of living water. When you dive into the richness of prayer and Scripture, you root yourself in the Word of God.
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Patience and Endurance
"Cancel Culture" goes back to ancient times, and it is something Christians continue to face today. Yet you are called to respond to this culture with the patience and endurance of Jeremiah and Jesus.
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Nelson’s War- By Peter Padfield
For centuries, the Royal Navy maintained near-complete dominion over many of the world’s seas and oceans. In this authoritative account, a naval historian details the military tactics and victories against French, Spanish, and Dutch forces that proved critical to Britain’s sea power.
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The Churchill Girls
By Rachel Trethewey
This “engrossing and intelligent group biography” (Kirkus Reviews) profiles the four extraordinary Churchill daughters — whose lives were marked by tragedy, duty, and the tumultuous events of the 20th century. “Fascinating… A revelation” (Sunday Times bestselling author Andrew Wilson).
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Views from the Loft- By Daniel Slager
Writers at all levels will welcome this collection full of advice from over 60 people in literary professions, including award–winning authors. “Serious readers will enjoy getting an inside look at the processes and practices that help fill the empty page” (Publishers Weekly).
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Bearing Fruit
You are weak, and during this Lent, you will fail. Yet, with God, there is hope. His Word is always fruitful, and his grace never returns to him void. Remain in God's Word, confident in his grace.
Return to God
Jonah delivers a message of repentance to the Ninevites. In response, the Ninevites turn from their sinful ways toward God. Like the people of Nineveh, we must repent and return to God.
The Skills Needed for Prayer
God answers prayers. When you pray, do you believe that God will answer you? Today, ask, seek, and knock in your prayer, trusting that God is listening and desires to answer your prayers.
A Happy Ending
When it comes to the story of your life, the ending is the key. It does not matter how it began or how many times you have sinned—what matters is that you repent and turn to God. Every saint has a past, but they also have a future in Christ. Turn to that future today.
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Dr Noeline Kyle retired from teaching education and history at university in the 2000s. She has been an Honorary Professor at the University of Sydney since 2007 her research focusing on 19th century women’s professions. Her latest book Matrons, Manacles and Panama Hats: Women Working in NSW Prisons 1788 – 1969 will be published this year. Noeline researched the Kyle Family History with considerable help from Joyce Lawson who had completed research on related Kyles who settled in Murwillumbah. Noeline’s family settled along the Nulla Nulla Creek a tributary of the Upper Macleay River and it is their story that drew Rob Willis from the National Library folklore unit to interview the extended family of William ‘Billy’ Kyle a much-loved old-time fiddler whose Irish tunes and love for music are still remembered today.
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/39804648/posts/40691
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Reflect
Seeing the Bigger Picture
Why does Jesus intentionally heal the blind man in two stages? Often Christ heals in stages—it is a slow and gradual process to see the full truth about yourself and the wonder and glory of God's mercy.
Suffering and God's Will
You cannot take Christ off the cross—part of the Christian life is partaking in the Passion. When you avoid suffering, you avoid doing the Father's will. Instead, the Lord asks you to take up your cross and follow him.
Being a Disciple
If you wish to come after Christ, you must deny yourself, take up the cross, and follow him. When you live by these steps, you become a true disciple of Jesus.
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Sunday Firesides: Climb the Ladder of Love
Brett & Kate McKay • Feb 11, 2023
Have you ever known someone who joined the faith of the person they were dating?
Perhaps the sincerity of that conversion seemed a little suspect, given that the move was likely motivated in part by the individual’s love for their significant other.
But Plato would have found it the most natural progression in the world.
He compared love to a ladder: what begins as an individual’s passion for a particular person can arouse a love for virtue which rises to a love for knowledge and, ultimately, a love for eternal ideals.
A desire for beauty leads to a desire for Beauty; an attraction to goodness becomes an attraction to Goodness; the inspiration to stay true to another inspires a dedication to Truth.
Plato posits that the potential for this progression is rooted in the fact that all earthly beauty is but a reflection of the perfect heavenly “Forms”; all the beauty we encounter here points to something greater beyond it.
But there’s more to it than that.
Love animates the soul, lending someone the energy, sense of capability, and motivation to move formerly backburnered, seemingly arduous quests to the fore.
Love opens dimensions of experience that someone couldn’t have conceived of, prompting them to wonder what other aspects of existence remain to be discovered.
Love, the desire to forever bind one’s life to another’s based on a feeling, softens the inflexible rationality that can ironically handicap the pursuit of truth.
Love emboldens us to do more, be more, perceive more.
Everyone senses that romance is shot through with possibilities. But a glance stolen across a room, a hand held in a darkened theater, or a kiss exchanged on a doorstep can mean more than the beginning of a new relationship; it can be the first rung of someone’s ascent into something even higher.
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Allison Cunningham, senior director of governmental affairs and public policy at the American Gas Association
Cunningham returned to the gas association last April after a previous stint with the organization from 2014 until 2016. She previously worked for Natural Gas Vehicles for America and Spectra Energy Corp., and on Capitol Hill for Republican Reps. Steve Pearce of New Mexico and Tom Cole of Oklahoma.
Cunningham and AGA will be working to ensure that natural gas is central to the domestic energy mix. They will be keeping close tabs on the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, she said, noting that her organization was excited to see a renewable natural gas investment tax credit and a hydrogen production tax credit included in the law.
As a debate over gas stoves has flared up, Cunningham said, AGA is “interested to see what Congress wants to do about it,” but she doesn’t expect that to be the organization’s main legislative focus this year.
Cunningham is hopeful about the possibility of some bipartisanship in Congress this year on energy issues. “I’m always an optimist about a lot of this stuff,” she said.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/energy-and-environment-lobbyists-brace-for-whirlwind-2023/
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146; 087 6807197
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
4th December 2022, 2nd Sunday of Advent.
Dear Parishioner,
Phrases like ‘closing down’, ‘the end of the road’, ‘time
up’ etc. remind us of upsetting experiences for an individual person, family
or company because something that was part of life is disappearing. The
few phrases, that I have written, are in connection with the decision by
Redemptorist Publications to cease publishing the very popular ‘Reality’
magazine, with the final edition being this year’s December/Winter issue.
This news was given in an article, entitled ‘Fond Farewells’ in the October
2022 Reality by the Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Congregation,
Fr. Dan Barraghy. The word ‘Farewell’ was given in the plural because he
was announcing the end of two institutions – St. Patrick’s Monastery in
Esker, Co. Galway and the Reality Magazine.
He wrote ‘Situated just five kilometres from Athenry, Co. Galway, St.
Patrick’s Monastery, Esker, has a long religious tradition; for 200 years, it
was home to a Dominican community and was the seminary of Clonfert
Diocese for a short period, before the Redemptorists arrived in 1901.
Earlier this year, the Provincial Council of the Irish Redemptorists, after
years of reflection, debate and discernment, decided to end the
Redemptorist mission in Esker, by the end of November. This was a
difficult and painful decision for us; you don’t walk away, from a 121-year
presence and tradition, easily........................As sad as this decision is for us,
it is however a necessary and realistic one. I am sure that most of you
have an awareness of the vulnerabilities being experienced, not just by
Redemptorists but by all religious orders and, indeed, by the Church in
Ireland at this time.
Having written a further amount about the Esker closure, Fr. Barraghy went
on to write ‘Another difficult decision for us has been the decision to cease
publication of Reality magazine at the end of this year. After 85 years in
existence, initially as the ‘Redemptorist Record’ and later as ‘Reality’, the
magazine has been a significant element in our efforts to share the ‘Good
News of the Gospels’, one that had been much appreciated by many over
the years. However, with decreasing subscriptions and readership and a
growing move from print to digital communication, we feel that now is the
time for such a move.’ Because of the decision by the Redemptorists,
readers of ‘Dear Parishioner’ will be deprived of the opportunity to read
articles by writers like Fr. Peter McVerry, whose article appears in this
newsletter. Thanks to all ‘Reality’ writers. (Fr. Denis O’Mahony
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The Revolution Of Christmas Day
Christmas Is A Time To Reaffirm Our Responsibility To Create
A Society Where All Are Equally Loved And Valued, And
Where The Human Rights Of All Are Respected
Revolutions change both the way we think and the way we act. They have
changed the course of events in many countries, such as France, Russia, the
US, and Ireland but they are generally pretty violent, seeking to overthrow
the established order and replace it with a new one. The birth of Jesus
was a revolution, but a revolution like no other. This insignificant child, of
poor parents, from a town that was a source of ridicule to many (“Can
anything good come out of Galilee?”), who preached non-violence and love
of enemies, has changed both our understanding of religion and our
politics forever. In Jesus, God became a human being: the human and
divine have become one, inseparable. That is the revolution that the birth
of Jesus brought about. Other religions might tell us that we encounter
God in sacred places, in temples, mosques, and churches but we Christians
believe that we encounter God in other human beings. Other religions
might tell us to worship God with sacrifices and prayers, but we Christians
worship God by loving God in each other, by caring, reaching out to fellow
human beings.
In our western societies, the dominant mindset is a neoliberal ideology
with its excessive individualism. It seeks to persuade us that each
individual is solely responsible for the life they lead. All should strive to
become self-sufficient, independent human beings. Self- sufficiency is the
ideal human state, and independence is a sign of maturity and growth.
This virus of excessive individualism has often infected our spirituality,
which then becomes focused exclusively on the relationship between
God and me, and on what I have to do to gain a place in heaven. Since we
encounter God in other human beings, my spirituality must be concerned
with their lives, and so upholding human rights must be an integral part of
the faith we profess. Hence this revolution that the birth of Jesus brought
about is not just a spiritual revolution but also a political revolution. We
affirm the basic human rights of all people, and when secular political
policies and structures deny those rights to anyone, then we must oppose
and challenge them. Our spirituality must be political.
This neoliberal mindset also creates a league table of meritocracy. It tries
to persuade us that those who do well in life have achieved their success
by themselves and so deserve to be respected and looked up to, while
those who have not achieved have only themselves to blame and are not
worthy of the same esteem. It values people differently, but if every
human being is the presence of God to us, then our faith requires us to
value every human being equally. Those monks and nuns who live in
cloistered monasteries, cut off from the world, praying and tending their
gardens, do us a great service. In the eyes of the neoliberal mindset, they
are unproductive, and therefore their lives are wasted. They could be out
doing good, creating wealth, or helping others and making a positive
contribution to our world, instead of spending their lives in useless
isolation. However, it is precisely because their lives are “useless,” as many
would judge, that they are important, as they remind us that our value
does not depend on what we do but on the fact that we are. Each human
being, the secluded monk and the activist priest, the billionaire and the
homeless person sleeping on the street, the person who is paralysed, and
the marathon runner, all have the same dignity and value simply because
they exist. Hence, the promotion of equality, along with human rights,
must also be an integral part of our faith.
The Christmas revolution, then, is a time to reaffirm our
responsibility to create a society where all are equally loved and valued,
and where the human rights of all are respected. Christmas is not a day in
the year; Christmas is an attitude in our hearts. Those who seek to build
such a society can, like Jesus, expect persecution, ridicule, and opposition.
There are those who do not respect the human rights of all and who think
equality is naïve idealism. We Christians should expect to be crucified.
(Fr. Peter McVerry, Reality December 2022)
Where stands Ireland now? That question is the heading of an article in
the December issue of the Furrow magazine by T.P. O’Mahony, former
‘Religious Affairs’ correspondent for the Irish Press newspaper. After
reflecting on life in Ireland, especially in relation to religion in Irish society,
since his own childhood and teenage years in the 1950s, he draws some
conclusions. “Irish society today is a very fractured one. It is also a more
culturally and ethnically diverse society and a more secular one. So, as the
de-Catholicising of society proceeds, what values does the Ireland of the
21st century embody? Whatever its aberrations, Catholicism provided the
social cement that held the basic elements of society together. Now, that
is in disarray. The decay of Catholicism as the main (continued at back)
structuring force of Irish society saw the growth of a selfish individualism
and a conservatism (outside of the socio-moral sphere) that today stand in
the way of reform. Even if the Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil dominance of the
political landscape is coming to an end, it is by no means certain that a Sinn
Féin-led Government will usher in a new era. That party’s rhetoric about a
socialist republic
has been sidelined of late. Now, having emerged from one pandemic, we
are plagued, according to a new report from the Health Research Board, by
a cocaine epidemic.
The report tells us the use of the drug is now widespread across
age groups, social classes and regions. As we seek to explain ourselves to
ourselves, what does this tell us, given that cocaine is today as much a rural
drug as an urban one? So, do we know who we are in 2022 or are we
hoping that, in a future united Ireland, a new version of Irishness will be
fashioned? We are indeed in strange times and unsure what resources we
have to deploy to refashion the nation so that justice and the promotion of
the common good become paramount concerns, while also being mindful
that, as Mary Kenny has emphasised, “a functioning society needs to
cohere around shared values.” What in 21st century Ireland – a post-
Catholic Ireland in the eyes of many – have we to offer by ways of shared
values?
Seeing Your Life Through the Lens of the Gospel (John Byrne OSA)
1. John the Baptist came to bear witness to Jesus. Who have been the
people who have borne witness to us of the good news of the
gospel that God loves us – a friend, a parent, a teacher, etc.?
To whom have we borne that witness?
2. John appears in the story as one who had the courage to be himself
in the face of opposition. He was also a person who knew his own
value, did not make exaggerated claims and was content with his
mission. Can you recall times when you have been content to be
yourself, without pretending to be more than you are? What was
it like to have that freedom, even in the face of criticism from
others?
3. John was ‘the voice of one crying out in the wilderness’ –
announcing confidently to those in the wilderness that they must
not despair because God’s grace may come to them at any
moment. Have you had the experience of being in the wilderness,
feeling lost? From whom did you hear a voice that gave you
hope? Have you been able to give hope to other people when
they were in the wilderness? (Intercom, December 2022/January 2022.
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The Most Famous Lost Shipwrecks Yet to be Discovered
1d ago
The sunken treasures waiting for explorers
It’s estimated there are around three million undiscovered shipwrecks around the world. Some are being searched for right now – and a few of those might even contain riches.
For as long as humans have been traversing the seas, ships have been lost to the depths. And although most vessels that sink beneath the waves are eventually forgotten, some remain prized treasures sought for generations.
The 16th-century Portuguese vessel Flor de la Mar, for example, has been the centre of countless search expeditions eager to recover her priceless lost cargo of diamonds, gold and precious stones. Ships like Captain Cook’s Endeavour, on the other hand, remain sought after for their invaluable historical significance.
From a Cornish wreck known as ‘El Dorado of the Seas’ to some of the most iconic vessels in seafaring history, here are some of the most famous shipwrecks that are yet to be discovered.
Santa Maria (1492)
The notorious explorer Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492 with three ships: Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria. During the course of Columbus’ voyage, which took him to the Caribbean, Santa Maria sank.
According to legend, Columbus left a cabin boy at the helm while we went off to sleep. Shortly after, the inexperienced boy ran the ship aground. Santa Maria was stripped of any valuables, and it sank the following day.
The whereabouts of Santa Maria remain a mystery to this day. Some suspect it lies on the seabed near present-day Haiti. In 2014, the marine archaeologist Barry Clifford claimed he had found the famed wreckage, but UNESCO later dispelled his discovery as a different ship some two or three centuries younger than Santa Maria.
Early 20th-century painting of Christopher Columbus’ caravelle, Santa Maria.
Image Credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Flor de la Mar (1511)
Flor de la Mar, or Flor do Mar, is one of the most renowned undiscovered shipwrecks anywhere on Earth, thought to be filled with vast diamonds, gold and untold riches.
Despite being notorious for springing leaks and running into trouble, Flor de la Mar was called to assist in Portugal’s conquest of Malacca (in present-day Malaysia) in 1511. Upon its return voyage to Portugal, laden with riches, Flor de la Mar sank in a storm on 20 November 1511.
It’s thought Flor de la Mar was in or near the Strait of Malacca, which runs between modern Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, when she sank.
The wreck, and its reputed $2 billion of treasure and precious stones, have yet to be found, though not for lack of trying: treasure hunter Robert Marx has spent around $20 million searching for the ship, which he has described as “the richest vessel ever lost at sea”.
Artist’s Depiction Of The Flor De La Mar Shipwreck.
The Merchant Royal (1641)
The Merchant Royal is an English vessel that sank in 1641, off of Land’s End in Cornwall, England. A trade ship, The Merchant Royal was carrying a cargo of gold and silver believed to be worth tens, if not hundreds, of millions today.
Nicknamed ‘El Dorado of the Seas’, The Merchant Royal has attracted a great deal of interest over the years, with amateur treasure hunters and marine archaeologists alike looking for it.
A search operation by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2007 uncovered a wreckage, but coins from the site suggested they’d discovered Spanish frigate rather than the much-prized Merchant Royal.
In 2019, the ship’s anchor was retrieved from the waters off of Cornwall, but the ship itself has yet to be located.
4. Le Griffon (1679)
Le Griffon, also referred to as simply Griffin, was a French vessel operating in America’s Great Lakes in the 1670s. She set sail into Lake Michigan from Green Bay in September 1679. But the ship, along with its crew of six men and cargo of fur, never reached its destination of Mackinac Island.
It’s unclear whether Le Griffon fell prey to a storm, navigational difficulties or even foul play. Now referred to as the ‘holy grail of Great Lakes shipwrecks’, Le Griffon has been the focus of many search expeditions in recent decades.
In 2014, two treasure hunters thought they’d uncovered the famed wreckage, but their discovery turned out to be a far younger ship. A book, titled The Wreck of the Griffon, outlined in 2015 the theory that a Lake Huron wreckage discovered in 1898 is actually Le Griffon.
Digitised image of Le Griffon from page 44 of “Annals of Fort Mackinac”
Image Credit: British Library via Flickr / Public Domain
HMS Endeavour (1778)
The English explorer ‘Captain’ James Cook is known for landing off Australia’s east coast aboard his ship, HMS Endeavour, in 1770. But the Endeavour had a long and illustrious career after Cook.
Sold off after Cook’s voyage of discovery, Endeavour was renamed the Lord Sandwich. She was then employed by Britain’s Royal Navy to transport troops during the American War of Independence.
In 1778, Lord Sandwich was sunk, intentionally, in or near Newport Harbour, Rhode Island, one of several sacrificed vessels used to form a blockade against approaching French ships.
In February 2022, marine researchers declared they’d discovered the wreck, a claim which was corroborated by the Australian National Maritime Museum. But some experts said it was premature to suggest the wreck was the Endeavour.
HMS Endeavour off the coast of New Holland after being repaired. Painted in 1794 by Samuel Atkins.
Las Cinque Chagas (1559)
In 1594, a Portuguese ship named for the five wounds of Christ sailed for Lisbon from Goa with a cargo of 3,500,000 Portuguese Cruzados, plus 22 treasure chests of diamonds, rubies and pearls estimated to be worth well over $1 billion in today’s dollars—hundreds of years of rumors and legends claim it to be the richest ship to ever sail from Asia.
Las Cinque Chagas was a 1200-ton Portuguese carrack that was 150 feet long and 45 feet wide—an utter monster for that era. In addition to treasure it carried more than 1000 people, of whom 400 were reported to be slaves. (Imagine that, in such a small space.) But between the islands of Pico and Faial, she was attacked by British privateers—the Mayflower, the Royal Exchange and the Sampson—who attacked for two full days before she caught fire and went down off the coast of the Azores on July 13, 1594. It’s suspected that the wreck could lie in water as deep as 2,500 feet.
And so The Five Wounds remains the stuff of legend. It’s found in virtually every dive book of sunken treasure, both those for serious salvage operators and armchair dreamers.
The San Jose (1698)
The San Jose was a Spanish galleon that reportedly carried two tons of platinum along with emeralds and other gems valued at estimates ranging from $2 billion to $17 billion. It is the richest wreck of the Western hemisphere. In 1708, she ran into the British Navy off of the coast of Colombia during the War of Spanish Succession—and while trying to outrun them, sank in more than 800 feet of water. Fast forward nearly 300 years. A private company named Sea Search Armada—whose founders included the late actor Michael Landon—claims to have located the wreck. And it probably has. But political intrigue keeps this wreck and its treasure concealed by the waters still.
S.S. Waratah (1911)
The S.S. Waratah was a British passenger ship often called Australia’s Titanic—but it launched in 1908, four years prior to the actual Titanic. It had capacity for 750 passengers and 150 crew and made one round-trip voyage from London to Sydney. But on its second voyage, the ship was reportedly overweighted and prone to small fires breaking out from an uninsulated boiler. It disappeared somewhere near Cape Town, South Africa, in a historic shipwreck graveyard known for rough waters, bad weather, and rocky outcrops.
Made more famous by its parallels to the Titanic—both ships were considered technologically advanced, geared toward the wealthy, and wholly unsinkable—efforts to find the Waratah picked up in the 1980s. Groups of researchers have made at least six expeditions around the presumed wreck site with no luck. “I‘ve spent 22 years of my life searching for the ship,” Emlyn Brown, the chief wreck hunter, told The Guardian when he finally gave up in 2004. “I’ve exhausted all the options. I now have no idea where to look.”
S.S. Arctic (1854)
Map of North-West Atlantic showing position of collision between the ships Arctic and Vesta, 27 September 1854
The northwest Atlantic showing the position of the collision between the Arctic and Vesta in 1854 / Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain
Launched in 1850, the Arctic was luxurious and quick—able to cross the Atlantic in 10 days. The private ship was built with a generous subsidy from the U.S. government to help the American-based Collins Line compete with the British Cunard Line. Four years into its transatlantic service, the Arctic collided one night in 1854 with a French steamer near Newfoundland (incidentally, not far from where the Titanic disappeared along the same route heading in the opposite direction). At the time of its sinking, the Arctic was a tragedy that killed almost 300 people. But it was made worse by the horrifying revelation that the crew had scrambled into the too-few lifeboats and all the women and children on board had died.
The Arctic tragedy undercut the longstanding belief—which a 2012 study found to be largely a myth—that women and children are traditionally rescued first. Usually they’re last, if they’re rescued at all. Despite this embarrassing and avoidable tragedy, no inquiry was ever held in the U.S. or UK, and neither the ship nor its doomed passengers have ever been found.
What happens if You find a sunken treasure?
Although you might think the rules surrounding ‘finders keepers’ apply to a sunken treasure ship, this is unfortunately not true. Under salvage law, you must at least try to return the treasures to their rightful owner. As a result, upon discovery, you’d need to notify the government which controlled those waters.
Before you consider just not telling anyone, the IMO states dishonest conduct could invalidate any claim to the treasures.
Although you may be entitled to a percentage of the find in this case, a brighter future awaits you in international waters. If no one claims ownership of the sunken vessel, you could be allowed to take as much treasure as you can carry!!
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/94173180/posts/8169
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By Lucy Adams
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today challenged the First Minister to spend the £20 million budgeted for an independence referendum on supporting those with long Covid.
He revealed new figures showing that interventions to tackle long Covid in Scotland are worth less than a fifth per head of what is being spent in England and Wales.
Analysis by Scottish Liberal Democrats has revealed that Scotland has committed just £3 million to tackling long Covid this financial year, compared to £90 million in England and £5 million in Wales.
LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, cash and long-term covid virus.
This means that England is currently spending £107 per head and Wales is spending £90 per head, compared to just £16 per head in Scotland.
Freedom of information requests by the LibDems have also revealed that the government rejected a series of requests from health boards for more funds, with NHS Lanarkshire asking for £726,779 and only receiving £344,411 and NHS Forth Valley asking for £699,220 but only got £152,820.
The call comes after the Scottish Government’s defeat at the Supreme Court ended all prospects of another referendum in October next year.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “Across the UK, the Office of National Statistics believes that half a million more working-age people are economically inactive due to ill health. That is the price of both long waiting lists for treatment and long Covid.
“This SNP/Green government are spending just £16 a head to help people who may find themselves out of work, utterly immobilised and gasping for air. That’s the price of a takeaway. No wonder people with long Covid feel abandoned.
“The Scottish Government have suddenly found themselves with £20 million spare after their embarrassing Supreme Court defeat. That money should be used to deliver the comprehensive treatment and support that people with long Covid so desperately need.
“The Scottish Government must deliver a firm commitment to country-wide access to long Covid clinics, in-home support for those that need it, and physio and rehab. At the moment Scots who are struggling with this condition would be better off moving to England.”
The figures uncovered by Scottish Liberal Democrats are as follows:
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/82100356/posts/4401197716
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Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.
In a nation with seven times more livestock than people, taxing farmers for herds’ greenhouse gas emissions is a controversial proposal.
By Hicks Wogan
Published 18 Nov 2022, 09:47 GMT
New Zealand farmers have vigorously protested their government’s proposal to levy a tax on the methane ...
New Zealand farmers have vigorously protested their government’s proposal to levy a tax on the methane emissions of livestock, such as this dairy cow herd in Whataroa.
Photograph by Hedgehog House, Picture Press, Redux
In this picturesque South Pacific country, it’s a recurring scene: Where grass grows, livestock graze.
New Zealand has seven times more residents on four legs than on two—5 million people to 26 million sheep and 10 million cows—and dairy, meat, and wool account for more than half the nation’s export revenue.
But this abundance comes with an environmental cost. Half of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, mostly as biological methane and nitrous oxide from livestock burps, urine, and manure.
So last month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveiled a plan for New Zealand’s farmers to pay new taxes based on calculations of their herds’ emissions. The money raised by the tax would be returned to the ag industry for research, technology, and incentive payments to farmers for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gases—by planting trees on their land, for example.
The week after the plan was released, an advocacy group called Groundswell NZ organised protests in more than 50 cities and towns around the country. Farmers drove their tractors slowly on busy highways and city streets, snarling traffic. In downtown Auckland, a tractor carried a sign with the message “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!” Other signs read “Enough is enough” and “Farming tax = Death to rural NZ.”
The island nation’s citizens debated Ardern’s proposal as world leaders met in Egypt at the UN Climate Change Conference, to revisit the emissions reduction commitments set in the 2015 Paris Agreement. While many countries pursue their climate pledges by focusing on carbon dioxide and cleaning their industries and power grids, New Zealand’s profile is different. It contributes only around 0.17 percent of the world’s emissions. And it already gets 82 percent of its electricity from renewable sources.
In a bid to further cut emissions, New Zealand’s government looked where they were most abundant: on farms.
‘Best for the world’
Ardern announced the tax plan—the first of its kind and almost three years in the making—at a dairy farm on the nation’s North Island. Speaking from behind hay bales stacked into a podium, she declared, “Here we have a proposal to make our farmers not only the best in the world, but the best for the world.” She predicted that Kiwi farmers would find a competitive advantage with customers worldwide who are willing to pay a premium for responsibly sourced food.
Ardern projected that the new system would enable the country to meet its target of emitting 10 percent less methane by 2030, and move it toward a cut of at least 24 percent by 2050. Also by mid-century, New Zealand aims to arrive at net-zero emissions for long-lived greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Critics pounced on the government’s plan the day it was announced. Greenpeace argued it didn’t go far enough and wouldn’t meet the reduction goals. New Zealand’s ACT Party, which sits in opposition to the Labour Party government that Ardern heads, highlighted the possibility that production could relocate to other, less efficient countries and add to global emissions.
The sharpest response came from Federated Farmers, New Zealand farming’s biggest lobbying group, which said the plan would “rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand.”
James Shaw, New Zealand’s climate change minister, joined Ardern at the announcement. He later sat for an interview with National Geographic, in his office at Parliament in this harborside capital city. “As far as we know, no other country is looking at an emissions pricing system” for agricultural emissions, Shaw said. “There are schemes around the world which are incentive schemes, so governments are paying farmers to reduce emissions in some ways. This scheme has a component of that, but it’s carrot and stick as opposed to just carrot.”
Maori farmers hit harder
In the North Island town of Kiwitea, Andrew Hoggard had just finished milking his 540 cows and returned them to pasture, when he paused for a phone interview. In addition to being a dairy farmer, Hoggard is also the Federated Farmers national president.
New Zealand should reconsider its reduction targets—in particular, cutting methane by 10 percent this decade, Hoggard says: “The government has basically just grabbed that headline figure and not looked at the detail.”
In the short term, Hoggard says he’s less concerned about dairy farmers than about beef and sheep farmers, whom the government’s models forecast would be affected disproportionately by the new tax system.
It’s estimated that one quarter of New Zealand’s beef and sheep farms are owned by indigenous Māori. As a legacy of British colonisation in New Zealand, Māori were left with land that’s often marginal or of lower quality. Farming it can be difficult, and changes to its use may prove impractical.
Shaw suggested that some of this marginal land could see significant investment for sequestration of carbon dioxide. Hoggard foresees another outcome—that the land could be retired from farming, leaving its owners looking work.
‘Somebody has to go first’
The government is soliciting feedback on the proposed plan until November 18, and hopes to deliver a final report by the end of the year. On the current timetable, if Parliament introduces and approves legislation in 2023, the tax system should take effect in 2025. But first comes 2024—an election year in which New Zealanders, including the 85,000 employed in agriculture, may speak with their votes.
During our interview, Shaw reflected on the potential reach of this plan to cut agricultural emissions. “The system that we’re developing here, we know is important to us,” he said, “but we actually know that there’s quite a high chance it’ll get picked up, or elements of it will get picked up, in other countries as well, over time.”
Shaw noted some critics of the proposal have objected “that nobody else is doing it, so why should we? But somebody has to go first.” And to have any hope of arresting climate change, he says, “we’ve all got to do it.
“So from my perspective,” Shaw concluded, “this is about New Zealand reducing its emissions. But in some ways it’s about us being an icebreaker for the rest of the world to follow.”
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2.3.4 Construction Activities
Other than energy used by building to operate and embodied energy, building or construction industry also emits CO2 in another manner which is by its construction activities. It is believed that the size of construction projects will affects the carbon emissions. Table below shows the relationship between civil values and construction carbons. It shows that the higher the civil value, the higher carbon emissions (United Utilities, 2009). Projects with higher civil value means that it is a big projects and big projects often required a lot of plant machinery such as excavators, tower cranes, forklift and other machineries in order to complete the whole construction projects. Besides, larger size of construction projects means that more waste is generated. In year 2004 in UK, the waste going to landfill from construction industry was about 100 million tonnes which was increased for 30 million tonnes since year 2000. This amount is equivalent to one house being buried when three houses was built. Moreover, wastage account for an extra 25% energy for waste (Natural Building Technologies, 2010). Thus, due to the increase of usage of machineries and wastage, carbon emissions for larger construction projects are higher than smaller size project
Table 2.2: Relationship between civil value & construction carbon
Source: (United Utilities, 2009)
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The math is simple for many cities and regions with strong goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings currently account for close to 40% of energy consumption in the U.S. and are often remarkably inefficient.
“Cities that lead on climate, lead on buildings,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio this month. “New initiatives will dramatically reduce emissions from New York City’s over one million buildings.”
https://time.com/4311258/climate-change-energy-efficient-buildings/
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Paudie McGrathFermoy Genealogy with Niall O' Mahony
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Captain Edward O'Meagher-Condon 1841-1915.
Captain Edward O'Meagher Condon was born at Brigown Hill, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. During the famine his family immigrated to Newfoundland and Condon trained as an architect in Toronto.
In 1859 he joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York and returned to Canada to organise the Fenian cells. Condon became an American citizen in 1862 and during the American Civil War he enlisted in the 164th New York Militia who fought with the Union Army.
In 1864 Condon returned to Ireland to help organise the Fenian Rising. In 1867 he was arrested in Manchester for attacking the prison van containing Colonel Thomas J. Kelly, O'Meagher - Condon's statement from the dock "I have nothing to regret, to retract, or to take home. I can only say 'God save Ireland,' to which the others prisoners chorused 'God save Ireland,'"
This provided T.D.Sullivan with the inspiration to write the ballad of the same name.
Edward O'Meager Condon was sentenced to death, along with Allen, Larken and O'Brien, for his part in the rescue of Fenians in Manchester in 1867, during which Sergeant Brett was killed, but had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment because he was an American citizen and through the intervention of the American Secretary of State.
He spent twelve years in Portland Prison before he was released, in 1878, on condition that he not set foot in Britain for at least twenty years. But for the fact that he was an American citizen he would be regarded, now, as one of the Manchester Martyrs.
On his release Condon returned to America and in 1887 he published "The Irish Race in America". (Ogham House Inc. - 1976)
He was awarded Freedom of the City of Cork on the 17th September 1909 in recognition of his services to Ireland. He was awarded the freedom of the City of Dublin on the 28th September 1909. He was awarded the freedom of the City of Waterford on the 29th September 1909.
Below is the text from the address given by Fermoy Urban Council to Captain O'Meagher Condon on the 8th September 1909.
Address from the Fermoy Urban Council to
Captain O'Meagher Condon and the Hon. John O'Callaghan, on the occasion of their memorable visit to Ireland, September 1909.
Dear Sirs,
We the members of the Fermoy Urban Council, desire to give you a cordial welcome to our district after an absence of many years. We have followed your careers with great interest and especially the career of Capt. O'Meagher-Condon, who has endeared himself to the Irish Race at home and abroad, by his suffering for his native land and his heroism and indomitable courage in labouring that she might regain her freedom.
You, (Capt.Condon) struggled for Ireland's freedom at the time when the fight was fierce, and every effort on her behalf tried men's souls. Your labours were not in vain, for you return to to your native land today, after an absence of forty-two years to find Ireland freed from many of her disabilities, and particulary from the bondage of Landlordism, and industry springing up all over the Country.
We still cling to those high ideals of nationality for which you laboured, and re-echoeing your memorable speech in the dock at Manchester, pray; "God Save Ireland".
In your companion, The Hon. John O'Callaghan, we value a true a gifted friend, one who has toiled with successful and unceasing energy as Secretary of our grand organization in America, for the great cause for which so many Irishmen have sacrificed all that life holds dear. It is encouraging and inspiring to find a gentleman of his ability and attainments, following in your worthy footsteps and carrying to a successful issue our grand and noble ideal - Ireland a Nation.
Signed on behalf of the Fermoy Urban Council,
H. O'Connor. Chairman.
P.J. Lane. Town Clerk.
9th September 1909.
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Monumental Ireland is in Ireland (country).
posdntroeSmher7354tSaeut57b027t75362gu m318ammh1e6tp780at4f3 ·
The Equinox Myth
The days are getting shorter, the nights are drawing in and today, the Autumn Equinox is upon us. Many of us think that an even balance of darkness to light happens today, that from here on nights will be longer than days, until the next Spring Equinox… Well, not exactly.
An Equinox is an astronomical event that happens twice a year, when the plane of the Earth’s celestial equator passes through the centre of the Sun's disc. The Autumn Equinox event happened today at 1.15AM Irish Time - when the noon sun crossed the equator from North to South directly over a point in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, 300 miles (500 km) west of Yaren, a district of the Pacific nation of Nauru.
On this day, no matter where you are in the world (except at the North & South Poles), the sun will be seen to rise directly due East and set directly due West.
However, the term ‘equinox’ (meaning ‘equal night’) implies that there will be equal amounts of daylight and darkness. But the sun rose in Ireland today (the equinox) at 7:19 a.m. and set at 19:28 p.m, giving us 9 minutes more daylight than darkness. This is due to atmospheric refraction, which bends light around the curve of the earth, making the sun appear to be rising earlier or setting later.
The actual day of equal light and dark - known as the ‘equilux’ (‘lux' - Latin for light) - happens a day or two after the equinox, depending on a location's latitude; the closer to the equator, the closer the equilux, is to the equinox.
In Ireland the equilux will fall on Sunday the 25th of September, when there will be 12 hours and 1 minute of daylight. From then on, nights will be longer than days and will continue to get longer until the Winter solstice.
Although they could not have comprehended the celestial event that defines an equinox; our ancestors observed that the sun’s rising and setting points on the horizon moved in a yearly cycle. The Summer Solstice would occur when the sun reached its northernmost point. The suns’ southernmost point marked the winter solstice. The two days of the year when the sun rose exactly due East and set exactly due West marked the Equinoxes.
These astronomical phenomena were a reliable way to measure the yearly/seasonal cycle and were incorporated into cultural and religious practices. To mark and record these astronomical events permanently, the ancient Irish built great monuments of stone, aligned with the sunrise or sunset on these days.
To celebrate today’s equinox (and Sunday’s equilux), we’ve compiled a list (see pics) of ancient Irish monuments aligned with the astronomical beginning of the dark half of the year…
Lá Feile Cónocht an Fhómhair
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@oscarsalomon6924
Tagging this concerned general who commanded the southern Russian front in Ukraine as an agent o Ukraine or a traitor to Russia can mean a lot of things: 1.the main reason really is to find someone to be the fall guy for Russia's or Putin's failure in the war.2. this blame will shield Putin from the criticism at home and from his people. 3. it serves to make changes within the military which may be decided later by Putin and his military leaders. The general has to really decide to withdrew from Kherson as it was already obvious that they will only lose as they will not be able to support their forces anymore in the area. They will retreat to fight another day if they are able to save some or most of their forces. This really shows that Russia at the very start went to war unprepared and continues to lack the resources to continue the war and continues to weaken and suffer heavy losses. Russians should realize that the Putin government and its elite/crony accomplices as well as their corrupt military commanders have failed them and drowned them in mud. They don't care about the people. They don't care about how many lives were lost in the war and the sufferings of the families that lost their loved ones in the battle. They don't care about violating international laws or destroying world peace ,law and order and the world's response against the Russians which caused their current hardships and difficulties also for peoples of the world. There should be changes to restore world peace, law and order. When there was still no war with Ukraine, the Russian people were doing fine. The economy was good and the world was in a good relationship with Russia and its people. It took only one Bad Decision of one leader to make what is Russia and its people today but also what the world has become. This only shows that only love, understanding, peace, prosperity, joy and happiness should be the goal of each and every country and its people, Don't you think so??
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By Silas Isenjia
Meru, 09 November, 2022 / 9:45 pm (ACI Africa).
The beatification of Venerable Servant of God Maria Carola Cecchin, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (Cottolengo Sisters), was the climax of years of investigation into the miracle of bringing a stillborn child back to life.
Joyce Muriungi had gone to labor on the morning of 14 April 2013, and after hours of labor, she gave birth while on her way to St. Orsola Mission Hospital, Matiri assisted by Sr. Catherine Gathoni, a Cottolengo Nun, and a nurse. The baby, however, did not have a heartbeat.
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By Agnes Aineah
Freetown, 06 November, 2022 / 9:25 pm (ACI Africa).
One glance at Fr. Gabriel Luseni’s room and you can tell that he loves books. With an extension of a tiny washroom and a corridor leading away from it, the room on the ground floor of the residence of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans) in Sierra Leone’s Catholic Diocese of Bo is decorated with pictures of Africa’s top authors hanging on the walls.
There are newspapers neatly tucked in boxes, and books, including those that Fr. Gabriel has authored, also tidily arranged on shelves. The Spiritan Priest also follows news on the tiny television in the middle of the room, and gets inspiration to write books and articles that he sends to media houses for publishing.
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St Brendan’s Church
St Brendan’s Church, Annaghdown, was dedicated on 12 July 1903 by Archbishop Healy of Tuam. This publication is one of a number of elements in the celebration of the centenary.
https://annaghdownheritage.ie/st-brendans-church-by-the-lake-annaghdown/
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Weekly Newsletter
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
6th November 2022
Dear Friends of the Sacred Heart Church,
How time flies! We are already now in the month of November. No one can deny that there is something special about this month. It is as if nature is trying to tell us something... the falling dead leaves and the chill remind us of something... of death.
Holy Mother Church starts off November with All Saints' Day: the glory that will come after death. This great festival honors all the saints reigning together in glory. The liturgy lifts us up to Heaven, giving us a foretaste of the joy there. The Sermon on the Mountain promises us spiritual beatitude here in this valley of tears, which prepares us for the eternal Beatitude in Heaven. The admiration of the Saints should us great hope that holiness is possible for everyone. As with everything, we must always have the desire to be holy and pray to Our Lord and Our Lady for the grace to help us.
This celebration of the Saints and this is immediately interrupted with All Souls. What a contrast between life and death! Holy Church makes use of the striking difference in her Liturgy to move our hearts to force us to think about our life and death... in order that we may have eternal life in Heaven and avoid eternal death in Hell. The month of November is a time to reflect on the immortality of our soul, the consequence of sin, the necessity to grow in virtues... we need to fight and work hard before our Eternal Rest.
The month of November also highlights the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints, whereby the Church Triumphant in Heaven intercede for us the Church Militant, who in their turn pray for the Church Suffering. How beautiful is the practice of Holy Charity with the Mystical Body of Christ: Those in Heaven pray for those on Earth who pray for those in Purgatory. Let us then storm Heaven to help us to get there and let us help those in Purgatory who can no longer help themselves. Don't forget to gain plenary indulgence for these souls by saying a prayer for them at a cemetary. This privilege ends on the 8th.
I have been in Ardee during the week for the great feast of Saint Malachy, Patron of Armagh and I will be in Belfast as you are reading this newsletter, to celebrate Sunday Mass at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. I will be back in Limerick on Monday as Canon Ong goes to Maria Engelport, our Sisters Adorers convent in Germany, for the annual priestly retreat. Please pray for all the Canons who will be attending this retreat.
There will be a Requiem Mass for the members of the Jesuit community who have preceded us. We not only continue to restore Sacred Heart Church in recognition of their contribution to the Faith in Limerick, but out of gratitude for what they did for souls, we will say a Requiem Mass for their souls as well.
Lastly, I would like to remind you that today is the Feast of All Saints of Ireland. May all the Irish Saints, known and unknown, great and little, pray for Ireland and for the Irish.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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Weekly Newsletter
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
13th November 2022
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
You may be aware that during these last few Sundays before Advent we have the same Introit, Gradual, Alleluia, Offertory and Communion prayers. Only the Readings are different.
This Sunday’s gospel speaks of two almost incredible miracles. One concerned the raising of a twelve year old girl from the dead. She was Jairus’ daughter. Jairus was an important Jewish leader who fell on his knees before Jesus begging Him to come to his home, just touch his daughter and restore her to life. A large crowd followed them. One of the crowd was a woman who had been haemorrhaging for twelve years. She was near Jesus and she thought that if she could just touch the hem of His garment she would be healed. She did and she was healed instantly.
The salient point in both of these stories is that the two people looking for miracles were filled with the deep faith that Jesus could do the impossible for them. And He did. Jesus is omnipotent. He continues to have power over sickness and death. He is the great healer. And you, have you such faith?
I want to thank you for your generosity in the recent collection towards the support of our Seminary. We rely on contributions from you, our benefactors, in the continued education and development, both temporal and spiritual of our seminarians. Through your prayer and financial support we, the ICKSP community now have over 130 ordained priests and 115 seminarians preparing for the Sacred Priesthood. We are indebted to you.
Tomorrows 6pm Requiem Mass is for the deceased benefactors of the Sacred Heart Church. In this regard, I would like to ask you to pray especially for the repose of the soul of Michael Power whose months mind Mass was celebrated yesterday in Raheen and who regularly attended our church. May he rest in peace.
Just a reminder : have you returned your November Lists yet? Please try to get them in for Monday, 21st. because that is when the Novena of Masses for the Holy Souls will start.
The winter is fast approaching and I notice that many of you travel some considerable distance to attend Mass here. Your presence among us is a grace for us. You are welcome to come in for a cup of tea after Mass today so that we can become acquainted with each other.
I am requesting your prayers please for Abbe Poucin who returns to France to sit some exams. He will return to us next week, having successfully completed, by God’s grace, these seminal exams both on his spiritual and intellectual journey towards the sacred priesthood.
We have been tipping away at various jobs on our Belfast church and the convent in Ardee. This keeps our community members very busy and invested in maintaining the physical structures in as perfect a condition as possible.
Now, however, the time has come to undertake some major transformative adjustments in both of these centres. This essential work will create environments as worthy of Our Lord and Saviour as we can provide and also a joy for His people to come and worship Him.
Thank you again for your prayers and renewed financial support.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
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Vera and Apollonia Ward, two sisters from Virginia, were just getting a dog-breeding business off the ground last year when they encountered an unusual setback: The police accused them of laundering drug money and seized more than $17,000 from them.
The Ward sisters were never charged with a crime, though. They had run afoul of civil asset forfeiture, which allows police to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity, even if the owner is never charged or convicted of a crime.
Law enforcement groups say civil forfeiture is a vital tool to disrupt drug trafficking and criminal networks by targeting their illicit revenues. However, civil liberties groups, news outlets, and a broad range of advocacy groups have published numerous reports showing that asset forfeiture lacks due process protections and often targets everyday people rather than cartel lords.
https://reason.com/2022/11/07/these-sisters-tried-to-start-a-business-police-seized-their-cash-and-accused-them-of-being-drug-traffickers/?utm_medium=email
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Walking Home- By Clare Balding
A Sunday Times bestselling author shares stories of walking around Britain and Ireland — and meeting fascinating people along the way — in this charming memoir. “The joy of this book is Balding’s sheer rapture for life” (The Times). Biographies and Memoirs.
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As a sleep coach, I regularly meet people who have “tried everything” to get more sleep. They have read every article on the subject and devoured every tip on the internet and then adjusted and readjusted their routines based on the advice they have found. Many of them are doing all the right things – spending time winding down before bed, curbing screen time, meditating – but still they struggle. The problem is that when it comes to sleep, unlike almost every other area of life, effort is not rewarded. In fact, it is actively punished. The more you try, the less you are likely to succeed.
The problem is that when it comes to sleep, effort is not rewarded. In fact it is actively punished
This is because sleep is a passive process, like breathing or digesting. It cannot be controlled and nothing we can do can force it to happen. If we can stop trying, sleep will naturally follow.
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Sunday Firesides: Look Into the Tomb
Normally a prodigious journaler, the entry Emerson made for that day was unusually terse: “I visited Ellen’s tomb & opened the coffin.”
While we don’t know what Emerson experienced as he looked into the vault where his wife lay, we can surmise the effect this act had on his life. Within months, he’d resigned his prestigious position as minister of Boston’s Second Church — a vocation he’d felt increasingly unsuited for — and left for a year-long trip to Europe. By the fall of 1833, he’d given the first of the 1,500 lectures for which he’d become renowned. Two years after that, he would be married again.
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(The O’Connor Family were originally from Knockanure)
While the Constitution is silent on parents’ rights, the Supreme Court has long protected the interests of parents “in the care, custody, and control of their children.” Indeed, in a 2000 case called Troxel v. Granville, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor wrote that these parental interests were “perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court.” To call this rule well-established is a profound understatement. Again, here’s Justice O’Connor:
More than 75 years ago, in Meyer v. Nebraska, we held that the "liberty" protected by the Due Process Clause includes the right of parents to "establish a home and bring up children" and "to control the education of their own." Two years later, in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, we again held that the "liberty of parents and guardians" includes the right "to direct the upbringing and education of children under their control." We explained in Pierce that "[t]he child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations." We returned to the subject in Prince v. Massachusetts, and again confirmed that there is a constitutional dimension to the right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. "It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child reside first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder." (Citations omitted).
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Susie Goodall wanted to circumnavigate the globe in her sailboat without stopping. She didn’t bargain for what everyone else wanted.
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Experts say government lockdowns and Covid-19 mandates have left children with unprecedented psychological and social scars.
According to Blacklock’s Reporter, testimonies by pediatricians at the House of Commons health committee reveal how severe mental health among youth has become.
“We found older youth were statistically more likely to report severe difficulties in the psychiatric domain,” said University of British Columbia Department of Pediatrics clinical scientist Dr. Quynh Doan.
According to Doan, a survey of 424 youths found that a majority were experiencing “psychological difficulties” as a result of pandemic measures.
https://tnc.news/2022/10/03/mental-health-youth-lockdown/
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According to Radio-Canada, McKinsey advisors cost the Quebec government $6.6 million, or $35,000 per day. The cost of McKinsey’s services for the reopening plan was $1.7 million, while their help with the economic relaunch cost $4.9 million.
https://tnc.news/2022/10/03/pfizer-wef-quebec/
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"Officer Tipping did not sustain any laceration to the head" and "was also not struck or beaten during this training session," Police Chief Michel Moore told the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners in June. "He did grapple with another officer, and both fell to the ground, resulting in a catastrophic injury to his spinal cord."
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGqQmWhhlmKBnVlhKdHbfpsdGjs
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Maynooth Mission to China Foundation
That the College serves only the foreign Missions and that no student is admitted except for these Missions.
That the Ordinary of Galway is its Visitor; however with the proviso that the conference of the Bishops of Ireland can inspect it if they wish, and deputise a different Visitor. No Superior, Professor, or any other may be appointed or retained there against the will of the Ordinary of Galway, after he has heard the President, or, if it involves the President himself, the Pro-President and Council.
That its oratory is only semi-public, never a public oratory or church; and no lay person from outside may be admitted to it to hear Mass or to participate in other functions of the Church without the express permission of the Ordinary of Galway; and all the other rights of the parish priest are to be preserved perfectly. Nevertheless this does not prevent Most Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction being administered to the faithful living day and night in the College by the priests of the College within the limits of Canon 514, # 1 of the Code.
Given from the Episcopal Residence of Galway on the 28th day of June 1918.
John Cunnane (Secretary)
+ Thomas O’Dea, Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh, Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora.
https://columbans.ie/maynooth-mission-to-china-foundation-decree-translated-by-fr-neil-collins/
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The word Dumbledore comes from an old word for slow or blundering and dor refers to a large flying, winged insect. Indeed, the Dumbledore beetle can fly well, most frequently on warm summer evenings. They are found in pastures and meadows and wherever there are grazing herbivores.
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Prayer
The Source of Hope
Everything hinges upon Christ's Resurrection. Hope has replaced despair because of Jesus' glorious victory over death. Contemplate the Resurrected Christ, allowing him to be your source of hope.
Behold Your Mother
Mary is the paradigm for all disciples of Jesus, following him to the end. Empowered by grace, Mary is one of the few disciples with Christ at the Cross. Would you do the same for him?
Victory Over Death
The Son of Man was lifted up on the Cross so that we could be healed. Bitten by the ancient serpent, the devil, Jesus' death on the Cross brought us salvation and redemption.
Lord, I Am Not Worthy
As a member of Christ's Church, you are a member of His Body. How is this mystical reality brought about? In his Letter to the Corinthians, Paul tells us that this happens through the Eucharist. Give thanks to God today for being a part of his Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.
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Lord, I Am Not Worthy
The Gospel displays the amazing faith to which we are called. Aware that Jesus is God, the centurion knows that Jesus is capable of anything. Examine your faith, seeing what limits you have placed on
Jesus.
Amen offers many ways for you to cultivate the space to hear and respond to God’s voice, including through daily Mass readings and subsequent daily reflections with Dr. Tim Gray. Through lectio divina with the Scripture readings aided by Dr. Gray’s commentary, we can better understand the Word of God alive and active in each moment.
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The Temple of God
The Church only celebrates three birthdays throughout the liturgical year—John the Baptist's, Jesus', and Mary's. The true temple of God, Mary was prepared by grace to be the Mother of God. Ask God for greater purity so that you, like Mary, may be a temple of God.
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A Profound Truth
As Jesus teaches in today's Gospel, he uses the imagery of blindness. At its core, his message reveals the profound truth that sin blinds us to reality. Yet, in God's wisdom, there is an antidote, the Sacrament of Confession.
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One Body in Christ
Through the Eucharist, we are united to Christ. It brings us into authentic and intimate communion with Jesus. Today, receive the Eucharist with great confidence, trusting in Jesus' Real Presence.
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A Radical Message
The Catholic faith is radically countercultural. In a world where cancel culture reigns, Catholics strive to emulate their Lord, who showed mercy to sinners. Live out this radical message today by being quick to forgive those who have hurt you.
Prayer
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Since growing my hair to Sam Elliot length, I’ve had to think more about my mane. That’s the biggest downside of having longer hair: it requires more upkeep. For starters, it takes longer to dry. When I had short hair, I’d quickly run a towel through it and get on with my day. Now I’ve got to really squeeze the excess water out and even learned how to wrap a towel around my head like ladies and Ferris Bueller do so it can dry while I perform my other human maintenance tasks.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/style/hair/a-dudes-guide-to-hair-conditioner/?mc_cid=f8aad3b929&mc_eid=8bc7642aac
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MUSIC:
By Joe Bukuras
Nashville, Tenn., Aug 4, 2022 / 12:00 pm
The famous Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, has hosted stars such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, and many more.
But it wasn’t until Aug. 1 that a band of wisecracking, bluegrass-playing, Spirit-filled Dominican friars had played the legendary venue.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251959/hillbilly-thomists-grand-ole-opry-nashville?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=221921225&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8N6LaavSRvgDDSxL1MvxRC1jspzQPbUUj1xeUfinF2ciPJIqVacJ9GWwClEj3FE-ul0QbKydH6fZcjPs6GBgCnG0V3Iw&utm_content=221921225&utm_source=hs_email
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And we must not overlook this fact. The “trans movement” is not a grassroots movement in any way, shape or form. This should be perfectly obvious to anyone paying attention. Rich and powerful people are financing and promoting the transgender craze. Both the Stryker family and the Pritzker family have ties to the “medical industrial complex.” They have invested literally millions of dollars promoting the gender ideology, including establishing children’s “gender clinics.” A person who attempts to live as the opposite sex will necessarily be a lifetime customer for continual medical interventions.
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https://www.godsongs.net/2021/11/i-believe-in-god-the-father-i-believe-in-god-his-son.html
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
I believe in God, the Father;
I believe in God, his Son;
I believe in God, their Spirit;
Each is God, yet God is one.
I believe what God has spoken
Through his Church, whose word is true;
Boldly she proclaims his Gospel,
Ever old, yet ever new.
All my hope is in God's goodness,
shown for us by He who died:
Jesus Christ, the world's redeemer,
Spotless victim, crucified.
All that love is Love eternal,
In that Love, I love mankind:
Take my heart, O heart once broken,
Take my soul, my strength, my mind.
Bless'd be God, the loving Father;
Bless'd be God, the his only Son;
Bless'd be God, all-holy Spirit;
Bless'd be God, the for-ever one.
https://www.godsongs.net/2021/11/i-believe-in-god-the-father-i-believe-in-god-his-son.html
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
As the years go by changes occur on a regular basis. Some of these are caused by advances in technology which means that there isn’t as much manual labour as there used to be and, of course, we can now communicate with anywhere in the world at the touch of a button and fly half way around the globe in a day. At one time it took six weeks to sail to Australia, now people fly backwards and forwards all the time. When I first went to England it took just over 24 hours from the time we left on the train from Abbeyfeale to the time we arrived at Coventry station. Nowadays I could have my breakfast at home, have dinner in Coventry and be home again for supper! We also now have entertainment available 24/7 unlike long ago when we basically had to make our own entertainment. In the days before the gramophone and radio, many households in Ireland kept singing birds in cages to keep them amused and entertained. They were mostly canaries, linnets, and finches but many other types also finished up in captivity. It was cruel to those birds who were trapped in the cage, like a prisoner in a cell. Sometimes, when the weather was fine the cages would be hung outside the door. This must have caused great anxiety for the birds when they could see other birds flying free. As time went on, many of the songsters were born into captivity and there was good money to be made breeding singing birds for sale. This did not stop the trapping of wild birds. One method used was quite simple, especially when there was snow on the ground. A stick, about six inches long, would be put standing upright in the snow. This stick would have a piece of string attached to it, long enough to reach inside a nearby door or window in the house. A basin, the one usually used for mixing the dough for baking, would be placed, upside down, with one edge of the rim on the ground and the other resting lightly on the upright stick. A piece of food would be left under the basin and the trapper would go indoors, out of sight, and wait. Eventually a bird would come along and try to get the food. As soon as the unsuspecting creature went under the basin, the trapper pulled the string, dislodging the stick and the basin fell down imprisoning the bird inside. It was a horrible practice but I don’t suppose the people of the time gave it much thought. We never kept songbirds at home but I remember having a budgie for a short time. As youngsters, we were fascinated by this little bird who could imitate whatever was said. He didn’t last long because his cage door was left open by mistake one day and he flew out. I would like to tell you this story had a happy ending but alas the poor bird was domesticated and flew too near the cat who duly ate him!. I haven’t seen a bird in a cage for years and I hope I never will again.
There is another item you won’t see now that was common in every house long ago. It was very necessary in the bedroom in the days before electricity and piped water which made indoor toilets impossible. It was the chamber pot or the “po” as some people called it. One woman went into a shop one day and asked for a “goes under”. The shop keeper hadn’t a clue what she was after until she explained that it was “the yoke that goes under the bed”. The pots were on sale in several shops and came in different sizes and materials. The more opulent in the community tended to favour china pots while most people got the white enamel ones which were more durable and easily cleaned. Another woman asked a shopkeeper for a pot one day. When he asked her what size she wanted she stopped for a moment and after a bit of thought said, “one to hold the piss of four”. These pots had to be emptied every day and it was usually the women of the house who got this chore. They would take great care to make sure the coast was clear before venturing outside with their cargo and even then they would cover it up with a cloth just in case somebody might suddenly pass by and see what they were doing. An exception to this practice was a lady in Abbeyfeale called Kitsy Cotter. She lived across the street from the old church (now the boys school) and she would march out the door with her chamber pot as people emerged from Mass. She would engage passers by in conversation as she empted the contents into the gutter and rinsed the pot under the tap that was at the side of the street. Wasn’t she absolutely right not to try and hide something that was a necessary undertaking. Kitsy became famous in the early days of television when she was interviewed by the late Frank Hall for his weekly TV programme, Halls Pictorial Weekly. She was indeed one of the great characters of her time and would have all around her in fits of laughter. Yes, the chamber pot was part of my youth when there were always a few in the bed and more than one bed in the room. The smell of urine was strong in the morning but, like the farmer with cow dung, we got used to it and hardly noticed it after a while. The smell was made worse by the fact that young boys did not have a very good aim and overshot the pot at times! The great story teller, Daisy Kearney, tells the story of a young man who was sent to hospital in Croom many years ago. He wrote home to his mother saying he missed her, he missed the home made bread and he missed the pot under the bed. She wrote back saying he wouldn’t be missing her for much longer as she would be in to see him the following Tuesday and that she would bring a cake of bread for him. She finished with the line, “as for the pot under the bed, you always missed that anyway”. I can’t say I miss those days but they were normal to us as we didn’t know any different.
Another practice that went on in years gone by was the regular drowning of pups. Dogs would roam free around farmyards and, in those days, there was no talk of having them neutered so bitches were regularly made pregnant and produced large litters of pups. They could not all be kept because there was nothing to stop them from inter-breeding so most of them were put into a bag and drowned in some nearby water hole. It sounds pretty savage now but it was quite normal at that time. The same fate befell cats and their kittens, or “puisíns” as we called them. Animals like cats and dogs were not pets on the farm, they were workers, the dogs to herd the cows and the cats to keep down the rats and mice. In most cases they were treated well but there was the odd place where they were malnourished and did not survive for too long. Pets have a great time of it today by comparison and it is no harm. Maybe it has gone a bit too far though. I cringe when I see little dogs peeping out of handbags dressed up in clothes that should only be for human beings. This is not natural as animals have their own protection and can easily become over heated and uncomfortable. I also have a big problem with the creation of “designer dogs” by cross breeding different species. Maybe I am too long in the tooth to adopt all the new habits but I do think that we should not try to change the way dogs have been bred for centuries and it is wrong to try and make humans out of them. Leave nature alone.
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Franciscans
HISTORY: https://stjohns.ie/history/
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Pope Francis knows his appeals for an end to the war in Ukraine carry little weight with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he also knows he has an obligation to continue speaking out and rallying others to join him in praying for peace.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/news
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CNA Staff World
March 3, 2022
The president of Poland’s Catholic bishops’ conference has urged the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to ask President Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine.
In a strongly worded letter dated March 2, Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki told Patriarch Kirill of Moscow that Putin could “stop the suffering of thousands of people with one word.”
“I ask you, Brother, to appeal to Vladimir Putin to stop the senseless warfare against the Ukrainian people, in which innocent people are being killed and suffering is affecting not only soldiers but civilians as well — especially women and children,” he wrote.
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Offering Our Love
Today's readings bring together almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. In Isaiah, the Israelites are reminded to give selflessly. Then, Psalm 51 presents us with a model of penitential prayer. Finally, in the Gospel, Christ reminds us of the deeper meaning of fasting. As we immerse ourselves into these practices, let us always remember that they are expressions of love!
Walking with Christ Daily
Psalm 1 present us with two paths: the path of the blessed and the path of the wicked. The blessed are those who are obedient to God, especially through prayer. They take up their crosses daily and follow after Christ. This Lent, let us follow this path with zeal and ardor!
Divine Intimacy
Today, our readings remind us that Lord is boundless in his mercy, and he deeply desires intimacy with us. To grow in relationship with this loving God, we are invited to pray more wholeheartedly, to fast more regularly, and to give more generously! This is the great call of the Lenten season!
May You Be Blessed with All These Things......
A little more joy, a little less stress,
A lot more recognition of your wonderfulness.
Abundance in your life, blessings in your days,
dreams that come true and hopes that stay.
A rainbow on the horizon, an angel by your side.....
and everything that could ever bring a smile to your life.
Mia Evans.
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Prayer For Lent
Bless me heavenly Father
forgive my erring ways.
Grant me the strength to serve Thee
put purpose in my days.
Give me understanding
enough to make me kind.
So I may judge all people
with my heart and not my mind.
Teach me to be patient
in everything I do.
Content to trust your wisdom
and to follow after You.
Help me when I falter
and hear me when I pray
and receive me in Thy kingdom
to dwell with Thee someday.
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Stinging Nettle – The Cure for Everything? Wednesday, 25 June 2014// Add comment // Natural Remedies Stinging nettle is probably one of the most miraculous herbs in the world, as it can cure almost anything, from arthritis to hair loss. This plant is commonly met all over Europe and the United States and it can be used as food or as medicine. Stinging nettle is extremely nutritious and it is an excellent spring tonic. Moreover, it cleanses the body naturally and helps you eliminate all the toxins in the organisms. Stinging nettle is available as herbal extract, dried leaves, homeopathic remedies, tinctures and ointments. Let’s explore the magnificent health benefits of stinging nettle.
Read more at: https://topnaturalremedies.net/herbal-remedies/stinging-nettle-cure-everything/
https://topnaturalremedies.net/herbal-remedies/stinging-nettle-cure-everything/
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13 Emerging Health Benefits of Dandelion
Although it’s often dismissed as little more than a stubborn lawn weed, dandelion has been used in many forms of traditional medicine for centuries.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dandelion-benefits
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Her religious upbringing was virtually nonexistent. Both her parents were atheists. She abandoned Lutheranism, which was the state-supported religion, having found it to be anemic.
“I have never understood the meaning of the Reformation,” she said, “as other than a history of revolt of believing Christians who, subjectively pious, hoped that true Christianity agreed better with their subjective idea of Christianity than [with] the factual one.”
In her long, arduous journey to Catholicism, she could say that the Catholic Church is “the only explanation of existence.”
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Bangalore’s Green Belt Fifty Years On --------------
The “green belt” still exists, but might be unrecognizable to planners from the early 1970s. It is a source of tension and resentment among some residents, including farmers, and it’s hardly altogether “green”. Instead, Bangalore’s shifting and shrinking “green belt” reflects how complicated land planning can be in an ever-urbanizing world struggling to strike a balance with vegetated spaces.
Decades before Bangalore’s green belt was proposed, a full quarter of the incorporated city was occupied by gardens. Just as California’s famous Silicon Valley was once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” for its flourishing farms and orchards, fruiting plants were so prolific in Bangalore through the mid twentieth century that it earned the nickname “garden city.” Bangalore’s green belt was originally conceived to maintain a nearby supply of food, as the city expanded and grew denser.
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Gold still exists in the veins of the abandoned mine, and Rise Gold, the mining corporation that purchased the mine in 2017, has reason to believe that reopening it makes financial sense. When the mine shut down in 1956, it wasn’t because the gold was drying up; it was because of economic policy. The 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement had established a new international monetary system to create stability in exchange rates. As part of the effort, the price of gold was fixed at $35 per ounce. Gold mining became unprofitable in the U.S.
https://undark.org/2022/01/24/the-gold-rush-returns-to-california/
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MY EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND – FR AMOS
It is now over a
year and a half
since I left Kenya
for Ireland. My
experience so
far has been
interesting and
very positive. The
support I have
received from the
community here
is most encouraging. Even though I am away
from home, the community of St. Brendan’s has
given me a new home, a new family, and new
friends.
I remember early last year in February 2020, I
travelled to Wicklow to visit retired priests of
St. Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kiltegan. It
was a wonderful experience to meet and interact
with many priests who had served in Kenya and
especially in my home diocese. Sharing memories
of their work in Kenya made me feel close to my
home and my people.
I had just returned from my trip to Kiltegan when
the Covid 19 pandemic struck. The whole world
was fearful, regulations were put in place and
since then, life for me has never been the same
again. Everything changed, the way we carry
out our services in the church took a different
turn, meeting and interacting with people was
stopped, and all movements except for the
essential workers were restricted. Visiting
schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and the house
bounds were either stopped or restricted.
The pandemic brought a lot of fear to people. I
remember my family and especially my mother
calling me regularly to ask me if I was safe. At the
same time, I was afraid of what might happen to
them in case the virus hit my own country and
things got worse. Every time I talked to them,
they tell me they are fine which gives me comfort
and relief.
Since I arrived in this parish last August, the
restrictions have made life difficult. However,
I have enjoyed my limited visits to the primary
schools of Listellick and Holy Family. I am very
grateful for their welcome and I look forward
to celebrating the First Communion and
Confirmation ceremonies later this year. I have
also enjoyed my contact with the pupils and staff
in St Ita’s and St Joseph’s, and I appreciate the
warm welcome I have received from them.
While the numbers attending funerals are very
limited, I have benefitted from my contact
with those families at such a difficult time for
them. Recently I have met some couples who
have been trying to arrange their weddings or
unfortunately discussing the postponement of
their big day.
11
On a practical note, I was delighted to pass my
driving test last December. I’m sure Fr Padraig,
my chauffeur until then, was even more
delighted!! While I was delighted to pass my
test, I’m now restricted to 5k!! However, I had to
attend two burials recently, one in Ardfert and
the other in Beaufort. These sad occasions were
also opportunities for me to visit new parts of
the diocese. It was easy to get there as I followed
the hearse, but the adventure was finding
my way back!! I’ve also learned that Kerry
people are very passionate about their sport,
especially football. I look forward to an easing of
restrictions when I can attend a match and shout
for the Green and Gold – Ciarraí Abú!!
Since we have no congregations since Christmas,
we have the blessing of being able to reach out
through the webcam and Radio Kerry. I think
I’m improving on some of the pronunciations of
the Irish placenames such Lyreacrompane and
Gneeveguilla!
Finally, in the absence of congregations at Mass,
I’m grateful for the help and support of the parish
staff – their patience and assistance is very much
appreciated. While these weeks are difficult for
everyone, I look forward to the opportunity to
meeting many parishioners in my ministry and to
better times in the months ahead.
- Fr. Frank Pavone <FrFrankPavone@priestsforlife.org> Unsubscribe
Dec 8, 2021, 1:52 AM
December 7, 2021
Having just returned from Washington, D.C. where I helped lead the many protests and prayer vigils in which pro-life heroes voiced their opposition to unfettered legalized abortion-on-demand, I am optimistic that the end of Roe v Wade is near.
I cannot thank you enough for the steadfast manner in which you have partnered with Priests for Life to bring us to this point in our fight to end the injustice of abortion.
Knowing this, and understanding the vital role Priests for Life plays in the fight to defend our unborn brothers and sisters, several of your fellow Priests for Life members banded together and put up a $150,000 Matching Gift challenge for this special End of Year campaign.
From now until December 31, they will match every gift to Priests for Life dollar-for-dollar up to and including $150,000.
This means that the donation you make today will be DOUBLED!
As you can see, this is a tremendous opportunity for you to not Only DOUBLE your donation but even more importantly to DOUBLE your impact in the fight to end abortion. That said
... I urge you to take full advantage of this $150,000 Matching Gift challenge and make as large a donation to Priests for Life as you can.
Keep in mind your gift will be doubled.
The reason I’m so grateful for this Matching Gift opportunity – and why I’m counting on you to be part of it – is because Priests for Life is financially tapped out. We exhausted every dollar you and other stalwart pro-life heroes like you invested in our non-stop battle to oppose the radical abortion agenda of the Democrats.
And with the end of Roe in sight, that fight is about to intensify in the legislatures of all fifty states.
That’s why I’ve sent you this urgent appeal for your immediate help.
You see, the only way I can get the maximum benefit of this $150,000 Matching Gift offer is if you and our other partners make the sacrifices necessary to provide the donations needed to equal the matching challenge.
As I think you’ll agree, this is a WIN – WIN – WIN opportunity.
First, you WIN because the gift you send today – along with its impact once Priests for Life puts it to work – will be DOUBLED.
Second, Priests for Life WINS because that $300,000 – the $150,000 matching offer plus $150,000 in donations from you and your fellow Priests for Life family members – will replenish our depleted funds and provide us with the financial foundation that will allow us to jumpstart our heavy work load for 2022.
Third, and by far most important, the unborn WIN because, thanks to the Priests for Life family, they will have a much better chance of surviving the reign of terror the Democrats are inflicting on them.
Of this much I can assure you:
Priests for Life will never abandon the field of battle to the Democrats and the abortion industry.
As God’s people, we can do better than abortion! Far better!
And with your help today, we will.
So as you consider how large a donation to make today to help Priests for Life take full advantage of the $150,000 Matching Gift offer that has been made to us, think of the unborn babies you work with Priests for Life to save, as well as their mothers and fathers.
Then be as generous as you can. Keep these words from Scripture in mind:
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will Himself reward you” (Matthew 6:3-4).
I mention this to you because very few people will ever know that it was you who helped Priests for Life defy the Democrat leaders and lead the pro-life movement to victory over abortion.
But your Heavenly Father will. And He is never outdone in generosity.
As for your gift and the $300,000 Priests for Life is in line to receive from this Match, here are the two reasons why those dollars are so critically important.
If the Supreme Court uses the Dobbs case to further erode or even reverse Roe v Wade, our work together is going to expand exponentially because the fight to protect mothers and babies from abortionists will intensify in all fifty states.
Because next year’s mid-term elections provide us with the chance to drive the abortion-mad Democrats from power in Congress and create a firewall that will protect the youngest members of our human family from the abortion extremists in the Biden administration.
Regarding the first point, as the recognized face and voice of the pro-life movement, Priests for Life has worked tirelessly for decades to educate, energize and equip state and local pro-life groups, legislators, and activists all across the country.
In fact, I was just with a state legislator who was telling me how one of my talks shaped his whole perspective on abortion, and he always quotes me!
This is why I was asked to take a leading role in multiple events last week in Washington, D.C.
I was there representing you because Priests for Life is proud of our members and allies in Mississippi who worked hard to protect children in the womb starting at fifteen weeks into pregnancy. That law is now before the Supreme Court and is the basis for Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
The Court heard oral arguments in Dobbs last Wednesday. I was outside the Supreme Court throughout the day. And having personally witnessed the enthusiasm and energy of so many of your fellow pro-life champions, along with having studied all the arguments and evidence that was presented to the Court in this case ...
... I am optimistic that the end of Roe is near.
But it’s not only what the people of Mississippi have done that bolsters my confidence.
Over in Texas the people of the Lone Star state passed their “heartbeat” bill that protects mothers and unborn babies. And the Court is looking at this law as well.
Priests for Life is proud to partner with the people of Mississippi and Texas as well as all those who have had the courage to challenge Democrat leaders and their diabolical “abortion till birth” policies.
We’ve been strengthening pro-life activists in dozens of other states as well; including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Montana, South Dakota, Ohio and more. In all, some 70 laws were enacted in 22 states advancing the protection of unborn babies and their mothers from abortionists like convicted murderer Kermit Gosnell.
You and Priests for Life have, for years, helped strengthen those who got those laws passed!
And come the end of Roe v Wade, our workload is going to explode.
As to the second reason why Priests for Life is going to need every penny of the $300,000 I’m hoping to raise through this Matching Gift challenge, I will tell you something the late Cardinal John O’Connor said. You’ll remember it was Cardinal O’Connor who ordained me in 1988 and commissioned me to work full time to fight abortion.
Regarding the need to be active in elections and politics, he said it’s important we do everything we can to help pro-life men and women win their elections AND to fight to get lawmakers to pass laws that protect mothers and their unborn because …
… people tend to think that if something is legal, then it must be moral.
Well, given the fact that abortion-on-demand has been legal for going on fifty years, it’s no wonder that so many across the country think abortion must be moral.
You and Priests for Life have been working hard to open the eyes of those blinded by ignorance. The science is clear. From the moment of conception, the child in the womb is a human being and deserving of the full protection of the law.
Fortunately more and more Americans are coming to recognize that truth and I am convinced that we are on the verge of a great awakening when it comes to the taking of life in abortion.
Now we need to go about convincing these same Americans to elect public servants who know the difference between serving the public and killing the public.
And that is precisely what Priests for Life is determined to do throughout 2022 and heading up to the crucial mid-term elections.
The recent elections in Virginia and Pennsylvania (and elsewhere!) are sure signs that we’re about to win a great victory for the unborn in the 2022 mid-term elections. In both states, the candidates who ran on a pro-life platform won.
In Virginia that was statewide elections for governor and state legislators.
In Pennsylvania it was for judges.
This proves that when candidates run forthright campaigns and make their positions on the life issues front and center, they win!
Knowing this Priests for Life will be doing our part to remind voters all across the country that the key to saving the country is to end the mindless slaughter of our unborn brothers and sisters. And one of the best ways to do that is to elect pro-life candidates to public office.
We will use the gift you send today – and all those you generously provide over the next several months – to drive that point home with your fellow Americans and impress upon them the truth that since abortion corrupts our entire society they need to VOTE PRO-LIFE in 2022 and in every election.
I’ll have much more to tell you about our plans in the coming weeks.
Today I need you to focus on the $150,000 Matching Gift offer that’s been presented to us and this incredible opportunity to replenish our coffers and establish the foundation upon which Priests for Life will build all of our work in 2022.
Please do everything you can to help Priests for Life capitalize on this blessed opportunity, keeping in mind that whatever size gift you send today, it will be DOUBLED.
Opportunities like this don’t come along very often. So when they do it’s vital that we take full advantage of them so that we can continue to lead the pro-life movement to victory over abortion and end America’s abortion holocaust.
Thank you for what I know will be your very best gift.
I say that because I know ending abortion is your primary mission, and I know from the generous and loyal way in which you support Priests for Life, that you believe it is Priests for Life that is going to lead the pro-life movement to final victory.
I’ll close this urgent appeal for help with the promise that in heartfelt thanks for you and the strength of your resolve to protect the youngest members of our human family from radical Democrat policies that allow abortionists to kill them, I remember you at every Mass I offer. As I told you earlier, God sees into your heart and knows all that you do to protect His defenseless children. And He will bless you because of the love you show for these, the most vulnerable of His children.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
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Signs of spiritual awakening were evident at COP26. They are also in evidence across the earth as people increasingly appreciate the precious gift of life that the delicate balances in the atmosphere of Planet Earth have enabled. Laudato Si’ has taught us how human, animal and plant life affect each other and require loving care for the common good. With Pope Francis we pray that we can bring a new world into being and be comforted by the Revelations to Julian of Norwich, “I will make all things well and you will see for yourself that every kind of thing will be well.”
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Karol Wojtyla ; In her book, “Emilia and Karol Wojtyla. Parents of St. John Paul II,” Kindziuk cites the testimony of a midwife, Tatarowa, and the reports of her two friends, Helena Szczepańska and Maria Kaczorowa, as well as the memories of other Wadowice residents. She said that these showed that Emilia Wojtyla was depressed by the insistence of her first doctor, Dr. Jan Moskała, that she have an abortion.
She said that Emilia and Karol Wojtyla “made a bold decision that, regardless of everything, their conceived baby was to be born. And so they started looking for another doctor.”
They ultimately chose Dr. Samuel Taub, a Jewish doctor from Krakow, who had moved to Wadowice after the First World War.
“Emilia's friends have kept memories of that visit. The doctor confirmed that there was a risk of complications during childbirth, including Emilia's death. However, he did not suggest an abortion,” Kindziuk said.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/44565/john-paul-iis-mom-chose-life-after-her-doctor-advised-an-abortion?utm_campaign=CNA%20Daily&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=174046755&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9VmWF3Hh_88LdKfPM4grxpBdJvIH85y7EDsTg_2d_8oz6HZbrgqQ_otNUy3pwXZj4p09h3y1v6wOt_WJLnHPLNvS1CCg&utm_content=174046755&utm_source=hs_email
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A while back ago, I read a really delightful book called Time and the Art of Living by Robert Grudin. The book contains several reflections on the nature of time and life, and in one of the sections, the author describes the problem of having to wait. He also offers a solution to the tediousness of boredom in those moments, one that doesn’t rely on external stimuli. Instead of looking outside yourself to find salvation from boredom, you look within. You ponder. You reflect. You contemplate. You do some deliberate thinking.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/what-to-think-about-when-youre-waiting/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theartofmanliness+%28The+Art+of+Manliness%29&mc_cid=c043cbc937&mc_eid=8bc7642aac
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
I do a bit of walking during the week except on the days when I am playing golf. It was something I had to do when I discovered I had type 2 diabetes many years ago and I needed to get my weight down. It was a bit of a chore at first but gradually I began to enjoy it and now I look forward to it, rain, hail, or shine!. The old railway line in Abbeyfeale is an ideal place to walk but we don’t have that luxury in Athea. Here, we have to use the public roads which are not very wide and carry a good bit of traffic at times. I feel embarrassed when cars have to stop before they pass me because traffic is coming in the opposite direction and there isn’t sufficient room. I feel I am interrupting their journey and I wish I didn’t. To be fair, most drivers don’t mind but I do get the odd dirty look. The main walk around here is the “Slí na Sláinte” circuit which is out the Glin Road, up past the graveyard to Fairy Street and back down by the GAA pitch or visa versa. There is one part of that route that is particularly dangerous because it is on a narrow bend with little room at the side of the road. It is the stretch between Sinan’s Gate and Tim Scanlon’s before you come to the waste treatment plant. If you are walking in towards the village from the Glin side traffic can’t see you until the very last minute and have to swerve out onto the road to avoid you. If there is something coming in the opposite direction it is a recipe for an accident and I am surprised that something hasn’t happened up to now. I always have my heart in my mouth until I have passed that stretch and oncoming traffic can see me in time. I was looking at the area the other day and it struck me that it wouldn’t take much to make a footpath on the right hand side of the road as far as Scanlon’s gate. There is a very wide ditch that could be taken away and replaced with a fence that wouldn’t interfere with the farmer’s land. It would make that bit of the road really safe for pedestrians and would also enhance the look of the village from that point. Perhaps the Community Council and the Tidy Towns, together with Limerick County Council could investigate the possibility of a project that could save lives.
The AGM of Athea Drama Group takes place this week and it is great to see they have plans to stage a play in 2022. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are also having their AGM in the near future with a view to getting the classes and music sessions up and running again. I’m sure other organisations are thinking along similar lines and it is wonderful to think that, after so long, we are getting back to our normal lives. We are not happy when isolated and I never realised how much I missed social interaction until, I met Johnny Mullane at the Top of the Town the other night and we were recalling old times and things that happened long ago. It was like a breath of fresh air. One of the things we talked about was the way people who retire too early seem to go downhill very fast. We are all living a bit longer these days due to medical care, nutrition and a life that isn’t as harsh as those who came before us had to endure. Retirement for farmers, long ago, was a huge problem. Farmers generally married later in life simply because they had to wait until they got the farm from their parents before they could bring in a wife. It still meant that farmers in their fifties and sixties were obliged to pass on the farm while they were still in good health and condition. Some kept working away but others just sat in the corner twiddling their thumbs leaving the work to the son and the “new” woman of the house. The new wife usually came with a dowry which entitled her to have things her own way. This sometimes did not go down well with the mother of the house who was used to doing things maybe in a different fashion. Sometimes they got on very well but there were houses where there was a lot of resentment. Where there was harmony in the house the set up could be very good. The old man kept himself busy around the yard feeding calves, pigs and bonhams while the old woman was a ready made babysitter and could help with most of the housework. I have seen myself where neighbours had a very happy household but I also have seen how people became bitter and twisted by a situation they could not cope with. Thank God those days are gone and we live in a different world that, with all its drawbacks, is more fair, especially to women. Anyway, as I said I enjoyed meeting Johnny who is a font of information on many subjects.
I was saddened to her of the passing of Kitt Liston of Knockfinisk, a lady who kept the parish warm with her knitwear. She had a good cottage industry going for years and she used to call to me for a bit of printing now and again. Sincere sympathy to all her relations, neighbours and friends and may
she rest in peace.
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A while back ago, I read a really delightful book called Time and the Art of Living by Robert Grudin. The book contains several reflections on the nature of time and life, and in one of the sections, the author describes the problem of having to wait. He also offers a solution to the tediousness of boredom in those moments, one that doesn’t rely on external stimuli. Instead of looking outside yourself to find salvation from boredom, you look within. You ponder. You reflect. You contemplate. You do some deliberate thinking.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/what-to-think-about-when-youre-waiting/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theartofmanliness+%28The+Art+of+Manliness%29&mc_cid=c043cbc937&mc_eid=8bc7642aac
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (064 6632912)abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie13thSunday in Ordinary Time, 27thJune 2021.Dear Parishioner, I wonder do you remember the name of the book that I wrote about two weeks ago -‘The World’s Best Catholics’-the result of a lot of interviews and research done by the Irish Times German correspondent, Derek Scally. When I looked through the piece on the front of ‘Dear Parishioner’, I saw that there was one sentence that did not make sense because a word had been left out and one phrase included twice. Just in case you kept that D.P., the sentence was the last one in the first half of the page. It should have read ‘Of course, the two countries have vastly different experiences of religious institutions and faith. ’I haven’t got to the end of the book yet but I would like to include a little bit from a chapter entitled ‘Stopping the Sacred Heart’. The opening sentence of the chapter gives a clue as to how the book title was chosen. ‘Once upon a time, Ireland went to great effort –particularly in Rome –to present itself as ‘the most Catholic country in the world’. Later, Scally writes ‘Some still talk of the strength of the faith in a vanished Ireland, but I hear little reflection today on what that faith meant either then or now. Religion was never discussed in my home when I was growing up, let alone personal faith. Like many families of a particular era, Sunday Mass was a given –at least until we were teenagers –but there was no practice within our four walls. Things were different in rural Ireland but my parents, who moved to Dublin in the 1960s, seemed happy to have left the Angelus and the family rosary behind them. At some time in the last forty years, a quiet shift began. Collectively, quietly, Ireland took down its Sacred Heart pictures, papal marriage blessings and holy water fonts –and kept them down. Frequent attendance at ‘devotions’ shifted to the duty Mass on a Saturday night or a Sunday morning, which in turn became a monthly excursion to the church. Such private gestures were part of a more significant secularising transition: realising that many of your neighbours were, as you were, simply going through the motions was freeing. Eventually people believed that, in their unbelief, they were now in the majority, were able to walk away without much thought –or social cost. ‘As I have done on many occasions before now, I would love if readers might write a short comment on what Derek Scally has written. Like me, you might have found yourself agreeing with some of what he has written but not with all (e.g. taking down papal blessings etc.)
Fr. Denis O’ Mahony
Trócaire Partners Respond To The Covid Crisis (David O’Hare - Trócaire's support has made a tremendous difference to people in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya during this uniquely challenging time. Over the last year, Trócaire and the partner organisations, the agency works with in the developing world, have been adapting programmes to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and the additional challenges the pandemic has created for people. Two examples of this adaptation and the difference it has made to people's lives can be seen in Ethiopia and Kenya. For 23-year-old Wubit Abelo, whose family of three has been hit hard by pandemic restrictions in Ethiopia, support for an innovative mask-making project is beginning to offer a glimmer of hope for the future. When coronavirus reached Ethiopia, Wubit began to despair. Access to basic household items was reduced, transport shut down and the ability to buy and sell changed dramatically as local markets closed. Wubit lived in fear of the health risks to her three-year-old son Anania and what might happen if her family was left with no income. There is no government support for them, but in this time of worry came an un-expected opportunity. A market that was previously unavailable –mask-making –plus training and sewing machines to use, gave Wubit and her family a glimmer of hope. For the past five months, the TLH mask-making project has become a modest but vital source of income to Wubit. Scared: Like so many around the world, Wubit is scared that Covid 19 will prevent her from living her life to its fullest and while she can't afford a sewing machine of her own (in Ethiopia, they cost around €600 each), her dreams are firmly set: to have her own business making cultural dresses by her own hand, to make sure her son can have a good education and to provide for her family. Wubit knows she has the chance to be part of the TLH project because of the generosity of Trócaire's sup-porters, and she's very thankful for that fact. Meanwhile, in Kenya, a Trócaire partner is giving hope to other women and girls. LVCT Health had been working with Trócaire to educate girls and ensure they were able to attend school. When the Covid pandemic hit, they were quickly able to transition that project. Dr Lilian Otiso is the CEO of LVCT Health. "I think the key lesson is that whenever restrictions on movement are put in place, we have to think of the most vulnerable, the most marginalised, so that we're coming up with approaches that really meet their needs," she says. "I remember hearing a lot about should I spend money
on buying a mask or buying food? People are starving. So, as you're giving instructions like ‘buy masks’ or ‘do hand washing’, we have to recognise that people may not be able to afford that. "We responded to the pandemic in different ways. We sustained the HIV and gender-based violence services that we were providing. We provided community education on COVID-19 through our one-to-one toll-free hotline and bulk SMS messages. We also trained and retrained peer educators and community health workers to be the frontline to reach community members and give psycho-social support for the health workers who we knew were facing huge challenges. We also used some of our resources to provide basic nutrition support because people could not afford to buy food or could not get access to care. This went along-side ensuring that those facing gender-based violence actually got services and the HIV clients were able to get their medical supplies delivered to them or find a way of gaining access to the services.” Help With Education" We already had 560 vulnerable girls in the Trócaire-funded Imara project, and when schools were closed, they went home with nothing to do. Our staff thought through quickly what could happen, and we trans-formed our safe spaces into formal learning centres where they could get online classes. So, we were able to make sure that our poorer community members in informal settlements and rural settings would be able to go to those centres and receive some educational support. One example is the story of Lois, who is a single mother of four and whose daughter is a beneficiary of the Imara Project. Her daughter had initially struggled to get into a secondary school after she completed her primary school education. The project had been able to take her back to school. She also benefitted from the online classes that were structured to suit the different courses. Because Trócaire allowed us to actually adapt and respond to Covid based on the needs of the community, we have been able to really address the emerging needs.” (Reality June 2021)The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted. (Bertrand Russell) There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of. (Nelson Mandela)Lead me not into temptation. I can find the way myself. (Rita M. Brown)(The three quotations above are taken from Reality, June 2021.)Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel (John Byrne OSA)1.Like this woman, have you had the experience of a cure, an improvement, a success, after a long period of nothing happening? What was that like for you? What made the difference? On that occasion was there anything different in you, in others, in the circumstances –something that paved the way for the change or improvement?2.‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. It seems a strange request with crowds milling around. Many people brushed against him, but the woman made contact in a different way. The same can happen in our relationships. We brush against many people but make real contact only with a few. Who are the people you have touched, and who has touched you? What difference has this made to you and to them? 3. Jesus said to the woman, ‘Your faith has made you well’. What difference does it make to you that you have faith? In what ways does your faith make you well? 4. When Jairus asked Jesus to come and cure his daughter, some thought there was no point. Sometimes a situation can look like a lost cause. Has it ever happened to you that subsequent events showed there was hope where you thought there was none? (Intercom June 2021)The Deep End -Jane Mellett -Intercom June 2021In today’s Gospel we hear two healing stories: Jairus’ daughter and the woman with a haemorrhage. At first glance these stories might not seem to have a lot in common. The woman is a complete social outcast because of her condition, yet Jesus calls her ‘daughter’. He does not let social convention dictate who can be called a child of God. Jesus reminds the people of this woman’s true identity. The synagogue official surprises us, pleasantly, with his faith in Jesus and his message. What these two characters have in common is faith against all the odds as they reach out to Jesus in faith-filled action. Jesus’ healing breaks down the barriers that isolate us from one another and from God. We can all recall times when we were struggling. We needed something to move us, to help us forgive, to help us walk away or to relieve us of physical pain. In the end it can be the simple gestures that save us: a kind word, someone praying for us, a gentle touch or we reach out to some-one and like the woman with the haemorrhage we suddenly feel within ourselves that we are healing. These accounts show us something of how God’s grace can enter our lives and transform situations
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PRAYER FOR THE GRACE OF SALVATION
O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the goods which God grants to us miserable sinners, and for this reason, has He made thee so powerful, so rich, and so bountiful, that thou mayest help us in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners, who have recourse to thee; come, then, to my help, dearest Mother, for I recommend myself to thee. In thy hands, I place my eternal salvation and to thee do I entrust my soul. Count me among thy most devoted servants; take me under thy protection, and it is enough for me; for, if thou protect me, dear Mother, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my judge Himself, because, by one prayer from thee, He will be appeased. But one thing I fear; that, in the hour of temptation, I may neglect to call on thee, and thus perish miserably. Obtain for me, then, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to have recourse to thee, O Mother of Perpetual Help.
Three Hail Marys.
V. Thou has been made for us, O Lady, a refuge.
R. A helper in need and tribulation.
Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast given us Thine own Mother Mary, whose glorious image we venerate, to be a Mother ever ready to help us; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who constantly implore her help, may merit always to experience the fruits of Thy Redemption, Thou Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL WANTS
O Mother of Perpetual Help, with the greatest confidence, we come before thy sacred Picture, in order to invoke thine aid. Thou hast seen the wounds which Jesus has been pleased to receive for our sake; thou hast seen the Blood of Thy Son flowing for our salvation; thou knowest how thy Son desires to apply to us the fruits of His Redemption. Behold, we cast ourselves at thy feet, and pray thee to obtain for our souls the graces we stand so much in need of. O Mary, most loving of all mothers, obtain for us from the heart of Jesus, the source of every good, these graces (here mention them). O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou desirest our salvation far more than we ourselves: thy Son has given thee to us for our Mother; thou hast thyself chosen to be called Mother of Perpetual Help. We trust not in our merits, but in thy powerful intercession; we trust in thy goodness; we trust in thy motherly love. Mother of Perpetual Help for the love thou bearest to Jesus, thy Son and our Redeemer, for the love of thy great servant Alphonsus, for the love of out souls, obtain for us the graces we ask from thee. Amen.
Three Hail Marys.
PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF A NON-CATHOLIC
Trusting in Thy goodness, O sweet Lady of Perpetual Help, because thou art the Mother of Mercy and the Refuge of Sinners, we beseech thee to look, with pitying eyes, upon those who are living outside the pale of the one true Church. So many non‑Catholics possessed of kind hearts, with a charity for God’s poor, are honestly seeking religious truth, but with difficulty, because they are blinded by misinformation and inherited prejudice. These souls, O Mother of Perpetual Help, are destitute of the knowledge of the one true Faith, yet they must be dear to thee, as they are to thine adorable Son, Jesus, because He wanted them redeemed by His Precious Blood. We plead with thee, O Mary, for the conversion of all those who walk in the darkness of error and sin. Virgin Mother, as thou art called the “Seat of Wisdom,” enlighten the minds of our separated brethren, that they may discover the consoling truths of our Holy Faith, and, having discovered them, willingly accept and believe in them. O Mary, grant us this wonderful favor, that all immortal souls, ransomed by the Blood of thy dying Son, may soon be united to us, by the bonds of divine charity, so that there may be but one fold and one Shepherd. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF A SINNER
O Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, thou knowest so well the great value of an immortal soul. Thou knowest what it means, that every soul has been redeemed by the Blood of thy Divine Son; thou wilt not then despise my prayer, if I ask from thee the conversion of a sinner, nay, a great sinner, who is rapidly hurrying on towards eternal ruin. Thou, O good merciful Mother, knowest well his/her irregular life. Remember that thou art the Refuge of sinners, remember that God has given thee power to bring about the conversion of even the most wretched sinners. All that has been done for his/her soul has been unsuccessful; if thou dost not come to his/her assistance, he/she will go from bad to worse. Obtain for him/her an effectual grace that he/she may be moved and brought back to God and his/her duties. Send him/her, if necessary, temporal calamities and trials, that he/she may enter into himself/herself, and put an end to his/her sinful course. Thou, O most merciful Mother, hast converted so many sinners at the intercession of their friends. Be, then also moved by my prayer, and bring this unhappy soul to true conversion of heart. O Mother of Perpetual Help, show that thou art the Advocate and Refuge of sinners. So I hope, so may it be. Amen.
PRAYER IN TEMPORAL WANTS
O Mother of Perpetual Help, numerous clients continually surround thy holy Picture, all imploring thy mercy. All bless thee as the assured help of the miserable; all feel the benefit of thy motherly protection. With confidence, then, do we present ourselves before thee in our misery. See, dear Mother, the many evils to which we are exposed; see how numerous are our wants. Trials and sorrows often depress us; reverses of fortune and privations, often grievous, bring misery into our lives; everywhere we meet the cross. Have pity, compassionate Mother, on us and on our dear ones, especially in this our necessity (here mention it). Help us, dear Mother, in our distress; deliver us from all our ills; or, if it be the will of God that we should suffer still longer, grant that we may endure all with love and patience. These graces we expect of thee with confidence, because thou art our Perpetual Help. Amen.
Three Hail Marys.
PRAYER IN SICKNESS
O Dear Mother of Perpetual Help, behold how much I suffer from this my sickness. Together with the body, my soul is also afflicted. I have not even the strength to say a prayer as I ought to do. Nothing is able to give me any relief. Even the visit and compassion of my best friends does not give me any comfort. Hence, my courage begins to fail; impatience and sadness oppress my soul. In this, my great distress, I put all my trust in thee, most tender of all mothers. Thy compassionate heart will certainly have pity on me; yes, most merciful Mother, thou wilt not forget thy poor, afflicted child. Obtain then, for me, courage and strength to accept all these trials, from the hand of God, with patience and resignation. If it is for the good of my soul, then grant that I may recover my former health; but, if it is the will of God that I should suffer still longer, or that this sickness should lead me to a better life, I am perfectly resigned, for I am sure that thou, O loving Mother, wilt obtain for me the grace to do whatever God demands of me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR FINANCIAL AID
Realizing, dear Mother Mary, that thou art our perpetual help, not only in spiritual, but likewise in temporal necessities, we approach thee with submissive and humble hearts, because we have a childlike confidence in thy power and goodness, beseeching thee to assist us in our present financial worry. Owing to untoward circumstances, which have arisen in our lives, we are in dire want and financial embarrassment, being unable to meet our honest debts. We are not asking, dearest Mother, for wealth, if the possession of it is not in accordance with the holy will of God; we merely beg for that assistance, which will enable us to satisfy our pressing obligations. We believe, dear Mother, that thou art the Queen of Heaven and of Earth, and, as such, the instrument and special dispensation of thy divine Son, Jesus Christ; that thou hast acquired, by virtue of thy wonderful dignity, a sweet jurisdiction over all creation. We believe that thou art not only rich and bountiful, but extremely kind and generous to all thy loving children. We plead with thee, then, dear Mother, to obtain for us the help we so urgently need, in our present financial difficulty. We thank thee, dear Lady, and promise to publish far and wide the marvels of thy glorious Picture. Amen.
http://devotiontoourlady.com/our-lady-of-perpetual-help.html
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Weekly Bulletin
Trinity Sunday
30th May 2021
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Eastertide is now over! This time after Easter, during which the Alleluia was added at the end of all antiphons, now leads us to the time after Pentecost. You will notice today that the Salve Regina will be sung from now on, at the end of Mass, instead of the Regina Cæli. Before returning to the use of green vestments, the colour white is worn today to celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity: the truth that in the unity of the Godhead there are Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, these Three Persons being truly distinct one from another.
The month of May dedicated to Our Lady is almost over, with its joys and graces. Tomorrow will be the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. Will you pay a last visit at the shrine we erected in the sanctuary in her honour? All the flowers, which beautified her shrine, will be used on the main and side altars. A renewed thanks to all of you who brought flowers during the month. I also extend my special gratitude to the flower arrangers who worked so discreetly and efficiently and whose artistic abilities worked wonders with your flowers!
We are now getting ready to start the annual Sacred Heart Novena. We encourage you to follow all the ceremonies live on our website and to attend physically following the current restrictions.
The Novena will start this coming Thursday, 3rd June, The Feast of Corpus Christi and will finish on Friday 11th, The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Masses will be celebrated daily at 12 noon and 6 pm and will be followed by the devotions. Please note the special times of Mass on Saturday and Sunday during the Novena: 10:30 am and 6 pm. Some flyers are available at the back of the church to help your memory. Fridges and magnets are not provided but you will certainly find a place at home where all family members will see the correct time for each day.
This Novena will be the occasion of receiving extraordinary priests as celebrants, homilist and confessors. We will also have the joy of seeing some of the Sister Adorers! There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every day from 3 pm to 5 pm (except Sunday), with the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 4 pm.
Make sure you come and adore our Eucharistic Lord alongside our community members and sisters!
Please remember that during the Sacred Heart Novena, there will be no daily 8 am Mass.
“Is the painting making progress”? This is the question I hear from lots of people every day. The response is “Yes, but unfortunately the company responsible for dismantling the scaffolding seem to have many reasons for putting this job on the long finger! They are now supposed to move it to the next section to be painted (back of the church and choir loft) during the second week of June.” We await this with baited breath!
An important prayer intention for Canon Fragelli. He has been in the Florence Hospital for a week now and is slowly making some progress. The doctors are now hopeful that he will recover well but this might take a long time. I will keep you posted if I receive more precise information this week.
Thank you to those who have remembered the family looking for rental accommodation. If you hear about either a three or a four bedroomed house to rent or a three-bedroom apartment in town, please contact me.
Wishing you a blessed week,
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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Pastoral Message for Holy Week and Easter 2021
If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, how much more should you wash each other’s feet? Jn 13:14
What a year! Together all of us have lived through a year of the corona virus, each has experienced it in our own unique circumstances. The Winter months have been particularly difficult. The light and new green growth of Springtime has never been so welcome, and it has coincided with the season of Lent. Let us keep our spirits up and encourage one another in following public health guidance.
Thank God for the way so many people have been there for each other, thank God for the way front line workers have sacrificed themselves to provide essential services. We are full of gratitude; how important it is to live lives of generous service. Individually we are at our best when our communities are at their best.
With government guidance at level 5, and with a genuine concern that we could have another major wave of the virus ahead, it is understandable but sad that we have our Easter ceremonies without a congregation. It is a blessing that you can join in the ceremonies so easily from your home via modern technology. What we miss is the dual presence: the presence of the community gathered in church, and together receiving the Real Presence at the altar.
In some ways it seems like the past year has been one long Lent! If so, what word has God spoken to your heart through it? Here are three points to reflect on as we come to Easter 2021:
Live every day putting your trust in God. In times of great difficulty, in times when life gets us down, we look to Jesus for peace. Jesus’ word to us always is, “Fear not, have peace in your heart, I am with you”. In time of difficulty, regarding health or death, employment or finances, loneliness or depression we sense in our hearts, ‘God is with me, God will see me through, – all will be well’. Have basic Christian hope in your heart, – trust in God in all things!
This Holy Week and Easter, joining in Mass from home, seek nourishment at the table of God’s word. The introduction to the Roman Missal speaks of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass: “When the Sacred Scriptures are read in church, God himself speaks to his People, and Christ, present in his own word, proclaims the Gospel” (29). When you go forth from the Easter ceremonies carry words from the scriptures in your heart: the Last Supper, ‘you should wash each other’s feet’; the commemoration of the Passion, ‘This is my body, given up for you’; Easter morning, ‘You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, He is risen …’.
This year has reminded us that home is where we pray each day. Home is the place where we first received our faith and where we live it. In the home God is present with us. Prayer in the home is the time we spend turned towards God, – talking to him about our lives and asking his help; giving praise and thanks; asking forgiveness and renewing our trust. Has prayer in the home helped you and your family over the past year? It will be a great blessing if, when this virus is finally a memory, we have a new awareness of prayer in the home.
A word of thanks to our priests and deacons, and all who have contributed to the life of our parishes over the past year. A word of thanks to our schools for the great work they have done. A word of encouragement to all young people looking forward to First Confession, First Communion or Confirmation. We cannot make any plans until we know when we will have congregations in church. The situation is disappointing, but the ceremonies will be worth waiting for. Another group who have suffered are the Leaving Cert. students. May they trust that all will be well and, come the Autumn, they will be satisfied with the options that come their way.
Thank you to all who have continued to contribute to parish funds and the parish dues for our priests. Keep up the good work. Priests have been greatly encouraged by your faithfulness. Please remember other local charities and voluntary bodies over the Easter season, so much fundraising has not been possible. All need funds to pay for the basics like insurance, heating, and the overheads of an office. Please, let us not forget the Lenten campaign of Trocaire. If the corona virus has been hard on us, how much more difficult has it been for the communities Trocaire supports?
Finally, every time we pray over the Easter season let us all, people and priests, remember the deceased of the past year, and their grieving loved ones. Have a comforting word for the bereaved when you meet. In this world and in the next our hope is in Christ, “Christ is Risen, alleluia”. Be assured of my prayers.
Bishop Ray Browne Palm Sunday 2021
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https://www.ncregister.com/blog/shroud-center-of-southern-california?utm_campaign=NCR%202019&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=115692649&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8nb6WC1xFQwg411LUceKPo-lB-5TF4mLF6PNrS7ofUiVAfsP9b0jkmgcIIWlzBD6njsJ49trc_-3O0T1NkknysynPJPw&utm_content=115692649&utm_source=hs_email
Shroud of Turin Leads to Conversions, Founding of Shroud Center
“The Shroud seems to have a great pastoral mission, causing many unexpected conversions,” says the founder of the Shroud Center of Southern California, “especially from among young people.”
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The first step was to think about what kind of man I wanted to be at 50. The list grew to ten attributes around which to focus my intentional growth in the hopes of embodying those things in the future:
A Devoted Man of God
A Steadfast Husband
A Loving Father
A Family Builder
A Loyal Friend
A Community Builder
A Leader and Mentor
A Healthy Man
A Lifelong Learner
A Virtuous Man
Post from Dan Hickey.
Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. —Einstein
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Sunday, 24 January, marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week 2021. During this week we aim to celebrate the unique contribution that Catholic schools, both primary and post-primary, make to supporting each other and living out Jesus’ message of the gospel. This year’s theme is 'Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith and Resilience'. No one could have foreseen during Catholic Schools Week 2020 how different life would be just twelve months later. Life for all of us has changed so much that it is not recognisable, comfortable or easy. Our focus on faith and resilience is to remind us of the powerful role our Catholic schools have in the lives of so many young people. It is a source of comfort, care, belonging and strength. It was so important for our students to return to school, not simply to get back into the academic life, but, more importantly, to reconnect with their friends and teachers –to experience community. We have focused the week around the three theological virtues –faith, hope and love –while acknowledging the challenges that we are all facing at this present time and the need to feel a sense of belonging in our community again. Our prayer for each and every person in our school communities is: When evil darkens our world, give us light. When despair numbs our souls, give us hope. When we stumble and fall, lift us up. When doubts assail us, give us faith. When nothing seems sure, give us trust. When ideals fade, give us vision. When we lose our way, be our guide! That we may find serenity in your presence, and purpose in doing your will. Prayer by John D. Raynera
GRANDPARENTS DAY: It has become an important part of Catholic Schools Week. This year we will celebrate Grandparents Day with a special Mass at 10.00am on Wednesday,January 27 at 10.00am. This Mass will be streamed live through the Church Services TV network. You can link in by clicking on www.abbeyfealeparish.ieor www.churchservciestv.ie We will conclude Catholic Schools Week with a special Mass at 10.00am on Sunday, January 31. Prayer for Grandparents: Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of gospel faith, guardian of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience. Amen.Pope Benedict XVI.
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A newspaper clipping about Mrs Johanna O'Connor, Carrantwohill, celebrating her 110th birthday. The date is not mentioned but it seems to be April 1938 (her birthday is reported in other papers online around that date). -"I feel as strong as I did 90 years ago and work in the fields every day. My secret of longevity? None, but take the world easy and eat plain food."
'Claiming to be the oldest inhabitant of Great Britain and Ireland, Mrs Johanna O'Connor yesterday celebrated her 110th birthday at her home in the Magillicuddy Reeks, highest mountain range in Ireland. She still works in the fields.
Her home is on the highest mountain of the range, Carrantwohill.
She can remember the days of Daniel O'Connell and the fight for Catholic emancipation in Ireland.
Though she remembers the bad days of the famine and will tell of how the people died by the roadside from want and starvation and fought with each other for raw turnips, she is reluctant to talk of the subject.
"I can still smoke my pipe, and do not hold that a person should go without a drop of punch, wine, or stout, especially in the winter time," she said. "It is seldom I wear boots or shoes, but I never have had a day's sickness or suffered from pains in my limbs.
"I had a family of seven. Five of them are alive, and our total aggregate ages is 480. Two of my daughters are married and live near here. One of them is over 70.
"I have my son Jerry, aged 81, John 76, and my daughter Bridget, 73, living with me. Last year another son of mine aged 77 died. I had another son, but in the Civil War he was killed.
"I feel as strong as I did 90 years ago and work in the fields every day. My secret of longevity? None, but take the world easy and eat plain food."
https://www.duchas.ie/ga/cbes/4742108/4736606/4815318
Another article, with a pic, from Evening Echo from 1937 says she lived in the townland of Lisleibane (https://bit.ly/2YaQhMK)
duchas.ie
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In times of great need, it should be an instinctive reaction for Christians to turn to God in prayer. During the Covid epidemic most of us have felt a great need—not only for healing and for safety and for a cure, but also for peace of mind, for a restoration of what we have lost, perhaps above all for hope. In the course of 2020 we Americans have frequently been asked to pray for those who are sick or dying. But rarely have Christians demanded the lead role in our society’s response to this health crisis. Shouldn’t we have been telling civic leaders, when they suggested restricting public worship: “Look, you need our prayers; you need our public celebration of the Mass. This is your best chance for relief from the scourge!”
https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/mass-in-time-covid-what-2020-revealed/
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From: Sean Sheehy
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2020, 14:13
Subject: 2021 2nd Sunday in Christmas Octave
To:
Good News
At a funeral someone asked, “Is there any good news?” A man responded and said, “The only good news is in the Bible!” Leaving 2020 behind and entering 2021 most people are starving for good news since we’ve been daily bombarded with bad news creating fear and anxiety in many people instead of Christmas joy. This Sunday Jesus’ Church brings before us the good news that God dwells among us, if we care to invite Him into our heart where He can restore calm and give us a peace that only He can give. Sadly in our world today Christmas has been co-opted by the material and irreligious world as an opportunity to sell its products promising that they’ll make the buyer happy. This promise is false but many fall for it because they either don’t know the true source of happiness or ignore it by choosing what might temporarily make them feel good. The source of happiness for the creature is always the Creator. Our source of happiness is Jesus Christ, God-become-man, who dwells among us. This is the real meaning of Christmas, the good news that God loves us so much that His Word became human, like us, in order to teach and show us the way to Heaven. “Before the world was made, He chose us, chose us in Christ, to be holy and spotless, and to live through love in His presence, determining that we should become His adopted children, through Jesus Christ, for His own kind purposes, to make us praise the glory of His grace, His free gift to us in the Beloved.” (Eph 1:3-18) Surely this is good news as we enter a New Year.
Good news is always news of God’s presence since God alone is all-good. Jesus’ coming is good news because He is Emmanuel, God-with-us. To appreciate Jesus’ coming as good news we need to have a clear understanding of who He is and what He brings to us that make us happy. Sadly, even many who call themselves Christian don’t know who Jesus really is and what He came to do, so they haven’t personally chosen to be His disciple. The Holy Spirit, guiding Jesus Church, revealed through the Apostle, John, that Jesus is God’s Word and is truly God. “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God…Through Him all things came into being, and apart from Him nothing came to be. Whatever came to be in Him found life, life for the light of men. The light that shines in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it.” (Jn 1: 1-5) Jesus is the One through Whom God created you and me and therefore knows us through and through. He is God’s presence to us, in us, and among us loving us unconditionally. Because He is the life, only He can give us life and enliven us to be full of life – enthusiastic about living. His presence brings a smile to our face, even in the midst of darkness, because He shines a light on us so we can see the way out of whatever befalls us. He is the Way to Heaven. All we have to do is place all our trust in Him since “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, ever at the Father’s side, who has revealed Him.” (Jn 1:18) Jesus has come to bring us to His Father so He can adopt us as His children. That’s good news.
We can never get enough of Jesus because we can’t get enough of love and experience enough of the peace that He gives us. Hence we need to deepen our knowledge of Jesus and grow in a personal, intimate relationship with Him. He alone can show and tell us who God truly is and what it means to be truly human. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creatures. In Him everything in Heaven and on earth was created, things visible and invisible …. In Him everything continues in being. It is He who is the Head of the Body, the Church: He who is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead, so that primacy may be His in everything. It pleased God to make absolute fullness reside in Him and, by means of Him, to reconcile everything in His person, both on earth and in the heavens, making peace through the blood of His cross.” (Col 1:15-20) Jesus is the source of our life’s joyful continuity because He alone conquered suffering and death, our two greatest obstacles to happiness. He is the only One who can reconcile us to God and to one another when we sin, through His grace of repentance and forgiveness. In Himself Jesus has united God and man, the divine and the human, Heaven and earth. This grace heals our wounded soul and brings us internal unity and peace that eliminates fear and anxiety regarding the future. Where does Jesus make this possible? In His Church’s Sacraments, of which He is her head.
May you be inflamed with the good news that Jesus is present in His Church and can make you “holy and spotless to live through love in His presence.” Then you and I can live as God’s adopted children whose purpose is to “praise the glory of His grace, His free gift to us in the Beloved.” This news is more than good enough to enter 2021 with a faith, hope, and love that will see us filled with courage and enthusiasm, promoting and supporting human life that’s always worth living as God’s precious gift to us from the moment of conception. May the Good News of Jesus shine its light on you that you may live joyfully through 2021 regardless of surprises and obstacles. (frsos)
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CHINA: Joshua Wong is a young Chinese human rights activist, recently sentenced to 13 and a half months in prison on the Orwellian charge of “incitement to knowingly take part in an unauthorized assembly” – meaning, in Chinese Newspeak, urging others to protest peacefully the tyranny now throttling Hong Kong. In his first letter from prison, the uncowed Mr. Wong wrote, “Cages cannot lock up souls.” Indeed, they cannot. But the failure to defend the caged by standing in solidarity with them can do the gravest damage to evangelization.
https://denvercatholic.org/on-cages-and-evangelization-in-china/
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From: Sean Sheehy
Subject: Advent 3 B
Advent: Time for Discernment
Discernment is defined as “judging well.” A discerning person, then, is a man or woman who is able to judge between what’s good and what’s bad for him or her, especially in the long-term. The Holy Spirit reveals that, “The man of discernment fixes his gaze on wisdom ….” (Prov 17:24) The dictionary defines wisdom as “insight.” The Holy Spirit informs us that “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov 9:10) Wisdom is the insight that comes from being in awe of God and putting our knowledge and understanding of Him into action in our life’s decisions. As Christians, discernment means acting on the insight into life that Jesus provides. Bad judgments follow from ignoring Jesus’ teaching.
Advent is a time to discern how we’re preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first and second coming. It is a time to re-examine whose wisdom we rely upon to make our daily and long-term judgments. It’s time to listen to John the Baptizer calling us to, “make straight the way of the Lord.” (Jn 1:23) When people thought John was the promised Messiah, he replied, “I baptize you with water, but there is One among you whom you do not recognize, the One who is coming after me, whose sandal-strap I am not worthy to untie.” (Jn 1:26-27) Later John identified Jesus to the people: “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn 1:29) Is John including you and me when he said, “there is One among you whom you do not recognize”? Is Christmas a celebration of Jesus’ birth or a celebration of worldly appetites? Do we personally recognize Jesus, present in His Church today? Have we discerned His Real Presence in the Holy Mass and encountered Him in His Church’s Sacraments? Do we look to Him for insight in living our daily life?
Why did Jesus come? God foretold that the Messiah would have the Spirit of the Lord upon Him to “bring glad tidings to the people, heal the broken-hearted, bring liberty to captives, release to the prisoners, and a day of vindication.” (Is 61:1-2, 10-1) He would be the cause of rejoicing for His people. How? Because Jesus came to call sinners and free them from slavery to sin and Satan’s grip on their soul. Therefore we must first discern that Jesus came to save us from our sin, which requires us to admit that we’re sinners and can’t save ourselves. The wisdom of God enables us to discern our need for Jesus’ help to overcome our tendency to sin actively or passively. God’s wisdom reminds us that, “If we say, ‘We are free of the guilt of sin,’ we deceive ourselves: the truth is not to be found in us.” (1 Jn 1:8)
Secondly, Jesus came to show us God’s love. How? By sacrificing Himself on our behalf. “No greater love does anyone have that to lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15:13) Jesus not only said this but He actually did it in His crucifixion. He did this for you and me despite our unworthiness. Discerning that Jesus came to save us shows us God’s unconditional love, which should surely evoke a spirit of joyous gratitude. Then, with the Mary, Virgin Mother of Jesus, and the first Christian, we can shout from our heart: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has looked upon His lowly servant. From this day all generation will call me blessed.” (Lk 1:46-48) Does your spirit rejoice in God your Saviour?
Thirdly, Jesus came to show us how to be fully human. He showed us God’s love by giving us the grace of repentance and forgiveness for our sins through His Church’s Sacraments. The way of sin isn’t the way to be a real man or woman. The way to true masculinity or femininity is the way of love demonstrated by Jesus during His public ministry, by forming His Apostles and dignifying those in need. In the Beatitudes Jesus taught that practising humility, grief over sin, holiness, peacefulness, fidelity, bearing suffering patiently, causes God to bless our life and perfect our humanity.
Finally, Jesus came to adopt us as His brothers and sisters, making us heirs to His Kingdom. Jesus emphasized the importance of community when He founded His Church on Peter, aided and abetted by the other Apostles. He made His Church His body on earth of which He Himself is the Head. The characteristics of His Church are that she would be One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. He made Baptism by water and the Holy Spirit the Sacrament of initiation into His Church that united all His adopted brothers and sisters because, “There is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.” (Eph 4:5-6) When we discern that Jesus adopted us in Baptism we realize we belong the one family of God. As that family the Holy Spirit urges us to “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus … May the God of peace make you perfectly holy, and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will help you accomplish it.” (1 Thess 5:16-24)
Now is the time to discern that Jesus has come to save us from sin, show us God’s love, teach us how to live, and adopt us as His brothers and sisters. He will help us accomplish this. (frsos)
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2020;
NOT A PRAYER IN SIGHT!
Am I the only one who was disappointed that the ‘Bloody Sunday’ tribute from Croke Park on Saturday 21st November, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of those who were killed – not one prayer was said! I found that sad! Even an “Eternal rest grant onto them” could have been uttered by a lay person, if the power that be, were uncomfortable with having a clergy man present.
REMEMBRANCE MASS: Our remembrance Mass was deeply appreciated by so many but especially by those living outside the Parish who were able to connect with us in prayer last Monday evening. Sincere thanks to all who helped in making the celebration special.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Solemnity of Christ the King
Open Letter to POTUS
Mr. President,
Allow me to address you at this hour in which the fate of the whole world is being threatened by a global conspiracy against God and humanity. I write to you as an Archbishop, as a Successor of the Apostles, as the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America. I am writing to you in the midst of the silence of both civil and religious authorities. May you accept these words of mine as the “voice of one crying out in the desert” (Jn 1:23).
As I said when I wrote my letter to you in June, this historical moment sees the forces of Evil aligned in a battle without quarter against the forces of Good; forces of Evil that appear powerful and organized as they oppose the children of Light, who are disoriented and disorganized, abandoned by their temporal and spiritual leaders.
Daily we sense the attacks multiplying of those who want to destroy the very basis of society: the natural family, respect for human life, love of country, freedom of education and business. We see heads of nations and religious leaders pandering to this suicide of Western culture and its Christian soul, while the fundamental rights of citizens and believers are denied in the name of a health emergency that is revealing itself more and more fully as instrumental to the establishment of an inhuman faceless tyranny
A global plan called the Great Reset is underway. Its architect is a global élite that wants to subdue all of humanity, imposing coercive measures with which to drastically limit individual freedoms and those of entire populations. In several nations this plan has already been approved and financed; in others it is still in an early stage. Behind the world leaders who are the accomplices and executors of this infernal project, there are unscrupulous characters who finance the World Economic Forum and Event 201, promoting their agenda.
The purpose of the Great Reset is the imposition of a health dictatorship aiming at the imposition of liberticidal measures, hidden behind tempting promises of ensuring a universal income and cancelling individual debt. The price of these concessions from the International Monetary Fund will be the renunciation of private property and adherence to a program of vaccination against Covid-19 and Covid-21 promoted by Bill Gates with the collaboration of the main pharmaceutical groups. Beyond the enormous economic interests that motivate the promoters of the Great Reset, the imposition of the vaccination will be accompanied by the requirement of a health passport and a digital ID, with the consequent contact tracing of the population of the entire world. Those who do not accept these measures will be confined in detention camps or placed under house arrest, and all their assets will be confiscated.
Mr. President, I imagine that you are already aware that in some countries the Great Reset will be activated between the end of this year and the first trimester of 2021. For this purpose, further lockdowns are planned, which will be officially justified by a supposed second and third wave of the pandemic. You are well aware of the means that have been deployed to sow panic and legitimize draconian limitations on individual liberties, artfully provoking a world-wide economic crisis. In the intentions of its architects, this crisis will serve to make the recourse of nations to the Great Reset irreversible, thereby giving the final blow to a world whose existence and very memory they want to completely cancel. But this world, Mr. President, includes people, affections, institutions, faith, culture, traditions, and ideals: people and values that do not act like automatons, who do not obey like machines, because they are endowed with a soul and a heart, because they are tied together by a spiritual bond that draws its strength from above, from that God that our adversaries want to challenge, just as Lucifer did at the beginning of time with his “non serviam.”
Many people – as we well know – are annoyed by this reference to the clash between Good and Evil and the use of “apocalyptic” overtones, which according to them exasperates spirits and sharpens divisions. It is not surprising that the enemy is angered at being discovered just when he believes he has reached the citadel he seeks to conquer undisturbed. What is surprising, however, is that there is no one to sound the alarm. The reaction of the deep state to those who denounce its plan is broken and incoherent, but understandable. Just when the complicity of the mainstream media had succeeded in making the transition to the New World Order almost painless and unnoticed, all sorts of deceptions, scandals and crimes are coming to light.
Until a few months ago, it was easy to smear as “conspiracy theorists” those who denounced these terrible plans, which we now see being carried out down to the smallest detail. No one, up until last February, would ever have thought that, in all of our cities, citizens would be arrested simply for wanting to walk down the street, to breathe, to want to keep their business open, to want to go to church on Sunday. Yet now it is happening all over the world, even in picture-postcard Italy that many Americans consider to be a small enchanted country, with its ancient monuments, its churches, its charming cities, its characteristic villages. And while the politicians are barricaded inside their palaces promulgating decrees like Persian satraps, businesses are failing, shops are closing, and people are prevented from living, traveling, working, and praying. The disastrous psychological consequences of this operation are already being seen, beginning with the suicides of desperate entrepreneurs and of our children, segregated from friends and classmates, told to follow their classes while sitting at home alone in front of a computer.
In Sacred Scripture, Saint Paul speaks to us of “the one who opposes” the manifestation of the mystery of iniquity, the kathèkon (2 Thess 2:6-7). In the religious sphere, this obstacle to evil is the Church, and in particular the papacy; in the political sphere, it is those who impede the establishment of the New World Order.
As is now clear, the one who occupies the Chair of Peter has betrayed his role from the very beginning in order to defend and promote the globalist ideology, supporting the agenda of the deep church, who chose him from its ranks.
Mr. President, you have clearly stated that you want to defend the nation – One Nation under God, fundamental liberties, and non-negotiable values that are denied and fought against today. It is you, dear President, who are “the one who opposes” the deep state, the final assault of the children of darkness.
For this reason, it is necessary that all people of good will be persuaded of the epochal importance of the imminent election: not so much for the sake of this or that political program, but because of the general inspiration of your action that best embodies – in this particular historical context – that world, our world, which they want to cancel by means of the lockdown. Your adversary is also our adversary: it is the Enemy of the human race, He who is “a murderer from the beginning” (Jn 8:44).
Around you are gathered with faith and courage those who consider you the final garrison against the world dictatorship. The alternative is to vote for a person who is manipulated by the deep state, gravely compromised by scandals and corruption, who will do to the United States what Jorge Mario Bergoglio is doing to the Church, Prime Minister Conte to Italy, President Macron to France, Prime Minster Sanchez to Spain, and so on. The blackmailable nature of Joe Biden – just like that of the prelates of the Vatican’s “magic circle” – will expose him to be used unscrupulously, allowing illegitimate powers to interfere in both domestic politics as well as international balances. It is obvious that those who manipulate him already have someone worse than him ready, with whom they will replace him as soon as the opportunity arises.
And yet, in the midst of this bleak picture, this apparently unstoppable advance of the “Invisible Enemy,” an element of hope emerges. The adversary does not know how to love, and it does not understand that it is not enough to assure a universal income or to cancel mortgages in order to subjugate the masses and convince them to be branded like cattle. This people, which for too long has endured the abuses of a hateful and tyrannical power, is rediscovering that it has a soul; it is understanding that it is not willing to exchange its freedom for the homogenization and cancellation of its identity; it is beginning to understand the value of familial and social ties, of the bonds of faith and culture that unite honest people. This Great Reset is destined to fail because those who planned it do not understand that there are still people ready to take to the streets to defend their rights, to protect their loved ones, to give a future to their children and grandchildren. The leveling inhumanity of the globalist project will shatter miserably in the face of the firm and courageous opposition of the children of Light. The enemy has Satan on its side, He who only knows how to hate. But on our side, we have the Lord Almighty, the God of armies arrayed for battle, and the Most Holy Virgin, who will crush the head of the ancient Serpent. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).
Mr. President, you are well aware that, in this crucial hour, the United States of America is considered the defending wall against which the war declared by the advocates of globalism has been unleashed. Place your trust in the Lord, strengthened by the words of the Apostle Paul: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). To be an instrument of Divine Providence is a great responsibility, for which you will certainly receive all the graces of state that you need, since they are being fervently implored for you by the many people who support you with their prayers.
With this heavenly hope and the assurance of my prayer for you, for the First Lady, and for your collaborators, with all my heart I send you my blessing.
God bless the United States of America!
+ Carlo Maria Viganò
Tit. Archbishop of Ulpiana
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Mount Ascutney rises 3,000 feet above the town of West Windsor, Vermont. For generations, the ski resort at its base was the community’s center of gravity—until warming winters and a vanishing snowpack drove the resort out of business in 2010. Without a steady stream of visitors, property values dipped, local businesses faltered, and longtime West Windsor residents feared their town’s identity as a hub for outdoor recreation could fade away.
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The new coronavirus has swiftly become a daunting global challenge. But at World Vision — a ministry born of crisis and shaped by many humanitarian emergencies since — we remain hopeful. We’ve witnessed God’s guiding hand throughout our history.
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Are you struggling with anxiety during these difficult times? Max Lucado offers five steps to interrupt that downward spiral and offer your anxiety about the coronavirus up to God. Nothing is too big for Him!
https://www.worldvision.org/blog/anxiety-coronavirus-interrupt-downward-spiral?campaign=400046109&utm_source=AC&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=02Sep20OL&utm_content=cultivation&acuid=d8d865edc87ac7ef1f8bec2bfcded1fdee5b231d88596efd1cd254d942700d44
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Body of Carlo Acutis On Display for Veneration Ahead of Beatification
Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was known for his computer-programming skills, and love of the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
On 8 August we heard that the first atomic bomb had been dropped on Japan. Reports abounded for a week about a possible surrender. Then on 15 August 1945 the war ended.
We received the news with quiet disbelief coupled with an indescribable sense of relief. We thought the Japanese would never surrender. Many refused to believe it. Sitting in stunned silence, we remembered our dead. So many dead. So many maimed. So many bright futures consigned to the ashes of the past. So many dreams lost in the madness that had engulfed us. Except for a few widely scattered shouts of joy, the survivors of the abyss sat hollow-eyed and silent, trying to comprehend a world without war.
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/on-the-70th-anniversary-of-vj-day-eugene-b-sledge-puts-your-first-world-problems-into-perspective/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheArtOfManliness+%28The+Art+of+Manliness%29&mc_cid=1fff711d5d&mc_eid=8bc7642aac
Memory of the 41 people drowned in the ferry disaster at Cammoge Point on 12 December 1849 after they were refused admission to Kilrush Workhouse. This walk will re-enact the return journey taken by the people of West Clare who were refused to Kilrush Workhouse.
Last month, 19.4 million records in nine collections were added to MyHeritage. The new U.S. collections include passenger lists from California and Washington (Seattle), an index of Navy and Marine awards, and a New York City marriages collection. We have also added an update to the New York City Death collection. The new collections from Spain include a baptism index, a marriage index, and a death index, all from Navarre, Spain. The final collection is an index of leading chess players from all around the world. This update brings the total number of historical records on MyHeritage to 12,502,231,975.
Today is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Fr. Michael-Joseph of Saint Thérèse, OCD shares the history, spirituality, and the practice of being enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in both English and Spanish.
THOUGHT: If there is one lesson the children of light could take from the children of this world, it is to use our intelligence to choose the best means of attaining our eternal salvation; to be just as prudent in saving our souls as the children of this world are in their pursuit of earthly and temporal goals.
The consequences of what we’re yoked to are radically different. St. Paul highlighted the difference when he wrote, “If you live according to the flesh (yoked to Satan), you are doomed to die; but if by the Holy Spirit (yoked to Jesus) you put an end to the misdeeds of the body you will live.” Rom 8:13) Whether we live or die depends on whose yoke we take upon our shoulders. The choice is ours. It makes sense to make an informed choice so that we can know whether we’re yoked to eternal death or to eternal life. (frsos)
Dear God, I ask your blessing upon all who enter my life today. May
they feel Your love as they interact with me, hear Your love when I
speak and leave my presence knowing they have been touched by
Your love. Guide me to see, feel and love the way You do. Not only
with those who are pleasant and good but with those who are angry
and have lost their way. Remind me that everyone I encounter today
is made beautifully and lovingly by You. Amen.
LAST WORD: A person who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which they must pass for every person needs to be forgiven
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MORNING BLESSING
This morning I pause and bless my day. Today is a gift of opportunity for me to reach my highest potential. I honour this opportunity with love and gratitude. I forgive myself and others for past mistakes and begin today anew. Today I fill my heart with love and embark on a wonderful new experience.
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Live this day and the next appreciating the little things. It is the best way to make every day a perfect day.
Our life is often full of supposes - suppose this should happen, or suppose that should happen; what could we do; how could we bear it? Modern therapies suggest that many problems lie in resentments about the past, or fear for the future, but that we ought to focus on how we are right now. Because, 99 times out of 100, how we are right now – in this moment, whenever it may be – is fine!
Some people grin and bear it – others smile and change it!!
Data compiled by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that, of the 23,879 cases reported as of midnight on Thursday, 14 May 2020.
7,530 cases are associated with healthcare workers.
News – 23/04/2020
by Domhnall De Barra under News
Despite all the doom and gloom I had a very pleasant experience this morning. I heard the Cuckoo for the first time this year. It happens every year but, for some reason, this year it was extra special. It was like weloming an old friend back home and a sign that the hard weather is surely over for a while.
The news is scarce again this week but we have contributions to Kathleen’s Corner, Knockdown News, By Carrig Side, Abbeyfeale Notes and, even though there isn’t any sport, there is an old photograph in the Sport section worth looking at.
If you know somebody who might not know that we are online, especially somebody who habitually bought the hard copy, pleas let them know how to contact this site and if you have any photos, news items, stories, poems etc., please send them on to me at domhnall.barry@gmail.com
The current situation has made us look at the world in quite a different way. Material wealth is not as important as it once was and merely staying in good health is an achievement in itself. Over the past few decades people have become much more private than they used to be. Time was when front doors were always open and neighbours rambled in at all times, night and day. It was an important activity in the social life of the community as visitors brought news with them before the advent of digital media. Talking to each other is important for our mental well being. As the years go by, with all the changes, the opportunities for “gossiping” are becoming fewer and fewer. Going to the creamery was the first opportunity of the day to meet the neighbours and find out what was happening locally. There was plenty of time, while they cued up to tip the milk tanks into the vat, to gather in clusters and “chew the fat”. The small shops were also great sources of news. Again, there was no hurry as everything had to be weighed and packaged behind a counter, no such thing as picking up your own items in those days, and everyone chatted away. The Post Office was another meeting point, especially on “dole day” or on Friday when the pensions were paid out. Fairs, markets, race meetings and other sporting occasions also served their purpose. One of the most important establishments in the rural village was the pub. Before the advent of the dancing lounge in the 1970s, a venture that put an end to the ballroom era and the showbands, pubs were small and intimate. There was no such thing as private conversations, everyone in the premises was involved. It was mainly men as women were never seen in the public bar. If they frequented the premises at all they were secluded in the snug which was a small, cordoned off area just inside the front with a hatch that opened onto the bar. I remember a man called Con Broderick (Con Pete) who used to come rambling to our house long ago. He arrived one night with startling news; ‘Tis all over Mr. Barry”, he announced, “I saw two women in a pub in Newcastle today drinking two pints of porter – TWO PINTS!!”. Times certainly have changed. The men in the pub long ago discussed every topic under the sun and there was a good share of banter. As a man once said “they would insult each other, half codding and half in earnest”. There were a few characters with ready wit who could keep the assembly amused all night and of course the odd lie was thrown in to confuse matters. As the night went on some would become more vocal and it often led to an argument but generally it was all good humour. Although there were the few who were addicted to the drink, most of the men went there for the company and were satisfied with their couple of pints and went home feeling better than when they came in. Some of these were living alone with little social interaction from one end of the week to the next so the visit to the pub was a vital lifeline for their sanity. Athea had its fair share of pubs and characters to fill them. Who could ever forget Connie Cahill, one of the wittiest men I ever heard. Without thinking he could come up with a quip that would have everyone in stitches. There were many more including the Painter Liston, The Bold Murphy and his brother Liamy, Denny the Smith, John Joe “the Reliable” O’Connor, Tony Connors, Mickey Marshal McMahon, Seano Histon and Denny Kelly who had remarkable talent for story telling and general roguery. They were gifted people and, alas, we will never see their likes again. As years went by change came in all too quickly. The characters seemed to disappear, maybe because their platform was gone with the change in the pub culture and the appeal of television to those who now got their entertainment at home. The art of conversation is not dead but it is seriously wounded and we need to take advantage of the present situation to reach out to friends and neighbours, even if it is only on the phone. We need contact with each other as much as we need nourishment for our bodies so, when you get an opportunity, call an old friend, or indeed a new one.
The following is an important message from West Limerick Resources Ltd
Department of Rural and Community Development COVID-19 Emergency Fund
The COVID-19 Emergency Fund is a grant programme to provide funding to groups that are directly involved in the Community Call response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.
It is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Authority (LA) in each area. The Department provides funding to each LA area and the LAs then administer this funding locally to ensure funding is targeted appropriately.
The grants are for expenditure of both a capital and a current nature related to the COVID19 response work. It is intended that the majority of the funding that is allocated to each LA area will be ring fenced for grants of €1,000 or less.
Applications can be made (by groups directly involved in the Community Call response) to Limerick City and County Council by Close of Business on Thursday 30th April 2020.
For Application Forms and Guidelines please email Covid19EF@limerick.ie or alternatively phone 061- 557117, 061-556654 or 061-557365.
HELPLINES: Men suffering domestic abuse operates 36 hours a week on 1800816588. Men’s Aid (Amen) 01 5543811 Monday – Friday 9-5pm. 24 hour helplines for women suffering domestic abuse 1800 341900 or Adapt 1800 200504. Limerick Social Services: 061-314111. AA 061/311222 Al-Anon 086/8143425. Parent Support worker 068/31019. Accord NCW 069/61000. Samaritans Freephone 116123 or text 087/2609090 or email jo@samaritan.ie Aware (Depression & Anxiety) 1980 303 302 National Suicide Helpline (Pieta House) 1800 247 247 Irish Advocacy Network (Peer advocacy in mental health) 01 872 8684 Pieta House (Suicide & self-harm) 01 623 5606 IACP (Counselling & Psychotherapy) 01 230 3536 Shine: (Supporting people affected by mental ill health) 01 860 1620 061 – 412111 or Free phone 1850609090 A.A. 061-311222. Al-Anon 086-8143425 Bereavement Support: 068 / 31203 068/ 31262 068/51984 St Vincent De Paul Tel 087/1213560 . Counselling Appointment 061/314213. ALONE; has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024
Outside of Wuhan Central Hospital, where coronavirus whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang died, is a statue of Italian missionary, Msgr. Eustachius Zanoli, photographed by New York Times correspondent, Chris Buckley.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/chinas-first-saint-was-martyred-on-a-cross-in-wuhan-82107
It should be noted that JPII, after having condemned Liberation Theology, lambasted some of the more extreme versions of capitalism in the later years of his papacy and once the Iron Curtain had been crushed. He also saw in capitalism what he aptly called “viruses” like materialism and atheism.
It was the 19th century German philosopher Karl Marx who viewed religion as the “opium of the people.” Those who live in democratic states like the U.S. are experiencing all the challenges that comes with living in a communist-run dictatorship. There are empty shelves in grocery stores, houses of worship that are shuttered, an economy in shambles, medical care that may not be there and an overall fear of going out and interacting with others.
JERUSALEM —Leaders from almost 50 countries condemned anti-Semitism old and new here Thursday, using the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp to mount a united stand against the resurgence of anti-Jewish sentiment around the world.
REFLECTION
Baptism was not over and done with
the day we were taken to the font.
We are baptised by all that happens to us in life.
We are baptised by hardship : in its turbulent waters
we are purified of all that is false and useless.
We are baptised by suffering : in its murky waters
we grow in humility and compassion.
We are baptised by joy : in its gurgling waters
we experience the goodness of life.
We are baptised by love : in its singing waters
we blossom like flowers in the sun.
Baptism is like the planting of a seed.
It will take a lifetime for this seed to grow and ripen.
BLESSING
May the Lord confirm your hearts in holiness and keep you blameless
in his sight.
May the Lord keep you steadfast in faith and courageous in witnessing
to the Gospel.
May the Lord who has called us to eternal glory in Christ strengthen
and support you with his grace.
Would more sleep have made a difference to her illness? I’ll never know and it doesn’t matter now. But as for me, I’m making sure I get all the sleep I need as many nights as I possibly can. So should you. Take it from me and my mom.
(Sources : inc.com)
Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions’ Story
Nicholas and his three companions are among the 158 Franciscans who have been martyred in the Holy Land since the friars became custodians of the shrines in 1335.
The witness of deep contagious happiness flowing from awareness of God’s presence and love — stoked by Mass, prayer, confession and charity — is the best means to attract people to that same Source.
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/prayers-for-the-fallen-away-do-work-miracles
The Church has given us the gift of the saints to show that God does great things in people’s lives. The saints, after all, were ordinary people, too. They needed to call on the Lord for help.
By actively praising God and giving thanks, our hearts will find the resting place that we so desire. Saint Teresa of Avila said this:
“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you.
All things are passing away:
God never changes.”
Reflection:
Mission Sunday is a day for us to reflect on the contribution we, as Irish people, have made to this mission in the past and how we live it today. Mission was understood as going abroad, to countries where the Church was not yet strong or to places where people suffered from poverty or conflict. This is indeed still necessary and valid today and we pray people will continue to give their lives to mission in this way.
Mission was also seen as the task primarily of priests and religious, with some few lay missionaries, and their work was very much supported by the generosity of the Irish people. Pope Francis today is encouraging all the baptised to more actively assume their responsibility as ‘missionary disciples’. Many Catholics in Ireland, especially among our youth, see little relevance of the faith in their lives. Hence, a challenge for all of us as Catholics is to take the time to seriously reflect on our faith experience, seek to become more knowledgeable about the Scriptures and some of the teachings of the Church, ask ourselves questions about it and seek to articulate it meaningfully to ourselves and others, and then base our action on our experience of the faith. Mission is essentially faith in action, and to this we as baptised are all called to be committed.
There are many ways in which people live mission today, both in Ireland and overseas. These include being involved in action to prevent trafficking, various kinds of social and community work with the poor and marginalised, reaching out to refugees and migrants and action to care for the earth. Some of those people who are engaged in these activities may not profess a formal Christian faith, but it is evident that their activities are inspired by Gospel values and they are promoting the reign of God.
By Hannah Brockhaus
Naples, Italy, Sep 19, 2019 / 10:06 am (CNA).- The miracle of the liquefiction of the blood of early Church martyr St. Januarius took place Thursday in Naples.
The blood was shown to have liquefied shortly after 10 a.m. during Mass in the Naples’ Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary.
The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Archbishop of Naples, who in his homily, strongly criticized the violent crime of Neapolitan streets.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/blood-of-st-januarius-liquefies-on-feast-day-32604
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away. I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
father, we adore you
Father, we adore you,
Lay our lives before you. How we love you.
Jesus, we adore you .....
Spirit, we adore you .....
how great thou art
O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great thou art, how great thou art. Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee, How great thou art, how great thou art.
give me joy
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Give me joy in my heart I pray. Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, Keep me praising till the end of day.
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to the King of Kings!
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna to the King!
Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting, Give me peace in my heart I pray. Give me peace in my heart, keep me resting, Keep me resting till the end of day.
my god accept my heart
My God, accept my heart this day,
And make it wholly thine,
That I from thee no more may stray, No more from thee decline.
Anoint me with thy heavenly grace,
And seal me for thy own;
That I may see thy glorious face, And worship at thy throne.
i, the lord of sea and sky
I the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. all who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save. I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
A Man's Life, Sunday Firesides
Brett • July 20, 2019
Sunday Firesides: How Not to Be Disappointed With Your Friends
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Dan Hickey.
Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it. —Einstein
In May of 2011, while scanning the Long Island Sound on the top deck of the Port Jefferson ferry, I had an epiphany. At 25 years of age I had lived roughly one-third of my life and it struck me that the hazy image of the man I aspired to be in the future might not come to fruition merely with the passage of time. The man I envisioned myself being at 50 years old would be the product of what I focused on building into myself in the intervening 25 years. It was at that moment that I first decided to get serious about the man I was becoming instead of drifting in the current with only a muddled picture of what it meant to be a good man.
The first step was to think about what kind of man I wanted to be at 50. The list grew to ten attributes around which to focus my intentional growth in the hopes of embodying those things in the future:
A Devoted Man of God
A Steadfast Husband
A Loving Father
A Family Builder
A Loyal Friend
A Community Builder
A Leader and Mentor
A Healthy Man
A Lifelong Learner
A Virtuous Man
Thought
“It’s good to get away from chaos and from din,
To seek in solitude and peace the beauty that’s within,
To go into a quiet wood and breathe it’s loveliness,
To contemplate in silence those things which calm and bless”
101 Places to Pray Before You Die: A Roamin' Catholic's Guide Kindle Edition
by Thomas J. Craughwell
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: PAYING A VISIT TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
A Countess who became a Poor Clare Nun was asked to explain Her long and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament in the church. She replied “Oh I could stay there for ever – – What do I do? Well –
What does a beggar do when he sees a rich person? What does a sick man do when he goes to see a doctor?
What does a thirsty man do at a cooling spring? What does a starving man do at a table full of good food?”
Whenever you get a chance – Do drop into a chapel to visit the Lord
Take Holy Water reverently on your fingers and Bless yourself.
Walk towards the Tabernacle, genuflect and kneel.
Speak to the Lord in your own way – for example Jesus this is Jimmy …………
Since 2017, Priests for Life has worked with Heartbeat International and Good Counsel to urge pastors – of all denominations – to place information permanently in their church bulletins and on their websites on alternatives to abortion and healing after abortion. It’s easy, it’s free and it will take just minutes to accomplish. And lives will be saved.
For example, one very comprehensive resource is Heartbeat’s OptionLine.org
God Is Good & So Are YOU!
Jan 29, 2019
I felt this was a fitting picture. Fr. George’s Wake and Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas.
I have had the pleasure for the last 8 years to bring to you the life and wisdom of one of the greatest men I have ever known. Through his writings we all came to know him just a little bit better, and in that process, our lives – if we followed his simple suggestions – became better too! The old saying, “they broke the mold when they made. . . ” amply applies to George Patrick McKenna.
8 years ago, Uncle George wanted to put out a 5th book, and when he got an idea in his mind, believe me, it was hard to change it. His nieces (one is my beautiful wife), would visit him every Saturday and Sunday, and weekly they would hear about his plans. Understandably, we had doubts. He was 92 years old, and at the time was going through some health issues. Would a book make sense at this late time in his life? My daughter suggested a blog as a means for him to reach even more people than a little paper back would, and the cost would be nothing but the time spent typing out the page. In a short time, Uncle George agreed to give this new technology a try and his little Blog – which has now reached 147 countries and has been viewed more than 53,000 times, was born.
Each week became routine. The blog for the week would be created from his treasure trove of writings, he would review the finished project, it would be published, and then his nieces would read to him each and every comment that was sent in. It not only brightened his day, but it gave him the hope and will to keep moving, keep living, and keep looking forward to tomorrow. I can confidently say that YOU, each and every one of YOU who sent in your thoughts, your love, and your gratitude – kept this humble servant of God, not only living, but thriving up to the end.
Through these 8 years, I have marveled at the love, admiration and gratitude of the comments that you have all written about Fr. McKenna. As his family, we knew he was special, but that took on new meaning when you all confirmed what we already knew.
I continue to be amazed at the memories you have shared. These stories were sparks of hope and life for Fr. McKenna. You might not realize this, but this little blog and YOUR response, YOUR acceptance, YOUR love and most importantly, YOUR COMMENTS kept him going these last 8 years. We all need to be loved and appreciated. Without this beautiful gift, our lives would be lonely, despondent and bleak. Uncle George’s existence was supported and nurtured by the outpouring of love you showed each and every week through your comments.
This Thursday and Friday we will be saying our earthly good byes to our Uncle, Friend, Priest, Confessor, Teacher and Spiritual Guide. Thank you, to each of you for giving us these extra 8 years to live and love this remarkable man. You made a difference in his life, more than you know.
Joe Tucker
https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/25783819/posts/2733
A Lenten Morning Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you lived and died for me.
Help me to keep that thought before me today so that whatever life brings, whether it be success or failure, satisfaction or disappointment, happiness or sorrow, I may offer it to you.
Through me, may everyone I meet this day see You Lord, see Your presence and experience Your love. Lord I offer You today.
May I serve You by serving others in Your name making all that I do a gift of love and thanksgiving for all You have done for me. Amen
MY PRAYER
Bless me heavenly Father,
forgive my erring ways.
Grant me the strength to serve Thee,
put purpose in my days.
Give me understanding,
enough to make me kind.
So I may judge all people,
with my heart and not my mind.
Teach me to be patient,
in everything I do.
Content to trust your wisdom,
and to follow after You.
Help me when I falter,
and hear me when I pray.
And receive me in Thy kingdom,
to dwell with Thee someday.
The health benefits of fasting from food have gotten a lot of attention in the last several years. What’s often forgotten in these discussions, however, is that fasting has been practiced for thousands of years not only for the sake of the body, but for the spirit as well.
Cures:-
Doctors + Cures:- Doctor Stoney was the local doctor about fifty years ago. He never listened to the people's complaints. He was considered a very fussy man + people often laughed about the way he treated patients who went to him. He would say when the people went to him "ome in, come on, put out your tongue here's a bottle, take it." This was said to everyone + was said all in one breath.
Before him, was Doctor Watson: He was a good man + looked after his people well.
But the very old people never cared for doctors. They preferred to pray.
https://www.duchas.ie/en/src?q=cures
Catholic News Article
Catholic education should be celebrated – Kate Liffey
The year before last, my now-96-year-old father, Robert McQuillan, decided to take a little trip down memory lane.
He made contact with his old secondary school, the former Christian Brothers’ secondary in Dundalk.
He received a warm welcome from the current principal of Coláiste Rís, Padraig Hamill.
The old roll books were taken down from a dusty shelf somewhere and my dad’s name and the names of his fellow students were mulled over; memories flooding back for my father and the story of the school’s pivotal role in the education of the youth of Dundalk since 1869 unfolding once again as the two men talked together.
Listening to my dad reminisce about his education, I imagine his story as a fairly common one for his generation and the generations after his.
He was born in 1923, the third son of seven children. His father was a master blacksmith who worked on the Great Northern Railway but it was primarily from his mother that the wish for a good education came.
He started primary school in 1928 with the Sisters of Mercy and then moved in 1929 and went to the Christian Brothers’ primary, in the 60th year of the school’s founding.
His first teacher was a Belfast man, Johnny Barnes. My father remembers him fondly as a great soccer player – something with which the Brothers at the time were not too enamoured.
Robert McQuillan still remembers the names, and personalities, of most of the teachers, the laymen and the Brothers, who taught him.
He remembers the exact fee for the education he received – 30 shillings a term, with the third boy and following boys free.
My father tells me very matter-of-factly that without the Christian Brothers and other Religious Orders like them in the town, there would have been no education at all for boys like him.
He doesn’t ‘sugar coat’ it either, acknowledging the complexity of the history of the Brothers in Ireland.
But for my dad, he will always be grateful for the rich educational experience he received from them and what it empowered him to do with his life.
Four of the six boys in my father’s family – one little boy, Danny, sadly died from diphtheria as a child – went on to sit their Leaving Certificate.
His sister and two of his brothers sat the Intermediate Certificate, now the Junior Certificate. This was no mean feat in terms of academic achievement for those times.
One of my father’s happiest memories was the day the Leaving Certificate results were published.
Brother Sullivan came out to the family home and the envelope was handed over with very matter of fact words of congratulations; he had come in the top four candidates in the town.
The results were published in the Dundalk Democrat and my grandfather carried the newspaper cutting to show his friends at work. That was in 1941.
A number of years later and all of my uncles who achieved their Leaving Certificate results read at university, with one going on to gain a PhD in mathematics.
My dad graduated as a mature student with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from University College Dublin.
It is worth remembering, of course, that all of this happened in my father’s family well before the introduction of free education.
Fast forward to this year, and having helped prepare many thousands of young people for the world in which we live, my dad’s old school in Dundalk will celebrate, with a certain very justifiable pride and satisfaction, 150 years of its existence in 2019.
Across every town in Ireland, north and south, similar schools were set up by large numbers of religious men and women. They were founded to serve the needs of local communities.
In the case of the Christian Brothers, founded by Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice in the early part of the 19th century, ‘the local’ mattered a great deal.
Local needs around education were met locally. Well over 100 schools were established up and down the country, the most recent one in Bray, Co Wicklow in 1956.
The history of these schools is obviously mixed – and that of course, must be remembered – but that they sought to serve local communities, especially poorer communities, is significant.
One of Blessed Edmund Rice’s most famous sayings is: “Were we to know the merit and value of only going from one street to another to serve a neighbour for the love of God, we should prize it more than silver and gold.”
The theme of Catholic School’s Week in 2019 – which is being celebrated this week – is ‘Celebrating the Work of our Local Catholic Schools’.
For all of us who benefited from a Catholic education, it is worth reflecting that when we talk about the characteristic spirit or ethos of our local Catholic schools, we are not just talking about the faith context of the school, although that is important; rather, we are also referring to the school’s history, and geographical and social context.
All of this will hopefully make for a rich, honest and very real celebration of all that has been achieved in Catholic education in local communities and in the lives of thousands – even hundreds of thousands – of young people.
Among that number my dad, Robert McQuillan, is very happy to count himself.
Kate Liffey is the National Director for Catechetics and co-ordinator of the National Faith Development Team Council for Catechetics of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
This article appears in the Faith Matters column of The Irish News newspaper of 31 January 2019 to coincide with the celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2019.
This content is provided by www.catholicnews.ie, the news source for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. All queries relating to the article should be directed to bdrumm@catholicbishops.ie.
The letter said the council had “read about statements which expressed the fear that the Knights of Columbus held many extreme beliefs. It is our great pleasure to assure you that this fear is not grounded in any truth. The Knights of Columbus in general, and O’Boyle Council in particular are dedicated to the three fundamental principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.”
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/dc-knights-of-columbus-respond-to-senators-criticism-41354
Prayer for the Poor
God of Justice,
open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.
SHEEHY
Sean Sheehy
Wed, Sep 19, 12:43 PM (10 days ago)
to me
Where War or Peace Originate
Mahatma Gandhi noted that “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” He also said that “You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” A Christmas Song urges us: “Let there be peace on earth/and let it begin with me./Let there be peace on earth/the peace that was meant to be./With God as our Father/ Brothers all are we./Let me walk with my brother/ in perfect harmony.” God creates us to be the stewards of the earth and our stewardship is either wise or unwise, good, bad, or ugly. My mother used to say that there’s nothing wrong with the world except the people in it. The world doesn’t change us; rather we change the world by how we change our self in our thoughts, words and actions. By changing myself I change my world. Gandhi noted that, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world – that is the myth of the atomic age – as in being able to remake ourselves.” Only Jesus can help us remake our self.
It’s in remaking our self that we come face to face with who and what we are. We’re created by God in His image and likeness in our soul. But our human nature has been tainted by Original Sin and so we suffer from a fallen nature that’s prone to selfishness, sin and divisiveness. We can’t save our self from sin. Since only God can lift up our fallen nature He alone can save us from our sinful tendencies. He does this in the Person of Jesus Christ. He’s our Saviour. He carries out God’s Old Testament promise: “I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees.” (Ezek 36:26-27) God put that new spirit in us the day we were Baptized and renewed it in Confirmation. That day God remade us by freeing us from Satan’s grip through adopting us as His children. However, despite God placing His Spirit within us, we still have to choose to unite our spirit to His. God never forces us to observe His decrees. He respects our free will. The choice is ours – choose peace or war, good or evil.
It’s not what’s outside of us that changes us but what’s inside. “It is not what goes into a man’s mouth that makes him impure; it is what comes out of his mouth … what comes out of the mouth originates in the heart and it is these that make him impure.” (Mt 15:11, 18) What originates in the heart begins in the mind. So what we fill our mind with takes root in our heart. That’s where peace or war begins. St. James, inspired by the Holy Spirit, confronts us by asking, “Where do wars and conflicts among you originate? Is it not your inner cravings that make war within your members? What you desire, you do not obtain, and so you resort to murder. You envy and you cannot acquire, so you quarrel and fight… You ask and you do not receive because you ask wrongly with a view to squandering what you receive on your own pleasures.” (Jas 4:1-3)
The Holy Spirit revealed that, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every vile behaviour.” (Jas 3:16) This is how war starts both within us and between us. None of is immune to desires that are prideful, lustful, avaricious, covetous, wrathful, envious, slothful, and gluttonous. They are at war with the seven virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. Jealousy and selfish ambition always create conflict both internally and externally. Jesus confronted the Apostles’ conflict over which of them thought he was the most important. He sat them down and informed them that the only acceptable ambition and only way to eliminate conflict was to be a humble servant practising hospitality especially to those whom society considered to be insignificant. “If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all. Whoever welcomes a little child for my sake welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes, not me, but the One who sent me.” (Mk 11:35, 37)
To change our self and put an end to war within us and between us, we must fill our mind with God’s wisdom through meditating on the Holy Scriptures as faithfully interpreted and taught by Jesus’ One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Christian Wisdom is thinking, feeling and acting on our knowledge of Jesus Christ plus our experience of His presence in His Church plus common sense. St. James shows how that wisdom counteracts our warring passions: “Wisdom from above, by contrast, is first of all innocent. It is peaceable, kindly and considerate; it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.” (Jas 3:17) War or peace begins with you and me. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Wed, Sep 26, 12:48 PM (3 days ago)
to me
Which Spirit Guides Yours?
There are two basic spirits guiding the human spirit: the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit. God’s Spirit guides our individual spirit to Jesus. Satan, the evil spirit, leads us to godlessness, egotism, destruction, and eternal deprivation of love, joy, and happiness - hell. St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasized the importance of discerning which spirit is influencing our spirit so we can know whether we’re headed for consolation or desolation. Our spirit is always led toward either holiness or sinfulness.
The Holy Spirit is the personification of God the Father’s and God the Son’s love for each other; a Spirit of unconditional love. When we invite the Holy Spirit to join our spirit He enables us to receive the gift of unconditional love which the Father and Son share with One Another. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us of His divine love for us. It always brings consolation. The Holy Spirit transforms us into God’s image and likeness. There we experience the joy of the Lord, our soul’s fulfilment, the peace that only Jesus can give.
This Sunday Jesus’ Church reminds us that the Holy Spirit comes to those who invite Him. Joshua wanted Eldad and Medad stopped from prophesying because they weren’t present when the Spirit came upon the elders. Moses replied, “If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave His Spirit to them all.” (Num 11:25-29) Jesus encountered something similar when John reported, “Master, we saw one who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.” (Mk 9:38) Jesus responded, “You must not stop him; no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.” (Mk 9:39-40) The Holy Spirit always leads people to Jesus present in His Church where they can meet Him in the Sacraments and feel His love. Therefore, we should invite the Holy Spirit to direct our spirit every morning so we can experience God’s unconditional love throughout the day. A popular hymn, “The Spirit Is A-Movin’ All over, All over this Land”, reminds us that, “People are gatherin', the church is born,/The Spirit is a blowin' on a world reborn./ Old ones are dreaming dreams, and young men and women see the light./ Old walls are falling down, and people all over are speaking with each other./ Filled with the Spirit, we are sent to serve, we are called out together, we are called to work./ The Spirit fills us all with pow'r, to be God's witnesses to all we meet.”
Satan is the evil spirit who hates God and therefore hates love. Satan “… brought death to man from the beginning, and has never based himself on truth; the truth is not in him. Lying speech is his native tongue; he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Jn 8:44) The lies are: we can save ourselves from sin; I must put myself first; science alone has the answer to human fulfilment; Jesus’ Church isn’t necessary for salvation; death is the end of everything; sex is morally good outside marriage; everything is relative, no universal truths and norms.
Satan’s goal is to convict us of sin and therefore does everything possible to tempt us. You and I are fair game for Satan’s lies since we’re prone to egotism and selfishness. Therefore easily tempted to rely for happiness on money, popularity, possessions, and pleasure gained at the expense of others. St. James warns: “… the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts … it was you who condemned the innocent and killed them; they offered you no resistance.” He reminds those who “live a life of comfort and luxury” that it will all collapse on them the day they die. (Jas 5:1-6) Satan’s influence is evident in war, violence, abortion, euthanasia, suicide, sexual immortality, etc., all based on lies. Satan not only leads the human spirit to self-destruction under the guise of power, popularity, licence, possessions, and pleasure, but also cultures. We see this in what St. John Paul II termed “the culture of death” in our world.
Because Satan is constantly trying to lead people away from God, Jesus was very explicit in warning us to resist temptation. “But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck.” (Mk 9:41-42) He warned us get rid of our hand, foot, eye if it causes us to sin, because it’s better to enter God’s Kingdom maimed than enter hell intact. (Mk 9:45-48) This is all the more reason to make sure we’re led by the Spirit that leads us to Heaven and not the spirit that leads us to hell. “Come, Holy Spirit, guide my spirit and kindle in my heart the fire of Your Divine Love that I may be created and with Your help renew the face of the earth. O God who instructed the heart of the faithful by the power of the Holy Spirit, grant that by that same Spirit I may be truly wise and share in His consolation through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (frsos)
Lourdes: Family seek answers over World War One 'miracle' cure
The family of a World War One soldier said to be cured of paralysis after a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France look to learn more about his history.
Jack Traynor from Liverpool took the waters in 1923 and his family said he was fully cured by it.
His descendants say he came home pushing his own wheelchair.
This story was shown in full on BBC Inside Out North West on BBC One on Monday 3 September, and is available via iPlayer for 30 days afterwards. 03 Sep 2018
Resources From The Irish Bishops on the upcoming referendum can be found on www.chooselife2018.ie with a weekly online newsletter and features (available in porch). From the Irish Bishops “Our Common Humanity” “We believe that human life is sacred from conception until natural death and that Article 40.3.3 (8th Amendment) reflects the appropriate balance of rights. We ask God’s blessing and guidance on each member of our society in responding to the significant responsibility that we have to defend this right for the present generation and for the generations to come”. Let us support the dignity due to every unborn child, and support every woman, couple, and family in a crisis pregnancy.
Muintearas Iosa is 40 years old! celebrate with us!
For 40 years, Failte, Foghlaim and Guí have been at the heart of the young church (Eaglais Og) here in Limerick diocese. Muintearas Íosa is a diocesan youth group that has been providing young people with opportunities to gather for a wide variety of experiences and in a wide variety of settings since 1978. Muintearas Íosa events vary from one day events, evening events, overnight stays to an annual 10 day stay in Brú na Gráige, in Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry. Members must be over 16.
On the Saturday after Easter we celebrate Muinteareas and we welcome all who have been involved over the years, and their families. All we ask is that you let us know how many are coming (so we have some idea of numbers), that you bring some food to share, and that - if you have photos or memories you're happy to share - that you share them to the email in the poster! Thanks!
From Fr. McNamara.
HOLY WEEK FULL OF CHOICES
Heading into my third Holy Week in the Parish I am reminded that it’s a week full of choices and because of Calvary we are free to choose. Here are some choices which I have put together for this very special week. I hope you find them helpful.
I CHOOSE LOVE………….
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. This week I will love Jesus and what Jesus loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…………….
I will invite Jesus to be the God of circumstances. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, temples of God’s Holy Spirit, created by God. I will refuse to see any difficulty or problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE………….
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live. What is available to us at the Reconciliation Service in Listowel this Monday evening can help us enjoy Holy Week better.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…....
I will overlook the inconveniences of daily living. Instead of cursing, the one who takes my place I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist all I have to do, I will do them with joy and giving it my best.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS……..
I will be kind to the unkind, for such is how Jesus had treated me. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. There is loads more that could be added to these. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek God’s grace. All of us can make this week Holy.
Charlie Lamb put it this way…..”every 1st of January that we arrive at is an imaginary milestone on the turnpike track of human life, at once a resting place for thought and meditation, and a starting point for fresh exercitations in the performance of our journey”.
Choose Life. A pastoral letter from Bishop Brendan,
The Antichrist and the Temple in the Christian Mind
https://www.crisismagazine.com/2018/antichrist-temple-christian-mind
Former Manchester United footballer enjoying life as a priest
By Sean Ryan -16 July, 2017
A former Manchester United footballer turned priest has spoken
for the first time about how being a €600,000 a year footballer left
him feeling unfulfilled. Belfast-born Fr Philip Mulryne OP was recently ordained a Dominican priest. He celebrated his first Mass in Belfast on 10 July and will take up a position as chaplain at
Newbridge College in Co. Kildare in August. Speaking to RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke about his decision to become a priest, Fr Philip (39) said that while he enjoyed his 13 years as a professional footballer which saw him play for Manchester United, Norwich and Northern Ireland, he eventually fell out of love with a “footballer lifestyle”.He added: “There’s no running away from that. I obviously lived
the life of a footballer and it’s well documented. Things were given to young men very quickly.”
Speaking about the lifestyle he said, “I had a Ferrari 360 Modena. I always said to myself, if I get to the Premier League with Norwich I’ll buy one of these. This was my dream car as a child. I had it for three months, then I sold it. I got bored of it.”He continued: “At the age of 20 I had to stop and think, why is thi stuff not satisfying me? I’m bored, it’s not enough, nothing’s ever
enough.”Fr Philip explained that he hit a low point after a World Cup Qualifier to England in 2005. He was sent home for breaking a curfew and going drinking. He said, “It was a turning point, it
made me reflect more. “As a footballer you’re caught up in the whole way of life. You never stop to take stock and think, this isn’t going to last forever. What am I going to do after?’’
He took a year out of football in 2009 to return to Belfast, and later decided not to return to the game. He added, “I have to say I found it tremendously liberating and freeing. To be caught up in
that rat race of always accumulating and the pressure it brings, it was making me restless. The notion of living very simply from a faith perspective was very attractive to me
Sean Sheehy 2017 May
11:58 AM (8 hours ago)
to me
The Life-Giver
A man was asked, “What do you do for a living?” He answered, “I live for a living!” Back in the 1950s a film titled, “I Want to Live” portrayed a woman who’d made immoral choices and ended up being convicted of murder by association with a murderer. She didn’t commit the crime but was nonetheless convicted and executed. She protested her conviction all the way to her execution pleading, “I want to live!” Judging by the number of people who commit suicide it seems that not everyone wants to live. Still we possess an instinct that life is precious. So we naturally try to prevent people from harming themselves. Life is precious because it’s a gift from God. If someone gave you a gift and you threw it away it would indicate that you didn’t appreciate it or the donor. We don’t create our own life. It’s the sine qua non for everything we yearn for – love, peace, happiness, freedom, joy, etc. This is why we want to preserve and live life as fully as possible and forever. No reasonable person wants to die except in a desperate attempt to escape hopelessness. Even people who commit suicide don’t want to die; rather they want to escape a perceived bottomless pit in their life that, in their mind, has reduced life to nothing. The motivation isn’t to stop living but to stop hurting. So, in a distorted manner of thinking, by ending their life they’re trying to end what seems to be making their life hopeless. As the Life-Giver, only God can provide us with the wherewithal to live and make life worth living by giving us the help to rise from what pulls us down. Easter celebrates life that survives suffering and death and enjoy an eternal heavenly existence.
God didn’t create us to suffer and die. He created us to live for a living. But, through the abuse of free will, we separate our self from our Life-Giver and that puts us in the realm of suffering and death. Death is the result of separation from the Giver of life. It was to remedy this tragedy that God sent His Son, Jesus, the Word-made-flesh, to bring hope of life after death to the world. He revealed, “The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” (Jn 10:10) The “thief” is Satan who tricked Adam and Eve into thinking they could live without God only to have them experience death and suffering that has affected the whole human race. Sin causes suffering, whether personal, communal or institutional. But Jesus brought hope of healing and resurrection when He announced, “I have come not for the self-righteous, but to call sinners to repentance.” (Mt 9:13) Through God’s grace of repentance and the gift of forgiveness we’ve the power to overcome sin, overcome our suffering, and be resurrected from the dead.
After Jesus’ Ascension, St. Peter told his listeners when they asked what did they needed to do: “Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit … Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Acts2:38, 40) He comforted them by teaching them: “In His own body He brought your sins to the cross, so that all of us, dead to sin, could live in accord with God’s will. By His wounds you have been healed for you had gone astray like sheep but you have returned to the Shepherd and the guardian of your souls.” (1 Pt 2:24-25) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Life who enlivens our spirit and purifies our soul. If we focus only on the body we reap corruption because the body corrupts in death. But when we attend to the needs of our soul we attend to life that’s eternal because Jesus guards it.
Jesus is our Shepherd who guards our soul by cleansing it from sin in Baptism and Confession, and nourishes it with His Body and Blood in the Holy Eucharist. This is why the Psalmist reminds us, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want … He refreshes my soul.” (Ps 23:1-3) As the Shepherd and Guardian of souls, Jesus “calls His own sheep by name and leads them out … He walks ahead of them and the sheep follow Him, because they recognize His voice.” (Jn 10:3-4) He identifies Himself as the “gate to the sheepfold.” “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be safe.” (Jn 10:9) As the Gatekeeper Jesus both protects us from harm and leads us to what nourishes our life so we can have it abundantly. We hear His voice through His Church as she proclaims His Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and made visible in her Sacraments. Jesus is the Life-Giver and He alone leads us to the fullness of a life that’s joyful, peaceful, restful, loving, and eternal. If you want to have life to the full follow the Life-Giver in His Church. He alone reveals, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Jn 14:6) (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Apr 26 (7 days ago)2017
The Breaking of Bread
Anyone who reads the New Testament is familiar with what Jesus did on Thursday night as He celebrated the Passover Supper with His Apostles. During the meal, “… taking bread and giving thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying: ‘This is my body to be given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ He did the same with the chalice after eating, saying as He did so, ‘This chalice is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.’” (Lk 22:19-20; Mk 14:22-24; Mt 26:26-30; 1 Cor 11:23ff) The following Sunday afternoon two of Jesus’ disciples were walking home to Emmaus grieving over His crucifixion and deeply saddened that all their hopes and dreams had been dashed. As they covered the seven miles from Jerusalem to their home the risen Jesus appeared walking beside them, but they didn’t recognize Him. He asked them what they were discussing and they related their tale of woe. Then He chided them for not believing the Scriptures. “What little sense you have! How slow you are to believe all that the prophets have announced! Did not the Messiah have to undergo all this so as to enter into His glory?’ Beginning, then, with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him.” (Lk 24:25-27) Nearing home they invited Jesus to spend the night with them since it was getting late. He accepted their hospitality and, “When He had seated Himself with them to eat, He took bread, pronounced the blessing, then broke the bread and began to distribute it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; whereupon He vanished from their sight.” (Lk 24:30-31)
Have you ever had an “aha” moment in your life? It’s a particular time, event, or experience when you have a sudden insight that makes sense of something. These two disciples had their “aha” moment when Jesus sat at their table and took bread, blessed it, broke it, and distributed it to them. The “breaking of bread” was the event, the experience that gave them the sudden realization that the man doing this was indeed Jesus Christ. After He vanished from their sight, “They said to one another, ‘Were not our hearts burning inside us as He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?’” (Lk 24:32) Immediately, they set off for Jerusalem with their great news that they had seen Jesus. When they met their fellow disciples in Jerusalem, “They recounted what had happened on the road and how they had come to know Jesus in the breaking of bread.” (Lk 24:35)
Jesus often mentioned the Scriptures regarding the promised Messiah. But hearing it didn’t convince them of His resurrection. It was in the “breaking of bread” that they recognized the action of Jesus and then the Scriptures made sense to them. The “breaking of bread” is another way of describing the Holy Eucharist that Jesus instituted on Holy Thursday evening and ordained the Apostles and their successors to continue His sacrifice: “This is my body, which is broken for you; do this as a memorial of me.” (1 Cor 11:24) St. Peter explains, “Through Jesus you believe in God who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pt 1:17-21) It’s one thing to listen to God’s word but it’s in the action of the Eucharist that the Word becomes visible. It’s in the Eucharist that we see and adore Jesus’ Real Presence to and among us. It’s in the Eucharist that we’re able to proclaim with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) St. Paul expresses it thus: “Is not the cup of blessing we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Cor 10:16) The Eucharist is the celebration of the Risen Jesus really present, body, soul, and divinity in His Church and in each member who receives Him in Holy Communion. It’s through meeting Jesus in the Eucharist that He is able to enter into a Holy Communion with us, individually and communally, transforming us into a Holy Community. There He physically touches us and we touch Him.
The Catholic Church, under the leadership of the Pope, successor of St. Peter, emphasizes and makes participation in the Holy Eucharist at Mass essential and obligatory. Why? Because the Christian faith is all about believing in the Risen Jesus who alone makes salvation possible. Refusing to participate in the Mass is a refusal to recognize and celebrate the Real Presence of the Risen Jesus. Jesus Himself reminds us, “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men – the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But the man who has disowned me in the presence of men will be disowned in the presence of the angels of God.” (Lk 12:8-9) The celebration of the Eucharist is our “aha” moment when we recognize and proclaim that Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again. It’s in the Mass that we recognize Jesus’ resurrection and put our self in the presence of God and His angels. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Apr 5
to me
Holy Week: Sacrifice Brings Joy
Charles Dickens gives us the character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in his Christmas Carol. Scrooge was a miser and as, a result, a miserable person. He hated Christmas because it was about generosity and gift-giving. It wasn’t until he had a change of heart and began to share that he regained his humanity and a spirit of joy. We all have to learn that sacrifice brings joy. It’s the antidote to selfishness which fosters a greedy spirit that isolates and keep us worried, fearing we’ll lose our possessions or won’t have enough to make us feel secure. Jesus taught us, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:13) Love is all about sacrifice, which is why sacrifice, as an expression of love, always bring joy when the focus is on giving rather than on receiving.
This week is called “Holy Week” by Jesus’ Church. It begins with Palm (Passion) Sunday - people shouted “Hosannas” in the morning and roared “Crucify him!” in the evening - and concludes with Easter Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection - to the amazement of Mary Magdalene and His disciples - having conquered Satan, sin, suffering, and death. The Church proclaims the Gospel from the Passion Narratives found in the Gospel of Matthew on Palm or Passion Sunday and from St. John on Good Friday. In these narratives we find a description of the greatest act of self-sacrifice, humility, and love for others on the part of Jesus that the world has ever seen or will ever see again. Jesus epitomized His love of others - you, me, and everyone from the beginning of human history until the end of the world - in His passion, death, and resurrection. In laying down His life so that we might live demonstrates the ultimate in caring. He laid down His life for sinners – those who rebelled against God that they may repent and be saved. “It is precisely in this that God shows His love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8) He underwent excruciating abuse from His betrayal by Judas, to agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane, being scourged at the pillar, crowned with thorns, carrying His cross, abandoned by His disciples, with the exception of His Blessed Mother and John, and finally being nailed to a cross. On that cross Jesus called out in His agony and feeling of abandonment, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 22, “My God, my God why have you abandoned me?” (Mt 27:46) But, quoting Psalm 31, Jesus expressed His total trust in His Father when He prayed as His body hung upon the cross, “Into Your hands I commend my spirit; ….” (Ps 31:6)
Jesus’ suffering was more excruciating than any suffering we might experience because He was totally innocent. “Though He was in the form of God … and it was thus that He humbled Himself obediently accepting even death, death on a cross!” (Phil 2:6, 8) Suffering of the innocent is far more painful than the suffering of the guilty. Jesus is the first to give human suffering a value. He shows us that it can be used to help others. He used His suffering to bring about salvation from sin and death for all who seek it. Jesus didn’t seek suffering but He accepted it as the price to be paid to ransom us from Satan’s sentence of death. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass me by. Still, let it be as You would have it, not as I.” (Mt 26:39) No one wants suffering, but if it comes, we know that God can use it to help us do His will and become more like Jesus in our attitude and lifestyle, if we trust in Him.
The events of Holy Week challenge a world that flees from suffering, rejects sacrifice, promotes greed, and wallows in selfishness. The delusion of such a world is that we can be happy without sacrifice. Without sacrifice love is impossible. Without love happiness is impossible. To make sacrifices is impossible without a spirit of generosity and the realization that if we want to get we must give without counting the cost. Jesus teaches us to give for the sake of giving because it is in sacrificing, like Scrooge learned, that we find joy. Jesus reminds us, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will they pour into the fold of your garment. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” (Lk 6:38) This week is holy because Jesus gave Himself wholly for our salvation. His Good Friday sacrifice brought the joy of Easter Sunday. Christianity is all about ministering to others in Jesus’ Name. Thus we become like Him, and being like Him, we embrace suffering and willingly sacrifice ourselves for we know it will bring joy. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Apr 12
to me
Easter with a Capital “V”
The song “Everybody Loves a Winner” choruses, “Everybody loves a winner/Everybody loves a winner/But when you lose, you lose alone” When you win everyone wants to know you, even those you beat. But when you lose the well-wishers disappear. Laugh, and the world laughs with you; cry, and you cry alone. Last Sunday I watched a Gaelic Football final between Kerry and Dublin. Dublin were forecast to win, even by Kerry followers. But the predicted losers won only to be greeted with effusive praise from their detractors. On Good Friday in Jerusalem it looked like Jesus lost. Feeling abandoned, He called out in agony, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46) Jesus cried alone.
Have you ever been in a situation feeling all alone when friends distanced themselves from you? When Peter was identified by the servant girl as a friend of Jesus, he replied, “Woman, I do not know him.” (Lk 22:57) When a team is losing, fans often leave even before the game is over. But when the team is winning no one wants to leave. Why? Because we all want to identify with winners, not losers. We laugh when we win, but we cry when we lose.
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week when Jesus was seen to be a loser and abandoned by His disciples. The man who had performed so many miracles, freed people from the possession of evil spirits, and even raised people from the dead, now hung crucified on a cross. Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus rescued from her sinfulness and showed her an unconditional love she’d never experienced before, was devastated. Jesus’ disciples, including His Mother, sought safety in prayer in an upper room thinking that all their hopes and dreams had been dashed by the crucifixion of their Teacher and Messiah. All seemed lost, fearing for their own life expecting the same fate as Jesus.
It’s now Sunday morning, the third day since Jesus’ death and the disciples feel so alone and vulnerable. But something was about to change. That change was epitomized in the experience of Mary Magdalene. She came to the tomb as a final act of love toward Jesus to anoint His dead body. She had previously braved the ridicule of Simon the Pharisee to crash a banquet to anoint Jesus’s feet as a sign of her gratitude. “She brought in a vase of perfumed oil and stood behind Him as His feet, weeping so that her tears fell upon His feet. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissing them and perfuming them with the oil.” (Lk 7:37-38) At Jesus’ death this same Mary comes to anoint His body before final burial. But to her consternation she finds the tomb empty. So she runs to tell Peter and the others the news. They don’t believe her. “Meanwhile Mary stood weeping beside the tomb.” She was in the depths of grief and desolation. A man, whom she thinks is the gardener, asks her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?” (Jn 20:11-15) Then the man said her name, “Mary!” No one said or could say her name like Jesus. Spontaneously “She turned to Him and said in Hebrew, ‘Rabbuni!’ meaning ‘Teacher.’” She recognized her beloved Savior who rescued her from a loveless life and ran with open arms to clasp Him in joyful incredulity. Jesus, I’m sure with a smile, responded, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Rather go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God!’” (Jn 20:15-18) Mary ascended with the risen Jesus from the pit of grief and loss to the heights of joy and happiness; from death to life, despair to hope, losing to winning.
Jesus, the apparent loser on Friday, let Mary see that He is the real winner. Easter is the celebration of victory with a capital “V”. The Webster dictionary defines victory as the “overcoming of an enemy or antagonist. It’s the achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties.” Easter reminds us to celebrate Jesus’ victory over suffering and death, the wages of sin. Jesus showed us that suffering has value when we use it as a means to salvation, either for ourselves or others. It leads us to salvation when we see it as a sign that we’re dependent on God for every good thing, especially a life that will enjoy complete and eternal happiness. Christianity is the only religion that can truthfully promise a happy life after death because its founder, Jesus, is the only one who raised people from the dead and also rose Himself from the dead. This is why faith in Jesus, as the source of our meaning, purpose, power, peace, happiness, and a joyful eternal destiny, is the only faith that can deliver on these hopes and desires. Christianity is for winners. Why, then, isn’t everybody Christian? Because Christianity is paradoxical: to win we must be willing to lose. It’s in losing our life to Jesus here on earth that we win life in Heaven. This is why we can greet one another with “Happy Easter!” (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Apr 19
to me
Faith Comes through Hearing
There’s an adage that says, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” This was the Apostle Thomas’ mind-set upon being told Jesus had risen from the dead. “His answer was, ‘I will never believe it without probing the nailprints in His hands, without putting my finger into the nailmarks and my hand into His side.’” (Jn 20:25) For Thomas, the idea of resurrection was too good to be true, therefore it probably wasn’t true. But probability and possibility aren’t the same. The probability doesn’t rule out possibility, especially where God is concerned. The Gospels record that a week later, “Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood before the disciples. ‘Peace be with you’, He said; then to Thomas: ‘Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!’ Thomas said in response, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (Jn 20:27-28) Jesus addressed him, “You became a believer because you saw me. Happy are they who have not seen me and have believed.” (Jn 20:29) Thomas’ faith was conditional. He wanted to see before he would believe. Seeing is believing, but believing is seeing without seeing physically. How? We see through hearing.
The Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write that, “Faith, then, comes through hearing, and what is heard is the word of Christ.” (Rom 10:17) The three things that characterized the members of Jesus’ young Church were their devotion to “the teaching of the Apostles, the communal life, the breaking of bread (Eucharist), and prayers.” (Acts 2:42) First came the “teaching of the Apostles”. The Apostles teaching centred on what Jesus taught them – His word. Hearing Jesus’ word called them to faith and developed their trust in Jesus. Faith is what we rely on to give us meaning, purpose, value, power, and a hopeful destiny. To be Christian is to rely on Jesus to give us true meaning, a unique purpose and self-worth, to empower us to change things for the better, and give us a bright future in which to hope. To sustain our faith in Jesus to provide us with these gifts we need to hear Him speak to us. This is why we need to attend Sunday Mass as a minimum requirement to hear God’s word proclaimed and preached to us. If we don’t regularly hear God’s word our faith in Him will deteriorate and we will fall victim to false gods and their false promises.
It was through listening to Jesus’ word preached by the Apostles that fostered a community spirit. They celebrated this community spirit in the “breaking of bread”, the Eucharistic celebration in which they recognized Jesus’ Real presence and the gift of Himself in Holy Communion as the nourishment for their souls. In the “breaking of bread” the Apostles carried out Jesus’ command at the Last Supper when He instituted the Holy Eucharist and ordained them to “Do this in memory of me.” (Lk 22:19) The fourth source of sustenance for the faith of the first followers of Jesus was prayer. What is prayer? It’s a response to God’s word to us. This is why the basis for prayer must be hearing God’s word first. St. Jerome, back in the 4th or early 5th century, insisted that “Ignorance of the Sacred Scriptures is ignorance of Jesus Christ.” Our prayer can’t be effective unless we’re hearing God first and then speaking to Him. Since God initiates our prayer, it follows that we must first listen to Him tell us who and what He is for us before we can speak to Him about who we are and what He wants us to be. If we don’t listen to God we can’t know Him. And if we don’t know Him, how can we speak to Him in an intimate and trusting manner, which is what prayer is all about. Only through listening to God’s word to us can we pray with the Psalmist, “My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been my Saviour.” (Ps 118:14)
It’s through hearing Christ’s word that we’re able to believe in Him and love Him without seeing Him. In order for every man, woman, and child, to believe in Jesus and love Him He founded His Church to faithfully preach His Word and celebrate His presence in her Sacraments until the end of time. Through, with, and in Jesus’ Church the preaching of the Apostles, the communal life, the breaking of bread, and prayers continue. Since Jesus came to free us from sin He authorized His Church’s leadership through the power of His Spirit to forgive repentant sinners. “If you forgive men’s sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.” (Jn 20:22) It is this forgiveness that makes us receptive to the “Peace” the risen Jesus offers us. Our faith in Jesus, then, comes through hearing God’s word which teaches us the way, truth, and life that leads to happiness. “Although you have not seen Him, you love Him; even though you do not see Him, you now believe in Him … as you attain faith’s goal, the salvation of your soul.” (1 Peter 1:3-9) We believe and love Him because we hear His saving Word. (frsos)
Yad Vashem
Last Letters from the Holocaust: 1942
30 August 1942
Les Milles Camp, France
"I can hold my head up high"
Anne Meininger's Last Letter
Anne Meininger wrote these words in her last letter, sent from France to her daughter, Hilde Garti, in Bulgaria.
Eugen Meininger and Anne née Stern lived in Göttingen, Germany. Eugen was in the cattle business. In 1913, their daughter Hilde was born, and their son Franz-Josef was born about 8 years later. In October 1935, Eugen was informed that his trade license had been revoked, and that he had to stop working immediately. Eugen died of heart failure at home the same day. He is buried in the Jewish cemetery in Göttingen.
Hilde married Robert Garti, a Bulgarian Jewish dentist who came to Germany to study, and moved with him to Bulgaria , where their daughters Renée (later Rina Lavie) and Jeneline-Jenny (later Gila Ofir) were born. In 1937, Franz-Josef immigrated to Eretz Israel (Mandatory Palestine) with the Youth Aliyah, and settled in Kfar Yehezkel.
My darling, darling children,
Today, on your birthday, my thoughts are intensively focused on you. My dear Musch, I hope that you had a good time today, given the circumstances. What wouldn't I give to be with you? We must be patient, that day will yet come. We have been in the camp since Wednesday, and I am truly all right. You at home don't need to worry about me. I am together with many acquaintances, but we will not be staying here although I don't know when we will be leaving. In any event, write to me at Gusty: 7 Rue St. Francois Le Sales, Annecy (Haute-Savoie). She will send the mail on to me.
I hope that you are all right, my loves. Just don't worry about me unnecessarily. The main thing is that we can receive news from each other. Keep writing to me diligently, and send me sweet pictures. It's the mischievous one's [Anne's son, Franz-Josef] birthday the day after tomorrow. This year these are not happy days for me, but I can hold my head up high. You know your mother, she's brave like that. I would love to go to my friends, Otto and Marta, as then I would have pleasant, good people around me. They would definitely be able to help me. Maybe I'll visit Tiltchen. The weather is very good, and I'm in the fresh air all day. You probably have a lot of work. If I was with you, I could be very busy and helpful. When I see you, I will open wide, surprised eyes. I wish it would already happen.
I'm finishing for today. My four dear ones, stay well, and keep writing to me conscientiously.
I kiss you,
Your loving Mutti [Mother]
Was Jesus Really Tempted?
by Friar Jim Van Vurst, OFM
Yes, he was—and more than once! In fact, Matthew, Mark, and Luke give descriptions of Satan tempting Jesus, especially in the desert following his baptism. Mark briefly states that “Jesus was tempted,” while Matthew and Luke go into considerable detail of three separate times when Jesus was tempted by Satan. Jesus rebuked Satan, but the temptations continued.
But there is a reason why some believers struggle in accepting the fact that Jesus was tempted. That is because many tend to think that temptation is proof of sin. And that is simply not true.
The first point to stress is that Jesus, though divine in nature, was also human. That’s why Paul reminds us that Jesus became “like us” in all things but sin. What that tells us is that Jesus really did enter into our human experience. At the same time, however, we can be sure that you and I have never been tempted the way Jesus was. It would be vain on our part to compare our experiences in life to what Jesus experienced.
The important truth is that temptation is never a sin. Temptation is simply an invitation or pull toward sin. Basic moral theology insists that sin is not in the feelings, emotions, intellect, or fantasy. Sin can only reside in our hearts and in our will. But it is very easy to assume that, when our emotions and imaginations are bombarding us mercilessly, there must be sin in us somewhere. No! All that proves is that we are prone to temptation as wounded human beings.
Every human being experiences temptation. We are fooling ourselves if we make exceptions, as some do for the saints. Many ordinary Christians think the saints were so holy that they could bat away temptations without any trouble. Not true. Read their autobiographies and you will understand that, at times, they struggled in trying to live a life of faith, hope, and charity. That’s the important fact to remember. The reason anyone is tempted to commit sin is because he or she is struggling to be good, not because he or she is bad.
Just as Jesus was tempted all throughout his life, so was Jesus’ sinless mother, Mary. What a prize she would have been to Satan! Mary’s life was one of total faith in circumstances that would have provided Satan with ample opportunity for temptation. The experiences of both Jesus and Mary are truly a blessing for us to understand that temptation is not sin. It’s a struggle; frustrating at times, yes, but never itself a sin.
From Fr. Kevins Newsltter
MEET THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER
All of us have our thoughts/views on the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son. I love it – there are so very many aspects to it, but how many of us ever give any thought, care or indeed concern to the Prodigal Daughter?
Let us introduce you to her……
Great poets have sung the beauties of home,
its comfort, its love and its joys;
How back to the place of its sheltering dome
I welcome the Prodigal Boy.
The picture, his father with pardoning smiles and
glittering robes to unfurl,
but none of the poets though it worthwhile,
to sing of the Prodigal Girl.
The Prodigal Son can resume his old place,
as leader of fashion’s mad whirl,
with never a hit of his former disgrace –
not so for the Prodigal Girl.
The girl may come back to the home she had left,
but nothing is ever the same.
The shadow still lingers o’er the dear ones bereft,
society scoffs at her name.
Perhaps this is why when the Prodigal Girl,
gets lost in life’s devious track,
she thinks of the lips that will scornfully curl
and hasn’t the heart to come back.
Yes, welcome the Prodigal Son to his place,
kill the calf; fill the free flowing bowl,
but shut not the door on his frail sisters face,
remember she too has a soul.
Prayer for the New Year
Lord in this New Year which we have begun,
may we have enough happiness to keep us agreeable,
enough trials to keep us strong,
enough sorrow to keep us human,
enough Freedom to keep us happy,
enough failure to keep us humble,
enough success to keep us eager,
enough wealth to meet our needs,
enough faith to banish depression,
enough hope to look forward,
enough love to give us comfort,
And enough determination to
keep us going
A New Year's Prayer
May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.
Author Unknown
Temperance.
WHEN IRELAND'S CAUSE WAS SOLD FOR A BATTLE OF WHISKY.
The Sacred Heart Review, Number 12, 13 March 1909
We are all more or less familiar with the part played by the unfortunate love of liquor in the Irish rebellion of 1798. The tale has often been told, (although no lasting lesson has been learned from it,) of advantages won by valour and lost by liquor in that struggle of Wexford's peasantry against the disciplined might of England. But an earlier example of the unholy and traitorous part played by liquor in Irish history is, perhaps, not so well known. In view of the coming feast of St. Patrick, it may be well to recall it. In 1601 when a Spanish force, sent over to help Ireland win back her ancient independence, was occupying the town of Kinsale it was besieged by the English. But the English were in turn surrounded by an Irish army under O'Neil and O'Donnell, and thus were placed between two fires. It was decided that a general attack should be made on the English by the forces of O'Neil and O'Donnell on the one hand, and the Spaniards on the other. This attack might or might not have succeeded, according as the English, whom it was hoped to take by surprise, fought well or ill, but, anyway, there was treason in the ranks of the Irish, the English were apprised of the proposed attack , and the Irish and Spanish forces were disastrously defeated. This is how it came about: A certain Brian MacMahon whose son, it seems, had been, some years before, a page to Sir George Carew in England, " for old time's sake " sent a message to Carew asking for a bottle of whisky. The whisky was sent, and so grateful was MacMahon for the gift that he informed Carew of the intended attack. "The list of Irish traitors is a long one," says the Rev. E. A. D'Alton in his history of Ireland, "but our history records no more infamous transaction than this bartering of faith and country for a bottle of whisky." The Irishmen who drink to excess on St. Patrick's Day are guilty of a crime against their birth land and their religion which differs only in degree from that of Brian MacMahon. Drunkenness on St. Patrick's Day is a species of treason to the old land and the old faith which every loyal Irishmen should reprobate and condemn.
From Father Kevin
AGENTS OF THE LORD
A very kind, sensitive and supportive parishioner introduced me to the film Evan Almighty. It’s is perfect for a family evening over Christmas, to warm your hearts and reaffirm your ideals. The hero is an ambitious young congressman who is persuaded to pray for help with his mission to ‘change the world’. God responds. He tells him to build an Ark and then provides the materials to make it along with the pairs of animals to fill it up. The messengers of God embodied the one who could not be embodied, spoke for the one who had no physical voice and brought help from the one who had no hands. As often as not, he or she looked just like a human being, even maybe, just like Morgan Freeman from the above film. We rarely now speak of providence, but we still talk about angels. We know precisely what “you’re an angel” means. An angel turns up unexpected and unasked at just the right moment and knows exactly what help is needed. I still bless the memory of Mike, for example, all six feet of him, who appeared from nowhere to rescue me when my car broke down in Manchester. Without money or a phone, I was totally frightened. It happened back in the mid 80’s when I was on Vocation work while based in Liverpool. Did Mike, I wonder, think of himself as an answer to a prayer? The providence of God is mediated through his creatures and so “In the sixth month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God”. His message was that the gap between God and His creation was to be closed in a way more intimate than could ever have been imagined. Emmanuel means ‘God is with us – the word made flesh’. These lovely days of Christmas let all of us make an extra special effort in having meaningful encounters with Jesus. We are all agents of the Lord.
MESSAGE FROM CHAIRPERSON OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Dec 2016
At this very special and holy time for us all, I would like to thank all those in the Parish who contribute to the life and spirit of our Parish community. We are very fortunate in Moyvane and Knockanure to have so many Parishioners who actively and willingly give of their time, ideas and resources to assist Fr Kevin, the PPC and Liturgy Group in maintaining and developing such a spiritually active Parish. The PPC has been actively engaged with the other Parishes in the Pastoral Area, in what has been a challenging year due to the changes that have occurred and we will continue this engagement into the New Year with a view to enhancing and developing the spiritual life of our Parish community and Pastoral Area. Within the Parish, our worship and celebrations have been enriched by the enthusiasm and efforts of our Parish Priest, Fr. Kevin and on behalf of us all I would like to thank him for his devotion to the Parish and ask that we always keep in him in our prayers. Finally, on behalf of the PPC I would like to wish you all a very joyful, peaceful and Holy Christmas and every blessing for 2017.
Amanda Coulson.
Sean Sheehy
Intelligent Management
The word ‘manage’ originally meant the handling or training of horses. Today it means treating or controlling someone or something. We manage all sorts of things – ourselves, relationships, business, work, family, money, home, property, etc. Our ultimate purpose in management is our own happiness and to that end we treat people and things. The way we manage is determined by what we think is in it for us. We’re motivated in our behaviour by what we think will make us secure. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re selfish. Selfishness means that we focus primarily on personal gain at the expense of others. It’s a fact that even when we focus on helping others we know that there’s something in it for us also even though that isn’t our primary motivation. To make sure that we’re not acting for purely selfish reasons we need to daily examine our true motivation for our behaviour.
We’re born with a built-in tendency toward selfishness and sin. Jesus came to save us from these tendencies. This is why we constantly need the Holy Spirit to join our spirit and purify it so that we’re motivated by generosity, honesty, and justice in our dealings with others at home, at work, in Church, or at play. Whom am I serving? How am I managing my time, talent, money? Jesus is the model and the standard for good management. For Jesus good management is all about using our gifts to serve others. “Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest, and whoever wants to rank first among you must serve the needs of all. Such is the case with the Son of Man who has come, not to be served by others, but to serve, to give his own life as a ransom for the many.” (Mt 20:25-28)
God created man and woman to be managers of the earth in His behalf. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish, birds, and all living things that move on the earth.” (Gen 1:28) We’re the guardians of the earth in God’s behalf, and that means treating it with respect and love. It also means that we’re accountable to God for our management. Are we managing the earth for our own selfish ends or are we managing it according to God’s will? Will our style of management bring us happiness or sadness in the end? Time and again God accused His people of mismanaging the earth by using it to satisfy their own greed. “Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land!” (Amos 8:4) God called Amos to preach social justice and expose the abuse of the poor by the rich. God warned, “Never will I forget a thing they have done!” (Amos 8:7) Nothing escapes Divine Justice. We’ll all have to account for our use of this world’s goods.
As a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so a community is only as just as its treatment of its weakest members. Are we treating them with compassion and justice? If you and I view our life as God’s managers of His world, we’ll be able to determine whether our stewardship is self-serving or other-serving. An executive with a religious organization said that viewing your life in terms of stewardship is like driving a leased car. “You can do what you like with it, but you must return it to its owner at a certain time. You will be held accountable for the condition in which it’s returned.” Many people think that their life is their own and aren’t accountable for how they use it. They act as if they own the earth and can do with it what suits them. But that isn’t the case. As St. Paul reminds us, “You are not your own. You have been purchased, and at a great price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Cor 6:19-20)
God “wants all men and women to be saved and come to know the truth.” (1 Tim 2:3) The truth is this: “God is one. One also is the mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ who gave Himself as a ransom for all.” (1 Tim 2:5-6) Jesus alone can secure life and happiness for us. He tells the story of the wily steward who is fired for mismanagement. Knowing he’s out of a job the manager endears himself to the owner’s debtors by lowering their bills. The owner credits him for his deviousness in looking out for his own security. Jesus teaches us, ““The worldly take more initiative than the other-worldly when it comes to dealing with their own kind. Make friends for yourselves through your use of this world’s goods, so that they fail you, a lasting reception will be yours.” (Lk 16:8-9) Jesus’ lesson is that just as the unjust manager used his intelligence to secure friends to help him now that he was unemployed, so we must use our intelligence to make friends with those who can help us when our body fails us. Intelligent management treats people and the world in a manner that nurtures friendship with Jesus to whom we’re accountable as the managers of God’s earth. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Who’s Way?
Frank Sinatra sang, “I Did it My Way” It began with, “And now, the end is near/ And so I face the final curtain/ My friend, I’ll say it clear/ I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain/I’ve lived a life that’s full/ I’ve travelled each and every highway/But more, much more than this/I did it my way.” We all have a tendency to think our way is the best. The key question is, “Where will my way get me?” A way is a road, or a method that leads to a desired destination or the accomplishment of something. The way we choose to live will definitely lead us to the “final curtain”. But what will I find beyond that curtain as a result of the way I have taken?
Someone asked Jesus, “Lord, are there few in number who are to be saved?” (Lk13:24a) He answered, “Try to come in through the narrow door. Many, I tell you will try to enter and be unable.” (Lk 13:24b) Jesus is the narrow door to Heaven and happiness. In His last discourse He promised His disciples, “I am indeed going to prepare a place for you, and then I shall come back to take you with me, that where I am you also may be. You know the way that leads where I go.” (Jn 14:3-4) Thomas asked, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (Jn 14:5) Jesus told him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (Jn 14:6) Frank Sinatra might have done it his way, but Jesus’ way is the only way to Heaven.
To live according to Jesus’ way means choosing Him as our Teacher, our Lord, our Leader, our Saviour, the One who loves us unconditionally and calls us into membership of His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. He said Himself, “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up the cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps.” (Mt 16:24) Following Jesus requires us to put Him first in our lives to show us the way to Heaven. Having come down from Heaven, Jesus alone knows the way to Heaven. To follow Jesus means to totally obey, trust, and sacrifice my will for the sake of His. Knowing the world in which we live, Jesus, God’s Word-made-flesh, is able to show us what we should move towards and steer clear of. Like a tour guide, Jesus leads us to the places of interest and away from the no-go areas. When we let our ego or someone else do the guiding we’re destined to choose the wrong way. Jesus warns us, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would a man show is he were to gain the whole world and lose his soul in the process? What can a man offer in exchange for his very self?” (Mt 16: 25-26) When we lose our life to Jesus He helps us see and possess it in a way that we could never see ad possess it before. But if we try to save our life by doing things our way we’re guaranteed to end in failure.
Sadly, there are people who say they are followers of Jesus but don’t do things His way. Jesus founded only one Church on Peter as visible head on earth. He gave him the keys of the Kingdom and the power to bind and loose in His Name. He provided this Church with visible signs of His presence, namely the seven Sacraments. Jesus provided His Church with the visible sign of His Real presence wherein He makes a gift of Himself, body, blood, soul, and divinity, to her members in the Holy Mass. In these signs Jesus strengthens, encourages, nourishes and guides us on the way through the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, so many have rejected Jesus’ Church and her Sacraments to follow Him according to their own way. Jesus says that many will try to enter Heaven and be unable. They’ll ask, “Sir, open for us … We ate and drank in your company. You taught in our streets.” (Lk 13:25a, 27a) Jesus’ answer is, “I do not know where you come from.” (Lk 13: 27b) Their way can’t get them to Heaven. Thus, Jesus warned, “The invited are many, but the elect are few.” (Mt 22:14)
We create a mess when we live life our way. Our way is prone to sin, selfishness, egotism, and domination that disrespects human life and creates conflict, violence, and destruction. Jesus’ way is the way of love where caring for one another is the order of the day, freedom to reach the fullness of our human potential, justice that guarantees each person’s due, and peace that follows from doing right by God, our self and others. This is why every man, woman, and child needs Christianity - Jesus’ way - if he or she is to have any hope of fulfilment and happiness in Heaven. Sadly, the Way of Jesus is the way less travelled. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Decision Involves Division
Jesus’ first words to His disciples after His resurrection were, “Peace be with you.” (Jn 20:21) In His last discourse He said, “Peace is my farewell to you, my peace is my gift to you; I do not give it to you as the world gives peace. Do not be distressed or fearful.” (Jn 14:27) In Isaiah’s messianic prophecy the Messiah is associated with peace. “His dominion is vast and forever peaceful.” (Is 9:6) Christians know Jesus as the “Prince of Peace”. But why in His providential call to repentance did Jesus warn, “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you but rather division.” (Lk 12:51) How could Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, come for division?
God created us and bestowed on us the gift of free will. Because of free will we have the ability to say Yes or No to any person or anything, including God Himself. Free will gives us the ability to make choices. Choices call for decisions. Decision creates division when people choose opposing values, tasks, methods, viewpoints, philosophies, etc. People who fear division fear making decisions. But God doesn’t want us to be mugwumps or fence-straddlers. Jesus said, “Say, ‘Yes’ when you mean ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ when you mean ‘No.’” (Mt 5:37) The word ‘decision’ comes from Latin and means ‘to cut off.’ A decision is the act of choosing or “cutting off” one option from among the others. Decision always implies options, otherwise there’s no decision involved. People often put it as “having no choice”. When Jesus said He came for division He meant that people either freely decide to unite with Him as their Lord and Saviour or divide themselves from Him. The decision involves division. This is clearly expressed by Jesus in Matthew 25 where people’s decisions divide them from one another as sheep and goats are separated from one another.
God sent Jeremiah to prophesy that Jerusalem would be destroyed if the people remained unfaithful to their Covenant agreement. He called the people to make a decision to repent and obey God’s Commandments or to continue on their materialistic and idolatrous path of destruction. They decided to reject Jeremiah and separated themselves from God. The princes charged that Jeremiah’s teaching wasn’t politically acceptable. “This man ought to be put to death … he is not interested in the welfare of our people, but in their ruin.” (Jer 38:4) Several hundred years later the high priest, Caiaphas, at Jesus’ trial, called for a decision that caused division between the Jewish leaders and Jesus when he urged, “You have no understanding whatever! Can you not see that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed?” (Jn 11:49-50)
Decisions foster peaceful unity only among those who choose the truth. Jesus is the Truth personified. Jesus didn’t come to establish peace on the earth because it would require Him to impose His will on each of us. To do that He would have to deprive us of free will. We inherit a fallen nature that’s prone to sin, disease, and death. Jesus didn’t come to prevent us from sinning or rid us of disease and death. He did come to give us the option of choosing a future free from sin, suffering, and death. That future promises the joy of being in His Father’s presence in union with Him and the Holy Spirit surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”. (Heb 12:1) Jesus commissioned His Apostles to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation. The man who believes in it and accepts Baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe in it will be condemned.” (Mk 16:15-16) Thus He made it possible for each person to decide to accept or reject Him. It’s a choice we each have to make. Jesus is Prince of Peace because He alone can make us right with God, ourselves and with one another. In choosing Him we choose the means to practice justice which is the foundation of our inner peace of mind, heart, and soul.
The peace that Jesus offers comes from the knowledge that He is with us and will lift us up from our fallen state. At His birth the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those on whom His favour rests.” (Lk 2:14) God’s favour rests on those who decide to do His will by uniting themselves with Jesus. To solidify that union the Holy Spirit joins our spirit to help us “throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that clings so easily … (and) not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection.” (Heb 12:1-2) The sin that “clings so easily” is our ego that wants to be first and causes division between us and God. We mustn’t be afraid to decide for Jesus even though it may divide us from those who reject Him. Deciding for Jesus is deciding for a peace that only He can give. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
God’s Mercy: Merci Beaucoup
Pope Francis designated December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 as a period of time to reflect on mercy as an essential virtue for human maturity and the growth of community. He invited everyone to actualize love, kindness, and generosity in their lives by encountering the incredible mercy of God revealed in and through Jesus Christ. What is mercy? In Latin and French it means reward, gift, kindness, grace, or pity. It’s the disposition to forgive and show compassion. Since all good things come from God, mercy comes from Him to us, to be exercised toward one another. St. Paul personally experienced God’s mercy and wrote, “I have been mercifully treated … Indeed the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus … Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Tim 1:13-15) God’s mercy toward us empowers us to be compassionate toward others.
The need for mercy, and why it’s essential for human maturity, is that it disposes us to forgive one another’s injustices. God’s mercy is personified in Jesus’ coming to call sinners to repentance and seek forgiveness. Why do we need to repent and seek forgiveness? Because we’re all sinners. Sin is rampant in the world. St. John clearly states what Jesus revealed to the Apostles, “If we say, ‘We have never sinned,’ we make Him a liar and His word isn’t in us.” (1 Jn 1:10) It’s because we’re all sinners that Jesus empowered His Apostles to forgive sin. For this reason He gave His Church the Sacrament of Reconciliation, commonly known as “Confession.” “‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ Then He breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men’s sins, they are forgiven them; if you hold them bound, they are held bound.’” (Jn 20:21-22) In this manner Jesus has empowered His Church through her bishops and priests to bestow His mercy on those who repent of their sin and seek reconciliation with Him and His people.
We can’t appreciate mercy and forgiveness unless we’re acutely consciousness of our sin. We must be willing to pray with the Psalmist, “Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.” (Ps 51:3-4) The reason people act unmercifully is because they ignore their own sinfulness and their need for God’s mercy themselves. If you or I think we haven’t sinned, why should we seek mercy? Only the sinner recognizes his or her need for compassion. There’s a woeful loss of a sense of sin in the world today, even in some members of Jesus’ Church. This breeds self-righteousness and the illusion that there’s no need for God, Jesus, or His Church. The more the sense of sin is dumbed down the less conscious people become of their own sinfulness and dismiss their need for repentance and forgiveness. Where there’s no forgiveness relationships die and people’s souls remain tarnished. All this dehumanizes the sinner who thinks he or she is sinless. Today sin is legalized in abortion, same-sex marriage, and euthanasia, prostitution. It’s alive and well in divorce, sex trafficking, political corruption, murder, disrespect, biased media, suicide, illegal drugs, etc. What’s legal isn’t always what’s moral. People forget that one day they’ll die and be answerable to God for their un-repented sins.
God is merciful, no doubt about it. But He forgives only those who admit their sin and seek forgiveness. God, in His justice, holds everyone accountable for their actions and for how they’ve used the gifts He gave them in this world. Jesus emphasized God’s mercy in His parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. He pointed out in these parables that, “There will be more joy in Heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.” (Lk 15:7.10) God constantly call His children to avail themselves of His mercy by repenting and amending their life. Jesus’ Church emphasizes God’s mercy in her teaching on Purgatory.
The Old Testament is filled with acts of God’s mercy toward His people who sinned against Him by disobeying His Commandments, committing sins of idolatry, adultery, and inhospitality. Sin is putting someone or something else before God in our life. In sin we create a golden calf and worship it. (Ex 32:7-11) The golden calf is always our personal attempt to seek what satisfies us rather than seeking what pleases God. But we reap what we sow; if we sow in corruption, we’ll reap corruption. (Gal 6:8) If we’re merciful God will treat us mercifully. Charity, which is compassion, covers a multitude of sins. Consciousness of our sinfulness causes us to turn to God’s mercy which brings us the joy of knowing His love and care for us. This evokes a spirit of gratitude in us knowing that we’re not domed by our sins. The more we recognize God’s mercy towards us the more we will be inclined to be merciful towards others. Only the self-confessed repentant sinner receiving God’s mercy can say to Him daily, “Merci beaucoup.” (frsos)
Humility: Key to Virtuous Living
Virtuous living means practicing good habits. Good habits are those thoughts, words and actions that promote health of mind, soul, and body. There are three virtues that depend on God for their actualization in our life, namely supernatural faith, hope, and charity. We depend on God to give us the grace to believe in Him as He has revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ, now present in His Church. Only God can give us the hope we need to believe that the best is still to come. Since God is love, only He can give us the love we need to love ourselves and our neighbour despite our flaws and sinfulness. These divine virtues are essential in order for us to be able to aspire to a sense of fulfilment that is beyond our natural ability to attain. Yes, we want to have faith, hope, and love but without relying on God’s faith in us, His hope for us, and His unconditional love for us we would not be able to believe, hope, and love especially when faced with betrayal, doubt, apathy, despair, hate, and suffering. These three divine virtues provide the foundation for the practise of the natural virtues of prudence in our decisions, justice in how we treat others, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and temperance by avoiding excesses in all things. All other good habits flow from these. Humility is essential to prevent virtues from becoming vices. It helps us control our tendency to be prideful and vain in our accomplishments.
The Holy Spirit inspired the author of Sirach to write: “My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favour with God. For great is the power of God; by the humble He is glorified” (Sir 3:17-19) Divine revelation tells us that humility brings love and God’s favour and leads the humble person to glorify Him. What is humility? The word is derived from the Latin ‘humus,’ which means earth or soil. But it is more than just earth; it is like a sponge that holds water in the soil and enriches it. In French it means modesty or sweetness. Scientists explain how humus enriches soil. “Soils that have a high humus content, have abundant living biological activity to convert plant residues, leaf litter, animal dung and various biomass into stable humus.” What humus does for soil, humility does for us. It calls for a balanced and modest view of themselves and the recognition that all good things come from God including our gifts and talents.
In His first instruction to His Apostles Jesus emphasized humility when He taught them, “Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.” (Mt 5:5) To be lowly is to humbly accept our total dependence on God and our need for one another. This is why the lowly person is always grateful. This is highlighted in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The tax collector humbly sought God’s mercy recognizing himself as a sinner. The Pharisee proudly talked about his accomplishments. Jesus ended the story by telling His listeners, “Believe me, this man went home from the temple justified but the other did not. Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled while he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 18:14) The Holy Spirit revealed in the Psalms, “a heart contrite and humbled, O God, You will not spurn.” (Ps 51:19) Humility is an essential disposition if we’re to receive God’s attention. St. Paul reminds us, “Let him who would boast, boast in the Lord. It is not the man who recommends himself who is approved but the man whom the Lord recommends.” (2 Cor 10:17-18)
Jesus epitomized humility in His thoughts, words and actions. “Though His state was divine, yet He did not cling to His equality with God but emptied Himself to assume the conditions of a slave, and became as men are ...” (Phil 2:6-7) He said of Himself, “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome … learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” (Mt 11: 28-29) Jesus is completely approachable because He is so humble of heart. He considered humility so important that He devoted another parable to highlight its importance when practising the virtue of hospitality. Jesus advises, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding party, do not sit in the place of honour in case some greater dignitary has been invited ...” (Lk 14:8) There’s a big difference between being humble and being humiliated. The truly humble person can’t be humiliated because he or she already takes the lowest place in any gathering. The person who lacks humility is the one who risks being humiliated.
We are all born with an ego that wants to be centre stage. Despite maturity and learning to put others first the ego still battles for attention. Humility keeps the ego in check. Whose company would you prefer, that of an egotistical person or one who is humble? Humility makes us approachable and keeps us realistic and grateful in the practise of our other virtues. It’s the antidote to pride that seeks superiority and vanity that seeks praise. It keeps us grounded, down to earth, and enriches us in all that we do and say. It keeps us modest and moderate. “You have been told what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)(frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Where’s God’s Heart?
I was talking to a woman recently who related a sad story about a child suffering from cancer. She queried, “Is there a God?” I’ve heard many ask the same question when faced with tragedy, disease, and death. My answer was, “Yes, there has to be a God who can give us faith, hope, and love when our faith is shattered, love wanes, and hope is dashed.” Without a God who cares and can lift us up from the pit of suffering and death, life in this world is nonsense. God assures us, as He did St. Paul in his suffering, “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness my power reaches perfection.” (2 Cor 12:9a) It’s up to us to let God’s grace perfect us. In our suffering God asks us to look beyond world’s inability to heal us. Disease, whether mental or physical, is the result of Adam and Eve’s sin which has infected the human nature we each inherit from the moment of conception. Suffering and death had no part in God’s original plan. But it’s God who comes to our rescue by establishing His Kingdom in this world so that we can look forward to the fullness of joy in His Kingdom in Heaven. Jesus established God’s Kingdom here on earth – where we can begin to taste His love, freedom, justice, and peace. Jesus didn’t come to make this world His kingdom. He pointed out, “My Kingdom does not belong to this world. … My Kingdom is not here.” (Jn 18:36) Jesus’ Church, founded on Peter, is the visible sign of God’s Kingdom here on earth so that every man, woman and child could enter and know that He would raise them up from suffering and death if they believed in Him. Without Jesus there is no future for you or me or anyone else.
God glorifies everyone whom He calls into His kingdom. (Wis 18:6-9) He calls everyone to enter His Kingdom through the Sacrament of Baptism in which Jesus binds us to Himself as His adopted brothers and sisters. The believer in God is able to proclaim, “Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen for His own inheritance … Our soul waits for the Lord who is our help and our shield. May Your kindness be upon us who have put our hope in you.” (Ps 33:12, 20) By entering God’s Kingdom we become new persons, enjoying a blessed status, and an eternally happy destiny, armed with a divine faith, love and hope. How does this happen? God promised us, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead. I will put my spirit in you and make you live by my commandments, careful to sincerely respect my observances.” (Ezek 36:26-27) He makes us more fully human and alive.
Jesus teaches us, “Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be.” (Lk 12:34) Where’s your heart? There’s your treasure! Where’s God’s heart? What does He treasure? He treasures what He loves. What does God love? He loves His creation and He especially loves every person whom He has created to guide the world back to Him. How do we know that God’s loves us? Jesus stated, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:13) Jesus, God’s Word in the flesh, demonstrated this highest love for mankind in His passion, death, and resurrection. To realize that God has put His heart in you as His treasure, just reflect on the Crucifix. This calls for faith. Faith is simply believing that God is faithful to His promises. The great compliment Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, paid Mary, the mother of Jesus, was, “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled.” (Lk 1:45) The Holy Spirit reveals the power of faith: “Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see.” (Heb 11:1) Faith is God’s gift to trust in His love in all situations.
Faith is about believing what God has revealed to us about Himself, about us and our purpose on this earth. God’s revelation gives us a knowledge that we could never attain through science. It lets us see that God’s heart is in our wellbeing and welfare. He treasures us and calls us to join our heart to His as our greatest treasure. How do we show that our heart is in God as our greatest treasure? By putting our trust in Jesus Christ and living each day as His disciple. Each day we should invite the Holy Spirit to join our spirit and refresh, purify, encourage, and enlighten it so that we may be ready to meet Jesus as our Judge at the moment of death. Jesus cautions us, “Be on guard, therefore. The Son of Man will come when you least expect Him.” (Lk 12:40) Yes, there is a God who always puts His heart in you because He treasures you. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Insuring Your Future
Insurance is a fact of life in the western world. You can buy insurance for practically everything - life, health, home, property, pet, vehicle, travel, etc. Insurance is the guarantee of compensation for loss of what’s insured. But there’s no insurance that guarantees the prevention of loss. Life insurance doesn’t guarantee life. It isn’t the person whose life is insured that benefits but those who are named as beneficiaries after his or her death. It doesn’t do the insured person much good except knowing that others will benefit from his or her death. Jesus warns against the false thinking that we can insure our future happiness by our own plans. You can’t buy insurance that guarantees life after death. A rich man’s harvest was so good that he had to extend his barns. Pleased with himself, he reflected, “You have blessings in reserve for years to come. Relax! Eat heartily, drink well. Enjoy yourself.” Lk 12:19) Then God spoke to him, “You fool! This very night your life shall be required of you. To whom will all this piled-up wealth of yours go?” (Lk 12:20) Jesus warns His listeners, “That’s the way it works for the man who grows rich for himself instead of growing rich in the sight of God.” (Lk 12:21) The man had a full barn but an empty soul.
Would you insure your home, car, or property with a company who couldn’t compensate you in case of loss? But what about your future? What insurance have you taken out that guarantees you a happy life after death? The only Company that can insure you against loss of life and love at the moment of death is Jesus’ Church. It’s also the only Company that can insure your family and friends that their relationship with you hasn’t ended. So often we live as if we’re never going to die and work on insuring our own happiness by seeking material comforts. This fuels a spirit of greed. Jesus, when asked to intervene in a family dispute over property, answered, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be wealthy, but his possessions do not guarantee him life.” (Lk 12:14-15) The only one who can guarantee life’s continuity is the Life-Giver Himself, namely the God the Father , through Jesus Christ, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Some years ago Carly Simon sang, “You’re So Vain”. The chorus is: “You’re so vain/ You probably think this song is about you/ You’re so vain, / I’ll bet you think this song is about you/ Don’t you? / Don’t you?” The word vanity comes from Latin and means ‘empty.’ The Psalmist asked, “Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart? Why do you love what is vain and chase after what is falsehood?” (Ps 4:3) In Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth, in speaking of how people live, warned, “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2) Vanity differs from pride. Pride is acting superior to others. It doesn’t necessarily seek praise. Vanity, on the other hand, is acting in a manner that seeks praise and self-admiration. The cult of celebrity reflects vanity in all its emptiness. A vain person seeks self-adulation, lapping up praise like a hungry cat drinking milk. Hence the tendency to attribute all accomplishments to oneself so as to gain all the glory. This is the pathology of narcissism. It’s defined as an “inordinate fascination with oneself, or excessive self-love, self-centeredness, smugness, egocentrism.” From a psychological perspective narcissism is the “erotic gratification derived from one’s own physical or mental attributes, being a normal condition at the infantile level of personality development.”
In many ways western culture promotes vanity. It’s a business that emphasizes “body beautiful” but ignores the soul’s need for God and produces stunted personalities. The antidote to vanity, narcissism, and erotic gratification is Jesus Christ who emphasizes serving others and union with God who alone insures a developed personality and a joyful life that never ends. Thus, St. Paul urges, “Let your thoughts be on Heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth … When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:1-4) Vanity obsesses about instant self-gratification, which fuels greed, and self-admiration, which puts the ego at the centre where God, the Creator and Life-Giver, should be. St. Paul, in order to insure our future fulfilment, urges us to, “Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, selfishness, evil desires, and the lust that is idolatry. … Put aside all anger and quick temper, malice, insults, and foul language. These are the sins which provoke God’s wrath. Stop lying to one another.” (Col 3: 5-10) When you ask God’s Spirit to join your spirit you put on the new way of life given you by Jesus and you reject the old way of sin. At every Holy Mass the priest prays to God the Father, just before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, “May the Body and Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life.” Jesus is our only insurance for a joyful future and a present well-spent. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Prayer Is an Act of Intimacy
Many years ago I had the sad experience of conducting the burial service for a young father who died tragically. As the coffin was being lowered into the grave his ten-year old daughter kept calling out, “Daddy, Daddyyyy….” Her voice slowly trailed off as the coffin went out of sight. Her father was the one she cherished and with whom she shared her intimate thoughts. Intimacy means sharing your innermost thoughts with another knowing you’ll still be acknowledged, affirmed, and loved. Every person needs intimacy, a trusting and safe relationship where we’re not afraid to reveal our most vulnerable self. It enables us to see more clearly who we are, what we’re about, and what we’re becoming. This is what prayer does. It’s an expression of an intimate relationship with God.
Jesus’ Apostles saw how important prayer was to Him, so they asked Him to teach them. “Lord, teach us to pray …” (Lk 11:1) They wanted a special prayer that reflected the intimacy they and He shared with one another. Jesus responded, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your Name, Your Kingdom come.’” (Lk 11:2) The Aramaic word for father is ‘Abba’ and has the same implication as ‘Daddy’. Jesus intimately addressed God the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Abba, You have the power to do all things. Take this cup away from me. But let it be as You would have it, not as I.” (Mk 14:36) In teaching His Apostles to call God “Abba,” Jesus called them to view prayer as an intimate conversation between God as their “Daddy” and themselves as His beloved children. Recently I was visiting a family and the fourteen-year old daughter entered the room and sat beside her Dad who kissed her on the cheek. She lovingly returned the gesture. It reflected that special father-child relationship. Prayer is an intimate experience of trust and sharing between God and His children. This involves the humble realization that God is the Father and we’re the children. The Father is always the leader and the teacher. The children are always the followers and the learners. When this awareness is acute the children always benefit.
We see this kind of intimate trust in the relationship of Abraham and God. Sodom and Gomorrah were wallowing in immorality. God was about to punish the citizens for their blatant sinfulness. Abraham interceded with God to save the innocent people lest they suffer with the sinners. God listens and promises to withhold punishment for the sake of the faithful, no matter how few they might be in numbers. Abraham interceded with God, “‘What if there are at least ten there?’ God replied, ‘For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.’” (Gen 18:32) God cares and responds to intercessory prayer. The Psalmist proclaimed, “I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart, for You have heard the words of my mouth … When I called You answered me; You built up strength within me.” (Ps 138:1, 3) In prayer God is a caring listener and responder.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to call God “Our Father/Abba/Daddy.” (Lk 11:2) That means we don’t pray as isolated or unrelated individuals, but as His son or daughter. Jesus teaches us to pray as a member of God’s family, brothers and sisters whose home is with our Father in Heaven. We pray with our eyes fixed on our destination where we’ll have the perfect joy of being in the arms of our heavenly Father. We never pray alone. The Church is God’s family conversing with God the Father together with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. In prayer we yearn for God’s Kingdom of freedom, love, justice and peace. We seek to do God’s will on earth because it’s His will that we be in a loving relationship with Him as our Abba, and with one another as brothers and sisters. As St. Paul reminds us, “All you who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. You did not receive a spirit of slavery leading you back into fear, but a spirit of adoption through which we cry out, ‘Abba!’ that is ‘Father’” (Rom 8:14-15) He is a Father who provides for our daily nourishment. He gives us the gift of forgiveness so that when we disobey and hurt one another we can reconcile and overcome sin and temptation by following Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit in His Church.
The Lord’s Prayer teaches us that prayer reflects a Father-child relationship. That’s why Jesus insisted that entering Heaven requires that we become like a little child. “He called a little child over and stood him in their midst and said, ‘I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God. Whoever makes himself lowly, becoming like this child, is of greatest importance in that Heavenly reign.” (Mt 18:2-4) If you want your prayer to be an intimate expression of your relationship with God, you know what you must do. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
The Key to Happiness
Every person seeks happiness in one way or another. God created us to be happy with Him for all eternity. We have an inalienable right, not to be happy, but to pursue it. But what will make us happy and where will we find it? The dictionary defines happiness as having good fortune, being lucky, or being rich. What will bring us good fortune, luck, or make us rich? That’s the important question. It’s a key question because our answer is what directs our life, our efforts and resources. Jesus reminds us, “Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be also.” (Lk 12:34) What we treasure is that which we believe and hope will make us happy for ever. Ask yourself: “What do I treasure the most? Will it bring me permanent happiness?
The Old Testament people considered idolatry, adultery, and inhospitality to be the worst sins a person could commit. The first two were clearly forbidden by God’s Commandments: “You shall not have other gods besides me.” (Ex 20:3) “You shall not commit adultery.” (Ex 20:14) The community condemned lack of hospitality. These were considered the worst sins because of their evil effects on the wellbeing of the community. Idolatry divided and weakened the community. Adultery divided and weakened the family, and inhospitality threatened the life of the desert traveller who depended on the people’s generosity for shelter, food, safety, and warmth. This spirit of welcome is evident in Abraham who welcomed God’s messengers. “Looking up he saw three men … He ran from his tent to greet them … ‘Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet and rest yourselves under the tree … Let me bring you a little food that you may refresh yourselves.’” (Gen 18:1-10) Here’s an act of hospitality par excellence. It reflects an attitude of charity toward the stranger. Since God is charity personified, where there’s charity God is there. Abraham was rewarded for His hospitable spirit by God’s gift of a son to him and Sarah, even though both were past child-bearing age. God always rewards hospitality.
It isn’t the good deed that makes us happy, but the fact that God blesses us for it. Happiness doesn’t come from our actions but from God who gives us the power to do them. We can’t make ourselves happy, nor can any other human being. Only the Creator can fulfil the hopes and dreams of the creature. Only God can make us happy. God’s presence calling us to Him is the key to happiness. St. Paul testifies that Jesus is the source of his happiness even in the midst of suffering. “Even now I find my joy in the suffering I endure for you.” (Col 1:24) He points out that “the mystery of Christ in you is your hope of glory.” (Col 1:27) The fact that Jesus is the key to happiness is what motivated Paul to proclaim, “For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of His (Jesus) which is so powerful a force within me.” (Col 1:29) Jesus is Paul’s treasure and he has set his heart in Him as the source of his energy and joy.
There’s a saying that, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” There should be another saying that says, “All work and no prayer makes Jack a joyless person.” The Psalmist wrote “He who walks blamelessly and does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” (Ps 15:2)To do justice is to be a good neighbour to those in need. But we must never forget that it’s through being in God’s presence that we’re able to act justly by giving others their due, and be blameless. To be in God’s presence requires prayer – speaking and, more importantly, listening to God - before and after all our endeavours. Remember, it is doing God’s will that brings happiness, not our will.
In the story of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary, we see what God considers essential for happiness. Both sisters welcome Jesus into their home, but in different ways. Martha welcomes Him by cooking a meal. Mary expresses her hospitality by giving all her attention to what Jesus was saying. Martha complained, “Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone? Tell her to help me.” (Lk 10:40) Jesus answered by reminding her what makes hospitality a happy experience. “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.” (Lk 10:41) The lesson is that you and I must spend time in prayer before we do anything, if we want it to be an enjoyable experience. The key to happiness in all we do is found in spending time with the Lord listening to Him and receiving His words of wisdom, direction, encouragement, faith, hope, and love. Equipped with Jesus’ words we can’t help but be joyful, no matter how difficult the task might be. Without Jesus’ guidance, no matter how competent we might be, we’ll neither get happiness from our efforts nor be enriched or have good fortune. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
The Key to Salvation
A friend of mine asked recently how God would judge people who either haven’t heard of Him or who’ve been led astray in this confusing and sinful world. During this Year of Mercy we might well ask how God provides everyone with the opportunity to know and do His will. As a loving Father, God gives each of His children the opportunity to benefit from His love. How does God do this? Speaking through Moses, He tells us, “If only you would heed the voice of the Lord and keep His commandments and statute … with all your heart and all your soul … This command is not too mysterious and remote for you … It is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” (Deut 30:10-14) God writes His law on the heart of every human being from the moment of conception. Every human soul has a spiritual organ of religiosity that seeks union with its Creator. Every person has the ability to reason to the existence of God. Therefore no person can say he or she couldn’t hear or believe in God.
God formed a people to whom He personally revealed Himself and finally He came to earth Himself in Person through His Word, Jesus Christ. “Jesus is the image of the unseen God … for in Him were created all things in Heaven and on earth: everything visible and invisible … all things were created through Him and for Him … He holds all things in unity … the Church is His body, He is its Head … He was first to be born from the dead.” (Col 1:15-20) Jesus is God’s love for us made visible. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?” (Rom 8:35) Nothing can separate us from God’s love except ourselves through sin. Jesus founded His Church on Peter to, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the Name ‘of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world.” (Mat 28:19-20) It’s the responsibility of every member of Jesus’ Church to introduce Him to every human being? Why? Because to have a personal relationship with God it’s essential to know Jesus. He is the “image of the unseen God.” If people don’t now Jesus today it’s either because they have rejected Him or Christians haven’t introduced Him to them.
Sometimes Christians think they’re good because they haven’t hurt anyone. But they forget that Christianity isn’t only about not hurting others but about doing good to them. St. Peter urges us, “Above all, let your charity be constant, for charity covers a multitude of sins. Be mutually hospitable without complaining … put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure he or she has received.” (1 Pt 4:8-10) Jesus warns us, “It is not those who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord’, who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in Heaven.” (Mt 7:21) What’s God’s will? It’s to love Him with all we have and love our neighbour as our self. When we love our neighbour we’re loving God and our self. Jesus emphasized love of neighbour as the key to salvation in His parable of the Good Samaritan. There are three kinds of people in the world. Those who act like, 1. “What’s yours is mine!” 2. “What’s mine is mine!” and 3. “What’s mine is yours.” The robber falls into the first category, the priest and Levite the second, and the Samaritan the third.
Every person has a free will and can choose either of these spirits when approaching others. The person who believes that “what is mine is yours” is the one who does God’s will, regardless of his or her religion. This person is like Jesus who heals our wounds caused by our sins. To selflessly reach out to others always signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s God’s love made visible. It’s not those calling on the Lord who will be saved, but those who are charitable. Actions speak louder than words. God doesn’t want us just calling His Name; He want us to act in His Name. Faith without works is dead. Prayer without action is empty. A “religious” person without charity is less religious that a charitable person without religion. The value and purpose of religion is to bind us to God in a personal relationship so that, through prayer and worship, we might receive God’s grace and know His will, growing in our consciousness and creativity for doing good to others. Jesus tells us that we will be judged not on our Church attendance but on our consistent charitable attitude toward “the least of my brothers and sisters.” (Mt 25:40) We need to ask ourselves daily, “To whom can I do good today in my efforts to do God’s will and be saved from my sins?” (frsos)
What if……God really means what He says and He can be taken at His word?
What if……. He encourages you to dream big?
What if…… it’s actually safe to go big or go home because you are already at home in Him?
What if…… He says it’s time to take off the training wheels?
What if…… your potential in Christ is not shackled to the mistakes you made?
What if……your effectiveness in the Kingdom is not lessened by your deliberate sins of yesterday?
What if…… A contrite spirit He will not deny?
What if…… the abuse, betrayals, disappointments, and wounds inflicted upon you by your parents, your spouse, your community, your enemies, and other believers are not insurmountable obstacles blocking you from your full potential?
What if…… the wall you thought unscaleable has a door wide open, just waiting for you to take that deep breath and walk through?
What if…… God’s ‘yes’ holds more power than man’s ‘no’?
What if…… the words God says about you hold more power than any words that have been used against you or could be used against you?
What if…… greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world?
What if…… He is a good shepherd and will provide for you when you follow after Him?
What if……. He can see where He is leading you, even when you can’t see beyond the word He has given you for today?
What if…… the deafening fear that has held you back is only the bark of a toothless, powerless old dog?
What if…… God actually likes to spend time with you and enjoys your company?
What if…… He trusts you much more than you trust yourself?
What if…… God not only has the power to heal those wounded areas of your heart but that He longs to do so.
What if……He stands at the door, eagerly waiting for your say-so, so He can help clean up the mess you think He doesn’t know about?
What if…… those people who matter most to you see all the flaws and imperfections you so desperately try to hide from yourself and from them?
What if……they love you anyhow?
What if…… you can make a significant difference in someone’s life today, just how you are and who you are at this exact moment?
What if…… you are the one God is calling to be the answer to the prayer you’ve been praying on behalf of your brother, your sister, your church, your nation or your world?
What if… … you took Him at His word?
by Peg Prendeville 13-4-2016, Limerick Diocese.
Well, after 16 months of preparation and meetings and three days of good humour, passionate debates, energy and buzz in Mary Immaculate College the Limerick Diocesan Synod finished up last Sunday evening with a Mass in St John’s Cathedral. But, we were reminded that “synod” means journey and our journey continues. But some of us delegates can take a breather for a while. You will read all about it in local newspapers but let me share how it was for me personally. The whole journey from December 2014 to now was full of lovely moments; meeting lovely like-minded people, learning new insights into our faith, hearing other people’s views which may or may not agree with my own but which are just as valuable. I learned that the Holy Spirit speaks through us all in different ways. It was great to observe how the laity and the clergy mixed with one another in camaraderie and on an equal level. Nobody lorded it over another. The priests said it was lovely to work with the laity and see the depth of their faith while the laity was pleased to hear things from a priest’s point of view. It was lovely also to work alongside young people who were excited at the whole prospect of the church wanting to be woken up and actually listening to their ideas! The whole event energised everybody present and filled us with hope that a whole new way of life and church is ready to open up. Or maybe I am very naïve still? No, I believe that changes will be made for the good, some may take time to come to fruition but the seed is sown. We will continue the
journey. I must add that the planning and organisation that went into the whole process was second to none and top marks go to the Diocesan Office personnel and the
Preparatory team for their hard work and dedication to detail. I did not hear one complaint during the whole weekend!
New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIX, Issue 36, 5 September 1901, Page 1
Sketch of article
But there is a higher source of courage than was contemplated by the literary naval captain. We confess to an unbounded admiration for the army surgeon who, unsustained by the fine fury of personal conflict and bloodletting, coolly busies himself in the zone of danger giving first aid to the luckless fighters whose machinery has been disarranged by the lodgment of Mauser bullets or twisted and knotted fragments of exploded shell. But there is a still higher reach of courage still the bravery that brings tenderly nurtured women, Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of Charity, within the firing line, without the thought of fear and intent only upon doing, for the love of God, a service to the souls and bodies of the wounded and suffering. We have already told of the work of the Sisters in South Africa, in the great American Civil War, in the Crimea, in the Franco-German War, and in other trying campaigns. Our esteemed contemporary, the S.H. Review, has put, as follows, in brief compass, some of the deeds of quiet heroism of the more sacred order which was done by the Brothers of the Christian Schools in the swift and rushing campaign that ended under the walls of Paris in 1871
During the Franco- Prussian war,' says our Boston contemporary, when virulent smallpox enhanced the horrors surrounding the wounded and the dying, a soldier saw a Christian Brother tenderly ministering to a patient in the most repugnant form of disease. I would not do that," cried the soldier, for a hundred francs an hour To this the Brother infirmarian replied No more would I, nor for a million but I would do it with pleasure for the love of God.'' After the battle of Champigny, sixty of the Brothers dug deep pits in the frozen earth, and there reverently buried 685 soldiers and officers by torchlight. Midnight had not long passed, when notice was given that the armistice was nearly at an end. The pits were filled in, and even then not content, the Brothers placed above this great and sorrowful grave a large cross of wood then, kneeling down, they said the De Profundis. "We have seen nothing like this before," said a Prussian officer. Except the Grey Sisters," said another in a tone of profound respect. During that war someone sprang to help a Brother who was wounded, but was met by the words It is nothing help those who are in greater need." Then, when asked his name, he answered "Why do you ask? I am here to fulfil a duty, for which I look to God alone to reward me, not to the praises of my fellow creatures." From Paris alone 500 Christian Brothers were employed as ambulance-bearers in the bloody conflict. Many and many a French soldier must have echoed the cry of the wounded young lieutenant who saw them coming to his aid "Ah here are the good Brothers They brought me up, and now they are come to help me on the field of battle." Wrote the venerable Superior, Fiere Philippe: "The soldiers love our Brothers, and our Brothers love them; many of them have been brought up in our schools, and will gladly find themselves cared for by their old schoolmasters."
What’s Your Ultimate Concern?
Concern is defined as that which affects our happiness, or wellbeing. It can also be an expression of anxiety or caring for someone or something. God calls us during this 2nd week of Lent to reflect on our concerns. You may be concerned about family, work, health, finances, children, spouse, neighbours, age, school, career, physique, appetite, food, addictions, religious faith, sickness, death, or the future. But what’s your ultimate concern? What do you want most for yourself and those you love? Your answer will tell you much about your life’s goal. Our ultimate concern identifies what we think we’re here on earth for and what will bring us lasting happiness.
Lent is a time to identify our desires and direct them in such a way as to bring us true happiness and a genuine sense of wellbeing. All too frequently we’re driven by our physical desires rather than by the desires of our soul. We’re more concerned with our bodily hungers than with our spiritual needs. Think about how much time you spend on thinking about food, what, when, where, and with whom you’re going to eat, and what you’re going to cook. Eating is a major concern for everyone. It’s such a concern that it drowns out our soul’s cry for nourishment. Many people have a well-fed body but their soul is starving. No matter how concerned we might be about feeding our body, we should be much more concerned about properly nourishing our soul. That’s why God, who fully revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, is essential in our life. We can satisfy our physical desires but only Jesus can satisfy our spiritual needs. An ill-nourished soul always causes life to be sluggish, no matter how well-fed the body might be. Our ultimate concern should be how we can have a healthy soul – a joyful self.
Since God created our soul, we must turn to Him to nourish it. Our soul is our self. Our parents created our body but God created our self – our soul. To be concerned about our soul is to be concerned about our self – the kind of person we are and want to become. The more we ask God to nourish our soul the more healthy will our self be. A miserable, angry, mean, greedy, lustful, slothful, prideful, jealous, envious, gluttonous self always signify a mal-nourished, starving soul. Jesus alone can cleanse our soul from these deadly sins, and make us pure and wholesome. He has made Himself the “Bread of Life” for our soul. (Jn 6:35)
To ensure that a well-nourished soul, a healthy self, is our ultimate concern we need to realize that God created us to be citizens of Heaven. “As you well know, we have our citizenship in Heaven; it is from there that we eagerly await the coming of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will give a new form to this lowly body of ours and remake it according to the pattern of His glorified body, by His power to subject everything to Himself.” (Phil 3:20-21) Jesus makes us citizens of Heaven in Baptism. To be good citizens we must freely subject our self to Christ by doing what He teaches. Why? In the words of the Psalmist, “The Lord is my light and my salvation … the Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1) As our light, Jesus focuses us on what makes us human, namely our soul. The more we focus on our soul’s health the more we will also maintain a healthy body and keep its desires in check, thus avoiding self-gratification and binging. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation Jesus shines His light on us se we can see our sinfulness, repent and be cleansed from it by His grace, thus refreshing our soul – our self. Sin is a sign that we’re abusing our soul by overindulging our bodily and selfish desires. Jesus asks, “What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?” (Lk 9:25)
Jesus’ light is always for our good, as experienced by Peter, James and John when they saw Him transfigured before them. Peter exclaimed, “Master, how good it is for us to be here.” (Lk 9:33) God spoke to them, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to Him.” (Lk 9:35) This is why Jesus said to Martha, “you are concerned and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.” (Lk 10:41-42) Martha’s concern was preparing a dinner. Mary’s concern was spending time listening to Jesus. You and I may be concerned or anxious about many things, but what should concern us most is being with Jesus Christ. Only He can nourish our soul and make us happy. This week examine your many concerns and decide to make your relationship with Jesus your ultimate concern. That will put all your other concerns and anxieties in perspective making sure you won’t become overwhelmed. If you want to be happy, let your ultimate concern be about deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ in His Church. It’s always fulfilling to be with Jesus listening to Him. (frsos)
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/frpatmoore
Pat’s Story
I am Pat Moore, 57 and a priest working in my native Kerry for the last 33 years. Twenty years ago I had a serious illness that was treated at the National Neurological Hospital in London. For the last ten years, I have worked in Duagh Parish and just this February was diagnosed with a tumor in the esophagus. It was sudden because indicators like my bloods were fine in November and I had just experienced discomfort swallowing and coughing during January. I've got great support, comfort and inspiration from this site as it keeps lines of communication open with so many friends and aquaintances at home and abroad. You can follow my story by going to the journal and going back to the first entry which is dated the 14th of February.
THE GREAT FATHER
There’s wideness in God’s mercy
Like the wildness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
There is no place where earth’s sorrow
Are more felt then up in Heaven:
There is no place where earth’s failings
Have such kind judgment given
For the love of God is broader
Than the measures of man’s mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
But we make His love too narrow
By false limits of our own;
And we magnify His strictness
With zeal He will not own
If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word,
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of Our Lord.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
The Lord has given each of us a disciple's tongue so that we can be a rock of support to the weary, the lost and the broken-hearted. Use such a gift wisely and with humility. Never use it to assume a position of power or control. Instead act with humility like Jesus did when he was humble enough to die on a wooden cross for you and me.....
(St John’s Social Justice and Peace Committee).
Just How Big Is God?
by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.
It sounds like a strange question to ask because, by definition, God is infinite. But in our human experience, we have no idea what infinite really means. Consider this: as big as our own universe is, it is still created by the infinite God.
To begin with, we can estimate that our whole universe is about 14.6 billion years old. Our Milky Way, of which our solar system is a part, is estimated to be 6.4 billion years old. And all of this is said to have started with the Big Bang—an explosion of so much energy that all of what we see came from it over billions of years.
But let’s go further. Our Milky Way is about 100 light years in diameter. To understand what a light is, we have to think of how far light will travel in a single year considering that light travels 186,000 miles per second. In a single year, light will travel 5.77 trillion miles. Keep in mind that, as big as our Milky Way is, it really is only an average-sized galaxy in the universe. How many galaxies are in our universe? We can safely say between 100 and 200 billion galaxies—each galaxy containing between 100 and 200 billion stars!
Deep Sense of Awe
I could go on and on, but none of us would be able to understand the formulas needed for measuring the stars in our universe. Every new telescope developed takes us further into space. But no matter how may light years our galaxy extends, what we are told by scientists is that there may actually be more universes than just our own. Imagine: another billion universes we don’t even know about!
I marvel at how non-believing scientists seem to shrink the size of God into nonexistence. For we who believe, every new discovery only brings us to a deep sense of awe in God. And in a figure of speech, God holds each of us in the palm of his hand. And for the size of the universe, one single human being is of infinitely greater value that all the immeasurable universes out there.
The reason is simple: each life is made in God’s image and likeness. Value is never based on size. All that God created, including the universe, is good. But we, as children of God, are valued most. Jesus did not die for the material universe. Jesus died for you and me. As children of God, Jesus died for his brothers and sisters.
How big is God? The best way to measure God is to remind us of what the Scriptures tell us: “God is love.” And there is no measuring stick for love.
THOUGHT: Keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out on the right hand and on the left. Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come in as He likes. Oswald Chambers
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Christ Jesus,
before ascending into heaven,
You promised to send the Holy Spirit
to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit
may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.
Grant us the Spirit of Fear of The Lord
that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
The Spirit of Piety
that we may find peace and fulfillment
in the service of God while serving others;
The Spirit of Fortitude
that we may bear our cross with You
and, with courage, overcome the obstacles
that interfere with our salvation;
The Spirit of Knowledge
that we may know You and know ourselves
and grow in holiness;
The Spirit of Understanding
to enlighten our minds
with the light of Your truth;
The Spirit of Counsel
that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will,
seeking first the Kingdom;
Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom
that we may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach us to be Your faithful disciples
and animate us in every way with Your Spirit. Amen.
From http://re-worship.blogspot.ca/2011/06/prayer-for-pentecost.html— originally posted on the ChurchYear.net website
CHURCH Questionnaire
Parish Self-Study
Diocese of Brooklyn
Christ Jesus, Our Hope
Parish: ST. CAMILLUS – ST.
VIRGILIUS Cluster QS#3
1.
What are the signs of vibrancy in your parish?
Construction of New Homes in Rockaway Park
Mass Attendance is increasing at BOTH sites
More Children and Families attending Sunday Mass
The merger of St. Camillus and St
. Virgilius has strengthened the
parish
Number of children in CCD continui
ng to attend class after First
Sacraments has improved in the past two years
Ongoing presence of St. Camillus School in the parish
Increase in registered parishioners
Continuing Sports Program which
has expanded since the merger
2.
What is the greatest strength of your parish?
The faith commitment and loyalty of
our parishioners, in particular
the strong senior base of the parish
The volunteers who minister in parish programs
The presence of the Religious Sist
ers and Brothers in the parish
community (all convents are occupied
with Religious Sisters - Sisters
of St. Joseph & Daughters of Wisdom; Franciscan Brothers)
Availability of Catholic Education in St. Camillus School
Parish has financial resources in
deposit with the Diocese and all
buildings are in good repair
(no deferred maintenance)
Potential for growth
3.
What are the greatest concerns or cha
llenges facing your parish now and in
the projected future?
Age of Parish – The congregation is ge
tting older, in particular at St.
Camillus
Decline in clergy – We are grateful
that Father Dunne (retired Pastor)
has continued to live and serve in the parish
Healing the wounds that have been created by the priest’s sex scandal
(St. Camillus) and closing of St.
Virgilius School (St. Virgilius)
Outreach to teenagers and inactive Catholics
The toll on the Cross Bay Bridge which divides the parish
The viability of St. Camillus School
Future merger – “Are we going to merge again?”
Parish Self-Study
4.
Which of these challenges do you feel
the parish can address or has been
addressing? How?
Outreach to inactive Catholics:
A) Through our School and Religious Education Program we are
encouraging children to attend Sunday Mass
B) Tracking children who are bapt
ized to enroll in St. Camillus
School or Religious Education Program
C) Outreach to students who leave St. Camillus School or receive
First Sacraments to insure that
they continue Faith Formation
Outreach to Youth through Parish Sports Program and Youth
Program (September, 2010)
Ongoing Faith Formation through programs offered for Adults in the
parish and encouraging people to
attend the Pastoral Institute.
5.
Which challenges seem beyond the ability of the parish to adequately address
with your current resources?
The toll on the Cross Bay Bridge
The anger of people towards the Church hierarchy
The possibility of a future merger
The possibility of the closing of our School
Shortage of Priests
6.
What are your pastoral priori
ties for the next 5 years?
Evangelization
Youth
Faith Formation
Community Outreach
Senior issues
School viability
7.
What ministries need to develop or
be strengthened in the next 5 years?
Lay Pastoral Leadership
Catechist formation
Music – Leader of song
Children’s Liturgy
8.
Based on your review of the parish financ
ials, do you believe that the parish
is financially sound and sustaina
ble for the next 5 years? Yes
What factors lead you to
this determination?
Success of increased offertory appeal which was sponsored by the
Diocese. The collection has increased 20% and remains constant since
November
The parish has a diverse portfolio with the Diocese and the
Compostelo Fund has rebounded with the market
All parish buildings are in good repair and all are used
More people = more money
Parish Self-Study
9.
How does the parish plan to address an
y financial challenges that exist or
may emerge?
Through Evangelization and outreach to inactive Catholics in the
hope to see an increase of attendance at Sunday Mass and a
concurrent increase in giving. There
are many inactive Catholics who
reside in Broad Channel and Rockaway Park.
10.
What is the status of all parish build
ings? Are there any capital repairs to
any buildings that you anticipate in
the next 5 years? Do you have any
buildings which have the potential to be rented or used in an adaptive
manner?
All Buildings are in good repair a
nd all are used. All convents are
occupied: St. Virgilius Convent – Daughters of Wisdom; St. Camillus
Convents – Sisters of St. Jos
eph and Franciscan Brothers
Both Churches in good repair/ Rect
ory just painted (2010): Boilers all
under 15 years old and Church roofs are new
Potential Repairs: Sidewalks; Pointing
of St. Camillus School; Roof of
St. Virgilius Parish Center
11.
How do you see your parish collaboratin
g with other parishes in the future?
Mass attendance: People in the Rockaways and Broad Channel feel
free to attend Mass in any Catholic Church
Programs – People feel free to at
tend programs for Seniors and Youth
(Sports Programs)
Taskforce on Drugs and Alcohol
We could cooperate on the following programs as a cluster: RCIA;
Evangelization; Living & Leading by Faith
12.
What is your hope for your faith
community in the coming years?
St. Camillus-St. Virgilius continues to
merge so that it truly becomes
one
parish with people feeling at home in both sites and collaborating
to bring the Gospel to both sides of the bridge.
TIPS:
1. Keep learning. Learn more about crafts, gardening Languages whatever. Never let the brain die. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ and the devil’s name is ALZHEIMERS.
2. Keep only cheerful friends, grouches pull you down.
3. Enjoy the simple things of life.
4. Laugh often, long and hard until you gasp for breath.
5. Cherish your health. If it is good preserve it. If it is unstable improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve get help.
6. Surround yourself with what you love whether its family, pets, music, hobbies etc. Your home is your refuge.
7. Tell the people you love them at every opportunity.
8. The tears happen – Endure- grieve and move on. The only person who is with us our entire lives is ourselves. Be ‘Alive’ while you are alive.
Killing The Least Among Us - An Amazing Story
Servant of God, Jérôme Lejeune, was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th Century. He discovered Trisomy 21, the cause of Down Syndrome, and received many honors during his life. But, he was an even greater human being who was named a "Servant of God". The cause for his canonization is ongoing.
He was also an outspoken advocate of the dignity of all life, especially those who had abnormal genetic issues. As the American tendency of doctors to kill sick children started to spread to Europe, he said:
“They brandish chromosomal racism like the flag of freedom…. That this rejection of medicine—of the whole biological brotherhood that binds the human family—should be the only practical application of our knowledge of Trisomy 21 is beyond heartbreaking….”
In this video he gives an amazing story that made me stop and reflect on life and our preconceived ideas about others:
http://marysaggies.blogspot.ie/2012/12/killing-least-among-us-amazing-story.html
Birth of Hitler
THOUGHT:
I have lived to thank God that all my prayers have not been answered.
Jean Ingelow
Imagine...
Imagine believing you deserve to be treated with dignity.
Imagine believing you deserve the touch of tender hand, a tender hug.
A person actually does not have to earn love, can you imagine ?
Imagine standing up for yourself, some will hate it, but...
Imagine actually gaining confidence!
Imagine people offering their friendship and not asking for anything in return.
Peace of mind, we all deserve.
We all deserve to be pulled up when we fall, without judgement
We all deserve freedom to stand on solid ground
Freedom to be you, the you God made you to be
Freedom to be happy and peaceful, to have someone proud of you.
Let's stand strong.
Let's teach the people in our lives that we all deserve goodness, love and respect.
Take the time to notice the lonely, the sick and the forgotten
Step out of your comfort zone
Treat people as equals, teach, by our example, that we are all special.
Give the scared and abused ones lots of patience and love. They deserve it.
Offer them your hand but don't take it personal if they stand back.
Offer them the kind of love and patience God gives us.
Let them see the Light in our eyes.
God wants all of us to have his love and patience, we never have to earn it.
Imagine that!
This kind of truth.
©2012 Charlene Dyer
The Eagle has landed
In 1725 a very poor widow called Jane Houston was \"just about\" managing to live in Ballyboley, County Antrim{ Her less than useless husband had managed to drown himself in a ditch one night, while returning home very drunk} and at a time of severe famine in the north of Ireland was finding it hard to survive with her four young sons. She managed to stay alive and even married again but eventually decided to take her family to America. Under the Ulster custom of Tenant Right she was entitled to be paid for the improvements she had made to her small farm and this provided enough for the passage money to the New World from the port of Larne.
The Houston boys grew up in New York and like many other Ulster immigrants they moved south and west. One went down through the Alleghenny Mountains to Virginia. Samuel Houston married Elizabeth Paxton, and in 1793 at Timber Ridge Virginia, their fifth child, Sam Houston was born. The Houstons moved on to Tennessee in 1807, and it was there that Sam Houston would come into contact with the Cherokee Indians.
At that time the dictator of Mexico, General Santa Anna led an army of 5,000 men north to solidify Mexico\'s control of the vast Texas territory which was being defended by a scattered force of American settlers. Sam Houston became the Commander In Chief of this settler army. Once the powerful Mexican army arrived in the settlement of San Antonio, it found itself confronted by a force of 182 men, mostly of Ulster-Scots descent who had taken up defensive positions in the ruined church at the Alamo.
They were led by the brave young Colonel William Travis and among them were Jim Bowie whose family came from Aughnacloy and Davy Crockett whose roots were in the Strabane and Donegal, both sons of Tyrone. For the next 13 days they repulsed repeated assaults, delaying the advance of the Mexican army, until they were finally overrun by the superior force. The Mexicans paid a high price for taking the Alamo loosing 1600 killed in the process. The Alamo defenders bought precious time for the remaining American forces to consolidate and prepare for an offensive strike.
The defenders of the Alamo were to all perish before Houston could reach them, but subsequently his forces defeated the Mexican General Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, and thereby secured the independence of Texas. Sam Houston, direct descendant of the Houstons emigrants of Ballyboley, now a hero, was to become the first President of Texas and passed into American folklore. Santa Anna was defeated and the future of Texas was secure as part of the Union.
In his honour a small village was renamed, Houston, and was to grow into a city in the 20th century with the discovery of oil and in time became America\'s Space Centre. As Apollo touched down on the moon\'s surface the waiting World received that now infamous message
\"Houston, Tranquility base, the Eagle has landed\" so the very first word ever spoken by a mortal man from the surface of another planet was the name of a poor widow woman from Ballyboley in County Antrim.
http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0379.pdf
http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS1025.pdf
CONFEDERATE Soldier.
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of others,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all people most richly blessed.
written by an unknown Confederate Soldier.
Kevin Cotter Article co-written by Mark Bartek
Here are six tips on how you can keep from ruining your summer.
1. Think about where you will find the sacraments during the summer.
Find the closest parishes and check times for Sunday Mass, weekday Masses, and Confession. Put these times into your weekly schedule. Summers are great times to pick up new habits!
2. Plan on a time to pray each day.
Whether you are having some amazing new experiences or are faced with a mundane summer lifestyle, prayer can help you reflect on what God is trying to teach you through it all. Be sure to spend time each day in the classroom of silence. For tips on how to start a habit of prayer, check out this guide.
3. Pick out any books for spiritual reading
I know wasting time on Facebook is important, but why not give yourself something that will truly fill you up. Here are three recommendations: Interior Freedom, The Virtues of Holiness, or The Way.
4. Seek out virtuous friends.
Scripture tells us, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure” (Sirach 6:14). It can be tough to leave the college and all of the friendships you have behind. It can be even harder to come home where old friendships can bring back old temptations. While it is important to reach out to your friendship back home, find virtuous friends who will help you strive for greatness in your spiritual life.
5. Find a group of 10-12 people to reach out to.
St. Francis of Assisi tells us that “it is in giving of ourselves that we receive.” Summer is a great time to learn how to lead a Bible study outside the college campus. Could you do a BBQ Bible study or help out with your parish’s youth group? Are there other service opportunities that you could take part in and invite others to?
6. Think about campus outreach for next fall.
If you begin thinking about campus outreach for the fall, you will be that much more prepared when the time comes. Can you pray for your campus? Can you call those who you are in discipleship with? Can you talk to your FOCUS missionaries on what you can do to help?
We know that being Catholic is not about being part of a club, but being adopted into the Family of God, the Church. And that is not something that we ever take a summer vacation from!
The habits you form and the work you do could affect you for a lifetime!
10 Things I Learned in Our First Year of Homeschooling
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by Jennifer Fulwiler Wednesday, May 02, 2012 6:32 AM Comments (11)
It's May! Summer's just around the corner, which means that we have officially survived our first full year of homeschooling. This is a big milestone for us. As a lazy procrastinator with zero natural knack for teaching, I was a little worried about how this endeavor would turn out. Fortunately, things have gone better than I expected, and we managed to perpetuate only a few of the worst stereotypes about homeschoolers.
Some friends who are currently discerning school choices for next year have been asking how it went, so I thought I'd write up a hodgepodge of lessons I've learned while educating my kindergartener and second grader at home. (Keep in mind that my kids are young, so my experiences are probably different than that of folks with older kids.)
1. There's a lot of work, but you don't have to deal with homework
Planning and teaching homeschool lessons does take time, and that was definitely a sacrifice I had to make in order to homeschool. However, back when my oldest child went to public school, I also had to spend hours each week helping him with homework -- and in those cases, it was often frustrating to try to figure out what the teacher was looking for. Even though homeschooling requires more time from my schedule, I enjoy being able to control the type and quantity of work my kids do. More than anything, I love it that we can get it all done during the day, so that we can have relaxed family time in the evenings without having piles of homework hanging over our heads.
2. It's helpful to start each week with a plan
I made it a habit to set aside time each weekend to sketch out a schooling plan for the week, and this turned out to be critical. On the weekends I couldn't get around to it, our weeks always felt disorganized, and we often didn't get much done school-wise.
3. You don't have to be a great teacher
I thought that my nonexistent teaching abilities would be one of our most difficult challenges. I tend to be impatient and scatter-brained, and I worried that the kids would revolt by the end of the first week. However, I found that modern curricula make teaching a breeze. They had instructions so simple that even someone like me could follow them (e.g. "Tell your child to count the coins. Now ask, 'How many quarters do we have?'") Surprisingly enough, this didn't end up being an issue at all.
4. Especially when you're first starting out, it's ideal to buy curricula in person
When I first set out on this path, I was overwhelmed by all the great lesson planning options. For any topic imaginable, there are all sorts of curricula, each which focuses on a different learning style and/or worldview. I found it very helpful to go down to school supply stores like Mardel and look over everything in person. After I had flipped through various materials, it quickly became clear which ones were right for us.
5. There are a lot of active homeschooling communities
This one undoubtedly varies by region, but here in Central Texas I was delighted to find a large and active Catholic homeschooling community, as well as many good Protestant and secular ones as well. Far from feeling like we were going out on our own, getting involved with these groups made us feel a great kinship with other like-minded local families.
6. It's helpful to anchor homeschool times to outside events
One of my biggest challenges as homeschool teacher was simply sticking to a schedule. With no urgent reason to get everyone dressed and out of bed, it was easy to drift around in the morning, not get school started on time, then throw up my hands and decide that we might as well skip it since it was too late to begin. When I anchored school time to other events in our schedule, everything changed. For example, we started doing a lot of work when the toddlers were at the parish Mother's Day Out program, or would aim to get a couple of lessons in before Scouts on Wednesdays. Having to do school within pre-set, fixed times that I couldn't change was the motivation I needed to get everything moving on schedule.
7. You don't have to stick with one schooling philosophy, even from day to day
When we first started, I thought we would only do only a traditional schooling model (i.e. kids seated at desks, working methodically through carefully designed programs, doing worksheets, etc.) as opposed to the more loose "unschooling" style. What I found is that both worked for us: We fell into a schedule where certain days we would do traditional school, and certain other days the kids were free to do what they wanted, as long as it was at least somewhat educational. I found that combining structure with freedom to explore really benefited our family, and gave us the best of both worlds.
8. The pros and cons of homeschooling vary widely by the parents' temperaments
I did find it difficult to make sure my kids were getting enough quality social time with other children, but that's probably because I'm an introvert. On the other hand, my extroverted friends who homeschool find socialization to be a non-issue, but do sometimes struggle with spending so much time in the house. I've found this especially important to keep in mind when getting advice from others: Your friend might find a certain aspect of homeschooling to be easy or difficult, but, depending on your personality, you could have a totally different experience.
9. You don't need to match the hours they'd spend in school
One of the things that initially intimidated me about home education was the prospect of being in "school mode" seven hours a day. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, especially for the elementary grades, you can keep your kids at or above grade level by putting in fewer than half the hours they would spend at traditional schools each week. With the small "classroom" sizes you have with homeschooling, in addition to the freedom to cut out busywork, you can cover a lot of ground in relatively short amount of time.
10. There are exciting new options for homeschoolers every day
It seems like every time I turn around I hear about new educational options that would benefit homeschooling families. Regina Coeli. Khan Academy. MIT for high schoolers. Locally, there are now lots of extracurricular activities that meet during the day, as well as countless classes. I am excited to see the field of education flourishing with such exciting innovations, not just as a homeschooling parent, but as someone who loves learning.
...
I don't know if we'll homeschool all the way through 12th Grade; we try to take it a semester at a time, and not predict what may or may not work for us years into the future. But it's a good fit for now, and as much as I'm looking forward to summer break, I also look forward to the Fall, when another year of homeschooling will begin.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/jennifer-fulwiler/10-things-i-learned-in-our-first-year-of-homeschooling#ixzz1tkHub2AE
Loss of memory and other brain function can start as early as age 45, posing a big challenge to scientists looking for new ways to stave off dementia, researchers say.
The finding from a 10-year study of more than 7,000 British government workers contradicts previous notions that cognitive decline does not begin before 60 years of age, and it could have far-reaching implications for dementia research.
Pinpointing the age at which memory, reasoning and comprehension skills start to deteriorate is important because drugs are most likely to work if given when people first start to experience mental impairment.
A handful of novel medicines for Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, are currently in clinical trials, but expectations are low and some experts fear the new drugs are being tested in patients who may be too old to show a benefit.
Companies with products in development include Eli Lilly , working on a drug called solanezumab, and Elan and Johnson and Johnson, developing bapineuzumab.
The research team led by Archana Singh-Manoux from the Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in France and University College London found a modest decline in mental reasoning in men and women aged 45-49 years.
"We were expecting to see no decline, based on past research," Singh-Manoux said in a telephone interview.
Among older subjects in the study, the average decline in cognitive function was greater, but there was a wide variation at all ages, with a third of individuals aged 45-70 showing no deterioration over the period.
"It doesn't suddenly happen when you get old. That variability exists much earlier on," Singh-Manoux said. "The next step is going to be to tease that apart and look for links to risk factors."
Healthy lifestyle
Participants were assessed three times during the study, using tests for memory, vocabulary, and aural and visual comprehension skills.
Over the 10-year period, there was a 3.6% decline in mental reasoning in both men and women aged 45-49 at the start of the study, while the decline for men aged 65-70 was 9.6% and 7.4% for women.
Since the youngest individuals at the start of the study were 45, it is possible that the decline in cognition might have commenced even earlier.
Singh-Manoux said the results may also have underestimated the cognitive decline in the broader population, since the office workers in the study enjoyed a relatively privileged and healthy lifestyle.
Factors affecting cardiovascular function - such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking - are believed to impact the development of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia through effects on brain blood vessels and brain cells.
The research findings were published in the British Medical Journal, alongside an editorial by Francine Grodstein of the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, who described the results as convincing.
Most research into dementia has focused on people aged 65 and over. In future, scientists will need to devise long-term clinical studies that include much younger age groups and may have to enroll tens of thousands of participants, she said.
Dine in. Eating out costs big bucks. Fatten your wallet by eating home cooked meals and you may just slim your waistline while you’re at it. Try these Cheap, Easy, and Healthy, Family Dinners for $5 to kick start your savings.
Brown Bag It. Stop spending mega moolah muddling your midday meal munching on take out lunches. Bringing a brown bag lunch to school or work every day will save your thousands this year. Try these Five Frugal Lunches for some ideas.
Latte Factor. Like a daily latte or coffee? These seemingly small drips of dollars can really add up! Forget the daily coffee break and make your own hot beverages to save lots of loot.
Raise Deductibles. Get out your policy and raise the deductibles on your car and home insurance. You’re not likely to claim the small stuff so choose a $5000 over a $500 deductible to cut your insurance costs by about 40 percent.
Buy a Cheaper Car. Pimping in a flashy vehicle? A smaller or less expensive model can save you big bucks and still get you from point A to point B in style.
Lose the Extra Car. Get creative and optimize the usage of a single family car to save huge money on insurance, gas, and car payments. You may be surprised how much money can be saved by reducing the number of cars parked in your driveway.
Ditch the Car. Buy a Bike. Ride the Bus. Carpool. I did this years ago and lived to tell the tale. I guesstimate I’ve saved at least 5K a year by riding my bike to school and work. I tend to carpool or ride the bus on rainy days. Since I’ve been car-free for 12 years, that’s 60K saved! Ka-ching!
Expunge Extended Warranties. Don’t buy extended warranties on inexpensive products like cameras and kitchen appliances. The only time a warranty makes sense is if a repair will devastate your budget.
Avoid Unnecessary Insurance. Skip mortgage and accidental death insurance as it only covers you in specific cases. Get life insurance to cover you no matter the cause of death.
Avoid Whole Life Insurance. Whole life policies are expensive for the policy owner and lucrative for the policy seller. Term policies, which cover you for a set period, are FAR less expensive. Here’s How to Buy Life Insurance Without Getting Screwed.
Don’t Insure Your Kids. I love kids, but insurance for children makes no financial sense. Buy life insurance to replace the income of the family breadwinner(s), those you are dependent on. Not your dependents. Here’s why your kids don’t need life insurance.
Get a High Interest Savings Account. Switch your savings account to a high interest account, like those offered through ING Direct. You can make 3-4 percent MORE on your savings a year, rather than the pittance most checking accounts offer.
Pay off Your Credit Card. Stop paying the bare minimum on your credit cards. Paying just the minimum (usually 2-3 percent) only prolongs the agony and increases the amount of interest paid to the bank. Save yourself over 20 percent in interest charges by fully paying off your credit card debt. Depending on your debt, you may add thousands to your wallet.
Get a Better Credit Card. Not all credit cards are created equal. Choose a credit card with no annual fee, understand your credit card’s benefits and risks, know how your issuer calculates interest charges, and learn how to benefit from introductory rates. Reading the small print will help you to make the most of your credit card and keep fees and charges to a minimum, saving bundles of bucks every year. Try these Four Steps to Choosing a Credit Card for help.
Watch Investment Fees. There are costs to investing your hard earned dollars. Learning how to minimize these costs can save you thousands in management expense ratio fees (MERs), trailer fees, and broker fees. Always read your investment fund prospectus to better understand how these hideous fees can eat up your fund portfolio returns year after year. If you’re investing in high fee mutual funds, consider a portfolio in index funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) to better increase your returns and minimize your costs.
Look at Laundry Costs. Washing clothes is a repetitive task which can cost big bucks over the span of a year. When I stop to calculate the cost of laundry detergent, the power usage of clothing dryers, and the water consumption of washing machines I shudder at the total cost of cleaning filth. Learn How to Save Money on Laundry to minimize the expensive impact of filth.
Banish Bank Account Fees. Minimum balances, withdrawal fees, checking fees, paying bills fees, fees, and more fees. Why are you paying so much for banking? I dare you to add up all those tiny little dings you don’t want to look at and see how much you pay for banking. Compare your banking fees to other bank accounts and switch banks. I’ve been using a no fee checking account with President’s Choice Financial for years, and love it. Find a no fee checking account in your state, province, or country and live bank fee free already.
Axe ATM Fees. Getting dinged $1 here and there for withdrawing your cash can add up! Planning your cash withdrawals ahead of time can save you lots of dollar dings over the span of a year. Axe your ATM fees by sticking to your bank’s machine, only withdrawing cash a few times a month, and check your bank plan to see if there is a better fee structure for your banking needs.
Eat Less Meat. Where’s the beef? To save thousands in groceries try eating less meat in your family meals. You don’t have to go vegetarian, just try some meatless dishes a few times a week. Switching from animal protein to bean protein is a wonderfully frugal way to add some dollars to you bank account. Try soaking dried beans to become the ultimate money saving bean counter.
Pay Down Student Debt. New graduate? Finished your degree decades ago? Paying off your student loan is a sure fire way to reduce interest payments, saving you thousands. Try these 5 Tips for Paying Off Student Loans.
Manage Extra Mortgage Payments. For most of us, the mortgage represents our biggest debt. If you can manage, try making an extra payment to help end the loan sooner. Use the Loan Amortization Calculator to see the impact of how much loan interest can be reduced by paying down your mortgage sooner.
Cut the Cable. Television is expensive. Especially if you have special packages, customer loyalty bundles, and fee hungry features. Cancel the unneeded extras to save, or just cut the cable completely to maximize savings. Television may seem like a nominal monthly bill, but try adding up this expense over 12 months.
Cancel the Cell Phone. Roaming fees, text messages, minute overages. Cell phones can cost you big bucks over a year. Reevaluate your cell phone plan to save, or cancel your cell package to maximize savings. Should you cancel your cell phone?
Rent Less Apartment. Downsizing your rented apartment could save you money over time. Try renting a unit on a lower floor without a view, move to a building with fewer perks, or rent a basement suite. Renting a smaller place can also save you on energy costs.
Get a Roommate. Got a multiple room apartment or house? Rent out a room to a student or a young professional to jump start some savings. Sharing space saves on energy costs too.
Reconsider the Landline. If you have a cell phone, do you still need your landline? Many cell phone users work on the road or away from the home. Perhaps it’s time to ditch the landline to save on utility costs.
Maintain Your Car. Routine maintenance can save you a bundle by preventing major automobile repair costs. Follow your car’s user manual to keep up-to-date with oil changes, new air filters, and regular tune ups.
Save Money on Gas. Gassed by the high prices at the pump? Try these 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas to cut your fuel consumption.
Buy a More Fuel Efficient Car. Perhaps it’s time to trade in the gas guzzling clunker for a more fuel efficient automobile. Try the Should You Buy a More Gas Efficient Car Calculator to determine the break even point of a new car based on gas consumption.
Pass on Pets. I love my dog. But our fine furry friends can cost us a small fortune in food and veterinarian bills. If you need the extra stash of cash, it may be best to pass on pets. Learn about Annual Pet Costs before bringing fluffy home.
Use Condoms. When it’s time for sexy time, consider condoms. Health costs and babies are expensive. Preventing sexually transmitted infections is key to keeping yourself healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Negotiate Your Mortgage. Never settle for the bank or mortgage lender’s first offer. Always ask mortgage brokers for the best fees, terms and mortgage rate. Save thousands in interest costs. Try the Loan Amortization Calculator to see your savings.
Negotiate Your Salary. Getting a job offer is fun and thrilling. But settling for your first offer may be a mistake. Companies exist by keeping their costs down, hence paying employees as little as possible. When you get an offer, try negotiating for a little bit more. Try these 10 Tips for Salary Negotiation.
Plan a Staycation. Stay at home for your next family vacation and save on lodging, dining out, and traveling costs. Staycations involve visiting local attractions like museums, parks, festivals, and play grounds. Get to know your area and neighbors better by vacationing near home.
Switch to Exchange Traded Funds. When investing in your retirement, consider switching your mutual funds to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). ETFs have lower management fees than mutual funds. The less money you spend in management fees the more you keep in your portfolio. Try the Portfolio MER Calculator to calculate your total investment costs. You many just be surprised how much these fees eat into your returns!
Grow a Garden. Cut some cash from your grocery bill by growing your own food. Planting some common veggies can help save a bundle. Want some hard numbers? Follow J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly in his series: How Much Does a Garden Really Save? Don’t have space for soil? Here are 12 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot.
Switch to Cloth Diapers. The number of diapers a baby and toddler uses until potty trained is staggering. Calculate the cash spent on your baby’s poopy disposable diapers and you may just s$it yourself. Consider switching to cloth diapers to save some bucks. The biggest money savings can be found if you plan to have multiple children or can buy used cloth diapers. Trent at The Simple Dollar discusses his cloth diapering thoughts.
Buy Used. Need some furniture, books, or car? Why not buy used to save! Buying used goods not only saves on taxes, but saves you from spending top dollar on retail. Most of my furniture and nearly all of my books were bought used. It’s astounding the quality available if you’re willing to wait and buy used. Try these tips for shopping second hand.
Quit the Gym. Go for a Walk. What’s up with fitness club initiation fees, contracts, locker fees, and monthly rates? Joining a gym can be an expensive relationship, especially if your membership or contract is hard to break or goes on for years. Know your rights before joining a gym, be aware of the pitfalls, and do the math. Before paying a gym, consider these 10 Free Ways to Get into Fitness to save a bundle.
Love the Library. I love reading books. I love not paying for books even more. Save yourself on Amazon bills by going to your local library and signing out your books for free. Besides, the library offers more than just free books! Get access to videos, CDs, and audio books. Be sure to watch out for due dates and fines.
Get a New Job. Changing careers or finding a new job can pay dividends in the size of your paycheck. Boost your earnings to save more bucks.
Make a Shopping List. Curb impulse grocery spending by downloading the Printable Grocery Shopping List. A shopping list can help you stay on the frugal track and avoid expensively packaged foods, save time at the store, and helps you remember what healthy foods to buy. Easy.
Switch Home Heating. Is heating your home burning a hole in your wallet? If you heat with oil, perhaps it’s time to switch to electric? Your state or province may offer rebates and incentives for switching to more energy efficient forms of heating.
Sell Your Stuff. Are endless racks of CDs, videos, books, sports equipment, and stuff cluttering up your space? Consider selling some of your stuff to raise some funds and clear some space. Try selling through garage sales, local swap meets, and online through craigslist, Kijiji, and eBay.
Stop Buying Crap. Do you really need the latest gizmo or gadget? Resist the marketing muckity muck when advertisers launch crap, unveil crap, and convince you to upgrade crap. Crap is expensive. Learn to Just Say “No” to Crap before your wallet gets whacked by needless crap.
Leave the Liquor. Spirits can be fun. But lots of liquor can leave your pocketbook dry. Try drinking less alcohol to help boost your savings.
Shop Out of Season. Save some serious dollars by buying goods out of season. Buy winter boots in the spring, get wrapping paper after Christmas, and buy a bike in the fall. Buying goods out of season means finding end of season sales, reductions, and clear outs.
Shop In Season. Buying broccoli in January is crazy expensive. Buying fruits and vegetables in season keeps grocery costs down. Try shopping at local farmer’s markets and freezing perishables for the winter. Besides, food just takes better when it’s in season (source).
Use Your Benefits. Does your employer’s compensation package include medical, dental, chiropractor, massage, and other physical therapies? Since you’re probably paying a fee for this health care you’d be silly to squander the benefit. Be sure to visit the dentist and fix all your ailments by using your benefits. A healthy smile is priceless.
Claim Your Tax Credits. When doing your yearly taxes, don’t forget to claim your health expenses, child credits, and education amounts. Missing an exemption could cost you thousands. Collect all your receipts during the year so you’re not scrambling to prove your costs come tax season. I store my receipts in simple envelopes to help tame the clutter and confusion throughout the year.
Here are 50 ways to save an extra $1,000 a year:
Dine in. Eating out costs big bucks. Fatten your wallet by eating home cooked meals and you may just slim your waistline while you’re at it. Try these Cheap, Easy, and Healthy, Family Dinners for $5 to kick start your savings.
Brown Bag It. Stop spending mega moolah muddling your midday meal munching on take out lunches. Bringing a brown bag lunch to school or work every day will save your thousands this year. Try these Five Frugal Lunches for some ideas.
Latte Factor. Like a daily latte or coffee? These seemingly small drips of dollars can really add up! Forget the daily coffee break and make your own hot beverages to save lots of loot.
Raise Deductibles. Get out your policy and raise the deductibles on your car and home insurance. You’re not likely to claim the small stuff so choose a $5000 over a $500 deductible to cut your insurance costs by about 40 percent.
Buy a Cheaper Car. Pimping in a flashy vehicle? A smaller or less expensive model can save you big bucks and still get you from point A to point B in style.
Lose the Extra Car. Get creative and optimize the usage of a single family car to save huge money on insurance, gas, and car payments. You may be surprised how much money can be saved by reducing the number of cars parked in your driveway.
Ditch the Car. Buy a Bike. Ride the Bus. Carpool. I did this years ago and lived to tell the tale. I guesstimate I’ve saved at least 5K a year by riding my bike to school and work. I tend to carpool or ride the bus on rainy days. Since I’ve been car-free for 12 years, that’s 60K saved! Ka-ching!
Expunge Extended Warranties. Don’t buy extended warranties on inexpensive products like cameras and kitchen appliances. The only time a warranty makes sense is if a repair will devastate your budget.
Avoid Unnecessary Insurance. Skip mortgage and accidental death insurance as it only covers you in specific cases. Get life insurance to cover you no matter the cause of death.
Avoid Whole Life Insurance. Whole life policies are expensive for the policy owner and lucrative for the policy seller. Term policies, which cover you for a set period, are FAR less expensive. Here’s How to Buy Life Insurance Without Getting Screwed.
Don’t Insure Your Kids. I love kids, but insurance for children makes no financial sense. Buy life insurance to replace the income of the family breadwinner(s), those you are dependent on. Not your dependents. Here’s why your kids don’t need life insurance.
Get a High Interest Savings Account. Switch your savings account to a high interest account, like those offered through ING Direct. You can make 3-4 percent MORE on your savings a year, rather than the pittance most checking accounts offer.
Pay off Your Credit Card. Stop paying the bare minimum on your credit cards. Paying just the minimum (usually 2-3 percent) only prolongs the agony and increases the amount of interest paid to the bank. Save yourself over 20 percent in interest charges by fully paying off your credit card debt. Depending on your debt, you may add thousands to your wallet.
Get a Better Credit Card. Not all credit cards are created equal. Choose a credit card with no annual fee, understand your credit card’s benefits and risks, know how your issuer calculates interest charges, and learn how to benefit from introductory rates. Reading the small print will help you to make the most of your credit card and keep fees and charges to a minimum, saving bundles of bucks every year. Try these Four Steps to Choosing a Credit Card for help.
Watch Investment Fees. There are costs to investing your hard earned dollars. Learning how to minimize these costs can save you thousands in management expense ratio fees (MERs), trailer fees, and broker fees. Always read your investment fund prospectus to better understand how these hideous fees can eat up your fund portfolio returns year after year. If you’re investing in high fee mutual funds, consider a portfolio in index funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) to better increase your returns and minimize your costs.
Look at Laundry Costs. Washing clothes is a repetitive task which can cost big bucks over the span of a year. When I stop to calculate the cost of laundry detergent, the power usage of clothing dryers, and the water consumption of washing machines I shudder at the total cost of cleaning filth. Learn How to Save Money on Laundry to minimize the expensive impact of filth.
Banish Bank Account Fees. Minimum balances, withdrawal fees, checking fees, paying bills fees, fees, and more fees. Why are you paying so much for banking? I dare you to add up all those tiny little dings you don’t want to look at and see how much you pay for banking. Compare your banking fees to other bank accounts and switch banks. I’ve been using a no fee checking account with President’s Choice Financial for years, and love it. Find a no fee checking account in your state, province, or country and live bank fee free already.
Axe ATM Fees. Getting dinged $1 here and there for withdrawing your cash can add up! Planning your cash withdrawals ahead of time can save you lots of dollar dings over the span of a year. Axe your ATM fees by sticking to your bank’s machine, only withdrawing cash a few times a month, and check your bank plan to see if there is a better fee structure for your banking needs.
Eat Less Meat. Where’s the beef? To save thousands in groceries try eating less meat in your family meals. You don’t have to go vegetarian, just try some meatless dishes a few times a week. Switching from animal protein to bean protein is a wonderfully frugal way to add some dollars to you bank account. Try soaking dried beans to become the ultimate money saving bean counter.
Pay Down Student Debt. New graduate? Finished your degree decades ago? Paying off your student loan is a sure fire way to reduce interest payments, saving you thousands. Try these 5 Tips for Paying Off Student Loans.
Manage Extra Mortgage Payments. For most of us, the mortgage represents our biggest debt. If you can manage, try making an extra payment to help end the loan sooner. Use the Loan Amortization Calculator to see the impact of how much loan interest can be reduced by paying down your mortgage sooner.
Cut the Cable. Television is expensive. Especially if you have special packages, customer loyalty bundles, and fee hungry features. Cancel the unneeded extras to save, or just cut the cable completely to maximize savings. Television may seem like a nominal monthly bill, but try adding up this expense over 12 months.
Cancel the Cell Phone. Roaming fees, text messages, minute overages. Cell phones can cost you big bucks over a year. Reevaluate your cell phone plan to save, or cancel your cell package to maximize savings. Should you cancel your cell phone?
Rent Less Apartment. Downsizing your rented apartment could save you money over time. Try renting a unit on a lower floor without a view, move to a building with fewer perks, or rent a basement suite. Renting a smaller place can also save you on energy costs.
Get a Roommate. Got a multiple room apartment or house? Rent out a room to a student or a young professional to jump start some savings. Sharing space saves on energy costs too.
Reconsider the Landline. If you have a cell phone, do you still need your landline? Many cell phone users work on the road or away from the home. Perhaps it’s time to ditch the landline to save on utility costs.
Maintain Your Car. Routine maintenance can save you a bundle by preventing major automobile repair costs. Follow your car’s user manual to keep up-to-date with oil changes, new air filters, and regular tune ups.
Save Money on Gas. Gassed by the high prices at the pump? Try these 10 Ways to Save Money on Gas to cut your fuel consumption.
Buy a More Fuel Efficient Car. Perhaps it’s time to trade in the gas guzzling clunker for a more fuel efficient automobile. Try the Should You Buy a More Gas Efficient Car Calculator to determine the break even point of a new car based on gas consumption.
Pass on Pets. I love my dog. But our fine furry friends can cost us a small fortune in food and veterinarian bills. If you need the extra stash of cash, it may be best to pass on pets. Learn about Annual Pet Costs before bringing fluffy home.
Negotiate Your Mortgage. Never settle for the bank or mortgage lender’s first offer. Always ask mortgage brokers for the best fees, terms and mortgage rate. Save thousands in interest costs. Try the Loan Amortization Calculator to see your savings.
Negotiate Your Salary. Getting a job offer is fun and thrilling. But settling for your first offer may be a mistake. Companies exist by keeping their costs down, hence paying employees as little as possible. When you get an offer, try negotiating for a little bit more. Try these 10 Tips for Salary Negotiation.
Plan a Staycation. Stay at home for your next family vacation and save on lodging, dining out, and traveling costs. Staycations involve visiting local attractions like museums, parks, festivals, and play grounds. Get to know your area and neighbors better by vacationing near home.
Switch to Exchange Traded Funds. When investing in your retirement, consider switching your mutual funds to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). ETFs have lower management fees than mutual funds. The less money you spend in management fees the more you keep in your portfolio. Try the Portfolio MER Calculator to calculate your total investment costs. You many just be surprised how much these fees eat into your returns!
Grow a Garden. Cut some cash from your grocery bill by growing your own food. Planting some common veggies can help save a bundle. Want some hard numbers? Follow J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly in his series: How Much Does a Garden Really Save? Don’t have space for soil? Here are 12 Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot.
Switch to Cloth Diapers. The number of diapers a baby and toddler uses until potty trained is staggering. Calculate the cash spent on your baby’s poopy disposable diapers and you may just s$it yourself. Consider switching to cloth diapers to save some bucks. The biggest money savings can be found if you plan to have multiple children or can buy used cloth diapers. Trent at The Simple Dollar discusses his cloth diapering thoughts.
Buy Used. Need some furniture, books, or car? Why not buy used to save! Buying used goods not only saves on taxes, but saves you from spending top dollar on retail. Most of my furniture and nearly all of my books were bought used. It’s astounding the quality available if you’re willing to wait and buy used. Try these tips for shopping second hand.
Quit the Gym. Go for a Walk. What’s up with fitness club initiation fees, contracts, locker fees, and monthly rates? Joining a gym can be an expensive relationship, especially if your membership or contract is hard to break or goes on for years. Know your rights before joining a gym, be aware of the pitfalls, and do the math. Before paying a gym, consider these 10 Free Ways to Get into Fitness to save a bundle.
Love the Library. I love reading books. I love not paying for books even more. Save yourself on Amazon bills by going to your local library and signing out your books for free. Besides, the library offers more than just free books! Get access to videos, CDs, and audio books. Be sure to watch out for due dates and fines.
Get a New Job. Changing careers or finding a new job can pay dividends in the size of your paycheck. Boost your earnings to save more bucks.
Make a Shopping List. Curb impulse grocery spending by downloading the Printable Grocery Shopping List. A shopping list can help you stay on the frugal track and avoid expensively packaged foods, save time at the store, and helps you remember what healthy foods to buy. Easy.
Switch Home Heating. Is heating your home burning a hole in your wallet? If you heat with oil, perhaps it’s time to switch to electric? Your state or province may offer rebates and incentives for switching to more energy efficient forms of heating.
Sell Your Stuff. Are endless racks of CDs, videos, books, sports equipment, and stuff cluttering up your space? Consider selling some of your stuff to raise some funds and clear some space. Try selling through garage sales, local swap meets, and online through craigslist, Kijiji, and eBay.
Stop Buying Crap. Do you really need the latest gizmo or gadget? Resist the marketing muckity muck when advertisers launch crap, unveil crap, and convince you to upgrade crap. Crap is expensive. Learn to Just Say “No” to Crap before your wallet gets whacked by needless crap.
Leave the Liquor. Spirits can be fun. But lots of liquor can leave your pocketbook dry. Try drinking less alcohol to help boost your savings.
Shop Out of Season. Save some serious dollars by buying goods out of season. Buy winter boots in the spring, get wrapping paper after Christmas, and buy a bike in the fall. Buying goods out of season means finding end of season sales, reductions, and clear outs.
Shop In Season. Buying broccoli in January is crazy expensive. Buying fruits and vegetables in season keeps grocery costs down. Try shopping at local farmer’s markets and freezing perishables for the winter. Besides, food just takes better when it’s in season (source).
Use Your Benefits. Does your employer’s compensation package include medical, dental, chiropractor, massage, and other physical therapies? Since you’re probably paying a fee for this health care you’d be silly to squander the benefit. Be sure to visit the dentist and fix all your ailments by using your benefits. A healthy smile is priceless.
Claim Your Tax Credits. When doing your yearly taxes, don’t forget to claim your health expenses, child credits, and education amounts. Missing an exemption could cost you thousands. Collect all your receipts during the year so you’re not scrambling to prove your costs come tax season. I store my receipts in simple envelopes to help tame the clutter and confusion throughout the year.
Here are 50 ways to save an extra $1,000 a year:
By Kerry K Taylor
A team of European astronomers studying the most distant quasar found to date, it is powered by a black hole with a mass two billion times that of the Sun, is by far the brightest object yet discovered in the early Universe.
The universe is about 14 billion years old; earth is about four billion years old. Earliest microforms of life go back about three billion years. Animal life forms go back 557 million years, and human life is estimated to go back to 100,000 to 150,000 years ago
Provision for a €2 billion investment in renewable energy including a €900 million pumped-storage hydroelectricity plant is to be included in the Clare County Development Plan
Adoration, Pope Benedict says, is not a luxury but a priority, because when people cease to adore God, they begin to worship themselves through exalting pleasure, power, and material goods. Failing to adore God, they begin to serve mammon (Mt 6:24) — and once they begin to serve mammon, they forget who they are. “Without the Creator, the creature disappears,”
Michael Lavery
THE GIRL ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
I met a girl at the Farthing Fair.
She was as sweet as honey.
You’d think I was a millionaire
The way I squandered my money.
We took a trip on the ghost express,
And the switchback up and down
And then she said she’d like to have
A ride on the merry-go-round.
Refrain:
The girl on the merry-go-round,
She was as sweet as honey,
But she left me standing on the ground,
When I ran out of money.
We tried our luck at the shooting range,
And at the coconut shy,
We took a turn on the dodgems
And the big wheel spinning high.
I bought her coke and candy floss,
I took her to see the clowns,
And then she said she’d like to have
A ride on the merry-go-round.
Refrain:
The girl on the merry-go-round etc
I put my hand in my pocket
And my money was nearly done.
I couldn’t pay for the two of us,
So I paid for only one.
The last I saw as she whizzed by
Was the flutter of flying hair,
For she slipped away into the crowd
And I was alone at the Farthing Fair.
Refrain:
The girl on the merry-go-round etc
90 year old man remembers; http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2010/09/amazing-wwii-story.html
Little Nazareth, Walsingham, Norfolk
Excerpts From: Shrines of Our Lady Author: Peter Mullen
The Work of Angels | Changing Fortunes | Two Shrines, One Faith | Ballard
The Work of Angels
In 1066 Richeldis de Faverches, Lady of the Manor of Walsingham, was saying
her prayers when she received a vision of the Virgin Mary. This was followed
by a twice-repeated vision of the house of Joseph, Mary and the boy Jesus at
Nazareth, during which Richeldis was commanded to build a replica of the
Holy House - in which the Annunciation took place - on her own land for the
use of Crusaders as a focus of devotion. Richeldis gave instructions for
building to commence but, according to legend, the following night she was
awakened by the sound of singing and when she went to investigate she saw
angels leaving. The Holy House had been miraculously built, and very soon
pilgrims began to arrive.
Augustinian canons and Franciscan friars had established houses here by 130
and catered for the needs of the many visitors, both commoners and royalty:
the shrine royal patronage from Henry III in 1226. All along the road to
Walsingham were built chapels and refreshment houses, the last of which
erected in the fourteenth century and dedicated to St Catherine of
Alexandria, patron saint of all Holy Land pilgrims, was known as the Slipper
Chapel. Here pilgrims, would take off their boots and approach the shrine
either in slippers or barefoot. The path which leads from the Slipper Chapel
to the shrine is currently being remade as part of the Sacred Land Project
( a project by all major religious and environmental groups in Britain to
revive and celebrate the sacred meaning and significance of sites).
Changing Fortunes
In the sixteenth century, the Protestant Reformation swept across northern
Europe and resulted in widespread iconoclasm. In 1538 the shrine at
Walsingham was destroyed and its statue of the Virgin transported to London
and burnt. Subsequently the Slipper Chapel was used as a poor house, a
forge, a cowshed and a barn.
Under the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, freedom of worship was
restored. The Anglican Church too enjoyed a revival through the Oxford
Movement, whose leaders such as Newman (later Cardinal), Keble and Pusey
venerated the ancient forms and traditions of the Catholic faith.
In the Sussex village of Buxted supporters of the Movement built a new
church with a Lady Chapel to the exact dimensions of Lady Richeldis's
original. Alfred Hope Patten, a local boy, prayed regularly at Buxted and in
due course was ordained in the Church of England. In 1921 he was appointed
to the living of Walsingham where he remained for the rest of his life.
Patten supervised the carving of a stone statue of the Madonna and Child
based on the model of the original Walsingham Abbey Seal which is preserved
in the British Museum. Since 1922 prayers and Rosary have been said before
the statue each night in unbroken succession.
Using medieval references, in 1931 Patten re-created Lady Richeldis's Holy
House in brick and stone., and seven years later the present Pilgrimage
Church was built to cover and protect it. The cloister house an Anglo-Saxon
well. This is a beautiful place which resonates with spiritual calm and a
palpable silence.
Two Shrines, One Faith
While the Oxford Movement revived devotion to the Virgin in the Church of
England, Roman Catholics were enjoying freedom of expression for the first
time since the reformation. In 1863 Charlotte Pearson Boyd purchased the old
Slipper Chapel and in the following year Pope Leo XIII gave permission for
the restoration of the original Catholic shrine. On 20th August 1897 the
first public pilgrimage here from Kings Lynn took place. So by the end of
the nineteenth century the little Norfolk village was home to two
flourishing shrines of Our Lady.
On 19th August 1934 Cardinal Bourne led the Catholic bishops of England and
Wales and ten thousand pilgrims to the Slipper Chapel, and from this date it
became the official Roman Catholic National Shrine. The four hundredth
anniversary of the shrine's destruction was commemorated in 1938 by a
Pilgrimage of Catholic Youth, and in 1948 fourteen oak crosses were set in
the garden. There is a tradition for pilgrims to walk the last mile here
barefoot.
The Slipper Chapel contains a magnificent stone statue of the Virgin carved
by Marcel Barbeau and crowned by the Papal Representative, Archbishop
O'Hara, on the Feast of the Assumption in 1954. The statue was taken to
Wembley to be blessed by Pope John Paul II when he visited England in 1982.
The clean, simple lines of the cloister surrounding the Slipper Chapel
provide a serene atmosphere. Here you will find the Holy Water Fountain and
the baptismal font from the disused church of Forncett St Mary near Norwich.
The churches responsible for the shrines at Walsingham are aware that the
very fact of the existence of two shrines is a sign of disunity. In
mitigation it should be said that the Anglican and Catholic shrines were
restored before the ecumenical movement was established. Nowadays there is
less competition than co-operation between custodians of these spiritual
resources. In particular, the Chapel of reconciliation on the main Slipper
Chapel site was blessed by Cardinal Hume in 1981; it contains the Icon of
the Mother of God, painted for the Golden Jubilee in 1988 by Archimandrite
David of the Russian Orthodox community of St Seraphim at Walsingham. The
Chapel of Reconciliation can hold a congregation of six hundred, and
upstairs in the Anglican shrine there is an Orthodox Chapel.
There are frequent pilgrimages throughout the summer months when there is a
huge variety of activities and presentations available to visitors. A
particular attraction is the Candlelight Procession of Our Lady on Saturday
evenings at the Anglican shrine. A highlight at the Catholic shrine is the
daily (Easter to October) Pilgrim Service at the church of the Annunciation
or in Elmham House gardens at 8 p.m.
Ballard
O England great cause have you to be glad
Compared to the Promised Land.
For you are graced to stand in that degree,
Through this glorious Lady's intercession;
To be called in every realm and region
The Holy Land, Our Lady's Dowry.
Thus you are called from all antiquity.
And this is the cause as appears by comparison:
In you is built New Nazareth, a house
To the honour of the Heavenly Empress
And her glorious salutation,
First principle and ground of our salvation,
When Gabriel said at Old Nazareth, 'Ave!'
This joy shall be remembered here each day.
Anon, 'The Ballard of Walsingham', c. 1490, known as 'The Pynson Ballad'
after its first printer
Excerpts From: Shrines of Our Lady Author: Peter Mullen
E:\DOMAINS\S\SHRINESOFOURLADY.COM\USER\HTDOCS\FIND-SHRINES\EUROPE\../../incs/asp/counter.asp,
line 7
"Flower of Carmel,vine with blossom weighed
Shinig Light of Heaven, bearing child though maid
None like to Thee
Mother most tender, whom no man didst know,
On all Carmel's chidren thy favour bestow,
Star of the Sea."
Attributed to ST. SIMON STOCK, Hymn - Flos Carmeli
The first impression of Aylesford Priory, known as 'The Friars', is not one
of monastic stillness. We are close to the Kent town of Maidstone, and to
the east of the priory lies the belching mass of Aylesford Newsprint, and to
the north the ceaseless drum of the M20 motorway. But once immersed in the
shrine, these oppressive neighbours are forgotten: the atmosphere is one of
peace and at the same time there is no mistaking the efficient organization
that makes up this celebrated priory.
In a summer of torpid heat, I arrive at Aylesford Priory in the early
morning as the mist rises and lingers over the lawns. Silence envelops
chapels and cloisters, courtyards and workshops; the river, green in the
mid-summer heat, meanders slowly past and the occasional moorhen darts into
the shadows.
Immaculately-groomed lawns and wide sweeping paths lead beside clipped
hedges and past the lake to a black swan preening elegantly on the grass in
the centre of the ancient courtyard. Standing beside the River Medway, this
group of buildings, with its medieval cells and magnificent Pilgrims' Hall,
now used as the dining hall, forms part of the gift of a thirteenth-century
crusader ID the Carmelite friars. It contains one of the oldest medieval
courtyards in England to remain intact, and is now once more the home of the
Carmelite order.
The Carmelite friars take their name from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, the
dwelling-place of the prophet Elijah whom the early friars of the twelfth
century took as the model for their contemplative life on Mount Carmel. Each
Carmelite hermit was allotted a cave dwelling where he was to remain day and
night praying continually, and the order was placed under the particular
protection of the Blessed Virgin. By the middle of the thirteenth century,
the peaceful tenor of their hermit existence was becoming increasingly
threatened by the instability of their crusader kingdom, and friars began to
migrate to Europe.
At Aylesford the turmoil of the years of the Crusades is graphically
portrayed on the walls of the Pilgrims' Hall in a series of modern paintings
by the Polish artist Adam Kossowski. The Saracens appear mounted on
warhorses, their ferocious demeanour only slightly mitigated by the
splendour of their apparel, for they have clad themselves in all their
finery to intimidate the simple friars of Mount Carmel. But the friars turn
in prayer to their patroness, the Blessed Virgin, and their prayers are
heard.
In 1242 a group made their way to England at the invitation of the crusader
knight, Richard de Grey, who has offered them a home at Aylesford.
Subsequent pictures show the friars reading and praying in their new cells
in holy contentment.
By 1248 work is under way on a church in honour of the Assumption of the
Glorious Virgin, and Kossowski's pictures show the friars bricklaying and
stonecutting. In the distance we see the bridge across the River Medway
which pilgrims will cross on their journey to the priory. The Friars was on
the ancient pilgrim route to the shrines of St Thomas Becket and of Our Lady
Undercroft at Canterbury Cathedral, and there would have been a constant
stream of pilgrims wishing to rest here before the final leg of their
journey to Canterbury.
The next picture tells the story of the dissolution of Aylesford Priory in
1538. The formidable figure of King Henry VIII’s chief minister, Thomas
Cromwell, reads an order of expulsion as the friars turn to leave their
beloved home. Above the bridge across the Medway stands the figure of Mary,
her mantle held wide to protect the sad procession of friars going into
exile.
In the final picture, Our Lady stands above the Aylesford gatehouse, the
edges of her cloak held by angels, as the friars return to their home in
1949 after an absence of nearly four hundred years. This is the gateway
through which the friars departed in 1538, and above the opening there is a
statue of Our Lady restored to its place to greet whoever enters The Friars.
On the day of my visit the gateway was undergoing urgent repairs and was
covered in white polythene with scaffolding on all sides.
For twenty years the artist Adam Kossowski worked on pictures and ceramics
for the restored buildings at Aylesford, in thanksgiving for his release
from imprisonment. Kossowski had been captured in Warsaw in 1939, and was
held for three years of the Second World War in a slave labour camp in the
Soviet Union. The work he has bequeathed to Aylesford expresses the joy of
onewhose hope remained undiminished by the experience of suffering and
exile.
There are nearly a hundred examples of Kossowski's work here. Each of the
restored chapels is enriched by his vision of the world: of the evil of
those who tormented Jesus; of the supercilious glances of the scribes in the
temple; and of the purity and holiness of Mary and Joseph, whose faces are
almost iconic in their beauty. At the top of many of the paintings, angels
fly urgently through star-filled skies to bring the words of heaven to an
anxious people on earth. These radiant works are indeed an invitation to
prayer and meditation.
I leave the Pilgrims' Hall and pass through a cool stone passage-way into
the cloister chapel of St Jude and the Infant Jesus of Prague. Banks of
candles glow in the darkness, and the luminous colours of the Flower of
Carmel window, 'Flos Carmeli', dispel the shadows that surround the statue
of St Jude the Apostle.
Beside a small series of the Stations of the Cross by Kossowski there hangs
a stone plaque with the words: 'Alice Woolsey Hewitt 1876-1947, who loved
this place, restored the chapel and rebuilt what fire had destroyed.' In
1920 Alice and her husband Copley Hewitt bought The Friars, which had
previously been rented from the Earls of Aylesford by her mother-in-law. The
work they undertook to restore the buildings was severely hampered by a fire
that swept through the buildings in 1930. Although much of the property was
destroyed, no one was harmed, and the transformation of The Friars to
medieval splendour was rapidly resumed. Alice Hewitt died in 1947; her
husband then started negotiating a Carmelite return to Aylesford, and in
1949 Father Malachy Lynch became the first prior after the restoration. He
and his religious brothers built on the work of Alice and Copley Hewitt and
set about the renovation of the buildings with unflagging energy, to serve
the needs of the thousands of pilgrims who make their way here each year.
Beyond the cloister chapel of St Jude and the Infant of Prague is a chapel
dedicated to St Anne, the mother of Our Lady. Here the story of St Anne and
her husband Joachim is told in a rhythmic series of ceramics that seem to
dance across the walls, culminating in the image of St Anne leading her
daughter Mary into the temple beneath the dignified gaze of the high priest.
The image of the devoted grandparents of Jesus with their small daughter
Mary is timeless, ordinary and sublime at the same time, and one to which
all can respond at the deepest level, an unmistakable awareness of the
intimacy of family life which lies at the heart of Christianity.
On many days of the year, vast crowds gather at The Friars for organized
pilgrimages, and outside in the piazza there is open-air seating in front of
the shrine statue of the Glorious Virgin of the Assumption standing against
the background of a star-strewn sky. But Aylesford is also a place for
individuals and for family groups.
On the day of my visit I noticed a man tenderly carrying his small child up
the steps to the statue of Our Lady where they both knelt, the rest of the
family standing quietly beside them. Some time later, I caught sight of them
eating their picnic by the lake with an air of peaceful contentment, and
watching a Muscovy duck with her ducklings.
The main shrine is surrounded by smaller chapels, designed by Adrian Gilbert
Scott, son of the distinguished architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, and
inspired by the prior, Father Malachy.
Carmel is known as the order of Our Lady, and in the statue in the piazza we
see a tall figure dressed in the simplest of garments, her steadfast gaze
fixed on heaven, and the shadow of a smile softening her glance. Her beauty
is that of a young woman who has lived and worked like other people; a woman
whose feet are strong from walking the stony paths of Galilee. She is the
fruitful vine we read of in the Psalms, the woman who is inseparable from
her Son: the silent but by no means impassive observer of all that took
place on the road to Calvary, where she remained to the end. The only sign
of gentleness in the figure in the Aylesford piazza appears in the slender
hands open towards heaven. "The twelfth-century Carmelite friars chose to be
mown as the 'Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel', for their
lives were spent in meditation on the Scriptures, following the example of
the Blessed Virgin who 'pondered these things in her heart' (Luke 2.19, 51)
This carved Madonna conveys everything that drew the early hermits to seek
her protection.
[ Back to Top ]
The Scapular
The story of the Scapular Apparition is an important part of Carmelite
tradition. According to legend, Our Lady appeared to the thirteenth-century
prior general of the Carmelites, St Simon Stock, who was an Englishman.
Simon held out to her his scapular (the piece of cloth worn over the
shoulders and hanging down across the front and back of the garment
beneath), Our Lady touched the scapular, and graciously promised her
protection to all who wear this garment, which has always formed part of the
Carmelite habit. In the reliquary chapel at Aylesford a magnificent black
and gold structure holds the skull of St Simon, who died in 1265. The relic
had been held in Bordeaux since the death of the saint, and was transferred
to Aylesford by the Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1951. It is said that St Simon
Stock composed the hymn, Flos Carmeli.
Flower of Carmel, vine with blossom weighed
Shining light of heaven, bearing child though maid,
None like to thee.
Mother most tender, whom no man didst know,
On all Carmel's children thy favour bestow,
Star of the sea.
To the right of the reliquary altar is the chapel of the Carmelite saints
and in the centre, above the altar, is a medieval carving of the Scapular
Vision. On either side Kossowski has depicted rows of friars and nuns
turning towards the altar, in the manner of a painting by Fra Angelico.
The last chapel I visit is dedicated to St Joseph and is dominated by a
magnificent statue of the saint by the sculptor Michael Lindsey Clarke, who
was responsible for the figures of the saints over each doorway in the
courtyard, and for the statue of Our Lady in the piazza. His father, Philip
Lindsey Clarke, one of the country’s foremost sculptors, was also
responsible for the sculpture of the Scapular Vision and many others. In
describing the statue of St. Joseph, Michael Lindsey Clarke declared that he
wished to portray St Joseph with his feet firmly on the ground, giving an
impression of stillness and dependability.
Beyond the chapels and under a towering plane tree the lawns run to the edge
of the river, which is concealed by ancient brick walls. Here is the Rosary
Way where Adam Kossowski's mysteries of the rosary have been set in wooden
frames in the manner of a Polish shrine; on the day of my visit the air was
heavy with the scent of white and yellow roses.
As I sit and draw in the shade beside the Scapular shrine, beyond the Rosary
Way, the heat is almost unbearable. There is not a breath of wind, and the
stillness is broken only by the crunch of wheels on gravel and the murmur of
voices praying the rosary. The voices fade and the sound of doves fills the
air. I walk back along paths skirting the outer walls of the chapels and
notice that the stained-glass windows appear from the outside to be composed
of a delicate lacework, as if this had been their sole purpose, and I
reflect as I prepare to leave that this unexpectedness is typical of The
Friars.
This is truly a place for people to experience, to walk: around the grounds
and the chapels, to come as a pilgrim of faith or of none, as each person
becomes close to God in their own way. In this beautiful place, the holiness
of Mount Carmel is open to everyone.
[ Back to Top ]
Canterbury
Aylesford was on the ancient pilgrim route to Canterbury, less than thirty
miles away, a route that would have been familiar to Chaucer's pilgrims in
the fourteenth century. The crypt shrine beneath Canterbury Cathedral was
part of the rebuilding by St Anselm in the eleventh century, when an
intricately carved Gothic screen was created to surround the original statue
of Our Lady Undercroft. In 1982 a fine bronze statue of the Virgin and Child
was carved for the Undercroft by the Benedictine sculptor Sister Concordia
Scott of Minster Abbey in Kent. Her new statue restores an ancient shrine to
Our Lady in one of the holiest places in the Christian world.
More from chrismaunder@tiscali.co.uk
MARY
by Romano on September 24, 2010
You’ve heard the question before. Perhaps you’ve even asked it yourself. Here’s one way to answer the question.
While Our Lord was on His Holy Cross and saw Mary and “the apostle whom He loved” standing at the foot of it, He said to His mother: “Woman, behold your son.” He then said to the apostle: “Behold your mother.” The Gospel goes on to say: “…from that hour, he [the apostle] took her into his home.” (John 19:25–27)
Now just think for a moment about this.
As Jesus—God in the Flesh—was doing His work on His Cross saving man from damnation, the greatest work He will ever do, He paused for His mother. He took a moment to entrust her to His apostle’s care because she had no other children. Had she other children, Christ would not have had the apostle assume responsibility for her.
But perhaps Jesus did not pause from His work. Consider that—just perhaps—giving Mary to the apostle, and therefore to us, was part of His work: an instrumental element in His salvation of mankind. It would explain why the Gospel writer thought this event important enough to warrant being documented.
If the words spoken by Christ are of vital importance and held in the highest esteem by Christians, even more so are the words spoken by God from His Holy cross: His words concerning His mother. These words must not be ignored or marginalized, and the implications of these words must not be minimized. Indeed, these words demand contemplation, study, and must be allowed to assume their natural place within the Will of God.
For nearly two millennia Catholics, acting as “the apostle whom He loved,” have lovingly taken Mary into their homes and have honored her. We are faithfully and lovingly doing what Our Lord told us to do: we “behold” our mother.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pius Wars, continued
In the war over Pius XII and the Holy See’s policy toward Nazi Germany before and during World War II, there are fanatically anti-Pacelli/Pius XII writers like Daniel Jonah Goldhagen and Sergio Minerbi, whose imperviousness to evidence that challenges their presuppositions raises grave questions about their scholarship. And then there are the serious academic historians. The latter’s critique of Pius XII often begins with the charge that, as cardinal secretary of state to Pius XI, Pacelli engineered the demise of the Catholic Center Party, urged the German bishops to lift their ban on Catholic membership in the Nazi Party, and prompted German Catholics to support the Enabling Act that granted Hitler dictatorial powers: all in exchange for a concordat—a formal treaty—between the Third Reich and the Holy See. This strategy, these historians argue, weakened the Church’s capacity to resist the unfolding Nazi tyranny and gave the new German regime an undeserved degree of international legal credibility.
As Hubert Wolf, professor of Church history at the University of Muenster, demonstrates conclusively in “Pope and Devil: The Vatican Archives and the Third Reich” (Harvard/Belknap), this charge of a “package deal” between the Vatican and Hitler fails when the documentary evidence is examined seriously. Recently-available archival materials from the pontificate of Pius XI make clear that Pacelli and Pius XI never offered any such trade to the Nazis.
In fact, the Holy See was blindsided by the German bishops’ initiative in lifting the ban on Nazi Party membership, and the Center Party acted on its own in supporting the Enabling Act. Wolf also argues that Pacelli, far from being the Roman manipulator of the Church in Germany, was undercut in his diplomacy by the German bishops’ preemptive concessions to the Nazi regime. As Wolf writes, “If Pacelli had had his way, if he had pulled all the strings, Hitler would have paid a heavy price for the Center’s consent to the Enabling Act and the bishops’ retraction of their condemnation. The cardinal secretary of state would have dictated hard concessions for the conditions that Hitler was so eager to get from the Church.”
The net result was not a happy one: as Pacelli put it to British diplomat Ivone Kirkpatrick, “a pistol had been pointed at his head and he had had no alternative” but to conclude a concordat quickly, in order to provide a minimum of legal protection for Catholic life in a Germany he knew was heading for disaster. As for the concordat itself, Wolf concludes that, while “there is no doubt that this agreement further opened the floodgates for the involvement of German Catholics in the National Socialist state,” it also helped prevent German Catholicism from being completely absorbed (or “coordinated,” as the Nazis put it) by the Third Reich, such that “the Catholic Church in Nazi Germany was the only large-scale social institution Hitler never managed to co-opt.”
Precisely because Wolf’s conclusion is based on documentary evidence rather than presupposition or conjecture, it should definitively resolve this battle in the Pius Wars: “The Reichskonkordat was a pact with the devil—no one had any illusions about that fact in Rome—but it guaranteed pastoral care and the continued existence of the Catholic Church during the Third Reich. [Pacelli] did not make this deal by having the Center Party consent to the Enabling Act or by lifting the condemnation of National Socialism. The German Church bears sole responsibility for these steps.”
“Pope and Devil” is not without its problems. Wolf’s critique of Roman “centralism” is belied by his own demonstration that, in the case of Nazi Germany, the Roman centralizers could be far more forceful in defending the “locals” than the locals could themselves. Wolf also posits a false dichotomy between “dogma and diplomacy,” when the real issue in the Pius Wars is the exercise of prudence. Nonetheless, Wolf has done the Pius debate a great service by demonstrating that, in response to the charge that the Holy See undercut the Catholic opposition in Germany in exchange for a concordat, the only responsible verdict is “Not guilty.”
George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Weigel’s column is distributed by the Denver Catholic Register, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Denver. Phone: 303-715-3215.
To access the complete archive of his columns, please visit www.archden.org/weigel.
AGE
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/City-of-love-of-Mangalore-where-the-elderly-defeat-euthanasia-16560.html
10/12/2009 11:51
INDIA
City of love of Mangalore where the elderly defeat euthanasia
by Nirmala Carvalho
The experience of Premnagar, a home for the elderly with 80 guests, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, the congregation founded by Sister Jeanne Jugan, canonized by Benedict XVI on 11 October.
Mangalore (AsiaNews) - "I defy anyone to say that our elderly are a burden. Their existence is full of meaning, they are living people who give us a deep joy". Sister Auxilia works at Premnagar, the city of love, a home for the elderly poor of Bajjodi, near Mangalore in Karnataka. She tells AsiaNews: "Euthanasia is the biggest devil in the world. Our seniors are a great treasure, their life experience is an asset to society and for all of us older people are a blessing. "
The Premnagar centre has 80 places, divided equally between men and women, where "elderly poor of all religions and castes live as a family." It was built by the Little Sisters of the Poor, the congregation founded in 800 by Sister Jeanne Jugan, canonized by Benedict XVI on 11 October this year. Sister Auxilia entered the congregation 19 years ago and says "welcoming the first saint of our order" is an invitation to "continue to receive the grace of the Lord and serve Him through the poor".
The Premnagar house of is one of 13 opened by the Little Sisters over the more than 120 years of their presence in India. They first arrived in Calcutta in 1882 and since have also reached Bangalore in 1900 and then Mangalore in 1978. Hospices like Premnagar are "a blessed place, a house of prayer," says Sister Auxilia. "All of our seniors are poor and are our joy. We are learning from them: the suffering and joys of life have given them a great wisdom. "
The oldest guest in the City of Love is Cecilia D'Souza "an old lady of 104 years of age who has been living in the house for 16 years," says the nun. "She moves through the house on a wheelchair and spreads happiness and joy in us, other guests and also the many people who come to visit us." Sister Auxilia said Premnagar houses many people who are over 90 "are all happy to be here and their love for life is instructive”. The Little Sister adds: "These poor older people participate in all activities of the House, they teach each other crafts, like handicrafts, making baskets that are then sold and many other things." The city of love is a big family where the days are spent in common life and daily activities of all kinds.
Sister Auxilia says: "Their enthusiasm for plays and shows that we organize is incredible. Although for some mobility is a serious problem, this does not diminish their interest in participating actively in theatre or other entertainment”.
The moment of death in Premnagar is special and touching. The Little Sisters take turns to hold vigil by the bedside of the dying, never leaving them alone, accompanying them until death with love. Sister Virginia, the mother superior, says: "It is a time marked by grace, our poor elderly die with dignity and love, filled with gratitude."
Sister Virginia says: "The charisma of the Little Sisters is taking care of the poor. We ask for alms in the streets, in markets, we circle the city, knocking on doors asking for food, clothing, whatever we may be given. Sometimes we are laughed at, sometimes insulted, but we respond to their contempt with a blessing. "
The mother superior says: "We do not need anything, each day we depend on providence and there are also many people who are really generous with us. Today the world is begging for love and this is what to pray for our elderly poor: that the world can be filled with love, shared love among people. "
These were the words used by our chaplain Fr Jean
Pierre following the deaths of Sr Thomas O.S.C. and
Sr Paule L.S.P.
Sr Thomas was called home to the Lord on the 18th
December after more than 72 years as a Poor
Clare., while Sr Paule went home on 3rd January 08
after more than 76 years as a Little Sister of the Poor. It
was quite an achievement that together they had served
the Lord faithfully for nearly 150 years.
In September, we gathered to celebrate Sr. Thomas’s 70 years of
profession as a Poor Clare. On Hogmany, the eve of her Birthday we
gathered again to give thanks to God for her life. Fr Jean Pierre said “She
won't celebrate her birthday with us, but God called her to celebrate it with Him
and with Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph , all the saints and Angels in
heaven”. In addition to family and friends ,members of her religious
congregation travelled for the funeral; Sr Dominic
and Sr Veronica from Humbie and Sr Mary Francis
from Hereford representing Sr Thomas’s former
community of Darlington.
Born and raised in Amble,
England
Sr Paule emigrated to
Australia with her family
when she was 17. It was here that Sr Paule offered her
life as a Little Sister of the Poor, a life she lived to the
full in the service of the elderly. She was always raising
funds for the benefit of our elderly residents no matter
which home she was sent to .
Travelling to the UK for the first time for the funeral
was her niece June from Australia, while her second
cousin Ken made his way from Newcastle. Mother Provincial and Sr Mary
Christina flew over from Dublin for the funeral where they were joined by Little
Sisters from our homes in Glasgow, Greenock and Edinburgh. Mgr Ken
McCaffrey, Vicar General for the Diocese represented Bishop Logan who was
attending a meeting in Spain. Also concelebrating the Mass was our chaplain
Fr Jean Pierre and Fr John and Fr Jacob from St Clement’s.
everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit.
On this particular day a rich German tourist is driving through the town, stops at the local hotel and lays a €100 note on the desk, telling the hotel owner he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one to spend the night.
The owner gives him some keys and, as soon as the visitor has walked upstairs, the hotelier grabs the €100 note and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.
The butcher takes the €100 note and runs down the street to repay his debt to the pig farmer.
The pig farmer takes the €100 note and heads off to pay his bill at the supplier of feed and fuel.
The guy at the Farmers' Co-op takes the €100 note and runs to pay his drinks bill at the pub.
The publican slips the money along to the local prostitute drinking at the bar, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer him "services" on credit.
The prostitute then rushes to the hotel and pays off her room bill to the hotel owner with the €100 note.
The hotel proprietor then places the €100 note back on the counter so the rich traveller will not suspect anything. At that moment the traveller comes down the stairs, picks up the €100 note, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, pockets the money, and leaves town.
No one produced anything.
No one earned anything.
However, the whole town is now out of debt and looking to the future with a lot more optimism.
And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is how the bailout package works.
By: Msgr. Charles Pope
I just viewed the First Episode of Catholicism with my Bible Study Students. The series, as many of you already know, is fabulous and I cannot recommend it enough. In the First 20 minutes Fr. Barron goes right to the heart of the faith and makes it clear that Jesus is God, He is the Lord.
And this truth about him is not only the most stunning aspect of our faith, it is also the most uncompromising. Jesus is Lord. While there are some today who want to find some middle ground by calling Jesus merely “a good man” or a “fine ethical teacher,”…. sorry, no can do. His divine claims cannot be set aside as if they weren’t there, so we can accept his “less controversial” call to love. The whole Jesus, the real Jesus, can be very disconcerting and he compels a choice. We are free to choose, but we are not free NOT to choose: either he is Lord, or he is a liar. Decide.
Indeed, an old Latin phrase expresses that there is no middle ground between “Jesus is Lord” and any lesser declaration. The Latin phrase is Aut Deus, aut mendax. Another version goes: Aut Deus, aut homo malus In other words, either Jesus is the Lord God, or he is a liar, Either he is God, or a very evil man. Either he is who he claims to be, or he is seriously deluded, dangerous, and a blasphemer, one to whom we should not listen. And if He is who He claims, then we must worship and obey him as Lord. But you can’t have it both ways.
Many years ago in seminary I was quite surprised to listen to some of my professors try an do just that. Want to have Jesus be more palatable to the modern setting, they would often declare what I considered to be heretical things about Jesus Christ. Some of them said, he did not claim to be God, or he did not know he was God. When I might meekly suggest a certain text that more than suggested he darn well knew he was Divine they would simply declare that Jesus never really said what I was quoting from the Scripture. They said the early Church “simply put those words in his mouth.” They would especially put their nose in the air and sniff if I quoted from John’s Gospel which they regarded as a later and non-historical reflection on Christ.
Thankfully I had some other professors who were able to reassure me that the Divinity of Christ was not in question and that the Scriptures accurately what reported what Jesus himself actually said and did. It still shocked me that teachers who denied or questioned the divinity of Christ could openly teach in a Catholic seminary and am happy to report that those problems have long since been cleared up at the seminary I attended. Yet, I must say, I am still bothered to hear that some college students still have to endure this sort of heresy, it is especially grievous to me that some of this still goes on at Catholic Colleges.
Never one to simply collapse under pressure or discouragement I took up the challenge to assemble the Biblical evidence as to Jesus’ Divinity. It is remarkably rich and consistent throughout all the New Testament Books as you shall see. In this article I give the scripture citations for the most part but cannot include most of the texts in the article since they are so numerous that they would eclipse the article itself. Perhaps at some point in the future I will publish a version with all the citations spelled out. For now, let these suffice to show forth a glorious Scriptural affirmation of the Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is Lord.
1. Clearly this is a dogma of the Faith (de Fide). The divinity and divine Sonship of Jesus is expressed in all the creeds. This is perhaps most clearly stated in the Athanasian Creed (Quicumque):”…we believe and confess that Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is God and man. He is God begotten of the substance of the Father before all ages and man born in time of the substance of His Mother. He is Perfect God and perfect man.”
2. There are many passages in the Old Testament that express the qualities of the coming Messiah, among them are some very exalted titles:
• a prophet – (Dt. 18:15,18)
• a priest – (Psalm 109:4)
• a shepherd – (Ez 34:23ff)
• King and Lord – (Ps 2; Ps 44; Ps 109; Zach 9:9)
• a suffering servant – (Is. 53)
• the Son of God – (Ps 2:7; 109:3)
• God with us (Emmanuel) – (Is 7:14; Is 8:8)
• Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Father of the world to come, Prince of Peace – (Is 9:6)
• Eternal King – (Dan 7:14)
3. In the New Testament the Father attests to the Divine Sonship of Jesus - (Mt 3:17; 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 3:22; 9:35; Jn 1:34; II Pt 1:17)
4. In the Gospels the Lord Jesus gives Testimony to His own divinity and self knowledge. He is of noble stature and knows of his own dignity and power expressing it often in the following ways
• Jesus indicates that he transcends the prophets and Kings of the Old Covenant
o Jonah and Solomon – (Mt 12:41ff; Lk 11:31ff)
o Moses and Elijah – Matt 17:3; Mk 9:4; Lk 9:30
o King David – (Mt 22:43ff Mk 12:36; Lk 20:42ff)
o He says that the least born into His Kingdom will be greater than John the Baptist who, till that time was considered the greatest man born of woman – (Mt 11:11; Lk 7:28)
• Jesus teaches that he is superior to the angels:
o That they are his servants who minister to Him – (Mt 4:11 Mk 1:13; Lk 4:13)
o That they are his army – (Mt 26:53)
o That they will accompany him at his second coming and do his will -Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26)
• Jesus appropriates Divine actions unto himself and thus sets forth an assimilation unto the Lord God:
o He declares it was He who sent the prophets and doctors of the Law (Mt 23:34; Lk 11:49)
o He gives the promise of his assistance and Grace (Lk 21:15)
o He forgives sins which power belongs to God alone (e.g. Mt 9:2)
o He, by His own authority completes and changes some precepts of the Law. (Mt 5:21ff)
o He declares Himself to be Lord of the Sabbath (Mt 12:8; Mk 2:28; Lk 6:5; Jn 5:17)
o Like the Heavenly Father he makes a Covenant with His followers (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24; Lk 22:20)
• Jesus makes Divine demands upon his followers
o He rebukes some for lack of faith in him (Mt 8:10-12; 15:28)
o He rewards faith in him (Mt 8:13; 9:2; 22:29; 15:28; Mk 10:52; Lk 7:50; 17:19)
o He demands faith in his own person (Jn 14:1; 5:24; 6:40,47; 8:51; 11:25ff)
o He teaches that rejection of him and his teachings will be the standard of final judgement (Lk 9:26; Mt 11:6)
o Jesus demands supreme Love for him which surpasses all earthly loves (Mt 10:37,39; Lk 17:33).
o He accepts religious veneration by allowing the veneration of falling to the feet: this is due to God alone (Mt 15:25; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 28:9,17)
• Jesus is well conscious of His own power – Mt 28:18
o His many miracles which he works in his own Name.
o He transfers this power to his disciples
• Jesus knows and teaches that his own death will be an adequate atonement for the forgiveness of the sins of the whole human race. (Mt 20:28; 26:28)
• Jesus appropriates to himself the office of Judge of the world which according to the OT (eg Ps 49:1-6) God would exercise (eg Mt 16:27) . And His judgement extends to every idle word (Mt 12:36), will be final and executed immediately – (Mt 25:46)
• Jesus is Conscious of being the Son of God.
o Jesus clearly distinguishes his claim in this regard from his disciples relationship to the Father. When he speaks of his own relationship he says, “My Father” To the disciples he calls God, “Your Father” but, He never unites himself with them in the formula “Our Father” Thus a distinction is maintained. (Jn 20:17)
o Jesus revealed himself to be Son of God first in the temple when he remarked to Mary and Joseph that He must be about his Father’s business (Lk 2:49)
o Jesus claims to be both messiah and Son of God in the presence of the Sanhedrin (Mk 14:62). The Sanhedrin perceive this as a blasphemy.
o Jesus tells a story of himself in the Parable of the Evil Husbandmen thus confessing himself to be the only Son of God.
o He is aware of being one with the Father (“The Father and I are one.” (Jn 10:30,38) They Jews respond by accusing Him of blasphemy
• Jesus indicates in John’s Gospel that
o He is eternal “Before Abraham was I am” (Jn 8:58)
o That He has full knowledge of the Father (Jn 7:29; 8:55;10:14ff)
o He has equal power and efficacy with the Father (Jn 5:17)
o He can forgive sins (Jn 8:11 et sicut supra)
o He is Judge of the World (Jn 5:22,27 & sicut supra)
o He is rightly to be adored (Jn 5:23)
o He is the light of the world (Jn 8:12)
o He is the way, the truth and the light (Jn 14:6)
o His disciples may and ought to pray to the Father in His name, additionally they may to Him (Jesus) (Jn 14:13ff 16:23ff)
o The solemn confession of the Apostle Thomas “My Lord and my God.” is acceptable and in fact, an act of Faith (Jn 20:28)
• Other Scripture Passages on the Divinity of Christ
o I John 5:20 – “And we know that the Son of God is Come and has given us Understanding that we may know the true God and may be in His True Son; this is the True God and Life Eternal.”
o John 1:1-14 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…..”
o Phil 2:5-11 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…and every tongue must confess to the Glory of God the Father that Jesus Chirst is Lord.
o Rom 9:5 – “to them, (the Israelites) belong the patriarchs and of their race, according to the flesh is the Christ, who is God over all blessed for ever.”
o Titus 2:13 “Looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
o Heb 1:8 – “But to the Son (God says): Your Throne, O God is for ever and ever.”
• In addition Scripture attributes Divine qualities to Jesus
o Omnipotence manifest in the creation and the conservation of the World – Col 1:15-17; I Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2ff
o Omniscience – Col 2:3 – In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge….
o Eternity – Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together
o Immutability – Heb 1:12; 13:8
o Adorability – Phil 2:10; Heb 1:6
Well I hope you get the point. Those who claim that Jesus didn’t know he was God or never made divine claims just haven’t read the Scriptures. And those who would want to “tame” Jesus, by removing his “controversial” (to say the least) claim that He is Lord, have to realize that they must set aside enormous numbers of things said by Jesus about himself to do that. Calling him a “good man” who “taught us to love” is to evade the compelling question: Is He the Lord or is He a liar and a blasphemer? This question must be unambiguously answered by every Christian, He is Lord, He is God. All things came to be through him and he holds all creation together in himself. And those who have denied his divinity will one day fall to their faces before his glory (Rev. 1:17).
Elijah once rebuked the people saying, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. (1 Kings 18:21). But we must answer. Is Jesus the Lord, or a lair? And if Jesus is Lord, follow him and realize that you will one day stand before him to render an account. But we cannot trivialize or tame Jesus. Neither can we evade our decision about him. Our whole destiny rests on this choice, this answer. Choose the Lord.
Please take time to view the Catholicism series, by Fr. Robert Barron. He, by God’s grace has done a marvelous thing. You won’t be disappointed.
http://heroictenor.com/vbsgenes/links.html
Some Kennelly
68th Executive Committee meeting of the International Energy Agency, Wind Energy R,D&D Implementing Agreement will meet on October 18th and 19th in Dublin. Representatives from the 21 member countries are to report on progress in the adoption of wind power in their countries. Proven are advising all Proven 35-2 owners to place their wind turbines on brake
Steve Jobs, RIP –UPDATED
October 6, 2011 by Elizabeth Scalia
What a piece of work is a man! How noble in
Reason! how infinite in faculties! in form and moving
how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel!
in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the
world! the paragon of animals! and yet to me, what is
this quintessence of dust? — Hamlet, Act II, Scene II
Well, we are stardust, finally. And what a force has passed, like a comet, through our era!
I confess, my geek husband and Elder Son appreciated his multi-layered genius much better than I ever could — I referred to him as “the guy who is making our lives look like Star Trek” — but even I am smart enough to know that Steve Jobs’ was a rare and exotic mind. I wonder if he is the last [publicly apolitical] capitalist we’re going to be permitted to admire for his creativity, his invention and his sheer genius?
Even though we all anticipated his death, at only 56 years of age, I wonder how many people tonight are finding the fact of it to be shocking, nevertheless. And whether that realization, that no matter how colossal, none of us escape death, will feel frightening or reassuring to us?
How did it make you feel? I think a lot of people are feeling the need to express themselves on his death — twitter is completely overloaded, and there is a #thankyousteve hashtag, and it’s very busy, indeed.
Learning of his death, all I can think of is Deacon Greg’s homily from last week, which discussed, oddly enough, the circumstances of Jobs’ birth:
In 1954, [Joanne Schiebel] was a young unmarried college student who discovered that she was pregnant. In the 1950s, her options were limited. She could have had an abortion – but the procedure was both dangerous and illegal. She could have gotten married, but she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to interrupt her education. Joanne opted, instead, to give birth to the baby and put it up for adoption.
And so it was that in 1955, a California couple named Paul and Clara Jobs adopted a baby boy, born out of wedlock, that they named Steven.
We know him today…as Steve Jobs.
It would not be overstating things to say that Steve Jobs is my generation’s Thomas Edison. As one observer put it, he knew what the world wanted before the world knew that it wanted it.
If you have an iPhone or an iPad or an iPod, or anything remotely resembling them, you can thank Steve Jobs.
If your world has been transformed by the ability to hear a symphony, send a letter, pay a bill, deposit a check, read a book and then buy theater tickets on something roughly the size of a credit card…you can thank Steve Jobs.
And: you can thank Joanne Schiebel.
If you want to know how much one life can matter, there is just one example.
But: imagine if that life had never happened.
Chad Torgerson
Once cynical of Catholicism, Chad's journey to the Catholic faith was difficult, but it led to intense study and deep personal reflection which brought him home to the Catholic Church. He now hopes to share the lessons he learned and the beauty of the Catholic Tradition with those around him.
Solid Foundations
Growing up in a suburb of Chicago, my parents raised me in the Lutheran faith. My parents were not the most spiritual of people, but they wanted to make sure that my siblings and I were "exposed" to faith. Basically, the concept was to introduce us to Christianity but allow us to make our own decisions. After being confirmed, I never went back.
For years, I was agnostic at best. Based on what I was learning in school, religion did not make any sense to me. Science had become my religion of sorts, and science seemed completely opposed to what I had learned in Sunday school. My analytic mind led me closer to science, and further from faith. To believe in God, I needed proof that he existed. Not finding it, by the time I left high school, I went from agnostic to full-blown cynic.
The Challenge
Just after high school, my life began to spiral out of control. A series of mistakes and poor choices left me in despair. I was battling depression, but I remained as stubborn as ever until, one day, a friend made a challenge.
My friend was a devout Christian, one who belonged to a local "mega-church." Time and time again, I ridiculed her for her faith and questioned her beliefs. Finally, she challenged me. She asked, "Chad, have you ever even read the Bible?" Of course, I hadn't. Who has time for that? When I told her that I had never read it, she challenged me by saying, "Well, as soon as you finish reading it, you can question my beliefs."
This young girl's wise words changed my life in ways that she does not know. As a stubborn, self-centered twenty-something, I was determined to prove her wrong. I decided to read the Bible, cover to cover, and come back with more ammunition. Instead of finding ammunition against her, I found a truth that I had never seen before.
A Place to Call Home
In the fall of 1997, I called myself Christian for the first time. For the next twelve years, I bounced all over the world. During those years, I hopped from one church to another, and with each move came a search for a new church to call home. Many of them were non-denominational churches, and just as soon as I would start to feel at home, it was time to move on again.
After spending half of those twelve years in the military, I finally found myself back in my hometown. Home was a great concept. It was great to be home with the ones I loved. It was great to feel like I belonged to a family again. When it came to my life at church, I hoped for the same thing. Despite my best efforts though, my search continued.
Being home was great, but I struggled to find a church to call home. From one church to the next, I just never felt like I was part of a community. A few of the churches that I came across were nice enough, but they just did not "feel" right. My search was less about spiritual truths and more about my own personal feelings. At this rate, I thought I would never find a home.
Taking a Second Look
I had always been rather cynical about the Catholic Church. Many of the people I know in my life are Catholic, and our discussions often turned into religious debates. In my stubbornness, I never really listened to anything they had to say. I was so stubborn that they coined the term "Chad-isms." I had my set of beliefs, and nobody was going to change them.
In the past, most of my Christian beliefs came through my own understanding of Scripture and the teachings of one modern preacher or another. But the teachings always seemed very shallow; they lacked theological depth. It was a "feel-good" theology, and it often avoided any of the hard truths. When I struggled to get connected or find a deeper faith, I slowly became disenfranchised with modern denominations. Was it time to take a look at something different, something with an older tradition? Eventually, my heart started to open to the idea. Maybe it was time to take a second look at Catholicism.
We never know when, or where, God will finally call us. Being a huge fan of football, I joined my brother-in-law at a Notre Dame game one weekend. Living in Chicago, South Bend was only a short drive away. When we arrived on campus, I was amazed at the beauty of the architecture. The beautiful paintings and murals inside the buildings were awe-inspiring. Yet, despite the awe-inspiring art and architecture, what truly inspired me was the community on campus.
Large crowds gathered to say a prayer at the Grotto. Catholics from all over the country shared stories of faith. Even the players attended Mass prior to the game. Was this the community of believers that I had been looking for? I won't say that I changed my mind that day, but it opened me up to the possibilities.
My RCIA Process
My journey toward the Catholic Church did not end in South Bend. That was only the beginning. As I looked around me, I noticed that many of the people of faith that I knew were Catholic. My lovely girlfriend (possibly my future wife, God willing), my sister, a few other family members, and a number of friends were all Catholic. More than any other denomination, the Catholics seemed to hold steadfast in their faith. It intrigued me. I decided to "try" RCIA. If I didn't like it, then I would drop out, no harm done.
I walked into RCIA with a lot of questions. No matter how many questions I asked, there was always an answer. I asked the priests, my family and friends, searched online, and consulted the Bible and Catechism. Around every turn, I expected to find the big "GOTCHA!" moment; the moment I could find the ultimately fatal flaw in the Catholic Church. That day never came.
Eventually, I completed the RCIA process. I still had questions, but many of them had been answered. Easter was coming fast, and I still had a choice to make. Choosing to become Catholic does not happen when you start RCIA; it happens when you finish it. I prayed hard. What to do? In the end, there was not a large neon sign saying, "Be Catholic!" on it. Instead, there was a gentle whisper in my soul. It's those soft whispers that can have the most dramatic impact on our lives.
Going Through the Motions
One thing that I noticed while going through RCIA was that many of my fellow candidates and catechumen were simply going through the motions. Some were getting married, or already were, and they were simply going through RCIA to complete the process. What they failed to understand is that RCIA is more about the journey than the destination.
Each step of the way, I studied Scripture, researched the topics, and, most importantly, prayed about what we were learning. Going through RCIA was a personal choice for me, and I wanted to really be sure that I was making the right decision. I owed it to God, and myself, to listen to what God was telling me through the Holy Spirit.
Many of the people that go through RCIA make their choice before they even begin the classes, but I believe that this is the wrong way to look at it. For the catechumens, candidates, and the Church itself, the entire RCIA process should be an evaluation. The Church should evaluate the catechumens and candidates, and vice versa. It is not always a marriage made in heaven.
My evaluation of the Church and its teachings took me all the way until Good Friday, just one day before I was scheduled to be Confirmed. Purposely, I chose to wait this long to allow myself the time to discern what Christ wanted me to do. Instead of going through the motions, I let the Holy Spirit guide me to where I belong. The next day, at the Easter Vigil, I was welcomed into the Catholic Church.
Since RCIA
My journey did not end after completing RCIA. My analytic mind turned towards my new Catholic faith. What I began to see was a very deep theology. Many will only scratch the surface of what Catholicism brings to Christianity as a whole. And, as I learn more from the great writers and teachers of the Catholic Tradition, I fall even more in love with that Tradition.
With all of the knowledge I gained through the RCIA process, I realized that there were others like me out there. There were a number of people searching for the truth, looking for community, and hungry for God. God calls each of us to spread His Word, and I decided to share what I learned with those people. In February of 2011, I launched WakingUpCatholic.com as a way to share my story with the world.
Each and every day, I learn something new about the faith. From feast days to indulgences, the Catholic Tradition is steeped with beauty and grace. Through my writing, I am able to share what I have learned, and I am forced to grow even more. The experience has brought my faith to places that I had never imagined. A decade after my original conversion to Christianity, my relationship with Christ has never been stronger, and I owe it to the beauty, depths, and richness of the Catholic faith.