NEWTOWNSANDES
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by Sophia Park- Contributor
December 18, 2024
Since the era of early Christianity, we can see that the essence of our faith has been a mission spirit, which has been moving freely and creating new communities everywhere. The beauty of these communities lies in their intercultural and hybrid identity, one which is based on Gospel values.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about many border crossings in terms of cultural and religious practices, finding new ways through dialogue and discernment in prayer. For example, at the Jerusalem Council, the early church decided not to require gentile Christians to be circumcised or to adhere to Jewish dietary laws (Acts 15).
I found an example of such a hybrid and intercultural community, composed of Korean and Vietnamese sisters in Vietnam. While teaching my course, "Human Sexuality and Spirituality," at the St. Joseph Jesuit Scholasticate in Saigon in 2023, among the very few women students in my classroom, I met Sr. Nguyen Gian. Seeing a sister in her habit, sitting with a bunch of religious men was itself a great joy. But even more so, to my surprise, she greeted me in Korean, "Hello, sister..” It was beyond anything I could have expected!
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By Madalaine Elhabbal
ADF had filed suit against the district in December 2022 over the dispute.
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 19, 2024 / 15:55 pm
A school district in Ohio must pay a teacher a $450,000 settlement after it forced her to resign for refusing to participate in the “social transition” of minor students.
Attorneys representing Ohio teacher Vivian Geraghty at the legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) announced news of the substantial settlement in a Dec. 18 press release, stating that the Jackson Local School District would pay damages and attorney fees for violating Geraghty’s freedom of speech.
ADF had filed suit against the district in December 2022 over the dispute.
“No school official can force a teacher to set her religious beliefs aside in order to keep her job,” stated ADF Legal Counsel Logan Spena in the release following news of the settlement.
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A NOTE FROM FR JIM Lenihan .....
Recently I came across an article done by the Irish Business and Employers
Confederation (IBEC) who reported that the Christmas season of last year 2023
saw us spending up to 6.8 Billion Euros. That is an average spend of €1019 per
household. I mention this because all this spending took place during the season of
Advent, ironically a time which should be spent in prayer, fasting and alms giving.
A time to move from the superficial to the depths of our souls, a time to be
vigilant and attentive to our deepest and greatest needs. This Sunday is called
Gaudete Sunday which means ‘Rejoicing Sunday!!’ So it’s a special moment to
ponder on joy. Do I rejoice in my life? Am I full of true joy deep down? I read
once that unless you’re at peace you cannot experience joy, and unless things are
properly ordered to God in your life you’ll never experience peace. Blessed Pier
Giorgio Frassati puts it this way, ‘Peace comes from a clear conscience’. So to be
at peace your life must be ordered to God. If it’s not you’ll know it because that
peace and joy will be lacking in your life. Instead you’ll experience a
discontentment and a feeling of frustration and as a
consequence you’ll never be truly happy. This truth was
revealed to the shepherds by the Angel on Christmas
night: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to
people of good will.’ Luke 2:14. We pray for each other
this Christmas for Joy and Peace knowing that we can’t
buy it. It’s only possible when we’re glorifying and
loving God and as a natural consequence loving those
around us, especially the poor. So this Advent may we
reflect on the words of the prophet Micah 6:8 ‘And
what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and
to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’.
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December 11, 2024
The Real Issues in the Transgender Debate
By Michael Egnor, M.D.
In light of the U.S. v. Skrmetti Supreme Court case, about the Tennessee law that protects children with gender dysphoria from destructive hormone treatments and surgery, it is helpful to consider the actual issues involved. The transgender debate is not a single issue, but three issues, which to some degree bear on one another but are logically separate questions.
https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2024/12/the_real_issues_in_the_transgender_debate.html
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Solar Panel Installations: A Key To Ireland’s Carbon Neutral Goal
19/05/2023
Are you tired of breathing in polluted air and seeing the devastating effects of climate change on our planet? Well, lucky for you, Ireland has made a commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. And one key solution to achieving this goal is through solar panel installations.
https://rerelectrical.ie/solar-panel-installations-a-key-to-irelands-carbon-neutral-goal/
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
All over bar the shouting, as they say, and the general election has thrown up a few surprises but, at the same time, it looks like more of the same for the foreseeable future. With FF and FG the only two parties who will have the numbers to make up a government with a little help from one of the smaller parties or independents. As expected, the Greens got hammered but I don’t think anyone foresaw a scenario where their leader was fighting for the only seat they managed to keep. The polls also underestimated the amount of support Fianna Fail would get and the fact that they surpassed both Sinn Fein and Fine Gael in seat numbers. Some big names failed to make it over the line as well and you would have to feel sorry for some of them who took the hit for spearheading what was government policy for their departments. I think we can now safely assume that the days of single party dominance in this country are well and truly gone. We had decades of either FF or FG forming governments and, the truth is, there was very little difference in policy between the two of them. We must also remember that these are very different days with different problems to solve so we wait and see what transpires over the next few weeks. I have nothing but admiration for all those who stood for election last week. Who would be a politician? The sacrifices they make are enormous. Your private life is no more and anything resembling normal family life is a memory. For every person who praises you there will be one who hurls abuse at you. Worst of all are the cowards who hide in social media and post defamatory material about a politician that is mostly untrue. People continually call to politicians houses at all times of the day and night with complaints and requests for some favour or other often wanting the rules slightly “bent”. Dick Spring from Tralee, former leader of the Labour Party, once told of a time when his father Dan, who was a Labour TD for North Kerry, had to leave the table during the Christmas dinner to deal with a constituent who called to the door with some problem. They also have to keep irregular hours and be available at all times for functions, meetings, funerals etc. so it is no walk in the park. Some might say the money is an attraction but, in the grand scheme of things, it isn’t huge and certainly wouldn’t compensate for the sacrifices that have to be made. I know I certainly couldn’t do it and I realised that many years ago when I was asked to join a political party with a view to running for office, so fair play to them, they deserve our respect and support because it is their efforts that ensure we have a good country to live in and the supports we need from day to day.
The Doc on One is a program on RTE radio that highlights certain events that have happened in Ireland over the years. One of the programmes was about an event that happened in Brosna a good few years ago when a fresh grave was re-opened in the middle of the night. Con Carey was an elderly man who lived alone in Brosna and died on the road coming home from the pub one night. He was put in a coffin and buried in the clothes and wellingtons he was wearing which were soiled from the roadside where he fell. Some people tried to do something about it but they weren’t allowed and the funeral went ahead with burial in nearby Mountcollins cemetery. A group of Con’s friends, who later became known as the twelve apostles, decided to take matters into their own hands and gathered at night in the graveyard where the coffin was dug up. Con’s body was washed by a woman who was with them and clean clothes were put on him before lowering him back into his final resting place. Con had no immediate family but the people of Brosna showed that he was one of their own and they looked after him. I knew Con well from my time going to Brosna where my grandparents lived and it is no exaggeration to say he was quite a character. He lived alone in a council house and, on one occasion he attended a clinic in Brosna run by the late Dan Spring TD and asked him to try and get some repairs done to the house. Dan promised him he would look after it but nothing happened until Dan was attending a funeral in Brosna a couple of weeks later where he met Con and assured him everything was in hand. “As a matter of fact”, he said, “two men are going in the morning for sand and gravel to do the job”. The following week Con entered Dan’s clinic and when Dan saw him he said, “I suppose you are wondering about your house”. “No”, said Con, “but I am wondering whatever happened to those two misfortunes who went for the sand and gravel or was anything ever again heard of them”. That story shows how people looked out for each other and there was a great community spirit where nobody was left behind. I wonder would the same thing happen today or are we all too tied up in our own problems to worry about anyone else.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/ Dec 4 2024.
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FR. GERARD’S CORNER
DISCIPLESHIP IS COSTLY!!!!
The rich young man in today’s gospel had not bargained for the answer
he got from Jesus. Jesus shows that he was more interested in whether the
young man was prepared to go out of his way to help others.
Discipleship, Jesus reminds us, is always costly. Following Jesus makes
very stark demands on our lifestyle. Jesus poses the question for us:
‘Am I worth following?’ He is not asking us to admire his way of life but
to live it fully and not as part-time followers. Jesus invites us to leave the
world a better place for our presence. We can achieve that by helping others
and not by grasping everything for ourselves.
LAST WORD: Everyone comes with “Baggage” – find someone who loves
you enough to help you unpack!!
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Reflect
The sign of a good day is when at its end, you can lean back and bask in the knowledge that you have completed your various tasks, knowing you’ve done as much as you can.
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Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick said, “Throughout the Diocese thousands of Catholics go to our weekly celebration of Mass, receive pastoral support in their homes, in person or online through Masses. I am conscious that as we engage now following the publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sex abuse at Religious-run schools, we do so with a very heavy heart. We pray for those who have voiced the 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse by 884 abusers in 308 schools run by Religious Orders. The cries of abuse pierce heaven. The destruction of innocence, of lives is beyond comprehension. As much as we try, there is no combination of words that can match the pain and evil inflicted.
“The whirl of the reports of devastation visited upon these survivors is a sword also through our own hearts. The level of it, and not a single case of abuse is understandable, too is appalling; 17 special schools recorded 590 allegations involving 190 alleged abusers.”
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/catholic-news-article/?ID=2
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NOTE FROM FR. JIM.....
I’ve often heard that sometimes you have coincidences and then other times you
have Godincidences. Well I think we’ve a Godincidence here. This weekend we
begin our Catechism program called Matanoia and the first video presentation
asks the Jesus question: ‘Who do you say I am?.’ Which just so happens to be this
weekend’s Gospel, coincidence or Godincidence? God only knows!! Our video this
week is excellent as it reflects on the Jesus question, ‘Who do you say I am?’, who
do you say God is? Who’s God for you? What’s your image of God. The video
discusses the many wrong ideas people have of God. He could be a very mean and
heartless God which could be formed by a harsh home experience like having cruel
parents and a loveless home. Or He’s a distant God who doesn’t really care what I
do anyway, which could be very convenient if I am living an immoral life. The
circumstances of our lives can form our view of God. If things go wrong in life he’s
obviously punishing us for things we’ve done wrong, if we make a wish and it comes
true He’s a genie in a bottle or a Santa Claus. So we see instead of being formed
in God’s image we instead form God in our own image. I believe that this Catechism
program is excellent and having the opening theme with the Jesus question is vital,
especially during this time we live in. Caesarea Philippi the backdrop for this
question is very telling. In that beautiful place in the holy land is a cliff face
where the Romans set up their many God’s and idol’s. Today as catholic Christian’s
in Ireland we live in a time of many competing god’s and idol’s. Many different
alternative religions and spiritualities. Today too our faith is up against countless
numbers of false gods that a materialistic, secular and atheistic world brings.
Having a deep personal relationship with God today is so important. I read
recently that the great Frank Duff of the Legion of Mary noted that in the 1960’s
& 1970’s in Ireland our church’s were packed but unfortunately by people who had
very little faith because the church failed to evangelise them (pray, pay and
obey). So when the perfect storm of secularism, materialism and atheistic beliefs
swept the country plus the revelations of the church’s hidden evils the Irish
catholic stood no chance without the deep roots of faith to prevent the collapse
of the church. Coming to know who God really is and coming into a deep intimate
and personal relationship with Him is the purpose of our Matanoia program.
Interested in joining us either being present or getting the YouTube link, text
your name and number to the Glenflesk parish mobile 087 1081588.
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A saint of old once said, "Where there is no love, put love there, and love you shall find."
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REGAN: "My dad's brother was Catholic. His father was Catholic. His mother was Presbyterian. My dad was Presbyterian. My mother, Jane Wyman, myself, and my sister Maureen were baptized on Dec. 8, 1954. So we're all Catholic," Michael began.
"My mother, Jane, was buried as a Dominican to the Third Order," he revealed. "A lot of people don't know that."
"My mother was absolutely terrific," he said. "There were a lot of Catholics around my dad."
In response to a question about his thoughts on Saint John Paul II's relationship with President Reagan, Michael said, "It's magic."
"I like to tell the story about you know, my dad was shot. Pope John Paul was shot. But what did the two of them do? The two of them forgave the men who tried to murder them," Michael said. "They honored The Lord's Prayer."
"I feel that because they honored God through the Lord's Prayer--or they forgave--God worked with them, and ended up bringing peace to Poland, wrapping it around, and bringing down the Berlin wall."
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When Anastacia Kozmina and Oleksiyy Danko woke to the sound of bombing in February 2022, they immediately decided to leave Ukraine. They joined some eight million Ukrainian refugees faced with finding a safe place to live and work.
The couple arrived in the UK where they found people to be "warm-hearted" and "supportive", but finding jobs was hard. So they started their own business.
Ukraine refugees have been scattered all over the world. This is the story of how many Ukrainians are finding ways of earning a living somewhere new.
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64663105
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HICKSVILLE — Bill Lauto, a Long Island-based environmental scientist, wants the world to rethink enduring beliefs that the Shroud of Turin is a fraud concocted by medieval hoaxers.
And now, a team of Italian researchers who conducted dating work on a sample of the Shroud of Turin, the linen cloth believed by some to have been Jesus Christ’s burial shroud, have confirmed the relic can be traced back almost 2,000 years.
Their findings challenge previous research and a long-standing consensus that the Shroud is a medieval artifact and a forgery after the University of Oxford, in 1988, released radiocarbon dating test results that concluded this linen cover originated in 13th-century Europe.
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A SMILE
Why should you choose to wear a smile today? Well, it will make you feel better, but apart from that consider these points. The chances are you will never know the good your smile does to the people you love, the neighbours you have a passing acquaintance with, the folk you pass on the street, because you never really know what they are going through. When deciding whether to wear that smile or not remember those words from St. Francis of Assisi – “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away the shadows.”
Forgiveness is the economy of the heart. It saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred and the waste of spirit.
God gave you the gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you.?
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Fr Gerard’s Corner
THE POWER OF CHOICE.
We have come to the season of responsible choice making. There is the need for us to remember that whenever we make a choice, we also choose the consequences. There are many options in life, but we need to go for the optimal option. What choice would we be making today in our personal life, in our family, in our relationship with others, and ultimately in our Christian life journey with God? Would we like Peter, and the others make the right, and responsible choice by sticking with the Lord who has the message of eternal life and without whom no option is tenable. Have a beautiful Sunday and a pleasant week ahead as we choose wisely and responsibly.
LAST WORD: The 6 “W’s” – Work will win where wishing won’t
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HYMN TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK
There were people of all ages, Gathered round the gable wall
Poor and humble men and women, Little children that you would call
We are gathered here before you, And our hearts are just the same
Filled with joy at such a vision, As we praise your name
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, All my cares and troubles cease
As I kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace
Oh, your message is unspoken, But the truth in silence lies
So I gaze upon your vision, And the truth I try to find
Here I stand, with John the teacher, And with Joseph at your side
And I see the lamb of God, On the altar glorified
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, All my cares and troubles cease
As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace
And the lamb will conquer, And the woman clothed in the sun
Will shine her light on everyone, And the lamb will conquer
And the woman clothed in the sun, Will shine her light on everyone
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, All our cares and troubles cease
As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace
Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace
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PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK
Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, you gave hope to your people
in a time of distress and comforted them in sorrow.
You have inspired countless pilgrims to pray with confidence
to your divine Son, remembering His promise,
“Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find”.
Help me to remember that we are all pilgrims on the road to Heaven.
Fill me with love and concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ,
especially those who live with me.
Comfort me when I am sick, lonely or depressed.
Teach me how to take part ever more reverently in the Holy Mass.
Give me a greater love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Pray for me now and at the end of my death. Amen
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FILL YOUR JAR WITH…..
Love, hope, kindness and gratitude. Fill it with patience and perseverance. Fill it
with love for everyone who is in your heart. Make your jar beautiful, vibrant and
a place for you to grow and experience life.
COMMON SENSE PRAYER.
Give me a good digestion Lord, and something to digest.
Give me a healthy body, Lord, and sense to keep it at its best.
Give me a healthy mind, O Lord, to keep the good and pure in sight,
Which seeing sin is not appalled but finds a way to put it right.
Give me a mind that is not bored that does not whimper whine or sigh.
Don’t let me worry overmuch about this funny thing called I.
Give me a sense of humour. Lord, the grace to see a joke,
To get some happiness from life and pass it on to other folk.
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FR. GERARD’S CORNER
THE LORD GAVE THEM BREAD FROM HEAVEN
In today’s Eucharist, Jesus is inviting us to let him be as close to us as the bread we eat. He will nourish and sustain us on the journey of life and fulfil
the deepest longing of our hearts. As the “Bread of Life” he wants to give himself totally to us, so that we in turn learn to give ourselves to our brothers and sisters. In this way we, too, become the bread broken for a world hungry for that Love which is God’s way of being. This is our mission.
“May we always be hungry and thirsty for Love.
May our hearts and minds be soft and receptive to God’s abundant life.
May our bodies have open doors and windows to welcome the approaching unknown future.
May we welcome, bless and share the Universe, this earth, this time, as a lavish feast of grace God is setting.” (Ivan Nicotetto. OSB)
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MEN: There are a lot of unspoken challenges and hidden battles that men face in modern society. They often manifest themselves in a uniquely male malaise where a man feels apathetic, frustrated, cynical, and lost.
Jon Tyson has thought a lot about the problems men face and has been on the ground trying to help them as a pastor in New York City. In today’s episode, I talk to Jon about the sources of this male angst that he explores as the co-author of a new book, Fighting Shadows: Overcoming 7 Lies That Keep Men From Becoming Fully Alive.
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“Thought”
By Berton Braley
You say “I think” ten times a day
Or fifteen times or twenty
And even more. Well, anyway
You sure repeat it plenty.
But pause and ponder half a wink
And start your brain-cells clinking;
“I think” you say, but do you think
Or only think you’re thinking?
How often is the thing you’ve thought
Out of yourself created
And not a dictum you’ve been taught
And simply imitated?
Into a reverie you sink
And like an owl you’re blinking,
But do you actually think,
Or only think you’re thinking?
“I think” you say—and ladle out
Some fusty old opinion
That probably was known about
In Pharaoh’s dominion.
Do new ideas ever slink
Into your cranium’s chinking?
I wonder—do you really think
Or only think you’re thinking?
Traditions, customs, fill your head
And some of them have virtue,
But most of them have long been dead
They fester there and hurt you.
Son, chuck that clutter in the drink
Wake up—don’t sit there blinking!
Wake up! And then perhaps you’ll think
And not just think you’re thinking!
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Legio Mariae
toSdoprsne9c511c11ic6g5l1ac0gaf2t2m34538lt843fhiahu96t88945u ·
JOHN PAUL II'S PRAYER FOR A WORLD IN DANGER.
Oh Mother of peoples and nations, help us overcome the threat of evil that so easily takes root in the hearts of people today and with its immense effects on present life and seems to close.
The road to the future!
Of hunger and war
set us free!
Of nuclear war, of self-destruction, of all kinds of wars.
set us free!
Of the sins against human life from its beginnings
set us free! From hatred and degradation of the dignity of the children of God
set us free! Of all kinds of injustices in the social field and on the national and international sphere.
set us free! How easily the commandments of God are trampled on
set us free! To try to erase God's truth in human hearts.
set us free! From the loss of discernment between good and evil deliver us!
Deliver us from our sins against the Holy Spirit!.
Set us free! O Mother of Christ, hear the intertwined call for the suffering of all men!
Listen for the penetrating call through the suffering of all society!.
Help us by the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome all sin: the sin of man and the “sin of the world,” sin anyway.
May the infinite power of redemption, the power of merciful love appear once again in the history of the world!
Let the bad end!!! Let your conscience be transformed! Let the light of hope shine for all in your Immaculate Heart of Mary!.
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Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Easter
I have two plants that live in my office. One of them is better than twenty
years old. The other is only a few years old. If I do not pay attention to
them, they do something that makes them look sad. They droop! They
almost look as if they are going to cry. I think it is fair to say that like our
plants we wither from time to time. I am speaking of course about our
walk with the Lord. Most people who identify themselves as Christians
have very pronounced highs and lows in their journey of faith. Generally
speaking it is because we allow our relationship with Jesus to grow old,
or like our plants, we forget to get the kind of nutrition that we need to
stay fresh and vital. There are so many people who go to church, sign up
for boards or committees, get excited for a week or two, and then
everything gets old. For others it takes longer; maybe a couple of months,
maybe a year, two years, or maybe even five years. Like drooping plants
our relationship with Christ that was once so vibrant, fresh, and exciting
becomes slow, stale, and boring… dry! The fruit that God desired from
Israel was for the people to be more loving, to show obedience to God,
and to practice righteousness and justice in how they conducted their
lives. When we take that idea and transport it through Jesus, through the
disciples, and finally into all of us we begin to see how important it is for
us to stay connected to Jesus who is the source of our Christian life.
John W. Clarke
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By ACI Africa Staff
Nairobi, 26 April, 2024 / 9:32 pm (ACI Africa).
The flash floods, deaths, and widespread destruction of property amid rainfall in Kenya call for solidarity with and support for the people of God in the East African nation, a Nairobi-based Jesuit Priest has said.
In a Thursday, April 25 statement shared with ACI Africa, the Director of the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network – Africa (JENA), a department of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), weighs in on the far-reaching effects of the heavy rainfall in Kenya.
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The Mythical Ireland website celebrates its 24th birthday on Saturday 16th March!
To celebrate, we are launching a special ‘Three for Two’ offer on limited edition Mythical Ireland prints – i.e. you get two high-quality photographic prints from our extensive library of shots, for the price of one. ------------------------------------
The website first appeared on 16th March in the year 2000, and represented an effort to present information and photographs about the research I was doing (along with my good friend Richard Moore) into ancient Ireland, its prehistoric stone structures, its myths and legends, and of course the astronomical alignments of some of its oldest monuments.
https://mythicalireland.com/blogs/news/mythical-ireland-celebrates-24th-birthday-with-special-offer
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Reflect
Joseph Pronechen Blogs
April 15, 2024
In April 1912, Mother Frances Cabrini was in Italy with her sisters. Her plans were to visit her foundations in France, Spain and England before sailing back to the United States in mid-April to continue work in New York City. Her sisters in England were eagerly awaiting this visit from their 62-year-old founder and superior. To help make her journey back to the U.S. more comfortable they had bought her a ticket and booked passage on a new ocean liner, the RMS Titanic.
Although an intrepid traveler who would eventually make 24 transatlantic crossings to establish her foundation, hospitals and orphanages, she was not a fan of ocean voyages since she had almost drowned as a youngster.
While the sisters in England waited, word got to Mother Cabrini that there was trouble at the Columbus Hospital she had established in New York. It was overflowing and there was urgent business to settle connected to a new expansion. She could not wait. She had to get back to raise desperately-needed money to proceed with the project. So she decided to change plans and leave early, sailing from Naples, disappointing the sisters in England who had booked her passage on the Titanic.
The prefix “RMS” in “RMS Titanic” stood for “Royal Mail Ship” because it would also carry mail under contract to the British Royal Mail — an important bit of context for something she wrote in a May 5, 1912, letter to a Sister Gesuina Dotti:
Only two of your letters I have received so far, and if you have sent five, then it must be said that it went down into the depths with the Titanic. If I was going to London, I might have left with it, but Divine Providence, which is constantly watching, did not allow it. God be blessed.
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February 10, 2021
Factors Associated With Real-Life Functioning in Persons With Schizophrenia in a 4-Year Follow-up Study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our large prospective study in persons with schizophrenia living in the community indicates that the variables associated with functional outcome at follow-up include some domains that are not systematically assessed and targeted by therapeutic interventions in community mental health services (ie, neurocognition, social cognition, avolition, and practical skills to cope with everyday life demands). These findings suggest that a change in mental health care provision is necessary. People with schizophrenia, even in advanced stages of the disorder, require a detailed assessment of their psychopathological and functional characteristics. If data relevant to the individual characteristics in all mentioned domains are available, then personalized and integrated management programs can be implemented, their impact can be constantly monitored, and changes to ongoing programs can be introduced to meet new or still unmet needs.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2776050
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ART: The Intimate Invitation of Art
Jenna Ross- April 5, 2024
Art speaks to people in different ways. Caeli Haigh wanted to know how.
Haigh, a junior Architecture major at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, decided to turn her curiosity into a special research project for the school’s annual Discovery Day, a day of academic presentations and discussion each spring. For her project, Caeli chose to focus on mosaics, and, in addition to her formal presentation, she will also do a practical demonstration of mosaic making.
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KENYA: By Silas Isenjia
Nairobi, 11 April, 2024 / 9:59 pm (ACI Africa).
Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) are calling on the Kenyan government to “speedily” address the concerns of doctors in the East African country where health services remain paralyzed owing to a protracted strike of the medics.
Through the strike, which is in its fourth week, doctors in Kenya are seeking better pay as per the terms of collective bargaining agreements signed in 2017. The doctors signed the contentious CBA with the Ministry of Health on June 30, and with county governments on 6 July 2017.
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Why do we celebrate Holy Week? The purpose of Holy Week is to re-enact, relive, and
participate in the passion of Jesus Christ. In Holy Week we relive with Jesus his road the
Cross: the triumphant entry into Jerusalem; the institution of the Eucharist and the
ministerial priesthood; his loneliness and agony in the garden as he is betrayed by the
disciple Judas; his trial before the Romans and the Jews; his once and forever sacrifice
upon the Cross; the emptiness of a world where Christ appears lost; and his glorious
Resurrection on Easter. Christians have been observing Holy Week since the earliest
days of the Church. Early Christians would travel to Jerusalem at Passover to re-enact
the events of the week leading up to the Resurrection. The earliest accounts of Holy
Week were recorded by Egeria in the 380s A.D. From her accounts we know that on
Palm Sunday, crowds of Christians waved palm fronds as they processed from the
Mount of Olives into the City. She also details how the community gathered on Good
Friday at Golgotha to honour the wood of the True Cross and to remember the
Crucifixion. Customs spread from Jerusalem to around the Christian world. And we do it
this year in pray and participate in the Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection.
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Rebecca Wilson Blogs
March 10, 2024
The concept of “wellness” is ever growing in popularity, with many podcasts, workouts, diets and more trying to address the issue. In the U.S. alone, the wellness industry is valued at close to $1.2 trillion. This raises the question: Why? There must be something about “wellness” that is so attractive, that speaks to a deep human desire. More importantly, if we are created in the image and likeness of God, with a beautiful integration of body and soul, how do we as Catholics respond to the concept of “wellness?” In this year of the National Eucharistic Revival, how can the Eucharist serve as a model for our understanding of wellness and integration?
To begin, let’s look at why man was created. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us a start, saying, “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life” (CCC 1). Man was created to participate in the blessed life with God, and the Lord continues to desire this for us. This call is for all people in the entirety of who we are.
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The Great Southern Trail Action Group are a non-profit group working to develop the Limerick to Tralee section of the trail so that everyone can explore this beautiful region in a safe, leisurely way by foot or bicycle. Dogs are permitted on the trail, please read a code of conduct for all trail users and observe the Leave No Trace Principles or Country Code.
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A New ICE AGE Is Coming: Prepare To Freeze By 2050!
https://youtu.be/C4-uWZtzngc?si=ErUMEBbqeL7UPLjf
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Southern Trail
https://youtu.be/cGNiU598BK8?si=uT7mKVHT7s_neQkq
GST
https://youtu.be/6wYsVDWjQZo?si=wfw2BXTAA5S02Ww1
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Putting Your Thoughts To Paper
https://www.writethesewords.com/memoir-with-a-message-course
If you've always dreamt of writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the creative process, this experience will give you the guidance and structure you need to make that dream a reality. Allow me to diffuse the confusion and guide you in telling your story. I'm not just about theory here. Let's make real progress!
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WOMEN: Our generation is one that sees substantial levels of women’s philanthropy. In the Jewish community, we have stellar examples of women’s giving, from the women’s organization Hadassah, to activism in local Jewish federations, to more grassroots giving circles. Research indicates that women are more likely to give of themselves to benefit others, whether financially or by simple acts of kindness. Our tradition reminds us that it was precisely this trait that led women to intuitively support the building of our first holy house.
So on this Women’s Day, I celebrate this generosity of heart modeled for us by Jewish women wandering in the desert. And of course, I extend my gratitude to all the women in my life who have, to date, taught me about what’s truly precious in our lives.
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Free Masons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gq_xmEoxG8
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Hunt Museum March 2024
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2018 was the first full year for Limerick Museum at its permanent home since it moved to the Old Franciscan Friary on Henry Street, in Limerick City Centre.
Established in 1907, the museum is the oldest local authority museum in the state and is owned and administered by Limerick City and County Council.
It has also one of the largest museum collections in the country, with over 60,000 objects in its care. Among the more unusual are the mummified Ireton’s Cat, found on Nicholas Street in 1894; a fragment of the largest meteorite that ever fell in Ireland in 1813; and two World War II gas-masks, that fortunately never had to be used.
https://www.limerick.ie/council/newsroom/news/record-number-visitors-limerick-museum-2018
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St. Patrick’s Day
St Patrick, whose feast we celebrate this Sunday was an emigrant worker. On our national feast day, we pray for all our emigrants abroad. We send our good wishes and prayers, and hope that life will be good to them. We pray they will use their gifts and talents for good, and they will have a positive impact on those they meet.
As we remember our own emigrants abroad we also think of immigrants in our own country who may be experiencing the same struggles to fit into a new culture. Are we still the land of the ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’? Perhaps we could use the beautiful words of St Patrick’s Breastplate, a prayer attributed to our patron saint to reflect today on our interactions with others.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me…
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
And so we pray
May the flame of faith, which St. Patrick
lit at Tara never be extinguished,
and may God, in his goodness,
grant the Irish Church
a season of renewal and growth.
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Saint Patrick (c 385 – 461 AD) – Feast Day: 17 March
Saint Patrick is believed to have been born around the year 385 AD in Wales in
Roman Britain. His father Calpurnius was a Deacon and a municipal official. He was
not really committed to the Christian faith in his childhood. At the age of 16 he was
captured by Irish Raiders who brought him to Ireland and he was sold into slavery.
During the next six years he looked after animals probably on Slemish Mountain in
County Antrim. He underwent a profound religious transformation during these
years and spent many hours each day and night at prayer. After he escaped from
slavery he decided to study for the priesthood in France. After ordination he heard in
a vision or a dream the voice of the Irish inviting him: “We ask thee, boy, come and
walk among us once more”. He was ordained a Bishop and returned to Ireland
around 432AD. There was a very small number of Christians in Ireland prior to this.
He was hugely successful in converting most of the other people in Ireland to
Christianity before his death in 461AD. He is believed to have established Armagh as
the primatial see of Ireland. He is buried in Downpatrick. He was a very humble man
of prayer as is evident from his work Confessio (a moving testimony of his personal
faith). He also wrote ‘Letter to Coroticus’, a troublesome chieftain. Legends about
Saint Patrick abound, perhaps the most famous that of his expulsion of snakes from
Ireland. He used the three-leafed Shamrock to teach the Irish about the Trinity (ie 3
persons in the one God). He is the Patron Saint of our country.
Saint Joseph – Feast Day 19 March (A favourite prayer of Pope Francis)
Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come
to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the
serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy
outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked
you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that
your goodness is as great as your power. Amen
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Reflect
No matter where you are in your life, if you let love and kindness be your guide, you will always find your way.
Prepare for the worst – Hope for the best – Reality will be somewhere in between.
LAST WORD: Your future depends on many things but mostly it depends on you!!
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Unfortunately, despite the widely available research referenced by the authors of Grave Error, journalists continue to couch their reporting in language reminiscent of the summer of 2021.
On Jan. 10, 2024, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) finally turned its attention to the dozens of Canadian churches that have been “torched and burned” and the dozens more that have been vandalized since the summer of 2021.
On the day the story aired, David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and past president of Toronto’s University of St. Michael’s College, posted the article to X/Twitter, noting that though coverage of the church burnings was long overdue, it was an example of “journalism CBC style.”
When Mulroney was asked why he is concerned by the tenor of the reporting, he responded that “the approach the journalist took was both familiar and disappointing.”
“Although we learned a few details about what seems a half-hearted police investigation, we’re also told that a ‘researcher and some community leaders suggest Canada’s colonial history and recent discoveries of potential burial sites at former residential schools may have lit the fuse.’”
But as Glavin, Champion, Flanagan, Rouillard, Green and others challenging the “mass graves” story are revealing, what Canada has experienced since May, 2021 is less a fuse than a fusion of political opportunism, sensational-cum-lazy journalism, anti-Catholic animus, and the spreading of now proven falsehoods to exploit the lives of innocent children – the living and the dead.
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How to live simply by living liturgically
Culture
by Abigail Wilkinson Miller
For many, celebrating the start of a new year is one of the most exciting times on the calendar: the shimmering prospect of a fresh start, frothy glasses of champagne, an excuse to wear a sequined dress and stay up past midnight. Personally, I spent my time curled up on the couch with a journal, reviewing the past 365 days in all of their peaks and valleys.
But since childhood, the real thrill has come for me in the turning of the liturgical year, as the feast of Christ the King gives way to the slow and sacred days of Advent. Back then, my love for the liturgical year was something I nurtured alone or alongside my parents and siblings. Now, however, “liturgical living” is very much en vogue.
The growing awareness among Catholics of the liturgical year’s rich offerings can be, at least in part, credited to the work of Catholic writers like Kendra Tierney and the emergence of companies and subscription models that make it easy for anyone to “access” the activities of liturgical living. But the last few years alone have seen a marked increase in attentiveness to the concept of seasonality.
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By: Emily Zarevich
Marianne Moore: November 4, 2023
The icon indicates free access to the linked research on JSTOR.
Meeting an idol in person is a terrifying prospect for any young creative. The event poses two major risks: first, that the novice will fail to impress their hero; and second, that the hero will fail to live up to the novice’s soaring high expectations. Neither such outcome occurred with poets Elizabeth Bishop and Marianne Moore. They were two ambitious American writers from different generations, brought together by a shared purpose. Individualistic and yet kindred spirits, they were a perfect match, and the story of their resilient and productive friendship is a refreshing change from the countless historical occurrences of authors being pitted against one another as rivals.
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Weekly Newsletter- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
5th November 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
In spite of our sublime ideal, our ardent desire for sanctity, we always find ourselves full of miseries, always indebted to God. Our souls often tremble with fear in His presence, and we ask ourselves: How will He receive me? Will He turn me away? But the answer is quite different from what we would expect: “The Lord saith: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You shall call upon Me and I will hear you, and I will bring back your captivity from all places.” These consoling words, which we read in the Introit of today’s Mass, open our hearts to the sweetest hopes. God loves us in spite of all. He is always and everywhere our Father, and He desires to free us from the servitude of our passions and from our weaknesses. Then spontaneously the humble invocation of the Collect rises to our lips: “Grant, O Lord, that by Your goodness we may be delivered from the bonds of sin which by our frailty we have committed.” Humility and the sincere acknowledgment of our wrongdoing is always the starting point for conversion.
In the Epistle St. Paul speaks to us of conversion: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you weeping, that they are enemies of the Cross of Christ. . . who mind only the things of earth.” Every time that we shun a sacrifice, that we protest against suffering, that we seek selfish pleasures, we behave, in practice, like enemies of the Cross of Christ. Thus our lives become too earthly, too much attached to creatures, too heavily burdened to rise toward heaven. We must be converted, we must practice detachment, and remember that “our conversation is in heaven”; to this end, we must willingly embrace the hardships of the return journey to our heavenly homeland. As an encouragement, St. Paul places before our eyes the glory of our eternal life: “Jesus Ghrist will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of His glory.” These are the “thoughts of peace,” the great designs of love which our heavenly Father outlines for us: to free us from the bondage of sin, and conform us to His own Son, making us sharers in His glorious resurrection. They are marvellous designs but they will be realized only with our cooperation. “Therefore,” the Apostle beseeches us, “my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord.” Stand fast, that is, persevere in your conversion, strong in humility, confidence, and love of the Cross.
A shrine dedicated to the holy souls is now erected at the back of the church for the month of November. You can indicate the name of your beloved ones on the November List. They will be included in the Requiem Masses to be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church this November.
Canon Henry is in Portugal to attend Canon Almeida's First Mass before making his way to Maria Engelport, our sisters' convent in Germany, for the annual priestly retreat. Please pray for all the Canons who will attend this retreat.
There will be the All Saints Party after the 10:30 am Mass today. Please come and encourage these young souls!
Canon de la Brosse, who was in Limerick fadó fadó in 2011/2012, will be the celebrant and homilist for next Sunday's Mass.
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan...
As we continue our reflecting on the Rescue project we now enter the final stage
called the Response. He entitles this week’s talk as ‘Words Are Not Enough’. I’ve
often met people who said I thought I knew him but it was only when I really got
to KNOW him that I realised who he really was and I didn’t really know the person
at all. We might know OF someone, we might know all the data, details and facts
about a person but not KNOW them. The Rescue Project has revealed to us all the
details and facts about God but this is only done to help us open up our hearts to
the love of God. The Holy Spirit must imbue us like heat imbues hot water. We
must open up our whole being to the Love of God. Knowing this unconditional love
of God will change and transform us. The longest journey we’ll ever set out upon is
that journey from our heads to our hearts. Sometimes our own human experiences
of human love can bring us an incredible fear and vulnerability. Our fear of
rejection cripples us and we lose trust in love. What we crave for is acceptance.
Being accepted as we are warts and all. And our deepest longing is acceptance
from God. Without it we become boastful, rigid, we’ll have an inferior or superior
complex. We try to assert ourselves and impose our will upon others. We’ll have an
excessive desire for attention. We’ll exaggerate, we’ll gossip, we’ll become
suspicious of others. These are all the symptoms of a lack of acceptance. Knowing
the unconditional love of God is the most important experience in our lives. It will
help us become whole and holy
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32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Nov 2023
Background on the Gospel Reading:
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus talks about what it means
to be prepared to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. This
week’s reading follows a series of warnings and
predictions by Jesus about the coming of the Son of
Man. Jesus wants his disciples to understand that the
exact day and time cannot be predicted. He teaches the
disciples that they must remain vigilant so that they will
not be caught unprepared. When thinking about the
parable of the wise and foolish virgins, it is important to
consider the first-century wedding traditions of
Palestine. Scholars tell us that it was the custom of the
day for young maidens—friends and family members of
the bride—to meet the bridegroom when he came to
bring his bride to her new home.
As with many of Jesus’ parables, several levels of
interpretation are possible. In last week’s Gospel, we
heard Jesus warn against following the example of the
Pharisees and scribes. If read in the context of early
Christianity’s struggle to define itself against Pharisaic
Judaism, this parable is a continuing critique of
Judaism. It suggests that the Jewish leaders were like
the foolish virgins, unprepared to meet Jesus, the
bridegroom of Israel. In the chapter preceding this
parable, however, Jesus warns about the destruction of
Jerusalem, the tribulation of the end times, and the
coming of the Son of Man. When read in this context,
today’s parable is a warning to the Christian community
to remain vigilant and prepared to receive Jesus, the
Son of Man who will return at the end of time. This
interpretation is supported by the reference to the delay
of the bridegroom. The Christian community for whom
Matthew wrote this Gospel was coming to terms with
the realization that the promise of Jesus’ return would
not be fulfilled within their lifetimes. The question
remains for us to ask ourselves, are we ready to receive
Jesus? Will we be prepared to receive him?
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Limerick Diocese November 2023
nvitation from Bishop Brendan Leahy
In the coming weeks Bishop Leahy will be holding a number of “conversation”
gatherings across the Diocese, to offer people a chance to open up questions and
issues regarding the future of our faith community, its mission arrangements and
structures. It is an occasion to present to people some of the data about our
parishes and the diocese and to enter into an informal conversation. In announcing
these gatherings, Bishop Leahy said, “We won’t make big decisions immediately
but we’ll be moving along the pathway of community discernment. I would ask you
to spread the word about these meetings, everyone is welcome to attend.”
The meeting for our Pastoral Unit will be held in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle
West, on Thursday 22nd of November at 7.30p.m. All who ar e concer ned about
the future of our faith community in this area of the diocese are encouraged to
attend. For further information, contact and any of the priests in the area.
Contact numbers are printed in this newsletter.
Diocesan Overview
This week in parishes across the Diocese we will be distributing copies of a
Diocesan Overview Report, that the Bishop hopes people of the Diocese will read
and share with others. The Overview is a snapshot of the life of our Diocese.
In reading the Overview you’ll find statistics of where things are at today, giving a
greater understanding of the profile of clergy, financial arrangements and the
challenges facing us in the Diocese.
Bishop Leahy hopes that this Overview will be distributed widely. He asks people
to take copies of it not just for themselves but perhaps also for sons or daughters
not coming regularly to Church but nevertheless still in some way in contact
through baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies.
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In 1950, Africans made up 8 percent of the world’s people. A century later, they will account for one-quarter of humanity, and at least one-third of all young people aged 15 to 24, according to United Nations forecasts.
The median age on the African continent is 19. In India, the world’s most populous country, it is 28. In China and the United States, it is 38.
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That evening, waves of guilt washed over me. I, like many medical providers, have experienced inappropriate language from patients. And there are other times I’ve failed to keep things professional — when my work stress has bled into my bedside manner, when I’ve been unable to meet the demands of my bosses and patients. Further shame threatened to drown me as I contemplated days when my chronic health condition has hampered my ability to provide care, and moments when my ignorance has led to less-than-stellar treatment. I couldn’t sleep in the whirlpool of memories.
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PLANT Toxins: Whiteman explores these ideas by looking at plant chemicals that people use for medicine, food and pleasure, including toxins such as ethanol (from plant sugars) that can end up as addictive substances.
Having lost his own father to alcohol-use disorder, the author seeks to understand the biochemistry and genetics of alcohol addiction, focusing on the possible role of proteins in the brain called GABAA receptors. When activated by molecules of the neurotransmitter GABA, these receptors have a calming effect. As the author finds, it is not only naturally occurring GABA molecules that trigger these receptors — ethanol seems to do so too, as do some commonly used sedatives. When considering how this interaction might have affected the people in his life who relied on alcohol, Whiteman writes: “Their GABAA receptors fired away as the alcohol did its thing, dampening their worries, numbing their pain, and transforming them into different people.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03303-z?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gb
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By The Tablet Staff
PROSPECT HEIGHTS — A day of prayer dedicated to the health and wellness of clergy, and men and women religious, will be held Friday, Oct. 20.
The event is to provide spiritual support to those who tirelessly serve the Church and the people of God. It will also serve as an awareness campaign and reminder of the importance of self-care, healing, and maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.
Saint John Vianney Center (SJVC), a behavioral health and addictions treatment and resource center providing holistic care and support exclusively for clergy and men and women religious worldwide, will host the event.
The highlight will be a Mass livestreamed from Our Lady of Hope Chapel on the SJVC campus in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, at 11 a.m.
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Learning; Deirdre speaks with Kerry College resource worker, Ed O' Connor about their new Film for ALL programme. Film for ALL is an Adult Literacy for Life programme which encourages all in the community to learn literacy skills through film.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1881505338808270/permalink/3327592557532867/
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By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Oct 4, 2023 / 17:06 pm
On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the faithful gathered at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to honor the beloved Italian saint and celebrate the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule of St. Francis (1223) and the creation of the Nativity scene in Greccio.
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By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 5, 2023 / 12:50 pm
More than 400 people gathered at the Vatican on Wednesday to officially begin the Synod on Synodality.
During the first full day of work Oct. 5, participants met in small groups of about 12 people to discuss the first part of the Instrumentum Laboris, a document that will guide discussions over the nearly monthlong assembly.
The first section, which will form the basis of synod discussions Oct. 4–7, is titled “For a Synodal Church: An Integral Experience” and has two subpoints: “The characteristic signs of a synodal Church” and “A way forward for the synodal Church: conversation in the Spirit.”
According to Cristiane Murray, the vice director of the Holy See Press Office, synod members were given “a kind of task of answering” several reflection questions based on these themes on Oct. 4.
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Matthew McDonald Nation
October 6, 2023
After she violated probation on drug-trafficking charges in 2013, prosecutors wanted to send Aisha Ewald to prison for 25 years.
Instead, the judge sent her to Bridges of Iowa, a private nonprofit drug-rehabilitation program in a previously unused wing of the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, for a year.
While Bridges of Iowa helped her stop taking drugs, she said, it also taught her how to live.
“I lived this life of unstructured, self-induced chaos for so long, kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants living,” Ewald told the Register. “It’s just holding you accountable, to learn how to hold yourself accountable, to be responsible for your own actions.”
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Reflect
We spend so much time sweating the small stuff, worrying, wishing, wanting, waiting.
for something bigger, instead of focusing on the simple blessings that surround us every day. Life is so FRAGILE and it only takes a single moment to change everything you take for granted. FOCUS ON what is important. Live your life with no regrets,
The past is wastepaper, the present is a newspaper, the future is a question paper.
So read and write carefully or life will be Tissue Paper.
-------------------------
Dear God, Be with me through the coming week. Please give me Your peace
when I am worried and Your strength when I am weak. Please protect my family and friends and keep them in your care.
There is a time to part and a time to meet.
There is a time to sleep and a time to eat.
There is a time to work and a time to play.
There is a time to rest at the end of the day.
There is a time that is glad and a time that is blue.
There is a time to plan and a time to do.
There s time to grin and show your grit…..
But there never is a time to QUIT.
TRUST IS THE FOUNDATION OF ANY WORTHWHILE RELATIONSHIP
LAST WORD: Look for something positive in each day – even.
if some days you have to look a little harder.
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
One of the disadvantages of getting older is suffering loss of memory, well not really loss but temporary absence! It can be quite embarrassing at times like when you meet somebody you know well and can’t remember their name. The harder you try to recall the name the worse it becomes. I start going through the alphabet to see if something will trigger recognition but, more often than not, it won’t then, out of nowhere, when I am not even concentrating on it, the name appears in my mind like a big banner. Where was it hiding when I needed it? I can remember things that happened when I was a child but I can easily forget events of a few days ago. My earliest memory was when I was in a play pen. When I say “play pen” but it was probably an old tea chest that was handy for keeping little children in one place. I was with my aunts in the house who were minding me while my mother was out. My mother had four sisters, all younger than her, so I was spoiled rotten by them. Anyway I was throwing a tantrum because my mother was not there and the aunts were trying to appease me even putting on records on a gramophone to shut me up. I was having none of it and bawled even louder until at last my mother appeared. I was delighted until she picked me up, put me across her knee, and gave me a few smacks on the bum. I have no idea why that stuck in my mind to this day but it taught me a lesson. There was another incident with the tea chest that I can remember. My mother used to work for Dr. O’Mahony in Abbeyfeale and he would regularly call to our house even though she wasn’t working for him anymore after getting married. On one occasion he brought a kid goat that he wanted rearing to the point where it would be ready for slaughter. I was about three at the time and of course I was very curious about this kid goat who was kept in a tea chest. I leaned in over the rim, trying to play with the kid, but I overbalanced and fell headlong inside. The goat had a great time licking my ears until my father heard my screams and rescued me. I can tell you I did not try that trick again. If I can remember that far back why can I suddenly forget what I came into a room for? It happens to me regularly. I have some purpose in mind but, for some reason, I am left scratching my head as to what was so urgent to bring me to the room in the first place. Retracing my steps usually has the desired effect but not always and it may be hours later I will remember and feel very foolish. Maybe I am complaining too much when so many people are suffering from serious loss of memory. I had an aunt who had Alzheimer’s disease and was in a nursing home in England for about ten years. We would go and visit her every so often but as she gradually got worse she wouldn’t recognise us at all but she was always in a good mood and smiled a lot. She could however remember words of songs and her prayers in Irish. Eventually it got to the stage when she couldn’t string a sentence together and there was no communication. Then one day I was sitting opposite her and suddenly her eyes opened wide and she looked at me. Then she said, in a very clear voice, “you’re the image of your father”. As soon as she said it she closed her eyes and they were the last words she ever spoke to me. I wonder what happened for that brief moment that allowed her to speak naturally. I will leave that question to the professionals but the workings of the mind are fascinating. So, if I meet you on the street and can’t remember your name, forgive me – I will have it before I go home!
Following on the awful deaths of those young people on the roads there is a lot of talk about road safety with people and politicians complaining about lack of Garda presence on the roads and the need for more legislation. There is no doubt that speed plays a big part in many accidents but not so much on the motorways as on the mior roads where some of the speed limits are completely wrong. For example; there is a road which is on he coast between Galway and Clare that is narrow and has acute bends every couple of yards. The limit on this road is 100. Now it would be impossible to do 100 Ks an hour never mind the danger it would create to other road users. There isn’t much chance of being checked for speeding on that road. Then you have stretches of dual carriageways with speed limits of 40 and that is where most of the speed cameras are situated. The speed vans are supposed to cover areas where bad accidents have occurred but you will find them just inside speed limits where there are easy pickings in areas of no danger. When it comes to motorway driving , it is not the speed but the sheer ignorance of road users that is the problem. The general rule is; you travel in the left lane and overtake on the right or middle lane and return to the left as soon as it is safe. The outside lane is for overtaking slower traffic in the middle lane again returning left as soon as the manoeuvre is completed. Some drivers stick to the middle lane oblivious to all around them while others take over the outside lane even if they are travelling slower than everyone else. This causes some motorists to overtake on the left which is very dangerous and can cause n accident in a split second. The problem is the fact that learner drivers are not allowed on a motorway. They have no experience on them while they are learning but, the minute they have past their test they are free to go on the motorways and travel at speeds they maybe have never done before. The rate of bad driving on our roads is appalling, People overtake you on country roads across continuous white lines and approaching bends and crosses but when you reach the next town they are just ahead of you at the first lights they meet. What is all the rush for? It is not worth putting yourself and others at risk so that you can reach your destination a few minutes earlier. A little patience and courteously goes a long way on the roads.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
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Sincere congrats are extended to Maura Hayes daughter of Rose and Mike of Fairy St, who on Tuesday last was married to Pa Leahy of Granagh here in Athea with Canon Tony Mullins performing the Nuptial Ceremony. The reception was held at The Woodlands Hotel where everyone had a great day.
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Recently as we were reading Pride and Prejudice out loud my young son commented, “I love Mr. Bennet!” This was, of course, after Mr. Bennet had wittily put Mrs. Bennet in her place. At the time I smiled to myself.
But now, I am realizing once again Jane Austen’s remarkable portrayal of human life and how it challenges me in root ways.
It is easy to dislike Mrs. Bennet. She is a striking portrait of a small-minded wife and mother. As such, it is easy to ‘sympathize’ with Mr. Bennet and to lap us his droll mockery of his wife.
Yet as the story unfolds his apparent failures as husband, father, and man of the household come more and more to light. So I the reader—especially I the husband, father, and man of the household—might begin to take a more critical look and also wonder what I have in common with him.
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August 2023
This week marks five years since Ireland hosted the World Meeting of Families in
Dublin (21st—26th August 2018). This was a very significant celebration of
family life in Ireland attended by thousands including Pope Francis who has had
the family at the heart of his pontificate over the past 10 years. Pope Francis sees
families as “God’s dream for humanity”. As Parish we pray for God’s blessing
on all families. Official Prayer for World Meeting of Families 2018
God, our Father,
We are brothers and sisters in Jesus your Son,
One family, in the Spirit of your love.
Bless us with the joy of love.
Make us patient and kind,
Gentle and generous,
Welcoming to those in need.
Help us to live your forgiveness and peace.
Protect all families with your loving care,
Especially those for whom we now pray:
(we pause and remember our family members and others by name).
Increase our faith,
Strengthen our hope,
Keep us safe in your love,
Make us always grateful for the gift of life
that we share. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mary, mother and guide, pray for us.
St Joseph, father and protector, pray for us.
Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us.
Saints Louis and Zéile Martin, pray for us.
--------------------
For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.!
Jeremiah 29:11
----------------
The Past and the Future
Looking to the past to see God's deeds can give you faith. When you have faith, you can look to the future with hope.
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Waters of Mercy
Join Dr. Tim Gray as he reflects on today's daily Mass readings.
--------------------------------------
The Surprising Contents of an American POW's Journal
By Morgan Godvin
There were 35 million prisoners of war held during World War II. One soldier's diary, full of collages and drawings, brings a human dimension to that number. Read more...
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Amid insecurity and challenges, ministries continue in Haiti
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Weekly Newsletter
12th Sunday after Pentecost
20th August 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers...”. That unfortunate man represents each one of us. We too have encountered robbers on our way. The world, the devil, and our passions have stripped and wounded us. Who can say that he does not have in his own soul some wound, more or less deep, left by temptation or sin? But, on our route, there was also a good Samaritan, rather the Good Samaritan par excellence, Jesus, who, moved by compassion for our state, brought us help. With infinite love He bent over our open wounds, curing them with the oil and wine of His grace. The oil represents its gentleness and the wine its vigour. Then He took us in His arms and brought us to a safe place, that is, He entrusted us to the maternal care of the Church, to which He has consigned the price of our ransom, the fruit ofHis death on the Cross. The parable of the good Samaritan thus delineates the story of our redemption, a story which is ever in action and which is renewed every time we draw near to Jesus, humbly and regretfully showing Him the wounds of our souls. It is actuated in a very special way in the Mass, where Jesus presents to the Father the price of our salvation, and renews His immolation for our benefit. We should go to Mass in order to meet Him, the Good Samaritan, to invoke and receive His sanctifying action. The more we recognise our own misery and our need of redemption, the more will Jesus apply the fruits of redemption to us. When He comes to us in Holy Communion, He will heal our wounds, not only our exterior wounds, but our interior ones also, abundantly pouring into them the sweet oil and strengthening wine of His grace. This is how Jesus treats us, this is how He has treated mankind, which, by sin, had become a stranger, yes, an enemy to Him and even rejected Him, the Son of God!
While we bid goodbye to a previous vicar, Canon de Martin, we welcome yet another. Canon Coggeshall arrives tomorrow in Ireland. You surely have fond memories of his three years here at the Sacred Heart Church: one year as a deacon and two as priest. Our apostolate in Belfast will be blessed to have him as one of the guest priests for the ongoing Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Canon will preach and celebrate the Mass there on Tuesday and then he will come down to Limerick to celebrate and preach here next Sunday. We are also happy to receive Father Horgan again this Friday. Abbe Poucin, whom you have gotten to know in the beginning of the year, will be returning to Limerick tomorrow and will be staying until the end of Annual Chapter Meeting (4th September).
Let us unite in prayer with the Sister Adorers who will celebrate the Feast of their Patron Saint tomorrow: Saint Jane de Chantal. Lastly, Canon Lebocq, who is currently in Ardee, asks that the faithful say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus because tomorrow also marks the 11th anniversary of the handing of the keys of the church to the Institute. Let us not take anything for granted but give thanks to God at all times.
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Live stream from the Sacred Heart Church
-----------------------
Reflect
By MIKE STOBBE
Updated 4:02 AM GMT, August 11, 2023
NEW YORK (AP) — About 49,500 people took their own lives last year in the U.S., the highest number ever, according to new government data posted Thursday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which posted the numbers, has not yet calculated a suicide rate for the year, but available data suggests suicides are more common in the U.S. than at any time since the dawn of World War II.
“There’s something wrong. The number should not be going up,” said Christina Wilbur, a 45-year-old Florida woman whose son shot himself to death last year.
https://apnews.com/article/suicides-record-2022-guns-48511d74deb24d933e66cec1b6f2d545
================
Here’s a sad question for the day: How many opioid overdoses could be classified as suicides?
There’s no way to know, is there? If people are trying to bury their pain, depression and anxiety in pills or needles, how would public officials know — without a suicide note — that an overdose was intentional? What if victims are on a path suggesting that they simply don’t care whether they live or die?
Suicides involving guns are much more definitive.
========================
Men’s fears of women in intimate relationships are hidden in plain sight. Most men do such an incredibly good job at hiding these fears and vulnerabilities that even their mothers and lovers don’t know how scared they are. Men hide their fears because they are taught that real men don’t get scared. If they do, they should never let anyone know because they will lose respect and be at a competitive disadvantage with other men.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/fear-intimacy/202111/men-s-fears-women-in-everyday-life
========================
https://www.bbc.com › future › article › 20190529-do-humans-have-a-religion-instinct
Do humans have a 'religion instinct'? - BBC
Newberg and his team take brain scans of people participating in religious experiences, such as prayer or meditation. Though he says there isn't just one part of the brain that facilitates these ...
------------------
At my Pentecostal Church, drugs were talked about somewhat differently. We didn’t need them, we were told, because we could get high from God. God could do the same thing to our brain – give us a rush, a sense of euphoria – but our brains wouldn’t end up scrambled. God provided all the “positive benefits” of heroin with none of the damaging side effects. (Of course, when we consider the amount of religious violence throughout history, it’s impossible to claim that there are no damaging side effects to some beliefs in God. More on that later.)
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190529-do-humans-have-a-religion-instinct
==============================
Reflect
Cover of ‘Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage’ by Dr. Ray Guarendi
Cover of ‘Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage’ by Dr. Ray Guarendi (photo: EWTN Publishing)
Dr. Ray Guarendi Blogs
July 27, 2023
Excerpted from Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage
Parents will present a litany of complaints about their child: Polly talks back, can twist a defense lawyer into knots, and is the sole reason her brother, Chase, wants to move out. Although the picture looks to be a puzzling mosaic of bewilderment, a few minor discipline adjustments, enforced with consistency and perseverance, can reverse the trajectory of the whole parent-child relationship.
A visit or two later, the parents return wondering what alien has captured Polly’s body. “Where did the eruptions go? She’s much more settled. And she’s hugged us more times in the past week than in the past month.” Call it the “Cascade effect.” Modest changes set in motion major plusses.
In a marriage, the puzzle can likewise look unsolvable. Communication is edgy, intimacy is gone, clashes are daily, and friction chafes both spouses for days.
How do weak marriages get stronger? Therapy? Spiritual guidance? Retreat weekends? Medication? Some. But many marriages set about sorting out what is going wrong, why it’s going wrong, and how to repair it.
Ask them about their success, and you won’t hear about a self-help how-to book (okay, maybe this one), their communication strategies, or some “new and proven” path to marital wholeness. You’ll hear how two people, sometimes one, made small adjustments in attitude and action with surprising payoffs.
The secret of a good marriage, for the most part, is that there are no secrets — only good-sense ideas lived daily toward one’s spouse. Most likely, you already know many of these. Yet, for whatever reasons, you may have ignored or resisted them, believing, “How can such minor changes make any major difference?” They can.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics rules the universe. Also known as the Law of Entropy, it states: Everything decays. Iron rusts, food (except processed snack foods) rots, our bodies age, the sun will burn out. Fortunately, all of us should be long gone when things get that frigid.
A parallel law creeps into marriage. Call it the Law of Social Entropy. Much that once positively permeated the relationship has decayed. Manners get sloppier than a 5-year-old’s, compliments come days between, listening to the other shortens to six seconds, touches are token. The small expressions of a solid connection grow flaccid.
“Say I’m sorry” is the first of 10 simple steps toward a stronger marriage. Simple doesn’t mean easy, though. I ask spouses, “When was the last time you apologized?” Answers can stretch back pretty far. “When our daughter was in kindergarten.” How old is your daughter now? “Oh, she’s in law school.”
You don’t have to be a shrink to analyze that apologies pass through their marriage about as often as Halley’s Comet. Why are words filled with so much reparative potential so tough to voice? Resistance comes from assorted directions: My apology will be rejected; it will say that I’m all wrong and he’s all right; I’m always the one to apologize; I don’t feel sorry.
Other steps in Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage are: just don’t say it; add a touch; accept it; make a list; use your manners. Each is followed by “Resistance Rationales” — justifications for not doing what would be very good to do.
“What is the toughest part of doing therapy for you?” Persuading someone to do what would improve his life as well as that of others around him. Resistance can be strong.
It is one thing to agree that simple steps can strengthen one’s marriage. It’s another to practice them. If spouses can overcome any resistance to taking those steps, they will be rewarded with long-lasting positives.
Dr. Ray Guarendi is a Catholic husband, the father of 10 adopted children, a clinical psychologist, an author, a professional speaker, and an international radio and television host. His radio show, The Doctor Is In, can be heard on the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network on SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and more than 500 domestic and international AM and FM radio affiliates. His TV show, Living Right with Dr. Ray, can be seen on EWTN and reaches more than 380 million homes in 145 countries and territories.
========================
Big Developments planned for Listowel
By listowelconnection
On July 28, 2023
In Greenway, Listowel
Con Dillons in July 2023
<<<<<<<<
Big Changes Planned
According to a story in Kerry’s Eye, Listowel is due a windfall of €900,00 to bring “three transformational projects” to planning stage by 2024.
The re-establishment of Listowel Town Square as the cultural heart and economic centre of Listowel.
Positioning of Listowel as a hub of activity tourism in North Kerry
Establishment of a state of the art enterprise centre space for remote working.
“The Public Realm Plan also aims to enable Listowel Town to transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate -resilient and environmentally sustainable economy.” John Kennelly, Listowel Town Manager.
Three more concrete parts of the plan are
Development of the Neodata site as an outdoor activity hub
Turn the Ball Alley into an outdoor performance space. (This is not part of the plan but I think that maybe when no one is performing there it could be used to revive handball)
Reimagining Kerry Writers’ Museum
<<<<<<<<<<
Bike Stands
Especially for the folk coming into town via our new greenway, but for local cyclists as well, bike stands are popping up all over.
<<<<<<<<<<
Memories, Memories
Eleanor Belcher’s story continues…
There were several families in the Small Square who were part of our ‘gang’ . Gertie Kennelly and I started school together. She cried so much that she was brought home for another year. Her father used to stand outside the shop and tell me on my way home from school that all my father had to do was to say ‘put out your tongue ‘ and ask for £1.
There were the Sheehy boys across the road who were very much part of our childhood. Jerry was the comic lover. The Galvins, Mercedes and Monty were at the Central Hotel with its ‘Erin go Bragh’ plaster relief. They had two older half brothers who lived in the USA and came home occasionally bringing amazing gifts for Merc and Monty. There was an icecream machine in Galvins and getting a cone from there was a huge treat.
There were not many cars , Mr Galvin had one similar to Mr McElligott. The road ran on the opposite side of St John’s church then. We played outside all the time, ball games and ‘picky’ and hopscotch on the footpath. . Rollerskating became very popular as we got to about seven/ eight and on halfday Mondays we had races along the main road. Maura Fealey was the star.! A picture of us rollerskaters appeared in the Kerryman and was used to illustrate a Kerryman book of photographs to capture the 60s which was published some years ago.
(Thank you, Dave O’Sullivan for finding the photo. And he found the other one referred to in the caption as well.)
https://listowelconnection.com/big-developments-planned-for-listowel/
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JOHN
And I’m curious what his father the priest would have made of his son growing up to become the wild man of the desert, feeding on locusts and honey, covered in camel skins, and presumably bee stings.
I find myself internally cheering at the fury with which John denounces the viperous hypocrisy of the overtly religious but faithless, but convicted alongside them as he announces with terrible urgency the coming of the kingdom. And I’m deeply curious about how his clearly pastoral, but no less unflinching, conversations with Herod must have gone during his imprisonment.
======================
Reflect
ROLE MODEL
I give thanks for the role models in my life. There may have been many family members, teachers and mentors who have left an impact in my life, and I consider to be valuable role models. When I think of these people, I think of the ways they have supported, encouraged and inspired me. I am grateful for all that they have done to help me become the person I am today.
But have I thought about myself as a role model? Each day, I have the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others. Each day I can be a role model as a parent or family member, a coworker and friend, and through the ways in which I demonstrate my faith in God. I value these opportunities and give thanks for those who have been role models for me.
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever Gift each of you has received.
One hand of Help, One word of Sympathy One act of Humanity, One smile of Charity & One sweet Hello can change someone’s Mood & Life.
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Life is the best thing ever and we have no business taking it for granted. It is easy to waste our lives, to take for granted the colour of our children’s eyes, the way the melody in a song rises and falls and disappears and rises again. Get a real life, not the pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger pay cheque, the larger house. Get a life in which you notice the smell of the salt water or the way a bird circles through the air or the way a baby scowls with concentration when they try to pick up a sweet with the thumb and first finger.
PRAYER AT THE END OF THE DAY
O God, my Father, as I lay down to sleep, relax the tension of my body, calm the restlessness of my mind, still the thoughts which worry and perplex. Let your Spirit speak to my mind and my heart while I am asleep, so that when I wake in the morning, I may find I have received in the night time – light for my way, strength for my tasks, peace for my worries and forgiveness for my sins.
LAST WORD: Challenges are what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
==========================
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====================
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ABBEYFEALE, ATHEA, TEMPLEGLANTINE, TOURNAFULLA, MOUNTCOLLINS
21st May 2023 www.abbeyfealeparish.ie email fealechurch@eircom.net Church Sacristy 068 - 51915 Parish Office 068 - 31133
The Month of Mary
By Fr Paul Clayton-Lea
On a visit to Nazareth some months ago a pilgrim approached me to say
how surprised she was to discover that ‘Our Lady was Jewish!’ and she
followed quickly with a question ‘When did she become a Catholic then?’
It was an innocent, sincere query and as I struggled to answer I realised
afresh the extraordinary courage of the young Jewish girl who had
changed the course of salvation history with her ‘Yes’ to God’s call. What
Mary was faced with in responding to that call was indeed a break from
the religious traditions and expectations of a young Jewish woman of her
time. She could not have been certain of the response of Joseph her
betrothed, or her own family who tradition holds had dedicated her to the
Temple as a small child. More certain was the response of religious
authorities which would have condemned her mysterious pregnancy out of
hand as they would later condemn the fruit of her womb. Yes, Mary was
not short of courage to match her faith.
During the month of May, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima,
Mary, Mother of the Church, the Visitation and this year, Pentecost
Sunday when Mary gathered with the apostles in prayer. But the whole
month of May has been known as the month of Mary for centuries. A
month dedicated to Mary even existed outside May from 15 August to 14
September but at some point Mary and May combined and the tradition of
crowning the statue of Mary with flowers representing her beauty and
virtue became a great celebration. Whether we mark this month with an
altar to her, crown her with flowers or with our own spiritual exercises or
pray the rosary may we invite Mary and her example of courage and faith
more deeply into our lives.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said; ‘If you ever feel distressed during
your day — call upon our Lady – just say this simple prayer: ‘Mary,
Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit – this prayer
has never failed me.’
Holy Spirit Friend at our Side and within us
Saint Irenaeus lived about a hundred years after the time of Jesus. He
wrote a beautiful meditation on the return of the Prodigal Son and how his
father hugged him back home in welcome. In his imagination, Irenaeus
pictured the two hands of the father. One hand is visibly taking the hand of
the son in warm welcome. The other hand is not visible as it is behind the
son, drawing him closer in a loving hug. The visible hand represents Jesus
who sat with sinners and ate with them. The unseen hand represents the
Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not seen directly but the warm embrace of
the Holy Spirit transforms life. The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, the friend
at our side and within us. This coming week let us all take some time to
pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives. May we grow each
day in awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit beside us.
Come Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and enkindle in us the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Amen
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of Prayer for the Church in China 24th May 2023
“Dear brothers and sisters of the universal Church, all of us are called to recognise as
one of the signs of our times everything that is happening today in the life of the Church
in China. We have an important duty: to accompany our brothers and sisters in China
with fervent prayer and fraternal friendship. Indeed, they need to feel that in the journey
that now lies ahead, they are not alone. They need to be accepted and
supported as a vital part of the Church. Mother of Heaven, hear the plea of your
children as we humbly call upon your name!
Virgin of Hope, we entrust to you the journey of the faithful in the noble land of
China. We ask you to present to the Lord of history the trials and tribulations, the
petitions and the hopes of all those who pray to you, O Queen of Heaven! Mary, Help
of Christians, for China we implore days of blessing and of peace. Amen!”
Pope Francis
Called to bring Christ’s Message to the World
God has given us power to create beauty,
to make another smile,
to be a healing presence in someone’s sorrow,
to bring justice to the oppressed,
to console those in difficulty,
to bring peace and joy to others,
to help those in need, to laugh and enjoy life,
to do good and turn from evil, to forgive those who hurt us,
and most of all to love.
Iris Perez
------------------------------
Queen of the May
Bring flowers of the rarest, bring blossoms the fairest,
From garden and woodland and hillside and dale:
Our full hearts are swelling, our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest flower on the vale.
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May
O Mary we crown thee with blossoms today
Queen of the Angels and Queen of the May.
Their lady they name thee, their mistress proclaim thee.
Oh, grant that thy children on earth be as true,
As long as the bowers are radiant with flowers,
As long as the azure shall keep it’s bright hue.
http://www.abbeyfealeparish.ie/publications/newsletter/21_05_2023[2023-5-21].pdf
===========================
As my counselor welcomed me and sought to understand my depression, I felt the worn, oversized seat beneath me. I rested my arm on its soft leather and thought of two metaphorical chairs.
One chair was comfort and safety. The other was vulnerability and faith. There’s always a story behind how depression creeps into someone’s life, and I was about to share mine.
In the depths of depression, for faith to overrule our comfortable sadness, we must believe God is at the intersection, full of empathy and empowering us to move toward healing.
Seven years ago, when I was a junior in high school, field hockey season was a vivid high point. I felt a sense of belonging; I felt on top of the world. But when the season ended, I crashed emotionally, and the belonging became abandonment. But I wouldn’t have called myself depressed yet.
Still unable to process these feelings, I entered college, the place where you “learn who you are.” I tried to find myself, but not anywhere that lasted. I looked for that missing sense of belonging by partying. The places and people were satisfying for a moment, but I was soon met with emptiness and abandonment again.
When I began to journey with God instead, the feelings of emptiness and abandonment didn’t go away, but they came to the surface. My friends and family suggested I visit a counselor.
https://www.cru.org/us/en/blog/life-and-relationships/emotions/how-god-is-healing-my-depression.html
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1/4 of Irish Priests to Reach Retirement in Age in 15 Years
By
uCatholic -
November 15, 2022 555
2
A recent survey by the Association for Catholic Priests (ACP) in Ireland painted a harrowing picture about the demographics of Ireland’s clergy.
They found about a quarter of priests in the country will reach or surpass the retirement age of 75 within the next 15 years and few new priests are coming to replace them – just 47 seminarians are studying at Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth.
Of Ireland’s working priests, 300 or 15% of them are above the age of 75 and working past retirement. 547 or 26% of them are aged 61 to 75, meaning they will reach retirement age within the next 15 years.
Priests near retirement are also overworked. 847 or 41% of them tend to 1,355 parishes and 2,652 churches, with many serving in multiple churches per week.
ACP spokesman Father Tim Hazelwood said:
“We know it is going to happen. If these priests are no longer working, who will do the work?”
He explained that some dioceses have failed to acknowledge the stark reality of the situation, with only 1 in 40 priests being below the age of 40.
“In those dioceses it is about filling gaps and getting older men to look after more masses and placing bigger expectations on them.”
The Franciscans in Ireland also announced they will leave their friary after 800 years.
Minister Provincial Father Aidan McGrath said:
“Like so many religious bodies, we must make these difficult decisions as we deal with and respond to our ageing and reducing membership.”
Pray for Ireland’s clergy!
https://ucatholic.com/blog/1-4-of-irish-priests-to-reach-retirement-in-age-in-15-years/
=============================
Reflect
Take Refuge
This Eastertide is an opportunity for the Risen Lord to renew you. Take refuge in the Lord today and have confidence in God's plans. Know that in the end, you win in Christ.
God's Great Mercy
As we look to the institution of Confession, the Church reminds us of how the Lord's mercy extends to every person. No sin is too great to be forgiven, and God invites you to turn to him and encounter his mercy today.
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Courage through Faith
Do you have a boldness that comes from knowing Christ is risen from the dead? Your faith should embolden you and make you fearless like Peter and John. How can you grow in your boldness?
=====================
From the winter of 1914 to the spring of 1918, millions of Allied and Central Powers soldiers hunkered down within an estimated 35,000 miles of zigzagging trenches, from the Belgian city of Nieuwpoort on the North Sea to “Kilometre Zero” at the Alsatian-Swiss border. When these soldiers weren’t being exposed to mustard gas, sent into suicidal battles in the deadly no-man’s land between the opposing front lines, or struggling with the dysentery, typhoid fever, lice, trench mouth, and trench foot that were endemic to life in the trenches, they made art. Naturally, the vases, ashtrays, and other decorative objects they fashioned from spent brass artillery shells and other detritus of war were dubbed trench art.
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/antique-trench-art/
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Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
Today’s Gospel has the particular value of strengthening us in our faith. Thomas’ doubt confirms us in the faith, for as St. Gregory says, “His disbelief was more useful to us than the faith of the other Apostles.” If he had not doubted, no man would have “put his finger in the wounds of the nails, nor his hand into the side” of Our Lord. Jesus had pity on the tottering faith of the Apostle, and on ours, too; and He allowed him not only to see Him, as He had allowed the others, but also to touch Him, thereby permitting Thomas, the incredulous, to do what He had not permitted Mary Magdalen, the most faithful one. From this incident we derive a better understanding of God’s ways. Whereas He gives sensible consolations and more or less palpable signs of His presence to souls who are still wavering in the faith, He often leads by very obscure paths those who have irrevocably given themselves to Him and on whose faith He can count. God is a Father. He never denies to any soul who seeks Him with sincerity the necessary props to support its faith, but He often refuses to the strong what He grants to the weak. Is this not Jesus’ own teaching: “Blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed”? Blessed are they who, in order to believe in God, do not need to see Him or to touch Him and do not require sensible signs, but who can unreservedly affirm: Scio cui credidi, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Tm 1, 12), and I am sure of Him. Faith such as this is more meritorious for us, because, being founded solely on the word of God, it is entirely supernatural. It shows greater honor to God, because it gives Him full credence, without demanding any proof, and because it perseveres even in obscurity and in the midst of the most disconcerting events—even when it seems that heaven is closed and the Lord is deaf to our groanings. Such a strong faith as this is certainly the fruit of divine grace, but we must prepare ourselves to receive it, both by asking for it in prayer, and by exercising ourselves in this same faith.
Some may be concerned about the tabernacle (rather the lack thereof) at Saint Joseph's side altar. Don't worry... it has been lent to our Sister Adorers' temporary chapel in Ardee. Yes work has already begun for the restoration of the altar to its original position in the sanctuary.
Canon Heppelle is spending the weekend in Limerick with his parents who are visiting from Canada. Surely you all have fond memories of his time here as vicar. He will be the celebrant and homilist for the 10:30 am Solemn Mass and the Irish seminarians back for their Easter break to serve. Speaking of seminarians, our Polish seminarian Abbé Orkisz, who is spending his Easter holiday with us, will be giving a presentation after Mass (in Polish) about the seminary to the Polish faithful.
Next week, there will be our annual special collection to benefit our seminary in Florence Italy. Our Eucharistic Lord listens to our prayer every time we ask Him to send us many priests at the end of every Benediction — we currently have more than 100 vocations and each year, we implore the generosity of the flock for the means to properly form souls who have answered God's calling to the Holy Priesthood. Do not forget to mention "for seminary" on your brown envelopes!
Lastly, please pray for the Canons whose turn it is to make their annual retreat at our Sister Adorers' convent in Loisy just right outside of Paris.
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
=====================
New Advent
April 14, 2023
Ireland is home to one of the word’s finest collections of Bibles, with translations into Manx, Moose Cree, and hundreds of other languages
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KATE SWEENY PHD / LIFE EVENTS LAB
=======================
Janet Porter.
Go to TheBibleAndAbortion.com for my scripture reflections that I broadcast each morning that I’m not traveling. Today’s reflection can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54o4PfcB5jY. Please also watch and share my Daily Diary videos (PriestsForLife.org/Daily-Diary) which tell what I did each day from morning to night, and which are my way of being an “open book” to all who support us.
Finally, thank you for all of the positive comments I receive every day. Here are recent comments given by Janet Porter, architect of Heartbeat legislation and long-time friend and colleague.
Hi, this is Janet Porter. Just giving a message to my good friend Father Frank Pavone. I realized that I've been friends with Father Frank for almost 30 years. That's a long time to know someone and to be in the battle side by side with him. Even in the early days when we were working to pass the nation's first ban on partial birth abortion. When they were starving Terry Schiavo nearly 20 years ago, he was there where the battle was the hottest. And I remember when we first came up with the idea and God gave us the strategy for a heartbeat bill, one of the first people I called was Father Frank Pavone. And wouldn't you know it, his name went on the supporter list and was part of the effort to keep Hearts beating. He's always been there. He's always been on the right side of this issue. And I'm just very, very grateful for him and his stalwart stand and he's an inspiration. I remember even at the CNP meetings he would give a Catholic mass with a Baptist sermon. He never discounted the Gospel and he never lost sight of protecting those children in the womb. And I just want to encourage people that this is an incredible organization. They've done great good. As a former Lutheran, I can tell you that I back Priests for Life. It's just an organization that's making a difference. And I hope that you'll watch the programs and participate in putting your faith to action to keep hearts beating and to bring the killing to an end.
Blessings,
Pro-Life Leader Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
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On this episode of The Rupa Subramanya Show, Rupa is joined by the Executive Director of Gender Dysphoria Alliance, Aaron Kimberly. Aaron is a transexual man and a mental health nurse who has worked with gender dysphoric youth.
Rupa and Aaron have an evidence-based conversation about gender dysphoria and the aggressive push of radical gender ideology.Tune into The Rupa Subramanya Show!
https://tnc.news/2023/04/13/rsshow-transitioning/
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The loss of reverence and disregard for the Mystery includes the things the Church in America has done to domesticate the Catholic life, to make it fit our lives more comfortably.
Mystery imposes itself. It is not ours to arrange. Dropping holy days of obligation if they fall on a Saturday or Monday, for example, or just moving them to Sunday, even when the holy day celebrates an event that fell on Thursday.
From the way Mencken praised Catholicism, we learn, or are reminded, that our religion is, to borrow his term, a poetic one and that we must be careful that in our attempts to teach more clearly, we don’t lose the poetry. We learn that poetry — or mystery — draws and holds people in a way that formal statements of doctrine don’t.
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Reflect
Second Chance
https://realtrue.org/videos/have-you-ever-wanted-a-second-chance-at-life/
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In 2020 about 3.2 million women in England were using the combined Pill and a similar number were using the progestogen-only Pill.
Besides the Pill, studies around the world have also shown abortion to be a causal link in the development of breast cancer.
Scientists have said the cancer was caused by high levels of oestradiol, a hormone that stimulates breast growth during pregnancy. The effects of the hormone are minimised in women who take their pregnancy to full term but it remains at dangerous levels in those who abort.
There has been an 80 per cent increase in the rate of breast cancer since 1971, at the same time as the number of abortions rose from an annual 18,000 to well over 200,000 a year.
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By: Danielle Han
March 9, 2023
When a central power decentralizes its markets, it should ensure the durability of alternative political structures; otherwise, it risks economic and/or political disarray. The agricultural system of Myanmar (formerly Burma)—intrinsically linked with the state’s rice paddies—offers testimony of what happens when deregulation isn’t supplemented with adequate policy. When the state introduced sweeping policy reforms to its rice production operations, it also reinforced economic instability by way of government control.
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Reflect
Weekly Newsletter
First Sunday of Lent
26th February 2023
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church,
On this First Sunday of Lent, the whole liturgy reminds us that this Lent is a battle that we will have to fight during these forty days in order to reach the final victory of Easter. In this struggle we have adversaries who are the evil angels or demons, and allies who are the good angels, our guardian angels. In today's Gospel we see Our Lord going into the desert for forty days to fight Satan, the leader of the demons, and we see the angels coming to Him to serve Him.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the devil. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into solitude in order to attract the notice of the devil, and give him an opportunity to try Our Lord; not, indeed, for the purpose of testing His virtue, which we know is beyond proof, but of teaching us how to quit ourselves like valiant soldiers in the warfare of life. The devil accordingly attacked Him in solitude; for it is when men are alone and unoccupied that his evil sugges tions most easily find an entrance into their minds. Observe, also, that he began his assault when Christ had fasted forty days, in order that, taking Him at His weakest moment, he might the more easily effect His overthrow. But as the tempter knew not whether Christ was really God, or only a man of surpassing virtue, he tried Him by those three great temptations which, for the impressionable hearts of men, possess attractions that are apparently irresistible.
The Canons of the Institute of Christ the King who will have their annual priestly retreat at our Sisters' convent in Loisy, France during the week of 27th February. Canons Lebocq and Heppelle will be present. Please pray for a prayerful rest for them. Please remember that our new priest, Canon Henry, will be saying his First Mass on Sunday, 5th March which, as you know, will be followed by First benedictions.
The Sister Adorers will be visiting Sacred Heart Church on 19th March and they will lend their angelic voices for the Mass of Lætare Sunday. Please pray for the sisters who will prepare for their profession of vows on 25th March which will take place in their Novitiate house in Naples, Italy.
As you know, here at the Sacred Heart Church, we have tradition of doing conferences every Wednesday through the liturgical season of Lent. This Wednesday's topic will be on Fasting.
Lastly, we propose a short lenten lecture entitled Lent in Rome which will be presented in several parts. This was an article written by Mr James Brennan for the Irish monthly journal, The Furrow. Written in 1950, the article gives us a glimpse of the spirit of Lenten piety in Rome. There is a certain truth about the Roman Church, with which we are able to compare our piety and devotions. We can learn a thing or two from our brethren who live in such close proximity to the Pope—and after all, we are Roman Catholics and popishly so!
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
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LENT “reflect on ecological sins, fast from habits that hurt nature”: Kenyan Priest
Fr. Stephen Otieno Makagutu.
By Magdalene Kahiu
Nairobi, 26 February, 2023 / 9:27 pm (ACI Africa).
The Assistant of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) has urged Catholics to reflect on “ecological sins” that they have committed and make peace with the environment during the Lenten Season.
In a Friday, February 24 interview with ACI Africa, Fr. Stephen Otieno Makagutu said humanity needs to be “nature-minded”.
“It's another time we have retrospection. Let us take a moment to reflect on the ecological sins we have committed and the effects,” Fr. Makagutu said.
The member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.) said Christians need to ask themselves if they are proud of their ecological actions.
“Are we proud of them?” the Kenyan-born Catholic Priest posed, and proceeded to respond, “Obviously no, and this calls for action towards halting and reversing our destructive actions toward the environment,”
Fr. Makagutu said, “During this Lent season, let us Fast from habits and practices that hurt mother nature.”
The OFM Cap. Priest also acknowledged that humanity has taken a lot from nature unjustly and said it is time to give back to the environment.
“Like almsgiving is giving something to somebody who is in need,” he said, “nature is in need of our good behavior.”
He said, “We need to halt and stop environmental destruction, and the loss of species. Let us look at how we use water so that we do not destroy God-given resources.”
The OFM Cap. Priest called for reconciliation with nature, saying, “As human beings, we have done activities that destroy our environment. In reconciling with nature, it is creating peace with nature such that we stop the things that have been affecting our mother earth negatively.”
Some of the ecological sins include exhaust fumes, the use of fossil fuels, and the cutting of trees, he told ACI Africa, adding that replanting trees, servicing vehicles, and using renewable energy such as solar will help in reducing the concentration of carbon in the environment.
He continued, “Let us check on our use of electricity and water. If we could all switch off our phones for an hour, that will reduce our energy consumption.”
Fr. Makagutu added that littering is also causing damage to the environment.
“We do not need to be told that littering is bad. Let us be nature-minded and clean,” he said.
Catholic Bishops in Kenya have also called on the people of God to reflect on the ecology during the Lenten Season that started on Ash Wednesday, February 22, and will conclude on Holy Thursday, April 6.
Members of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said humanity is contributing to climate change and its effects are seen in the flooding, unpredictable droughts, swelling of lakes and oceans, and the drying of rivers.
“Climate justice is a strong global call to look at the environment around us, the protection of the ecosystem, and the appreciation that nature deserves as a matter of right and not simply a choice. Destroying forests, logging, destroying bushes, dumping, and all forms of environmental carelessness impact negatively on human life and that of other living things,” the Bishops said during the launch of the 2023 Lenten campaign on February 17.
They underscored the need for “continued education on ways to ensure proper agricultural methods including seed production, food storage, distribution, and consumption for a healthy nation.”
The education is most needed at the grassroots where the impact of an ecological education is mostly required, the Catholic Bishops said.
https://www.aciafrica.org/news/7754/in-lent-reflect-on-ecological-sins-fast-from-habits-that-hurt-nature-kenyan-priest?utm_campaign=ACI%20Africa&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=247841652&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8qXkI6nrYAwWWeYHeQ3ZvokFPWSfZEB1QDbYinv8Dh4uvJ81knZ6IJh_hrhfqMe-mPiv8hKl_cGUwao5KLNAPMs-WzNA&utm_content=247841652&utm_source=hs_email
Magdalene Kahiu
Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.
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Be Healed
As God invites you to draw closer to him in deeper conversion and repentance, reflect on how the Lord calls every sinner to unite with him. Like St. Matthew, allow the Lord to heal you as you seek his mercy.
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Find Mercy
The devil wants you to doubt that you are a son or daughter of God the Father and that you are unworthy of his love. However, the Lord's mercy is greater than all your sin. This Lent, seek out his mercy and forgiveness.
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Almsgiving
Part of the Church's mission is to give and share with those less fortunate. This Lent is an essential time to recognize and participate in this mission through almsgiving. Today, resolve to give alms and seek the Lord in each person you encounter.
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I worked at Slate then, and we had multiple articles written, edited, and ready to publish the moment Hillary was declared the winner. Do you know how many we’d prepared in the event of a Trump victory? Zero.)
Rachael Larimore- Feb 25, 2023
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6 Thought-Provoking Pope Benedict XVI Quotes on the Penitential Meaning of Lent
Articles Christian Living Lent
Quotes
by Caroline Perkins - Feb 26, 2023
Catholic Church England and Wales, Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Policraticus, Cathopic, Public Domain
What an incredible source of inspiration for this Lenten season!
During his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI gave some timeless messages regarding the true meaning of the penitential season of Lent. He also gave us new ways to think about our Lenten journey and the true meaning of these days leading up to Easter.
Here are six thought-provoking messages from Pope Benedict XVI:
“Lent reminds us, therefore, that Christian life is a never-ending combat in which the ‘weapons’ of prayer, fasting, and penance are used. Fighting against evil, against every form of selfishness and hate, and dying to oneself to live in God is the ascetic journey that every disciple of Jesus is called to make with humility and patience, with generosity and perseverance.” – 2006
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
“May Mary, our guide on the Lenten journey, lead us to ever deeper knowledge of the dead and Risen Christ, help us in the spiritual combat against sin, and sustain us as we pray with conviction: ‘Converte nos, Deus salutaris noster’ — ‘Convert us to you, O God, our salvation’. Amen!” – 2011
“The Lenten season offers us once again an opportunity to reflect upon the very heart of Christian life: charity. This is a favorable time to renew our journey of faith, both as individuals and as a community, with the help of the word of God and the sacraments. This journey is one marked by prayer and sharing, silence and fasting, in anticipation of the joy of Easter.” 2012
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
“If Advent is the season par excellence that invites us to hope in the God-Who-Comes, Lent renews in us the hope in the One who made us pass from death to life. Both are seasons of purification – this is also indicated by the liturgical color that they have in common – but in a special way Lent, fully oriented to the mystery of Redemption, is defined the ‘path of true conversion’” – 2008
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
“Dear brothers and sisters, let us begin our Lenten journey with joyful confidence. May we feel deep within us the call to conversion, to ‘return to God with all our heart’, accepting his grace which makes us new men and women, with that astonishing newness which is a share in the very life of Jesus. May none of us be deaf to this appeal, which also comes to us in the austere rite, at once so simple and so evocative, of the imposition of ashes, which we are about to celebrate.” – 2013
Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP
“Dear brothers and sisters, in this season of Lent, as we prepare to celebrate the event of the Cross and Resurrection – in which the love of God redeemed the world and shone its light upon history – I express my wish that all of you may spend this precious time rekindling your faith in Jesus Christ, so as to enter with him into the dynamic of love for the Father and for every brother and sister that we encounter in our lives.” –
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We are delighted to share with you extracts from the 61st interview in the "Telling Our Story” Series, in which the four sisters from the Jacksonville Community in Florida were interviewed by Wini Ojo SSL on December 16, 2022. The sisters are Faith Ehiosu SSL, Rosaline James SSL, Janet Makinde SSL and Bridget Nwankwo SSL. In their interview, they talk about their work with survivors of human trafficking in Jacksonville, Florida.
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It’s Black History Month and Catholic schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn are celebrating and learning in many ways.
Some young students at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Astoria learned about the man who helped to invent the modern-day version of the traffic light.
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CLT Reflection
The earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of the poor; she groans in “travail’’ (Rom 8:22). We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7), our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters.’’
- Pope Francis, Encyclical letter Laudato Si' on Care of our Common Home.
Climate justice addresses the just division, fair sharing and equitable distribution of the burdens of climate change and its mitigation and responsibilities to deal with the effects of climate change.
Experts say that climate change if not addressed would damage future generations more than the present and will exacerbate inequalities between and within countries and communities.
We have the opportunity now to do something about this; we can be change makers, personally, locally, nationally and globally.
Climate justice recognises that those who are least responsible for climate change suffer its gravest consequences. According to Trócaire, this injustice is intensified by the fact that the causes of climate change are related to lifestyles of overconsumption in richer countries. Vulnerable people whose rights to food, shelter, water and life are already precarious are being further threatened.
All are encouraged to look at the climate crisis through an equality and human rights lens so that climate change will not remain an environmental issue but also a justice issue.
According to the Mary Robinson Foundation, “Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable people and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change and its impacts equitably and fairly.”
Our Charism calls us to grow towards oneness in Christ and to foster right relationships with ourselves, others, God and the whole of creation.
Pope Francis invites us to take time to recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and ideals and contemplating the creator, who lives among us and surrounds us. If we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously.
The poverty and austerity of Saint Francis were a refusal to turn reality into an object simply to be used and controlled. This heartfelt attitude looks upon life with serene attentiveness. We need to be fully present without thinking of what comes next and accept each moment as a gift from God to be lived to the fullest.
Our mission statement invites us to be resourceful in responding to the needs of our times through all our ministries and in all areas where we interact, and climate change and its effects is surely one of the greatest needs of our times.
We pray with Pope Francis: “May we sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Teach us to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light”.
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Catholic Schools Week 2023 was celebrated in schools throughout the diocese from January 22nd until January 29th. Many thanks to management, staff and students from all the schools who worked hard to mark this important week in the lives of our Catholic Schools. The theme for the week this year was ‘Walking Together in Faith & Love’, this theme draws on three features of the Synodal Pathway: Communion, Participation and Mission. The theme nicely encapsulates the ethos of Catholic Schools, as such places are not just institutes of learning and academia but also places of welcome, inclusion, joy, friendship and much more. What defines a Catholic School is very much that the ethos is rooted in Gospel values and in the the person of Jesus.
To celebrate this important event Bishop Ray Browne, Mary Fagan (Diocesan Communications Director) and Tomás Kenny (Post-Primary DA) paid a visit to St. Brendan’s College and to St. Brigid’s Presentation, Killarney. The students in both schools participated in a short prayer service focusing on the theme for the week. The schools also incorporated creative pieces linking the service to the student’s R.E. classwork. The spirit of Communion, Participation and Mission was very evident in the schools we visited. The schools have shown a great welcome and hospitality to many Ukrainian students and students of other World Faiths also participated in the services. Many thanks again to the staff and students of both schools for making such a great effort.
Listen to Horizons on Radio Kerry Sunday 5th Feb to hear music and prayers from St. Brigid’s Killarney. Listen Back.
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2023/01/catholic-schools-week-2023-2/
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11Mar
with Fr. Seamus O’Connell: The Gospel as a Life-Giving Source During Lent
on Sat. 11th March at 10.30 a.m. to 12.30pm in St. Brendan’s Pastoral Centre, Tralee
Lent is many things. It is a time to look at our lives: a time to step back, and wonder how we are doing, or where our life is going. It is a time when we bring God to the fore. It is a time to seek the Lord: maybe we try to pray that bit more, or go to Mass more often. It is a time when we give up things, a time of repentance. But it can also a time when we listen for God, or maybe even allow ourselves to be found by God. It is a time to do the opposite of what Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. In their shame, they hid in the bushes from God. In Lent, we try to come out of the bushes, to come into God’s light from the places we hide ourselves—busyness, distraction, obligations.
We come out of Eden’s bushes, when we reach out to another person in their need—for their sake, and not our own. We come out of the bushes when a sincere prayer rises from the depth our heart. We come out of the bushes when we do not dismiss the challenge of the gospel, or no longer ignore where God calls us, or nudges us. We come out of the bushes when we realise that we have missed God, and hunger for the Lord anew, when we thirst for a deeper life.
Hearing Happening Hoping—also known as lectio divina—is an ancient way of reading the Scriptures so that they may connect with our day-to-day lives, refresh our living, and make us more receptive to God’s life that’s deep within every person, no matter who or what they are. The St Brendan’s Lectio Group is hosting an introduction to Hearing Happening Hoping in St Brendan’s Parish Pastoral Centre, Tralee on Saturday March 11th. Led by Father Séamus O’Connell, it will look at how we engage the newness and depth of the Sunday Gospels we read during Lent.
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/events/the-well-within/
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Reflect
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Wash Away Your Sins
Where are you in relation to God? The Lord asks you to reflect on your sins and have the courage to claim them as your own—reversing the failure of Adam and Eve in the garden. Through Christ, you do not need to fear that you are a sinner because he redeems us with his blood.
Free Your Heart
When you obey the Lord, you will receive life and blessing. God desires your obedience for the sake of your happiness. Christ challenges you today to go to the heart of each commandment because he cares about your heart.
Lurking at the Door
God does not look at the nature of what you offer him but the nature of your heart. When you sin, your heart can turn against the things you love most. Realize that sin is crouching at the door of your heart, and you must recognize and deny it to repent and grow closer to the Lord.
Seeing Christ's Presence
Is your heart hardened like the Pharisees? Today, Christ reveals himself as the bread of life and invites you to receive him and see his presence.
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Reflect
Never ever grow tired of doing good to others. Never ever quit on moving forward. Never ever stop sharing your blessings. Never ever stop touching the life of others for you will never know how many persons are looking up to you as their inspiration. Keep moving. Keep praying. Your life matters. Yours smile counts.
Nothing is insignificant – everything and each of us has a purpose and an important role to play.
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is YOU. YOUr voice, YOUr mind, YOUr story, YOUr vision. So, write and draw and build, play, and sing and dance and live as only YOU can.
When was the last time you changed some aspect of your life? Change is inevitable, though many people fear it. If you are struggling with a situation you are afraid of, ask yourself what exactly it is that you fear. Then face up to it and alter the situation. You will find that the change was not as daunting as you first thought – it might even be the best thing you ever did!!
LIFE WORKS BEST WHEN WE DO!!
LAST WORD: Sorry is not just any word. It is a powerful word that makes a powerful difference.
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A NOTE FROM FR. JIM Lenihan ......
While I was preparing a Confirmation class during the week on how to ask the Holy
Spirit to help us make good choices in life. I remembered a very interesting story
I heard years ago, it went like this:
An old wise man was being interviewed by a group of young people on his life
experiences and the wisdom he garnered during his long life. One of the young
people asked: ‘Do you sin?’ He paused for a moment and said ‘Within me there are
two dogs, a good dog and a bad dog and they are constantly fighting each other.’
The youth responded and which dog wins?’ To which the wise sage responded, ‘The
one I feed the most’. What we read and watch forms our beliefs. And our beliefs
form our opinions, and our opinions form our decisions and our decisions leads to
our behaviours. What we choose to believe will not only determine our destiny in
this life but more importantly our eternal life.
Joan of Arc once said “Every man gives his life for what he believes. Every woman
gives her life for what she believes. Sometimes people believe in little or nothing,
and so they give their lives to little or nothing. One life is all we have, and we live
it as we believe in living it...and then it’s gone. But to surrender who you are and to
live without belief is more terrible than dying – even more terrible than dying
young.” Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us to make wise choices on what we allow
to form our beliefs. Let us always feed the good dog within us!
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Reflection
Julia Greeley makes those who don’t really know her a little uncomfortable. You see, she is poor, wears a floppy hat, drags a wagon full of discarded junk around (often at night!), has a dead eye that makes it difficult to know where to look, and begs of most everyone she comes across.
To make matters worse for those who are uncomfortable being uncomfortable, she sits right in the front pew to say her prayers and when she attends Mass.
https://epicpew.com/julia-greeley-secret-angel-to-the-poor/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_jury_acquits_mark_houck_of_face_act_charges_in_rebuke_to_outrageous_fbi_raid_abusive_doj_prosecution&utm_term=2023-01-31
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Lwanga old boys reward generous, humble founder
Friday, June 22, 2018 — updated on July 05, 2020
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For peace in 2012, we must reject extremists
Saturday, November 26, 2011 — updated on July 04, 2020
The North Wind and the Sun were arguing over who was the stronger when a traveller came along wrapped in a warm cloak.
They agreed that the one who first succeeded in making the traveller take his cloak off would be considered stronger than the other.
The North Wind proceeded to blow as hard as he could, but the more he blew the more closely the traveller folded his cloak around himself; the North Wind gave up the attempt.
https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/opinion/for-peace-in-2012-we-must-reject-extremists-791444
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Anyone can catch your eye, it takes someone special to catch your heart.-Anonymous
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What you need to know:
Emperor Napoleon bequeathed the French army to his lover Josephine while Kamuzu Banda’s mistress Cecilia Kadzamira was about the only Malawian who could differ with the dictator and get away with it. When it comes to love it doesn’t matter that you are Adolf Hitler or Nelson Mandela
https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/dn2/great-lovers--756550
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Reflect
The notion of ‘ruling’ a home might seem outdated. We can wonder whether some other notion or term could better capture the blessing of what man and wife do together.
In answer I suggest the notion of ruling highlights precisely what is sorely missing in our understanding and practice of household. Household is a central venue of human life. It’s not a side-stage; it’s not ancillary; it’s not a mere steppingstone. It’s also not simply a nursery of the young—as noble as that would be.
https://life-craft.org/rulers-in-their-home/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_pope_francis_to_congolese_youth_prayer_is_your_secret_weapon_for_peace&utm_term=2023-02-02
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One cold night a billionaire met an old poor man outside. He asked him, "don't you feel cold being outside, and not wearing any coat?" The old man replied, "l don't have it but I got used to that." The billionaire replied, "Wait for me. I will enter my house now and bring you one. ' The poor man got so happy and said he will wait for him.The billionaire entered his house and got busy there and forgot the poor man. In the morning he remembered that poor old man and he went out to search for him but he found him dead because of cold, but he left a NOTE, "When I didn't have any warm clothes, I had the power to fight the cold because I was used to that. But when you promised me to help me, I got attached to your promise and that took my power of resisting.
MORAL: Don't promise anything if you can't keep your promise. It might not mean anything to you, But it could mean everything to someone else.
Author Unknown
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Feb 2023; Pope Francis’ Visit to “strengthen faith, hope, charity” of Congolese: Catholic Archbishop
The Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is to “strengthen the faith, hope and charity” of the people of God in the Central African...
Dozens of Central Africa Province Jesuits to Meet Pope Francis in Private Audience
Out of some 400 members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the Central Africa Province , “only 85 selected members” are scheduled to meet Pope Francis in a private...
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Seeking the True Homeland
Faith requires that you believe in things you cannot see. Yet if you trust God, you can do great things. Through faith, you can walk away from the chaos and exile of the world and toward Christ.
The Desires of Your Heart
Love brings you to the heart of God. You can seek God as your refuge through the love and desires of your heart. Today, examine your heart to ensure it is filled with the virtues that lead you to God.
Endure by Faith
Out of weakness, faith can make you strong. When you have faith in God, you can endure suffering and be glorified. Have faith and become one of whom the world is not worthy.
Run the Race
Hebrews reaches a climactic point in today’s reading. Using athletic comparisons, the author implores disciples of Christ to compete with vigor, struggling against sin until the point of death. If this seems daunting, you have Christ and the saints as examples and intercessors.
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5 Remedies to Overcome Sadness from St. Thomas Aquinas, in One Helpful Infographic
https://www.churchpop.com/2023/01/28/5-remedies-to-overcome-sadness-from-st-thomas-aquinas-in-one-helpful-infographic/?utm_campaign=ChurchPop&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=243629755&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--4Fx133JkaLYrFJARKImI9Vf9ftXW5Pr_bkpvB290uCpVAMM68iSwi7hUObbrZDZTEm_UvnK3ZbqOmPodZnyv6UvYBEQ&utm_content=243629755&utm_source=hs_email
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Legio Mariae
·
When the accusers call you by your sin,
The son of God calls you by name.
When the accusers drag you into shame,
The son of God lifts your face,
When the accusers want nothing more than to see you fail,
The son of God will do anything to see you restored.
When the accusers start listing your worst faults,
The son of God is calling you to remember your design.
When the accusers start picking up the stones,
The son of God puts down his finger.
I don't know what He wrote,
But I do know this,
Whenever God puts His hands in dirt,
Something beautiful happens.
Whether it be the cosmic clay from which He first fashioned us, and breathed His life into our lungs,
Or grabbing a handful of mud and spit, so a blind man can see the glory of God.
He isn't afraid of our mess.
He doesn't shy from our dirt.
In fact,
He looks for opportunities to put His hands in it.
As His hands become dirty,
Our hearts become clean.
As His clothes become stained,
Our robes are washed white.
As His feet become filthy,
He would rather wash ours.
And as we are deserving of punishment,
He steps in.
When we finally look up and see His face,
He asks,
"Where are your accusers now?"
As loud as the voice of the accuser is,
May His blood still speak the better word.
Even if the accusing voice is my own.
When Christ Jesus enters the room,
There are no accusers now.
----------------------------------------
--=========================
Persevere in Faith
There is no such thing as "once saved, always saved." While you have been given the gift of salvation, you still have to hold onto it. Today, reflect on how you can continue to hold on and persevere in your faith.
Pilgrims
Each person desires eternal rest by being in the peace and joy of God's presence. Yet, for this to happen, you must walk through the wilderness to reach the Promised Land of heaven. Remember today that you are a pilgrim on this heavenly journey and must continue onward.
Piercing Your Heart
The Word of God cuts to the heart. Reading Scripture pierces through your sin and invites you to overcome your transgressions and turn to the Lord. Today, consider how confession can help you rise above your sins.
This episode examines two stories contained in the Gospels: the Finding of Jesus in the Temple and the Wedding Feast at Cana. In particular, Dr. Barber and Dr. Hefelfinger discuss Mary's depiction as a maternal intercessor, the ramifications of Jesus’ first public miracle, and whether or not Jesus had other siblings.
Are You Living Your Mission?
The word "Christ" means "anointed one." You are also anointed for mission and have the Holy Spirit through baptism. You are not just a spectator to witness the mission of Jesus, but someone called to participate in the mission of the Church.
Compassion from the Lord
Sometimes it is God's will for us to go through trials and tribulations and sufferings. However, he still invites us to ask him for the strength and patience to endure it with faith and hope. Know that the Lord has compassion on your weaknesses.
Keeping You Safe; Your soul is like a ship, and the storms of this world can buffet and blow you around. But amidst the waves and chaos, Christ can be your anchor to keep you steady.
Humanizing our Political System.
THEME OF 2023 conference
Cardinal O Connor Conference
https://www.oconnorconference.com/
===============================
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023. Each year from 18 – 25 January the
different Christian Churches throughout the world celebrate the Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity. It’s a week in which we pray for unity among all the
followers of Jesus Christ. The theme this year is “Do good; seek justice” from
Isaiah 1:17 – ‘Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the
orphan, plead for the widow’.
---------------------------
O BLESSED ST. ROCH, patron of the sick, have pity on those who lie upon a bed of suffering. Your power was so great when you were in this world, that by the sign of the Cross many were healed of their diseases. Now that you are in heaven, your power is no less. Offer then, to God our sighs and tears and obtain for us that health we seek through Christ our Lord. Amen. St Roch, pray for us, that we may be preserved from all diseases of body and soul.
There is only one time that is important – NOW. It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power.
Families don’t have to be perfect – they just need to be united!! `
LAST WORD: Say “Thank You” today & every day as often as possible to light up not just your own, but also many other
people’s lives.
---------------------------------
A NOTE FROM FR.JIM Lenihan ......
A question: What or who is the greatest influence in your life. Is it politics? Is it
religion? Is it finance and money? Is it fashion? Is it gossip? Is it your parents?
Is it Jesus? Either way the old adage holds true. ‘We become what we worship’.
Worship comes from an old English word called ‘Worthship’. Whatever is of
greatest worth in your life you will or are becoming. I read recently that the
average boy will spend more time watching television by the time he turns six
years old than he will spend talking to his father over the course of his entire
earthly life. I can’t help but think that as a people the greatest influence on our
lives today is technology or whoever is behind programming it. In truth we’re
sitting ducks to be influenced or controlled. Recently I walked through the foyer
of a hotel and every single person were looking at their phone. Not one in
conversation with each other. So sad. During the week we read from Mark 1. 35
‘In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a
lonely place and prayed there’. Jesus set before us the great example of prayer.
Let the God of love be our greatest influence. Let’s spend more time in front of
the Lord instead of in front of a screen so we may get our priorities right in life.
-------------------------
'The average boy will spend more time watching television by the time he turns six
years old than he will spend talking to his father over the course of his entire earthly life’
------------------------------
Prayer for our Parish Schools
Loving God,
as Parish we give thanks for the work of our Catholic schools.
Help our school communities in their vocation
to educate and form our students,
that they may learn and develop their gifts and talents
and change the world for the better.
May we learn to walk together in faith and love,
that we may listen to the Holy Spirit,
to guide and inspire your Church on earth
until our journey brings us back home to you.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
--------------------------------
Week of prayer for Christian unity January 18th—25th 2023
“Do good; seek justice.” Isaiah 1:17
Be-Longing: Praying for Unity amidst Injustice.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years, in
which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer for
visible Christian unity. By annually observing this week of prayer Christians
move toward the fulfilment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all
may be one." (cf. John 17:21) The theme, taken from the first chapter of the
Book of Isaiah, reflects the prophet’s concern for the oppressed who suffer
from injustice and inequality. He teaches that God requires righteousness and
justice from all of us, to create the peace and unity that God desires. These
virtues originate in God's love for all, and racism runs counter to this vision.
Isaiah's challenge to do good and seek justice together applies equally to us
today.
-------------------
The Mystery of the Trinity
Through his anointing, Jesus' baptism is the time when he becomes the Christ. His baptism fulfills all righteousness, and the whole Trinity manifests as a revelation of who God is—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice in Fulfillment
Today is the climax and conclusion of the Christmas season, as the Church in the United States celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany. This feast fulfills prophecy, strengthening and emboldening us to trust God's word.
Avoid Mortal Sin
Sins are like wounds, and some can be deadly. However, confessing sins is like operating on these wounds and helping them heal. Today, seek the Lord instead of sin and ask him for forgiveness.
============================
==================================
Reflect
Believing in the Son
Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is the way to conquer the world in all its deceit, sin, and evil. To understand and know Jesus as the Son of God is the road to victory. Whoever has the Son possesses life.
Abhor Sin
When you sin, you allow yourself to belong to the devil. However, deeds of righteousness can separate you from sin and deepen your identity as a child of God.
Selfless Love
God calls you to love others as he has loved you. He shares this message through Christ laying down his life for all mankind. This selfless act is the only kind of authentic love—to love others, you must make sacrifices and deny your selfishness.
---------------------
Have you decided to make any changes to your life this New Year? If not, you might consider the following. It is easier than a diet or giving up a bad habit. Kindness always seems such a mild little trait, but it isn’t. Mother Teresa asked us to be “The living expression of God’s kindness – kindness in your face, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. Let no-one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” Quite a challenge, you will agree. But the world will be enriched because you have truly made an effort to reach out.
Cheerfulness removes the rust from the mind, lubricates our inward machinery and enables us to do our work with fewer creaks and groans
We are in a brand-new year. The possibilities are endless and exciting. What good thing that we have never done before shall we do in this gift of a new year?
-----------------
We all feel disheartened at times, and it is easy to think that not bothering with a relatively trifling matter to help a friend or colleague – even a total stranger – is the easiest option. But take heed of these words from Aesop, author of the renowned fables – “No Act of Kindness – no matter how small – is ever wasted.”
There are so many times in our lives when it seems like a better & easier
idea to stay in our comfort zone rather than step outside. There is no sense of achievement in this. Step outside and go a little further than you can.
You will feel better doing it and you will feel great for having done it.
And the views along the way will more than make up for the effort !!!
We should always take time to see things from another person’s point of view
LAST WORD: Be always at war with your vices, be at peace with your neighbours and let each new year find you a better person.
---------------------------
Reflection
Mary's Purity
Who is ready to withstand and bear the coming of the Lord? The Church reminds us that Mary's purity allows her to receive Christ. As the Christmas season approaches, make your heart like Mary's so you can also receive the Lord.
-----------------
Made for Relationship
Today's feast is a reminder of the beauty and importance of the family. God made human nature for relationship, which is expressed in the love of the family and the love between the father and mother. Reflect on how the Lord created you for relationship on this feast day.
Walking Like God
If you want union with God, you must walk like God. How you live determines how close you are to the Lord. As you celebrate this Christmas season, take the time to return to the foundation of love and walk in the light of Christ.
Redemption and Tragedy
Through Christ, the tragedy of the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents becomes a victory. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection redeems the suffering of these lost children and brings them into the glory and joy of Heaven. Today, reflect on the victory of Jesus and the hope of redemption through him.
Rejoice
Today is a summons for the world to rejoice and be glad. At Christmas, God himself comes down as king. As we await Christ's Second Coming, we can look forward to God's rule over the world.
Speaking God's Name
As Christians, we can say the name of God—something that differs from the Old Testament Jews. Through the Incarnation, we have an intimacy with God and can speak his name. God hands his name and self over to us and becomes present when his name is pronounced.
God Saves
Jesus comes as the savior of the world. God brings us salvation, something we see in Jesus' name, which means "God Saves." Today, rejoice in the salvation brought through Jesus.
The Love of the Father
The readings today reflect on how God saves us from our sins. Christmas is about how God the Father's love is made manifest in Jesus. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection shows how much the Father loves you.
Abhor Sin
When you sin, you allow yourself to belong to the devil. However, deeds of righteousness can separate you from sin and deepen your identity as a child of God.
Selfless Love
God calls you to love others as he has loved you. He shares this message through Christ laying down his life for all mankind. This selfless act is the only kind of authentic love—to love others, you must make sacrifices and deny your selfishness.
=============================
Women in Jail;
The Farm was constructed during the early-twentieth-century women’s reformatory movement in Connecticut. A coalition of suffragists and public health activists—alongside the conservative women’s group, Daughters of the American Revolution—argued that women who commit crimes should not be housed in prisons with men, even if the populations were held separately. According to scholar Joanne Belknap, the coalition’s arguments, however benign in appearance, were rooted in sexism. Unlike men, women were incarcerated for offenses like adultery, prostitution and “public lewdness.” Reformers were not interested in challenging the validity of these crimes. Instead, they sought to create prisons that would teach women how to appropriately enact their gender
====================
Cane Toads, Dung Beetles, and Cork Hats----------------
Among their depredations, the big toads also eat dung beetles. And Australians really appreciates their dung beetles.
Australia has hundreds of species of native dung beetles who use animal droppings as food for their larval young. Many of them bury the droppings, effectively removing excrement from sight, smell, and fly larvae. (This is, incidentally, a great way to cycle nutrients back into the soil—the ancient Egyptians were onto something when they made the dung beetle sacred.)
==============================
Legion of Mary
https://www.legionofmary.ie/events
==============================
Another win for Catholics at the Supreme Court. On the last day of their session the Justices handed down rulings on two big cases related to climate and immigration.
Russian forces have pulled out of Snake Island in the Black Sea in what’s seen as a big win for Ukraine.
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The dandelion is indeed an edible plant. There isn’t, in fact, any part you can’t eat:
The leaves are delicious in salads. Harvest them soon after the snow melts and certainly before the plant flowers; otherwise they become bitter. Connoisseurs blanch them by covering them with a board or an overturned clay flowerpot. The leaves can also be served in soups, quiches and herbal teas. They are very rich in iron and vitamin C and are available at a season when garden vegetables are not yet available.
Flower buds can be marinated in vinegar and make a good substitute for capers.
The flowers are used to make a dandelion wine, which is actually more a rather heady digestive than a wine. In Franche-Comté in eastern France, locals also make a kind of jelly, called cramaillotte or dandelion honey.
Roasted roots make an excellent coffee substitute similar to chicory.
The dandelion is also a medicinal plant. Dandelion sap was once considered a cure for eyesight problems and the milky sap of the flower stalk also treated warts and freckles. But above all, the leaves and roots of the dandelion have tonic and appetite-stimulating properties. They stimulate bile secretions and act positively on the liver. They also help lower cholesterol levels and, of course, are very diuretic and purifying. And there is nothing like a dandelion decoction to drown out the flu! In addition, its richness in vitamin C makes it a great antiscorbutic while its iron content helps fight anaemia.
https://laidbackgardener.blog/2022/05/01/a-tribute-to-dandelions/
==============================
https://www.dib.ie/biography/crowley-o-cruadhlaoich-diarmuid-a2253
“The Count Plunkett habeas corpus application and the end of the Dáil Supreme Court” in-person lecture given by Mr. Justice Gerard Hogan on 28 April at 6:30pm, as part of the Four Courts 100 lecture series.
=============================
1765, Accounts of Franciscan Community, Broad Lane, Cork, Diet, Rents, Taxes.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tI6ilBqI0iH4Ofg6DInNrxUqFWQdLorHZ8qhV6IwoVo/edit
==============================
May 2022 from DFLA site
By Ayaana Williams | ABC 10
Fires are burning more frequently and at a greater intensity than ever before in the American River Parkway area, according to a new report from an environmental group.
A report from April 2022 by the Sacramento Sierra Club says that in six years, the Sacramento Fire Department responded to 536 fires along the parkway. The number of fires in the region increased rapidly in recent years, up to 156 in 2021 – three times as many as in 2019.
=================================
29 April 2022
Today we celebrate DFLA’s incredible Executive Director!
Hello!
So…I probably shouldn’t have done this, but our Board gave me the 👍
Today is a special day.
It’s the anniversary of Kristen Day’s birthday, the Best Boss and the Fearless Leader of the Whole Life movement!
I won’t lie. I have never seen anyone work harder than Kristen. She works countless hours and absorbs all kinds of stress to build this organization of grassroots supporters like you. She’s truly one of a kind!
Can you help us celebrate?
I know she’s watching every penny that comes in and out of this organization so I’d like today to be special — with a $2,200 birthday money bomb!
Will you contribute to honor this Whole Life hero TODAY?
She treasures each and every one of you, and she loves this movement.
For me personally, she has been an inspiration for so long. Now, I have the privilege of working with and learning from her every day.
I'm lucky to be one of the many young people who have such an excellent mentor in Kristen. She's raising up the next generation of pro-life Democrats!
Let’s, together, make this a special day for her!
I don’t have much, but I’m getting us started with a $50 donation (plus me and the team are taking her to lunch later)
For a Special Day for Kristen Day,
John Quinn
Business Operations Assistant
Democrats for Life of America
============================
https://daily.jstor.org/fast-horses-and-eugenics
Fast Horses and Eugenics
By Livia Gershon
The breeding of race horses validated those aspiring to belong to an American elite while feeding into racist beliefs about genetic inheritance.
----------------------------------------------
SANDERS: Bernie Sanders put out this tweet:
“Congress must pass legislation that codifies Roe v. Wade as the law of the land in this country NOW. And if there aren’t 60 votes in the Senate to do it, and there are not, we must end the filibuster to pass it with 50 votes.”
===========================
Ego Eimi
Throughout the Easter season, the Church highlights how Christ manifested his divinity throughout his life. In today's Gospel, we recognize Christ's words "It is I," or "I am," call back to the divine identity revealed to Moses. Thus, in this reading, Christ identifies himself as the living God.
The Christian Response
As portrayed in the Book of Revelation, the risen Christ has all glory and honor. Indeed, through his Paschal Mystery, he demonstrated the unending power and love of God. In response, let's embody the joy of Psalm 30 and imitate the eager discipleship of St. Peter!
St. Stephen, traditionally known as the Holy Protomartyr, models the zeal of a disciple. Despite the backlash he receives, the Saint's hope and trust in the Lord isn't shaken. Up until his last moments, Stephen joyfully proclaims Christ as the fulfillment of Israel's scriptures.
The Life of the Church
As the Sanhedrin schemed against the Christians, Gamaliel spoke up. He reminded them that human institutions crumble on their own. If God established Christianity, however, it will not fall, regardless of what it faces. This lesson is especially important today. Let's have certainty that God preserves his Church even in the midst of scandal.
Christian Charity
In the Acts of the Apostles, we meet a Christian named Tabitha, a holy woman who made clothes for the poor. Moved by her charity, Peter prayed that Tabitha would be raised from the dead—and raised she was. Like Tabitha, let's strive to use our talents for others. In doing so, we open ourselves up to eternal life with Christ.
Zeal for the Eucharist
The First Reading tells us about St. Paul's conversion. Aided by Stephen's prayer, Paul stopped persecuting the Church and became a fiery Apostle of Christ. Then, in the Gospel, Christ reveals that we are called to share in his glorification. To achieve that end, we must devote ourselves to him in the Eucharist, our spiritual food!
--------------
Adam and Jesus
The Eucharist is our spiritual sustenance because it flows from the power of the crucified and risen Lord. Moreover, in the Eucharist, we find a response to the Fall. While Adam ushered in death through the forbidden fruit, the Eucharist, given by the New Adam, brings life.
The Pilgrim's Food
In the First Reading, we hear about the persecution of the early Church. Christianity was spreading so fast among both Jews and Gentiles that opponents had to resort to violence. Then, in the Gospel, Christ reveals that he is the Bread of Life. Indeed, Jesus brings us into his eternal life every time we receive the Eucharist.
The Relationship of Love
We are indebted to St. Philip for asking to see the Father. In response to that question, Jesus revealed that he is the revelation of the Father. Indeed, through Christ, God shows us that he is a tripersonal relationship of Love. Today, let's ponder this inexhaustible mystery!
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Lawns
https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/homes-and-gardens/no-mow-may-garden-looking-great-lawn-grow-wild-1601393?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB
====================
Your 20sPeople gallery
=========================
The World Bank says the war in Ukraine is set to cause the "largest commodity shock" since the 1970s - meaning huge price rises for goods ranging from natural gas to wheat and cotton.
The increases will affect the poorest most, but households and business of all sizes will feel the effects.
Wheat is predicted to go up in price by almost 43% and reach new highs, chicken could go up nearly 42%, soybeans 20% and oil 30%.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61233794
==============================
Journalism has had its share of villains like Walter Duranty, but the media can also provide an invaluable service toward truth.
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Soldiers systematically forced their way into Ukrainian homes and confiscated every scrap of food. The soldiers even took the Ukrainian’s house pets so they could not be eaten for survival purposes. As the starvation wore on, Ukrainians ate grass, tree bark, rats, frogs. They tried to consume anything they could find, until there was nothing to find at all, at which point some resorted to cannibalism.
How did something like this happen without incurring international outrage?
Part of the reason was that influential American reporters refused to detail the genocide. Applebaum draws upon extensive research to illustrate how and why the American press, led by The New York Times journalist Walter Duranty, covered up the famine.
Not only did Soviet leaders deny the planned Holodomor occurred, Putin’s propaganda machine in Russia still denies it. In fact, Vladimir Putin commented in 2005, “the demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.” That’s a chilling statement, considering the misery the Soviet Union inflicted on Ukraine and elsewhere.
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/media-and-ukraine?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=catholic_news_pope_francis_to_visit_lebanon_in_june_says_president_aoun&utm_term=2022-04-05
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For the Catholic disciple who follows Jesus Christ the question today is not “what does Athens have to do with Jerusalem,” but “what does Jerusalem have to do with the Metaverse?”
According to Father Ian VanHeusen, president of MetaCatholic and Newman Center chaplain at East Carolina University in Greenville, Jerusalem (meaning the Church) has a great deal to do with the Metaverse and needs to be present there.
The MetaCatholic project is a Catholic foray into the Metaverse, recognizing virtual reality and augmented reality as a new frontier of evangelization the Church needs to enter, with its own dangers and opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
================================
At was noted that the Council of Europe was established in the aftermath of the second World War while OSCE was formed in the midst of the Cold War, “with the promise of maintaining peace and security for the European continent.”
“As representatives of both organizations committed to promote peaceful dialogue, we call on Russia to stop the destruction of religious sites and places of worship, which, together with the indiscriminate killing of tens of thousands of civilians, constitute crimes against humanity,” they said.
=========================
======================
Embracing Change
A Strong Bond Is Essential When It Comes To Navigating
Parenthood And The ‘Empty Nest’
Isn’t it interesting that the conventional wisdom in psychology is that
people resist change because it’s bound to be difficult? The single most
life changing event that can happen for parents is the birth of a baby. Yet
that is a change that is more often embraced than resisted. There are
libraries of books on 1 for the loss of sleep when a baby wakes up
screaming a couple of times a night. Becoming a parent is a massive
change that will turn each person’s life upside down. It’s wonderful for a
couple to have a baby but there is a downside – the potentially
monumental changes that will keep happening over about 20 years.
When children finally leave home and their parents return to being a
couple again, they will be very different people. Becoming parents means
saying goodbye to the more carefree aspects of a couple’s early
relationship. Children demand time, and couple relationships can quickly
stop being a priority. Busy spouses can fall into the habit of not talking to
each other about anything but issues to do with the children and practical
matters. Then when something important to discuss comes up, they are
out of practice. No parent can prepare for the far-reaching emotional
changes that are inevitable as their family grows. Coping with the different
stages from infancy through childhood and adolescence is bound to be
challenging. During the teenage years, many parents look forward to the
day that their young people will finally leave home and they can enjoy
going back to being a couple again
Open Communication: It is not true that couples who rarely or never
engage in conflict have a good marriage; some do, many don’t. People
who avoid arguing, when they have a disagreement, may be so afraid of
conflict that difficult issues are never resolved. To avoid dissent in matters
relating to their children, they focus on what is agreeable and ignore the
rest. If couples don’t talk openly and freely about things that matter,
either of two things happens. The first is they make assumptions about
what the other thinks or feels. If one person is emotionally upset and
assumes the other knows this and is ignoring it, it must mean that s/he is
not loved enough, or that their emotional needs are not important. A good
guide to the state of any
relationship is how open both parties are to talking about feelings. Many
of us know married couples who have a volatile relationship. Friends
wonder at how they stay together. They have frequent, passionate and
noisy rows but they also talk and laugh and enjoy being together. Would it
surprise you to learn that volatile couples, who communicate openly, have
a higher likelihood of staying together than couples who never fight?
Spouses are not good at predicting how well they will cope with the
expected, and mostly unexpected, changes, when they revert to being a
couple again. Time and time again I have coached people who made the
decision to prioritise their children’s needs. For the sake of the children,
they would stay married. The plan was to separate once the children left
home. The plan changed when they found that they had a strong bond.
The coaching that changed their communication changed how they
related.
Changing Attitudes: The belief that people will resist change has spawned
an industry of self-help books for individuals, and training in change
management for executives. Chip and Dan Heath, New York Times
bestselling authors of ‘Switch: How to Change Things When Change is
Hard’, suggest that often what looks like resistance to change is simply a
lack of clarity. Researchers at West Virginia University found that people
were more likely to embrace change when the new behaviour expected of
them was crystal clear. Nothing may seem to be wrong in the relationship
of couples who don’t talk much, until the ‘empty nest’ exposes how little
they interact. What a tragedy if a couple, who look forward to having the
house to themselves, discover that life without the children is so lonely
that it highlights a lack of intimacy in their marital relationship. Life
expectancy today is much higher than it was for previous generations. The
stigma of separation is gone, and people will consider separation when
there is little positive or life-giving energy in their marriage. So, it’s no
wonder that couples experience fear and are apprehensive about coping
with the changes that will come when the children leave home. We all
encounter many major changes in our lives: some are hard, others easy.
People, who are more likely to embrace rather than resist change, learn
how to make adjustments that effectively change their hearts and minds
and attitude. I like the following quote attributed to Oprah Winfrey: “The
greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by
merely changing his attitude.” (Carmel Wynne Reality April 2022)
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel: John 8:1-11
1. Compassion for human frailty combined with a gentle challenge to a
better life marked the response of Jesus. From whom have you
experienced a compassionate challenge? What was that like for you? To
whom have you given such a challenge?
2. The Pharisees and scribes self-righteously condemned the woman until
Jesus brought them in touch with their own sinfulness. This was a
conversion moment for them and they turned away from their quest for
the death of the woman. Have there been times when your awareness of
your own fragility and sinfulness has helped you to be less judgemental of
others?
3. ‘What do you say?’ can be an embarrassing question. Jesus had the
courage to voice an opinion, even though it was against the party line of
the day. When you have seen that courage shown, by yourself, or by
another? What was the result?
(John Byrne OSA in Intercom April, 2022)
Points to Ponder (Intercom April 2022)
Life is like a constant game of mirrors: we project our frustrations onto
others, we condemn them for things we don’t dare to see in ourselves.
Other people constantly show us a reflection of ourselves and reveal parts
of us that we would be unable to see otherwise. Sometimes we are
surprised, sometimes unbelieving, and sometimes even frustrated.
The adulterous women thrown into the centre becomes a projection of
all the men that surround her. In her, they see all their inability to be
faithful to the Law. They project, onto her, their frustration, their inability
to persevere. They vent, upon her, the rage they have towards
themselves, upon seeing that they too are unfaithful observers of the
Word, there was no better mirror than words themselves.
Jesus is the unexpected. He is the event that we come across, seemingly
by accident, that reveals the truth about ourselves, whether we like it or
not. Life is a game of mirrors that we cannot escape from, mirrors that
can fuel our rage, mirrors that we would often like to smash but there can
also be mirrors that, providentially, initiate a conversation in our hearts.
(Fr. Gaetano Piccolo, Catholic Bible Study and Reflection)
=====================
PRAYER: God of Unconditional Love and Compassionate Power,
We stand before You in humility and trust.
We know that nothing is impossible with You.
We beseech You to pour courageous and healing balm into the hearts and souls of the Ukrainian People.
We beg you to touch the heart, mind and soul of Mr Putin and give him the willingness and fortitude
to change course, for his own good, the good of the Ukrainian
People and the good of our world.
Having voiced our hopes and desires we humbly and gratefully
leave the future of this desperate situation to Your All Wise and All Loving Heart.
Amen.
=====================
Lepers of Maiden Bradley: Tracing the lives of women in medieval leper hospitals
Tuesday 29 March 2022 | Gabrielle Storey | Records and research | Comment
The leper hospital of Maiden Bradley was founded prior to 1164 by Manasser Biset, a steward of Henry II. Established entirely for leper women, it was situated a mile north of the village of Bradley in south-west Wiltshire. Several charters at The National Archives demonstrate the patronage of the leper hospital by royals and nobility, indicative of its importance. There is also further evidence of the agency of other leper women outside of Maiden Bradley, who made grants and interacted with local nobles to gain further lands and revenues. For Women’s History Month, this post will provide a snapshot into the lives of the women at the leper hospital at Maiden Bradley, and further guidance into locating women in medieval records.
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Join exhibition curators Katie Fox, Katherine Howells and Laura Robson-Mainwaring for a highlights tour of our exhibition The 1920s: Beyond the Roar.
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O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, in this time of trial we turn to you. As our Mother, you love us and know us: no concern of our hearts is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, how often we have experienced your watchful care and your peaceful presence! You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Yet we have strayed from that path of peace. We have forgotten the lesson learned from the tragedies of the last century, the sacrifice of the millions who fell in two world wars. We have disregarded the commitments we made as a community of nations. We have betrayed peoples’ dreams of peace and the hopes of the young.
We grew sick with greed, we thought only of our own nations and their interests, we grew indifferent and caught up in our selfish needs and concerns. We chose to ignore God, to be satisfied with our illusions, to grow arrogant and aggressive, to suppress innocent lives and to stockpile weapons. We stopped being our neighbour’s keepers and stewards of our common home. We have ravaged the garden of the earth with war and by our sins we have broken the heart of our heavenly Father, who desires us to be brothers and sisters. We grew indifferent to everyone and everything except ourselves. Now with shame we cry out: Forgive us, Lord!
Holy Mother, amid the misery of our sinfulness, amid our struggles and weaknesses, amid the mystery of iniquity that is evil and war, you remind us that God never abandons us, but continues to look upon us with love, ever ready to forgive us and raise us up to new life. He has given you to us and made your Immaculate Heart a refuge for the Church and for all humanity. By God’s gracious will, you are ever with us; even in the most troubled moments of our history, you are there to guide us with tender love.
We now turn to you and knock at the door of your heart. We are your beloved children. In every age you make yourself known to us, calling us to conversion. At this dark hour, help us and grant us your comfort. Say to us once more: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?” You are able to untie the knots of our hearts and of our times. In you we place our trust. We are confident that, especially in moments of trial, you will not be deaf to our supplication and will come to our aid.
That is what you did at Cana in Galilee, when you interceded with Jesus and he worked the first of his signs. To preserve the joy of the wedding feast, you said to him: “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3). Now, O Mother, repeat those words and that prayer, for in our own day we have run out of the wine of hope, joy has fled, fraternity has faded. We have forgotten our humanity and squandered the gift of peace. We opened our hearts to violence and destructiveness. How greatly we need your maternal help!
Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer.
Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war.
Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation.
Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world.
Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge, and teach us forgiveness.
Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons.
Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and to love.
Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity.
Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world.
O Mother, may your sorrowful plea stir our hardened hearts. May the tears you shed for us make this valley parched by our hatred blossom anew. Amid the thunder of weapons, may your prayer turn our thoughts to peace. May your maternal touch soothe those who suffer and flee from the rain of bombs. May your motherly embrace comfort those forced to leave their homes and their native land. May your Sorrowful Heart move us to compassion and inspire us to open our doors and to care for our brothers and sisters who are injured and cast aside.
Holy Mother of God, as you stood beneath the cross, Jesus, seeing the disciple at your side, said: “Behold your son” (Jn 19:26). In this way he entrusted each of us to you. To the disciple, and to each of us, he said: “Behold, your Mother” (v. 27). Mother Mary, we now desire to welcome you into our lives and our history. At this hour, a weary and distraught humanity stands with you beneath the cross, needing to entrust itself to you and, through you, to consecrate itself to Christ. The people of Ukraine and Russia, who venerate you with great love, now turn to you, even as your heart beats with compassion for them and for all those peoples decimated by war, hunger, injustice and poverty.
Therefore, Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love. Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world. The “Fiat” that arose from your heart opened the doors of history to the Prince of Peace. We trust that, through your heart, peace will dawn once more. To you we consecrate the future of the whole human family, the needs and expectations of every people, the anxieties and hopes of the world.
Through your intercession, may God’s mercy be poured out on the earth and the gentle rhythm of peace return to mark our days. Our Lady of the “Fiat”, on whom the Holy Spirit descended, restore among us the harmony that comes from God. May you, our “living fountain of hope”, water the dryness of our hearts. In your womb Jesus took flesh; help us to foster the growth of communion. You once trod the streets of our world; lead us now on the paths of peace. Amen.
https://youtu.be/wzu1vajjV4M
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Hear, O Israel
God, through the prophet Jeremiah, implores his people to listen to him. Because Israel failed to hear his word, they failed to be obedient to his law. Listen to the Word of God today, allowing it to challenge you to repent and grow in obedience.
Free from Sin's Yoke
The Law was a gift that identified Israel as God's chosen people. For this reason, the Psalmist praises the Lord for his statutes and ordinances. Now, in the era of the New Covenant, the Law has been fulfilled in Christ, the Lamb of God who frees us from the burden of sin.
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From the Heart
When Peter asks how many times he must forgive his brother, Christ says 77 times. This number recalls the patience that God showed Israel over 70 weeks of years. With this allusion in mind, the message becomes clear: We must be as forgiving as God is.
Peace in the Nations; Though Naaman was not an Israelite, Elijah healed him of his leprosy. In this biblical episode, we are reminded that mercy must extend beyond ethnic or national borders. In our current historical moment, this means we ought to pray for Ukrainians and for Russians.
Turn to the Lord
The Church brings us back to the basics by taking us back to the Book of Exodus. There, we are reminded of the great revelation that Moses received when God disclosed his name to him at the burning bush. By doing this, Mother Church fixes our gaze on God, imploring us to repent and believe.
Fiat Mihi
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, which commemorates Mary’s fiat to God’s saving plan. In her humility, Mary was able to receive the good news from the angel Gabriel and respond in faith to God’s plan for her. Meditate on this great mystery today, seeking to grow in docility to the Lord and his plans for you.
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The five women who have shared their experiences of birth trauma in this video have kindly done so to support other women who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth.
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By: Matthew Wills
February 24, 2022
After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the U.S. attempted to suppress information about radioactivity—the very thing that made these new bombs different from all weapons of war before them. The tremendous explosive power of the A-bombs was stressed, even celebrated, but officials worked hard to keep people ignorant of the terrible effects of radiation poisoning, effects which seem to have surprised many who worked on the bombs and ordered their use.
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The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Monday will award Knoll the prestigious Crafoord Prize, considered a complement -- and for some winners, a precursor to -- a Nobel prize.
The honor is for his work on illuminating the first 3 billion years of Earth's history, determining the ages of layers of bedrock, discovering tiny organisms from the depths of time that are the infinitesimal ancestors of every one of us and explaining the world's worst mass extinction.
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The OSV Challenge is a multi-round entrepreneurial competition designed to accelerate unique project ideas in any stage from Catholics whose faith has motivated them to make a difference.
We’re seeking people with ideas ready to impact the Church that deserve to be nurtured, cultivated and taken to new heights. The OSV Challenge invests over $1 million dollars annually in these Catholic innovators to make this happen.
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Rising to the Lord
Prayer is our embrace of the loving, compassionate God. As the Psalmist says, it is like incense that rises to the Lord. When we neglect prayer, we can become anxious and even lose our charity. Thus, let us stay faithful in our prayer lives, even when it is difficult to do so!
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The Way I See It
By Domhnall de Barra
There’s an old joke that goes like this: “how do you know politicians are telling lies? – their lips are moving?”. The sad part of that is the fact that it is not a joke at all but the truth. Politicians may start out with the best of intentions but they are soon dragged into the party system where survival is the name of the game and they have to toe the line. A politician’s loyalties are firstly, to themselves getting re-elected, secondly, to the party and lastly, to the country. This makes them do and say things that are not strictly honest and they have no problem in telling us what they want us to hear, even if it has no relationship to the truth. Governments have been lying to their citizens from the dawn of civilization and sometimes they will tell you it is necessary for the greater good. Whatever about yesterday’s politicians, some of the present day ones have brought the profession to a new low. The mould was broken when Trump ran for office in America. The truth to him is whatever he deems it to be and anything contrary is fobbed off as “fake news”. He told potential voters what they wanted to hear and gave credence to white racists and other malcontents who ended up attacking the seat of government. He fabricated theories about election fraud despite court after court throwing out cases because there wasn’t one bit of evidence of vote rigging. Still, a great many people actually believe that the election was “stolen” and consider him to be the legitimate president. The whole purpose of American politics is for republicans to defeat democrats and vice versa. Many good laws, that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens, are not passed because one side or the other has a majority in one of the houses of legislation and would rather kill the bill than give a “victory” to the other side. The government also makes decisions on foreign policy that are not communicated to the general public, in fact they may be told something quite different.
The art of lying has always been used but has been brought to a new level by Boris Johnson. This was obvious during the lead-up to the Brexit referendum when, ably assisted by Dominic Cummings, when he told blatant lies about the amount of money it was costing to stay in Europe and how much it would mean to the NHS. They even put it on the side of a bus. The public swallowed it and the rest is history. He got away with it and has continued in his deceitful way ever since. At last he has told one too many and is hanging on to power by his fingertips. The dogs in the street know he was at a party at 10 Downing Street in contravention of the Covid restrictions that he was forcing on the general public. Despite this, he continued to deny that there was a party, and when that was found out he said he did stumble into it but did not know it was a party. Now, this is his home and, if there is a party in your home, surely you have to know about it. His race is almost run and, if the Tory party has any bit of decency left, he will be thrown out sooner rather than later and good riddance.
We have not covered ourselves in glory on this side of the water either. Simon Coveney, in a jobs for the boys scenario (or should that be jobs for the girls?), appointed Catherine Zappone to a cushy position in Europe when she failed to hold her seat. When challenged about it he should have apologised immediately and admitted that he should have gone through the proper procedure but, instead he tried to justify it. Then there was a party in his department offices that he did not attend but, once again, it left a sour taste with those who had obeyed the rules. Had he come out and condemned it at once it might not have appeared so bad but he didn’t. Now, I like Simon Coveney and I think he is by far the best politician we have but he did himself no favours by taking us all for mugs. People resigned and were forced out of their jobs for attending a golf dinner in Galway which, to my mind, didn’t break any of the rules because the dinner party was divided into two groups in different rooms where they were within the limits. There was a baying for blood after this so I presume the same fate will await the civil servants who attended the retirement party. Hang on though, Leo Varadkar said on radio the other day that the government had no power to put sanctions on civil servants so it will probably all finish up in a bottle of smoke. Since he made that statement, a law expert has contradicted him. While the minister has no power over the civil service, the government as a whole has but I doubt if that power will be exercised. The whole thing gives the impression that there is one law for us, the little people, and another for those who govern us. If you don’t believe me, ask a politician!
And what about the government’s latest plan to pay €100 off the electricity bill for every householder in the country? Now, I don’t mind helping those who find themselves in financial difficulties at this time but to give it to everyone is just a waste of money we don’t have. I don’t need it, thank God, and there are many more like me out there not to mention the thousands of well paid civil servants, captains of industry, wealthy business people, millionaires and billionaires. I think this has more to do with government popularity and the threat of Sinn Féin than a genuine attempt to help people. There is also the proposal to give €1,000 as a bonus to workers who were on the front line during the height of the pandemic. A nice idea in theory but who qualifies? Already we have many groups putting up there hand saying they were in danger and also deserve a bonus. Not enough thought went into this. Of course those who worked in wards full of Covid patients should be rewarded but wouldn’t it be much better if their pay and conditions were permanently improved. We already see an exodus of medical staff from this country because they are much better off working abroad. We need more professionals in the HSE and more capacity in our hospitals. Only when that is achieved will we have a service that will be attractive to work in but one where there will be no more patients on trolleys in corridors waiting for admission to a ward. The pandemic may be coming to an end but the waiting lists are not.
What has happened to the news on RTE? For almost a week before the announcement, the heading of every bulletin was about the possible easing of Covid restrictions and each option discussed in detail. Numerous pub, restaurant and night club owners were interviewed, day after day, letting us know what they wanted and expected to happen. By the time Micheál Martin made his announcement on Friday everybody knew exactly what he was going to say so where did RTE get its information? Was there a leak in NEPHET or was it a government ploy to tip off businesses so that they would be ready to open. I leave it to your own imagination. There was also the OTT reporting of the sad murder of Aisling Murphy. For the guts of a week, the RTE news crew broadcast from Tullamore again interviewing everyone and anyone who would answer a question. Their attention bordered on the ghoulish and intruded on the privacy of the family who were grieving. It continued with coverage of the funeral Mass and burial. To my mind funeral processions should never be filmed as they capture the immediate family when their emotions are at their most extreme and not for public scrutiny. The cameras have now gone and the country’s attention has turned to other matters but Aisling’s family have to live with the horror of her brutal murder, something that will have changed their lives forever. May God give them the strength they need to get through this horrible time.
It was nice to be able to sit down with a group of musicians for a session at the Top of the Town last Saturday night. There was a kind of a carnival atmosphere about the place as people tasted freedom from restrictions for the first time in ages. It just goes to show how important it is for us to socialise. Our mental health will be all the better for it and we hope that it will continue. We dare to look forward to better days ahead and a return to normality. It has been a long, hard slog and many of us have suffered throughout the long periods of confinement. Some people will have lost loved ones during this time and it was especially heartbreaking not to be able to visit hospitals or attend funerals. With any luck that is all behind us but I urge you all to continue to take precautions such as wearing masks in indoor settings and avoiding close contact where possible. Anyway, I am looking forward to a few more sessions of music and, who knows, we may have the Fleadh here in June. Wouldn’t that be a nice boost for the area.
https://www.athea.ie/category/news/
Tom Aherne notes Jan 2022
Damien O’Reilly, presenter of Countrywide on RTE Radio 1 on Saturday morning last, interviewed Ardagh native Jim Woulfe who recently retired as CEO of Dairygold. It was a very interesting piece of radio between the two who covered many past and present farming topics. Jim was recently honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ which recognises a lifelong career in the agri-food industry. Jim was also appointed onto the Board of Enterprise Ireland. Jim is involved in a lot of activities and projects and does some hobby farming at present. In retirement he will still be busy, but he is looking forward to spending more family time with wife Ann and family and pursuing his sporting interests.
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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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Invitation
An invitation to establish a Presentation Convent in Athenry by Canon Canton was initiated in early 1900’s. On 18th June 1907 he wrote his first letter to the Presentation Sister to come to the town. In his letter to the Reverend Mother he earnestly requested a few sisters, ‘I don’t know whether you can spear any sisters, but I heard some time ago you have some novices and postulants, if, unfortunately, you cannot entertain the project, I shall seek elsewhere….my most earnest desire after my salvation is that you may be able to commence work here, in Athenry in the next year of 1908.’ He also enlisted the support of Archbishop Healy to persuade the sisters to come to the town in a letter dated 4th October 1907. (King Rev. Fr. Athenry Parish) [v]
https://www.ouririshheritage.org/content/archive/people/101_mayo_people/religion/canon-joseph-canton
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Saul and David
Envy is a deadly sin, whereby death enters into the world. David, in today’s First Reading, has won a great military victory, causing Saul to envy him. Saul’s envy drives him to try and kill David, even though David has done nothing to merit this treatment.
The Twelve
In the Gospel today, Jesus establishes the New Israel—the Church—around himself as the Head. In this New Israel, the people will no longer need to be connected by bloodlines; they are brought together by the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls us all to be with him in this spiritual family.
Loving Our Enemies
In today's passage from the Book of Samuel, David mourns the deaths of Jonathan and Saul. He even praises Saul, who had been an adversary in many ways. The selflessness displayed here reflects David's character. He is truly magnanimous, a man with greatness of heart.
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By Lori Teresa Yearwood
Ms. Yearwood is a reporter covering housing for the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.
Leer en español
My descent into homelessness felt as though it happened in the blink of an eye. It was as if one moment I was standing in a meadow next to my horses, stroking their manes, and the next I was lying inside a plastic garbage bag on a park bench, wrapping clothes around my shivering body.
In fact, it happened over the course of 12 devastating months from 2013 to 2014. The house I was renting in Oregon burned down. My mother died of a cancer that, until a short time earlier, no one knew she had. My family fell into a bitter dispute over her inheritance and ostracized me. My beagle died. I was emotionally burdened to the point of being unable to run the business I had owned for nearly a decade, let alone pay my rent. Eventually, I was told to pack my bags and leave the new place I had rented after the fire.
My journey into homelessness was traumatic, but it was also incredibly expensive, and that’s what I want to focus on here. By the time I walked away from that park bench two years later, I had accrued more than $54,000 in debt.
Leaving homelessness did not mean immediate freedom. Instead, coming back to the world of the housed meant first having to navigate an obstacle course of fees and fines that I had incurred while homeless. In the process, I learned that the most traumatized and vulnerable members of our society are often burdened with bills that they have no idea how to handle, making finding secure housing that much harder.
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Reflection
From: Sean Sheehy <frlistowel@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2021, 14:01
Happy New Year- Wisdom for 2022
Jesus’ Church begins 2022 by reflecting on Mary as the mother of God because she’s the Virgin Mother of Jesus who is also God, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. His Church prays for us in the words of the Psalmist: “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let His face shine upon us … May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise You! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear Him!” (Ps 67:2-8) We need God’s pity because we’re so weak and prone to sin. We need God’s blessing to perfect us. We need God to let His face shine on us so we can see ourselves for who we are and what we need. We need to praise God to make sure that we recognize Him for who He is. We need to fear the loss of His friendship because without Him we’re doomed to eternal misery. If we pray thus we’ll courageously and joyfully face everything that might befall us in 2022. Despite our flaws and vulnerabilities, with the Faith God gives us, if we’re receptive to it, we can look forward to a year of grace that will see us become more and more God’s image and likeness in our thoughts, words, and actions. Thus we’ll experience the fullness of our potential as God’s children. Our potential is to be what God created us to be, namely His image and likeness. Jesus is the fullness of God’s image and likeness in human form. He is our model. Wisdom calls us to follow in His footsteps.
On the first Sunday of the New Year, Jesus’ Church brings us God’s Word from Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Psalm 147, St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, and the Gospel of John. In Sirach (24: 1-2, 8-12) the Holy Spirit reveals that, “The wisdom of God lives in His people … in the midst of her people she is exalted, in holy fullness she is admired; in the multitude of the chosen she finds praise, and among the blessed she is blessed.” Wisdom is the possession of insight into reality that enables us to make good judgments. A good judgment is one where we gain much more than we lose, especially in the long term. Jesus was calling us to be wise when He asked, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul?” (Mt 16:26) The greatest insight we can have into reality comes from God who is the Creator of what’s real, true, good, and beautiful. God’s people are those who live by His wisdom. His people exalt and admire His wisdom. They both praise and bless it because it enables them to make good decisions. That wisdom was personified in Jesus Christ and continues through His Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of all the insights Jesus revealed as the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Jn 14:6)
Jesus is the Word-of-God-become-man. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be. What came to be through Him was life; and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Jn 1:1-8) John points out that, “He came to what was His own, but His own people did not accept Him. But to those who did accept Him He gave power to become children of God.” The wisdom Jesus brought to men and women that would give them invaluable insights into who God is and what it means to be human in terms of why we’re here, what’s our purpose, who’s the source of our power, who gives us meaning, and what’s our destiny, was rejected by many. They thought they knew God and didn’t need anyone to tell them who He was. They ignored the fact, as John points out, that, “No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed Him.” The true God is the God revealed through, with, and in Jesus Christ.
We cannot know God personally apart from Jesus. The wisdom He exhibited in His thoughts, words, and action gives all the insights we need to know God personally as “Our Father, Our Redeemer, Our Sanctifier, Our Way, Our Truth, and Our Life. God continues to be all these for us in and through Jesus’ Church as we enter a New Year. Filled with this wisdom, St. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed to the Ephesians (1:3-6, 15-18) and to us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him. In love He destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ … May the eyes of your heart be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call. What are the riches of glory in His inheritance among the holy ones.”
As you face 2022 know that God has chosen you and blesses you. He has adopted you in Baptism and made you a member of His Church. He sends you His Spirit to enlighten the eyes of your heart so you can see the hope He gives you. He gives you His Son who is present in His Church and who meets you and graces you with His love in her Sacraments, especially in His Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He has made you a co-heir to His Kingdom. With this insight in mind as a beneficiary of God’s wisdom, 2022 will see you go through the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and failures, suffering and health, life and death, as a joyful person. So I can say to you because I know it’s possible, no matter what happens, “Have a joyful New Year!” (frsos)
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Rejoice!
Let the joy of the Incarnation flood your heart at all times, but especially during the Christmas season. Because of this great mystery, we no longer have to fear the jaws of death, and our mouths can be filled with new songs of praise!
In the Father's Care
Motivated by lust for power, Herod ordered his men to kill any infant who fit the description of the messiah. Thus, these children became martyrs, and they now dwell with their Father in heaven. In honor of these children, let us pray today for those who have been involved with abortions, including parents who are grieving over their lost babies.
Thanksgiving and Proclamation
Today, the Gospel presents us with the prophetess Anna. Upon seeing the infant Jesus, Anna models the twofold response of a Christian disciple: she gives thanks and spreads the good news! Let us strive to follow in Anna's footsteps, joyfully proclaiming the wonders of the Incarnation to all!
Children of God
Jesus, the ultimate gift of the Father, enables us to become children of God by believing in him. Because of Jesus’ Incarnation, we have been graced with the ability to be grafted into God’s life through Baptism. Rejoice and be glad today, celebrating the great news of our divine filiation!
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2021 began with Rikers Island in a miserable state, with every indication that conditions would soon get much worse. COVID was spiking. The staff was depleted, and the jail was getting more crowded. In January, its population rose above 5,000 — an increase of more than 25 percent from the spring of 2020. After nearly two years without a suicide at the facility, a man hanged himself before the month was out. A gruesome incident followed in early March, then another suicide, then an overdose. The people incarcerated at Rikers continued to die at such a steady rate that the agency charged with investigating deaths in custody couldn’t keep up.
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/rikers-inmates-died-2021.html
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Inside BASF’s plant, a colorless, odorless gas known as ethane flows into a towering structure called a cracker, where the gas is moved through a tube, diluted with steam and pushed through a furnace heated to around 1,500 degrees. Within a second, heat “cracks” the bonds of each ethane molecule. The final product, ethylene, has been called the “world’s most important chemical,” a raw material for ingredients found in everything from plastics and PVC pipes to foam insulation and synthetic rubber, antifreeze and airplane wings.
The cracking process emits benzene, a carcinogen that studies have linked to leukemia.
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Feeling anxious about bringing your significant other home for the first time this holiday season? It’s normal to feel awkward, but at least it can’t get worse than the time my friend Anna brought her partner John home for Thanksgiving with her extended family.
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Through the history of elderberry, we can map the complex historical roots of recent trends favoring herbal and natural remedies, which have proven themselves resilient members of our medical chests amidst evolving perceptions of authority in healing. The Plant Humanities Initiative at Dumbarton Oaks investigates changing understandings of the healing properties of plants in historical context, as well as dynamic relationships between plants and scientific knowledge.
Many seemingly commonsense ideas about chasing the sun for happiness don’t, shall we say, weather scrutiny. Besides the practical problems I listed above, they suffer from a philosophical one as well: assuming that a little gloom is bad and should be banished. On the contrary, a full life is one that has its sun and rain, all of it offering itself to be experienced. No one put this better than Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem “The Rainy Day”:
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.
The sun will be back. In the meantime, be fully alive in the rain.
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Weekly Newsletter
Feast of Christ the King
31st October 2021
Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Church, Limerick
Canon Lebocq
Prior of Sacred Heart Church
Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. We know that Jesus is King because He said: ‘My kingdom is not of this world’ (John: 18). He came into this world to save us from the powers of darkness and bring us, through the blood of His cross to His Kingdom in Heaven.
As this feast denotes the spirit and foundation of our community and the symbol in which our priestly vocation is embedded, we have chosen this day to request your support for our seminarians. Our second collection today represents the bi annual collection we make for this intention. As you are aware, there are four Irish vocations in our seminary and two additional young men in their discernment year. This is a grace-filled duty, which is returned to us a hundred fold by good and holy priests.
November is upon us once again. Scripture tells us that ’It is a holy and a wholesome thing to pray for the dead’ (2 Maccabees 12:46). There are three elements to the Family of God: The Saints in Heaven: The Church Militant on earth: and The Souls in Purgatory. The church dedicates this month to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. We are encouraged to pray throughout this month in particular for those we know who have died and for those who are suffering in purgatory and may have no one to pray for them. We may also pray for particular groups of people, for example, priests or those who were unprepared for death, or who were murdered.
To this end, we have prepared the November List for the Dead that you will find on the table at the back of the church. Please fill out these lists according to your own choice of people who have died and whom you wish to pray for and place your list in the box marked: NOVEMBER HOLY SOULS LIST. These lists will be placed close to the altar and will be prayed for at each Mass during the month. (You may make a donation here)
The Shrine of Our Lady at the back of the Church will be dedicated to our Holy Souls this month. Here, you can light a candle for your loved ones who have died and those you wish to remember. Our Lady comforts the Holy Souls whilst they are being purified in purgatory and being prepared to enter Heaven where they will spend Eternity praising the Lord with the angels and saints.
Throughout the year we celebrate the feast days of various well-known saints. But the 1st. November is the Feast of All Saints. This day is dedicated to all those unknown saints who have no public recognition in the Liturgy but who have merited heaven by their quiet holy lives. You may know some of these saints?
Requiem Masses are offered at various times throughout this month but particularly on 2nd November: All Souls Day. We pray for our dead and all the holy souls in purgatory that they may be released from their suffering. This includes our friends, relatives, benefactors and others as well as our enemies!
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Reflection
The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146)
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (World Mission Sunday) 24.10.2021
Dear Parishioner,
During ‘Lockdown’ somebody may have said to you ‘I attended Mass in Tipperary yesterday.’ Of course, the person had not gone to Tipperary but had looked at a web-streamed Mass from Tipperary. If I say that I went to South Sudan, in Africa, last Thursday night, you will know that I did not travel there. You may have gone there too, by watching as I did, the Mission webinar featuring a nun and a priest, who are missionaries there but who happen to be at home in Ireland at this time. (A third person very much involved with Missionary work here in Ireland – Juilean Moran – also took part in the webinar.) Sr. Orla Treacy, a Loreto nun, has become well known in recent times in Ireland because of the pioneering work her order are doing in providing education for girls in South Sudan. Articles either written about her or by her have appeared in ‘Dear Parishioner’. In her talk, she highlighted the difficulties in providing education for girls in South Sudan, because of the unsettled state of the country and because of the strong tradition of marrying off girls from the age of 14/15 upwards.
Fr. Tim Galvin, a St. Patrick’s (Kiltegan) Missionary Society priest, from Brosna Parish, whose home is a short distance from the border with Co. Limerick, has spent 38 years (more than twice as long as Sr. Orla) working in South Sudan. He devoted some of his talk to describing a wonderful Sudanese man, Pio, who was tortured and threatened with death, if he didn’t stop meeting with people in a church and leading them in prayer, when the priests had gone from the area because of fears for their safety. Despite the torture and threats, Pio continued what he had been doing. Fr. Tim described Pio as a poor man but one rich in faith. Juliean Moran’s talk about her work with Missio Ireland, one of the many national members of the official ‘Society for overseas missions’ with Pope Francis as head, was not as dramatic as that of the other two speakers but she outlined the important work being done to support Irish missionaries, both religious and lay, around the world. All three speakers emphasised the importance of the traditional support of the Irish people for their missionaries, at a time when the number of Irish missionaries is getting smaller with each passing year, while the needs of the people being helped are still very great. Fr. Tim summed up the situation by saying ‘We need your prayers and offerings (financial support). If possible, dig deeper (in your pocket, purse etc.) and pray a little harder as this World Mission Sunday comes nearer. (D. O’M..)
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When Feelings Of Love Wear Off
Conflict Is Inevitable When Two People Live Together
It’s said that the search for romantic love and the perfect relationship has filled the space where religion used to be. We live in a secular society. Fewer couples, who marry, opt for a church wedding. Couples getting married today are more likely to have the wedding and reception in the same venue. It's not uncommon for people to co-habit, to live together for a trial period to see if they are compatible before they consider getting married. The belief that it is easy to move on from a couple relationship that doesn't work out is a fallacy. Nobody walks away unscarred, when a couple relationship ends. Whether it's a bad marriage that lasted decades or a student romance that ended before graduation, break-ups are painful. The perception that people move on with their lives and find other loves needs to be challenged. It is not unusual for young adults to have more than one long-term monogamous relationship before they feel ready to get married. Statistics from the CSO (Central Statistics Office) in Ireland show that the average man is 36.8 years old when getting married while the average woman is 34.1 years old.
Studies show that couples, who marry from their late 20s onwards, have a better chance of making the marriage work. With maturity, people recognise how easy it is to believe they are in love when, in reality, they are experiencing a passing physical attraction, which they mistake for true love. Two people can see each other across a crowded room and fall instantly in love at any age. By its very nature, the belief that you have found your soulmate generates very powerful and real emotions. In that magical moment of instant attraction, there is a dramatic intuitive knowing. Fate has intervened. This is going to be 'the one,' the soulmate of your dreams. Being newly in love is a blissful experience. Nearly always, there is a strong element of fantasy involved. Those who believe in the myth of romantic love are more likely to fall in love at first sight. Someone, who is in love, is completely besotted by the other person, experiencing an intoxicating, exclusive and exciting oneness. These exhilarating feelings are temporary, lose their intensity and inevitably fade.
Teenagers who fall passionately in love for the first time believe this is 'the real thing.' 'In love' feelings are incredibly intense. Usually, first romances don't last but dealing with the heartbreak when a relationship ends is an important life lesson. A break-up is inevitable when the couple has differences of opinion and
either person discovers that their beloved cannot give them what they want,
value and need in a couple relationship. It's amazing how quickly the wonderful explosion of excitement and exhilaration can burn itself out like a magnificent firework. As soon as the 'in love' feelings wear off, the bliss of being in love wanes. Once the romantic energy is lost, disillusionment sets in, and the couple must decide how committed they are to making the relationship work. To remain in a happy, fulfilling, committed relationship with another person is challenging and demands a lot of hard work. Marriages are probably the toughest and most rewarding of all relationships to keep emotionally healthy, happy and mutually satisfying.
Happiness in a relationship does not depend on harmony. Conflict is inevitable when two people live together. Rows have the potential to either strengthen the relationship or end it. 'Partner' is the word journalists use when they don't want to specify whether they are talking about a couple who is married or living together. It's a fitting word for the creative developing partnership that keeps a marriage vibrant and alive. There is a widespread belief that living together before marriage will show whether two people will be compatible and enjoy deeper intimacy after marriage, but this isn't necessarily so. Some people need to be in a relationship so much that they are hardly ever not in one. Serial monogamy is the practice of having one exclusive sexual relationship after another. Many serial monogamists start each new relationship optimistically with great expectations of how their partner is or will be. When the partner doesn't measure up, they gradually lose their attraction and liking, fall out of love and set out to find someone more handsome, beautiful or sexy, only to meet disappointment again. Romantic energy wanes, and problems, differences and disagreements arise in every couple relationship. The legacy of pain, heartache and emotional damage after a passionate relationship ends always leaves a scar. ( Carmel Wynne Reality October 2021)
Remembering Brendan Kennelly. In a letter to the Editor of the Irish Times, last Wednesday, Gerard Neville, a native of Listowel, wrote, ‘In the mid-1990s, I was playing bagpipes outside Trinity College, as part of a fund-raising effort for the Irish Cancer Society and Sean Treacy Pipe Band. I noticed Professor Kennelly talking to somebody inside the gates. He seemed oblivious to my musical endeavours, until I began playing ‘The Valley of Knockanure’, a song about a War of Independence incident that occurred about eight miles from Brendan’s native Ballylongford. Almost immediately, Prof. Kennelly left his companion to go to the nearest of our collectors and made a generous contribution.’
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel John Byrne osa
1.In this story Jesus cures the blind man, Bartimaeus. Recovery of sight in the Bible is often a metaphor for coming to faith. Perhaps during your life you have had moments of insight, of deeper understanding, of appreciating who Jesus is for you. What was it that helped you to see more clearly?
.
2. Who has the ‘Jesus person’ who helped you to see more clearly? Perhaps, as a parent, a teacher, or a friend, you have also been a ‘Jesus person’ for another and helped her or him to a clearer understanding of the meaning of life, love, and faith.
3.To get to Jesus, Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak so that he would not be impeded. What have you had to discard to be able to see more clearly (e.g., an assumption, a prejudice, a rigid opinion)
4. ‘Your faith has saved you’ Jesus said to Bartimaeus. Recall situations in which you have been grateful for the faith that is yours because in some way it saved you. (Intercom October 2021)
Points to Ponder
God gives to each person a unique mission. Some are called to very public lives, others are called to simple and quiet lives. Some are called to use their minds in powerful ways, but each person has a unique mission from God. What is your mission? Seeking to know what the Lord asks of you is essential to your journey of holiness and, therefore, happiness. When fully embraced, this mission will bring abundant fulfilment to your life because of one simple fact: every mission is a mission of Mercy.
The struggle that many people have is that they embark on selfish endeavours in life, failing to commit all their energies to the work of the Lord. The Lord wants you to work, day and night on his mission. His mission will certainly include moments of fun and rest, work and struggle, laughter and tears. It will also require a complete death to yourself but it’s worth it! Seek the mission God has given you and embrace it with all your heart. If you do, the Mercy of God will pour forth through your life (See Diary #1567). Reflect, today, upon this simple question: What is my mission in life?
(Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy 265 Days with Sr. Faustina)
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A psychology researcher with expertise in mood, sleep, and the circadian system (the internal clock regulating sleep). Here’s what the research says about what may be behind this common experience.
What’s happening in your body at 3am?
In a normal night’s sleep, our neurobiology reaches a turning point around 3 or 4am.
Core body temperature starts to rise, sleep drive is reducing (because we’ve had a chunk of sleep), secretion of melatonin (the sleep hormone) has peaked, and levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) are increasing as the body prepares to launch us into the day.
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By Silas Isenjia
Nairobi, 09 September, 2021 / 9:10 pm (ACI Africa).
The Legion of Mary of Kenya’s Archdiocese of Nairobi is facing a decline in membership, the leadership of the 100-year-old Catholic lay association in the Kenyan Archdiocese has told ACI Africa in an interview.
In the Wednesday, September 8 interview, the Spiritual Director of Legion of Mary in Nairobi Archdiocese, Fr. Boniface Kariuki, said the mushrooming of other associations in the Church is a key factor in the reducing membership.
“One of the challenges the Legion of Mary has been facing since its inception in Kenya is declining numbers, which is as a result of many associations and groups in the Archdiocese of Nairobi,” said Fr. Kariuki.
The lack of commitment on the part of some members has also affected the association, the Kenyan Priest said, adding that weekly meetings are affected owing to absenteeism.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Kariuki remarked, Catholics “who understand the Legion of Mary love it and want to be associated with it.”
“As a spiritual director, I have come to learn a lot about Mother Mary and Legion of Mary,” the member of the Clergy of Nairobi Archdiocese told ACI Africa September 8, adding, “Every legionary activity is an appointment with the Blessed Virgin Mary and she does not come alone as she always tags her son Jesus along.”
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Reflection
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 22nd August, 2021.
Dear Parishioner,
The main article in this week’s ‘Dear Parishioner’ has the title,
‘The Reassurance of Faith’, taken from the July/August issue of Africa. Because
of the title, you might be expecting that it was written by a theologian or, perhaps, a teacher of religion at secondary level. At the end of the article the following bit of information is given. ‘A recent graduate, Orla McCormack is currently working for an NGO. (NGO means a non-Governmental Organisation e.g.
Trócaire, Concern etc.) She is from Co. Carlow, Ireland, and enjoys writing in her spare time.’ Did Orla write the article without being invited by anybody to do it and then submit it to the Editor of Africa magazine? Maybe, she has a relative in St. Patrick’s Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) and he encouraged her to write it! For me, as a reader of Africa magazine as well as being a priest, it was nice to see an article written about a topic that is not easy to write about and, more especially by a younger person.
The July/August issue of Africa has a variety of articles. There is an article about
a young South African lady, who has a written a novel about a group of girls in the area, where she grew up, from different backgrounds “as they search for their destiny and struggle to make sense of the world, they were born into.”
Two pages are given over to describing the lives of two recently deceased priest
members of the society, with a short piece about one of their young students (seminarians) from Kenya, who died at the age of 35. Fittingly, after those obituaries, one comes to an article by a very well-known Kiltegan priest, Fr. Donal Dorr – author of many books – with the simple title – Resurrection. There are two articles about ‘Grandparents’, a report about life in South Sudan by one of the young African members of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, Nigerian-born
Fr. Emmanuel Obi and a number of other shorter articles. I have deliberately left the first article in this issue of Africa to be the last mentioned. Entitled, ‘July and August in the family of things’, it is written by retired missionary, Fr. Michael Kane, ordained in 1968 - from Wexford - whom I knew in Kenya. He has been a regular contributor to the magazine, writing about nature, the environment etc., since he retired from Kenya, to live in Kiltegan a few years ago. I read
his article a second time last Thursday, after I received the news from Kiltegan that he had died in Naas General Hospital. (RIP) (Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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The Reassurances of Faith
“Are you religious?” I think it’s a question young people often find difficult to answer. However, speaking on behalf of the younger generation, if someone asked me “do you have faith?”, I would be much more confident in my response, which would be yes. Both questions are not alien to one another of course, some people may even think that one cannot exist without the other, but, as I have grown older, I have come to realise that they are entirely separate. I do not classify myself as a very religious person. Before the pandemic broke out, life was busy. I didn’t always have time to attend Mass with my family, but I went when I could. When I did go to Mass, I didn’t always feel like queuing in line to receive communion, sometimes I forgot to genuflect when leaving my seat, and more often than not, I would forget the words to the Apostles’ Creed and move my mouth to some semblance of the words. So, as you can imagine,
I sometimes feel awkward when people ask if I am religious. Although I do have
faith and I try my best at Mass, it would be wrong to acclaim myself to be religious. Having said that, I think my faith is quite strong. It’s particularly strong when I find myself going through a rough patch or a difficult time in my life. This does not mean that, every time something negative happens in my life, I attend Mass every Sunday without exception and I’m suddenly the first
one in line to receive communion and I learn to recite the Apostles’ Creed forwards and backwards! No, this is certainly not the case.
People express their faith in different ways. For me personally, I might say a prayer before going to sleep at night, a shorter prayer than the Apostles’ Creed
might I mention, but a prayer all the same. Alternatively, I might go to the church for a moment of peace and reassurance. They are very simple things that allow me to remember what is important and they can significantly reduce the weight on my shoulders at that time. The prayer might only last a minute
or two but asking God for guidance can suddenly make the problems in my life seem less overwhelming. Having faith gives me a sense of hope, and I
think we can all agree that there are a lot of people looking for a sign of hope at the minute. The year of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 have been extremely difficult for everyone, considering the ongoing global pandemic. Whether you are worrying about the health of a loved one, tired from working at the make-
shift desk in your bedroom, missing social interaction with your friends, or finding it more and more difficult to see an end to all the chaos, everyone has growing concerns, and everyone is desperate for a glimpse of hope.
Although churches have never been as empty for such a long period, I often wonder if there are more people praying than ever before. Has this stretch of desperation restored the faith of some people along the way? I don’t have any figures to answer this, but I know that for me, the extension of lockdowns has forced me to slow down, and I have never had as much time in my life to reflect.
During lockdown, I have found myself expressing gratitude to God for the things I am so lucky to have in my life, things I may have taken for granted previously. On the flip side of this, I can see how people could have lost their faith when the pandemic hit, particularly if the pandemic has had a lasting and unforgiving impact on your family. How could God have let that happen? It’s understandable to think like this at times. I have often doubted my faith, and that’s ok too. It’s good to question our beliefs. I am relieved that I managed to maintain my faith during the lockdown. I can’t imagine the lack of hope among those who haven’t had that.
The topic of faith isn’t a regular conversation among my friends. I’m not quite
sure whether it’s a topic we avoid as we all have different opinions or it’s just something that doesn’t arise in conversation frequently. I wonder what it’s like for my friends at the minute, who don’t have a strong faith in a higher power. Who do they turn to when things go wrong? Who do they thank for the good in their lives and how are they coping with the strain of a seemingly never ending global pandemic? I’m really wondering. Don’t get me wrong, like I mentioned before, I have had moments of doubt myself. Having said that, anytime
I have begun to doubt my faith, I’m left with an emptiness. If we don’t have faith, then what do we have? The light at the end of tunnel suddenly disappears. If there is one thing I am sure of in the midst of all of this, it is that we all need that glimmer of light in our lives and when I finally reach the end of the
tunnel, whether that glimmer of light came from God or it was an optical illusion all along, I will be glad to have had it all the same.
Regardless of what you believe in, I think we all have a common desire to see an end to this global nightmare very soon. Something tells me we will. On a final note, if there is one thing young people take from this article, you don’t need to prove your faith to yourself or anyone else. Remember it is something
that is individual to you and, if having faith can provide you with comfort and reassurance, then the importance of faith surely can’t be questioned, particularly during these challenging times.
(Orla McCormack, Africa Magazine, July/August, 2021)
The Deep End (Tríona Doherty Intercom July/August 2021)
Children are often adept at looking beyond the practicalities and seeing the possibilities. Where a parent or guardian might only see a messy room in need of tidying, a child sees an obstacle course, a castle, a jungle, a magical fairy forest.
It can be refreshing to take a breath and remember that there is more to life than our physical, tangible world with its daily routines and to-do lists. Sometimes circumstances can leave us blinded to life's beauty or meaning. In to-
day's Gospel, some of Jesus' followers are finding it difficult to see beyond the physical. He has been teaching them that he is the living bread, but it is hard for them to accept. They dismiss it as 'intolerable language' and they wonder
'How could anyone accept it?' His teachings are too difficult to comprehend and they are annoyed and offended. Some of them even walk away but Jesus is offering something more than the practicalities, more than physical food or drink: he offers the bread of life, living bread, his very self. It is a difficult message, but
Simon Peter gets to the heart of it: 'You have the message of eternal life, and we believe.' He is able to see beyond the obvious, to hear the truth at the heart of Jesus' words. Jesus demands a lot of his followers, who must each decide whether or not they want to follow. Are we ready to make that leap of faith?
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel (John Byrne OSA)
1.In this chapter Jesus teaches that the meaning of his life, and the meaning of all human life, lies in being prepared to give of oneself. Perhaps you can identify
with what Pope Francis says: 'Those who enjoy life most are those leave security on the shore and become excited by the mission of communicating life to others ....' (Pope Francis: The Joy of the Gospel, No.10)
2. 'This teaching is difficult', complained his hearers, including some of his own followers. Perhaps at times you also have wondered if you could go along
with it. What helped you to overcome your resistance?
3. 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life.' In the midst of your doubts perhaps you have held on to your faith in Jesus because, like Peter, you found a more hopeful message in Jesus than you could find any-where else. How has the gospel message been more attractive to you than any other?
4. 'The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life'. Recall the words and phrases of Jesus that are words of life for you. (Intercom July/August, 2021
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REFLECTION ON THIS SUNDAY’S GOSPEL:
“How could humankind, which remained riveted to the earth and subject to death, gain entry to immortality once more? Its flesh had to become assimilated to the life-giving force in God. Now, God the Father’s life-giving force is His Word, His only Son, and so it was He whom God sent
as Saviour and Redeemer... If you put a breadcrumb into oil, water or wine, it at once soaks up their
properties. If you place iron into contact with fire it will shortly become full of the fire’s energy and, even though by nature it is only iron, will take on the appearance of fire. In the same way, then, God’s life-giving Word, by uniting Himself to the flesh He assumed, caused it to become life giving.
Did He not say: “Whoever believes in me has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” And again: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live for ever and the bread that I will give is my flesh... Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.” So then, by eating the flesh of Christ, the Saviour of us all and drinking His blood, we have life in ourselves, we become one with Him, we remain in Him and He in us.
Therefore it is for Him to enter within us, through the Holy Spirit, in a way fitting to God and to mingle with our body, after a fashion, through the holy flesh and precious blood, we receive, under the forms of bread and wine, as our life-giving blessing. Indeed..., God has exercised His condescension towards our weakness and placed all His life-force into the elements of bread and wine, which are thus endowed with the spirit of His own life. So believe in it without hesitation, for our Lord Himself has clearly said: “This is my body” and “This is my blood”.”...St Cyril of Alexandria
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The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne Ian Paisley October 2010
https://youtu.be/tHPfob-vn0Q
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https://www.end-times-prophecy.org/animal-deaths-birds-fish-end-times.html
MASS ANIMAL DEATHS FOR 2021
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NOTE: Due to time constraints, we no longer report every event, so the numbers are much lower than they should be.
9th June 2021 - Thousands of wild birds dead from avian flu in Shaanxi, China. Link
5th June 2021 - 500+ cattle dead from hailstorm in Balochistan, Pakistan. Link
1st June 2021 - 2,500 cattle dead due to drought in Veracruz, Mexico. Link
31st May 2021 - 738 Manatees dead this year in Florida, America. Link
31st May 2021 - Thousands of dead fish and other marine life wash up on Gold Coast in Australia. Link
27th May 2021 - Massive die off of juvenile salmon in the Klamath River, a'worst case scenario' in America. Link
26th May 2021 - Large number of birds dying in D.C., America. Link
25th May 2021 - 42 cows killed by lightning strike in Hainan, China. Link
22nd May 2021 - 13,000 birds killed due to avian flu in Weert, Netherlands. Link
20th May 2021 - 134,000 birds killed due to avian flu in Western Cape, South Africa. Link
18th May 2021 - 30,000+ cattle dead due to drought in Durango, Mexico. Link
15th May 2021 - 18 elephants found dead, 'possibly lightning strike' in Nagaon, India. Link
13th May 2021 - Thousands of dead fish wash up on a beach in Baja California, Mexico. Link
11th May 2021 - Thousands of dead fish wash up in the Tigris river in Turkey. Link
10th May 2021 - 9.8 MILLION birds killed due to avain flu in Japan. Link
10th May 2021 - Thousands of dead fish appear in 2 lagoons in Peten, Guatemala. Link
8th May 2021 - 90,000 birds killed due to avian flu in Punjab, India. Link
6th May 2021 - Tens of thousands of dead fish washing up in New Jersey, America. Link
4th May 2021 - Dozens of dead turtles found in wildlife refuge in Minnesota, America. Link
29th April 2021 - Thousands of dead fish floating in lake Maninjau, Indonesia. Link
29th April 2021 - TONS of dead fish wash up in a lake in Lebanon. Link
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• Turn off phones at night when kids need to go to bed to avoid digital distraction.
• Become an emotional regulator or coach of your children. Teach them to recognize and deal with their own frustrations and anger.
• Show them to salute, take tricks, share without staying without anything, say thank you and please recognize the mistake and apologize (don't force them), be model of all these values he has instilled.
• Connect emotionally - smile, kiss, kiss, tickled, read, dance, jump, play or gate with them.
Article written by Dr. Luis Rojas Marcos, psychiatrist.
http://palermonline.com.ar/wordpress/?p=65783
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PASTORAL MESSAGE FROM BISHOP RAY ON THIS FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI, THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST This Feast of Corpus Christi we can gather as a congregation in church, though with greatly restricted capacity. We cannot have traditional Corpus Christi Processions. We can give heartfelt thanks for the supreme gift of the Eucharist, the gift of Christ’s sacrifice and presence. Be of good heart. For so much of the past fifteen months our congregations have been “fasting from the Bread of Life”. I appreciate how difficult many found it, also many felt it unfair. Being able to join in offering Mass via streaming and parish radio was a rich blessing, but it fell short of gathering in church. With the enforced ‘fasting’ in all our lives, has our appreciation of the “Bread of Life” grown? In our hearts may the absence increase our appreciation and love of the Mass: as a gathering of people of faith as finding hope and light in the Word of God as the offering of Christ’s sacrifice to the Father as receiving the ‘Bread of Life’, necessary food for life’s journey as a great prayer of thanksgiving. I ask that we all discuss these matters with people of all ages, family members and parishioners. Encourage one another in the faith, encourage one another in returning to regular Sunday Mass as church-capacity allows. Help gather the community round the altar. Hopefully, it will soon be possible for all to gather for weekend Mass. Value all the elements of a Christian Sunday: a day of rest, a day for family and neighbours a day to have time to turn to God in prayer a day to gather round the altar to offer Mass together May the fifteen months of the pandemic renew in all of us our appreciation of the loving-kindness of God and of his gift to us of the Mass. May returning to Mass be a source of light and love for those personally struggling as a result of the pandemic. Finally, let all of us “be a good neighbour to all”, and let us pray for one another. “O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. ”Bishop Ray Browne Diocese of Kerry Corpus Christ Sunday 2021
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The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks
The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks
By Dustin Crowe
Practicing gratitude won’t just lift your spirits — it’s a path to know God! Using Scripture and tips to incorporate thankfulness into your everyday life, this guide will show you just how transformative the practice can be.
Christian Nonfiction
£1.99 £8.99
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Catholic group denied permit for St. Pio chapel sues Michigan town
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The Presbytery, Abbeydorney. (066 7135146)
abbeydorney@dioceseofkerry.ie
5th Sunday of Lent, 21st March, 2021.
Dear Parishioner,
One of the weekly features in the Irish Catholic newspaper is ‘Notebook’ on the back page. One of the contributors up to last year was one of diocesan priests, Fr. Bernard Healy, who had been a curate in St. John’s Parish in Tralee, until he went to Rome to do post-graduate theology studies. At the moment, all the contributors are priests and I will give you their names, with their surnames in alphabetical order, and then follow with a question. They are Frs. Bernard Cotter, Martin Delaney, Conor McDonough and Vincent Sherlock. The question is ‘Who is the odd one out among the four? For those who do not read the Irish Catholic regularly, you will find yourself guessing. The odd one out is Fr. Conor McDonough, who is a member of the Dominican Order while the other three are diocesan priests. Fr. Conor is an exception also, in that he has been a priest for only four years, whereas the other three have been around for a much longer time.
A thought came to me, during the past week, connected with the horse racing going in Cheltenham. As a result of this, I decided to go to the internet, to see what were the most popular names for girls in Ireland last year. I think the information given may not be scientifically correct but, according to the list, the five most used names in 2020 were in order: Grace, Fiadh, Emily, Sophie and Ava. I found a list of the ‘50 most popular girls’ names but the one, I thought be somewhere in that list, did not appear. I have a kind of a hunch that the ‘missing name – Rachel’ might be in that 50 next year. I think most people in Ireland, even those who do not have the slightest interest in racing, will know that jockey, Rachel Blackmore from Killenaule, Co. Tipperary, stole the show at Cheltenham, by winning 6 races and getting the prize for the winning jockey.
‘Staying’ with Cheltenham and the topic of names, Paul Hennessy, better known as a trainer of greyhounds rather than of horses, had a wonderful win with his own horse, ‘Heavenhelpus’,in the third race on Wednesday. Speaking with Damian O’Reilly on Countrywide this past Saturday morning, he talked about names he gave to other horses that he bred. He named one ‘First Friday’ because, he said his parents had great devotion to the Sacred and to the First Friday Mass.
(Fr. Denis O’Mahony)
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Beware The Far-Right
The Anti-Immigrant And Racist Sentiments Of The Far-Right Movement Are Entirely At Odds With The Values Of The Christian Churches.
In March 2019, a former hotel in Roosky, County Roscommon was damaged in an arson attack, for the second time. The building was intended for use by the Department of Justice as a direct provision centre, to house 80 asylum seekers. Local people were opposed to the idea. They stressed they were not anti-immigrant but had legitimate concerns and they wanted the building to be used again as a hotel, to bring business back into an area they claimed had been neglected by the Government. They also believed that the small town could not cope with a large group of 80 asylum seekers, as local schools and health services were already overstretched, nor were they consulted about the proposal. Some were opposed to the whole concept of direct provision centres, which have been widely criticised by human rights groups and the Christian churches as inhumane, and emotionally and psychologically damaging for those residing in them. However, local people were not involved in the arson attacks. The blame was laid at the feet of the far-right movement, outsiders who attached themselves to the local protests.
What unites far-right movements around the globe is opposition to immigration. Anti-immigrant sentiment has grown in many countries, such as the US, UK, France, Hungry, Italy, Netherlands, Brazil and elsewhere, which has allowed the far-right movement to gain significant momentum and political support. This anti-immigrant stance has been amplified by the arrival in Europe of refugees fleeing the turmoil in the Middle East and instability in some African countries, and in the US by the arrival of large numbers of immigrants fleeing poverty and violence in some countries in South America. This anti-immigrant sentiment is based on the perceived threat to a country's national identity, culture and values. The principle of national identity is elevated to a basic human right, the 'right to a homeland', which takes priority over the principle of universal human rights, to which the Christian churches subscribe. For example, the anti-immigration policies of Viktor Orban, Hungary's prime minister, which have been strongly condemned by the pope as unchristian, are based on the perverse notion that immigration will destroy the country's Christian heritage!
Pope Francis is clear that such anti-immigrant and racist sentiments are entirely at odds with the values of the Christian churches. Everyone, regardless of race, religion, colour, or gender, has the same dignity as children of God. Before we are Irish or Syrian or Somalian, we are all members of the same family, namely the human race.
"No one will ever openly deny that they (migrants) are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we can show that we consider them less worthy, less important, less human. For Christians, this way of thinking and acting is unacceptable, since it sets certain political preferences above deep convictions of our faith: the inalienable dignity of each human person regardless of origin, race or religion, and the supreme law of fraternal love." (Fratelli Tutti, paragraph 39).
In his most recent encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis once again returns to this theme that all people, without exception, are our brothers and sisters, and deserve “a love that transcends the barriers of geography and distance" (Fratelli Tutti, paragraph 1). Pope Francis quotes the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans were not even on talking terms with each other, kept apart by an invisible, cultural wall, but in this parable, the Samaritan broke down the wall to reach out to the 'other', the Jewish victim of violence. The far-right movement uses social media to promote its views and to gain new supporters. It also attaches itself to legitimate protest movements, such as that in Roosky, to gain legitimacy and show itself to be on the 'side of the people'.
Fortunately, so far, the far-right movement has not had much political success in Ireland. Perhaps this is because the Republic of Ireland's national identity has been forged by an oppressed people but there is no room for complacency. In Ireland, there is a deep-rooted anti-Traveller racism, and a hidden racism expressed in the view that 'we should look after our own'. We need to ensure that such attitudes do not find political support in Ireland, as they have done so successfully in many other countries. (Fr. Peter McVerry, Reality, March 2021)
It’s not that the Irish are cynical. It’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody. (Brendan Behan)
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you dong for others?” (Martin Luther King Jr. In Reality, March 2021. B.B. also)
The Deep End (Tríona Doherty Intercom March 2021)
Those poor Greeks. Did you notice that they never actually get to meet Jesus? At the start of today’s gospel, some Greeks who are followers of Jesus come to Jerusalem. They are travellers, outsiders, and would like to meet Jesus in person, but, when Philip and Andrew relay the request, Jesus begins to talk about how his ‘hour’ is coming. It is the last we hear of the Greeks, who disappear from the story altogether, but they are important nonetheless. Firstly, they indicate that word about Jesus is spreading but, more importantly, they prompt Jesus to reveal that, when his hour comes, he will draw ‘all people’ to himself. In the space of a few short verses, we go from a brief mention of a group of foreigners seeking Jesus, to Jesus making it clear that his saving mission is for all people, of all nations, both Jews and Gentiles – including these Greeks! There is no suggestion from Jesus that some groups are ‘in’ and others ‘out’. All are included, all are invited, all are welcome.
I remember once hearing someone describe their home as a domestic church, a place of ‘indiscriminate welcome’. As we continue our journey through Lent and soon into Holy Week, we listen carefully to these words of Jesus. He came for everyone and he wishes to draw all people to himself. Notwithstanding the current restrictions on gatherings and public worship, let us take this time to reflect on the world we would like to build when things open up again. Are we open to everyone, including ‘outsiders’? Do our homes, parishes and communities radiate welcome, where all who enter experience God’s love?
Seeing your Life through the Lens of the Gospel (John Byrne osa)
1. The parable of the grain of wheat reminds us of a truth that any parent can testify to, namely that it is in dying to ourselves that we can give life to others. We will never be of benefit to others if we remain wrapped up in ourselves. In what ways has your dying to yourself brought life to another? How has the generous giving of another brought life to you?
2. Sometimes our emotions rebel at the thought of what lies ahead and we feel like praying, ‘Father, save me from this hour.’ Then a realisation may come for you as a parent, a teacher, a spouse, a friend: No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Recall times when you have accepted pain or hassle and been a source of life to others for doing so.
3. The story presents the death of Jesus as the moment of his glorification by God. We are glorified when the grace of God enables us to give of ourselves. Have you experienced this in yourself or in another?
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Irish singer Cathy Maguire
Sings Lady of Knock at the official St Patrick's Day Mass by request of His Eminence Cardinal Dolan.
St Patrick's Cathedral, New York City.
March 17th, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcT09qNlx0M
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The Irish Blessing 2020
10.1K subscribers
*** Subtitles in English are available in this video ***
Premiered Pentecost Sunday, 31 May - 9:45am I/BST
The Irish Blessing - over 300 churches from our island sing a blessing over Ireland and beyond ...
The Irish Blessing (Beannacht uile-Éireann) is a project inspired by the many international recordings of "The Blessing” (by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship) which have been made during this time of pandemic. We wanted to honour that inspiration, whilst at the same time, honouring the unique history and culture of our island. So we chose a song that would resonate across the island, with every denomination and cultural grouping, one that could be used as a platform to sing a Blessing over our land, all our key-workers and those they are caring for. “Be Thou My Vision” is just such a hymn written over 1000 years ago. It reminds us of the One to whom we should look in this time of pandemic, whose presence is our light, the source of our wisdom, in whom we find our treasure and where we find victory.
Individuals from 300 Christian churches and organisations located in every county on the island submitted self-recordings of vocals and instruments which have been compiled by our creative team to produce this music video - we hope you receive a blessing as you watch it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TascsWZPj8U
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Father Frank Pavone
The ProLife Stations of the Cross with Fr. Frank Pavone
Meditations for Pro-Life Stations of the Cross
The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death
Though innocent, Jesus is condemned by the power of the State. In like manner, our innocent brothers and sisters in the womb have been condemned. Their rights and dignity are not recognized. In this, they bear a special likeness to Jesus.
The Second Station: Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross
The salvation of the world carried a heavy price for our Lord, the agony of the cross. As He accepts His cross, let us also resolve to endure suffering that others may live. Let us pay the price for standing up for our preborn brothers and sisters.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time
Almighty God was weak because He chose to be like us. He had power and glory from all eternity, yet He chose to be immersed in the world of suffering. We pray that the benefits and advantages we have in life may not cause us to forget our pre-born brothers and sisters.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
There is no deeper relationship than that of mother and child. They belong together. When one suffers, the other suffers. To love and defend one means to love and defend the other. To be pro-life means to serve both the child and the mother. It means to ask our society, "Why can't we love them both?"
The Fifth Station: The Cyrenian Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross
Many watched the Lord suffer. Simon the Cyrenian helped alleviate that suffering. Many lament abortion. Some actually get involved to help to stop it. We pray that all people may take their active place in the pro-life movement.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
The compassion Veronica shows reflects the compassion of so many medical doctors and nurses, who treat their patients with dignity. We pray for repentance and renewal in the medical profession. May the tools and skills meant for healing nevermore be used for killing.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time
In working to defend life, there are many setbacks and obstacles. Yet we know the meaning of the cross. In weakness, power reaches perfection. We do not look to our own strengths and talents alone, but to Christ. His own strength will sustain us.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem
Christ told these women to weep for themselves and for their children. He does not want false worship, but repentance. He does not want followers who cry out to Him but then ignore injustice and bloodshed. May all who believe in Christ likewise stand up for the defenseless children.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time
Despite the falls, nothing can stop our Lord, because He is on a mission of love. If the pro-life movement is not a movement of love, it is nothing at all, but if it is a movement of love, then nothing will stop it. Love is stronger than death, more powerful than hell.
The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Nobody can stop us form loving our preborn brothers and sisters. Those stronger than we may strip us of popularity, possessions, or power, but they cannot strip us of love. We love others with the same love that Christ showed for us.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Our Lord died. So many of His children have died with Him. His passion is re-lived with every abortion, one every twenty seconds in our country. We only know a fraction of the horror of this act in the sight of God. We only know a fraction of the horror of Christ's crucifixion. May all our brothers and sisters killed by abortion rest in Christ's peace and be saved by His cross.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
Mary experienced the pain of holding her dead Son. So many mothers grieve after their abortions. We ask that Mary may comfort them, help them face the truth about abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
A tomb is a memorial. It helps us remember the one who can no longer speak. May we and our society remember the babies who cannot speak. May we also remember Our Lord's Resurrection, and His promise of eternal life. He has conquered abortion because He has conquered death. May we bring His victory to every part of our world!
CREDO | CLAIRE GILBERT
In the depths of pain and weakness I felt great peace
Saturday March 06 2021, 12.01am GMT, The Times
In March 2019 I was diagnosed with myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow. I have been in treatment ever since, in an attempt to put the cancer into deep remission.
My way of coping is to enter the experience with everything that I am, feel, believe and desire. I have asked a group of friends to be my “Dear Readers”. Writing to them has not made sense of the cancer, but beauty and joy have emerged, even from pain and darkness.
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My treatment included a stem cell transplant. This requires melphalan, a foul chemotherapy based on mustard gas, which kills the bone marrow to make way for the new stem cells. It also kills all the bacteria in the gut. It nearly kills you.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/in-the-depths-of-pain-and-weakness-i-felt-great-peace-l3nntpsbp?shareToken=1d141f577b0621990e3f1b3493eacca3
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Outdoor Stations of the Cross St. Johns Tralee
If you live in Tralee, you have an opportunity to engage in The Stations of the Cross outdoors. The theme for these stations is closely linked to nature and creation.
Start in St John’s church where you can pick up the Lenten Booklet and follow the route. You start at The Window of Reconciliation and light your candle, then with your booklet begin your journey.
Rough notes for the walk:
1st Station: Jesus is condemned to death. The Rowan Tree (behind St Johns)
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
A branch broken just for fun, a plant stood on as we hurry along or take a selfie, a bird sings and we never even listen….thank you Jesus for trees, plants and birds too, open our eyes to find you in all things, in faces of family, friends and strangers and now today we can see you in all creation. Take a moment of silence and then…
Together: Glory be to the Father….
2nd Station: The cross is loaded on Jesus’ shoulders The big tree at the Denny Street Entrance to the park.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
As we look up at this huge tree, as we feel the bark, the skin of the tree, as we put our ears close to listen to the sap rising in this tree, we remember that your cross was made from the wood of a tree. Many trees are cut down in the Amazon and other tropical forests, just because they are in the way they lose their lives. Maybe we could plant a small tree … just think…everyday one tree supplies enough oxygen for more than 4 people.
Together: Glory be to the Father
3rd Station: The Weight is too much…Jesus falls crushed by the burden. The Patrick Pearse Park.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
Sit on a bench in this park. For a few moments be quiet, relax and just watch people going by outside the railings. Look under the bench, maybe you will find an empty drink can. Think about who has sat on this bench before you, someone tired, someone lonely, someone who has an addiction to alcohol or drugs or even gambling. They carry heavy loads. Maybe they get hope as they sit in the peace and beauty of this small park. Give thanks for the park, the gardeners and those who look after it. Pray for all those who have sat here and those who will sit here in the future. Parks are very special places, let’s keep them special.
Together: Gory be to the Father
4th Station: Jesus meets his mother Walk to the other side of this the park to the Baha’i Garden of Meditation.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
There are many different kinds of mothers, some have no money, others have a lot, some have white faces, others have black faces, some are old and others are very very young . Have you ever thought that the earth is a mother to us too? Looking after us giving us water, air, trees, food …really everything we need to live. Jesus’ mother must have loved him very much. What did she feel when she saw him in such pain carrying his cross? How did she show him she loved him, that she cared so much that she wanted to stop his suffering? How can we show ‘mother earth’ that we care for her? Here’s one little idea…Use a glass bottle for water instead of a plastic one.
‘Soil, water, mountains…everything is, as it were, a caress of God’. Pope Francis Laudato Si’ 84
Together: Glory be to the Father…
5th Station: Simon helps Jesus to carry his cross. Walk over to the statue of the Farrier/Blacksmith
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
Our family, a friend or neighbour will help us at different times. At other times it’s the childminder, a teacher, a nurse or a doctor. We need to reach out for help when we need it. On the way to Calvary Jesus was getting weaker and weaker under the weight of the cross, so the soldiers got Simon to help him. Simon didn’t volunteer. This statue shows a very strong man working. We think of people, even little children, all over the world, doing very heavy and often difficult work. Work is always easier when its shared, when we help one another. If we work together we can make our world a better place for everyone. Can you help to keep Tralee clean and green…How will you do that today?
“No one can experience the true beauty of life without relating to others, without having real faces to love” Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti 87
Together: Glory be to the Father
6th station: Veronica wipes his face…his imprint. Walk up to Siamsa Tire our National Folk Theatre.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
This is our very special theatre for plays, concerts everything that is wonderful and it has an art gallery too…of course sometimes the plays are sad it’s a place to touch our feelings and all our senses. When Veronica saw Jesus, she wanted to help him, so she used a towel to wipe his face, for a little bit of comfort and then she saw the imprint of his face on her towel…what did she feel then?…it was so precious. What imprint will we leave in Tralee today, will somebody have been comforted by our smile? What imprint will this time of visiting the stations leave in our lives…this time of walking or being carried, of being in nature, listening to the birds, feeling the wind or even the rain on our faces? Thank you Creator God for all the beauty of our Common Home that brings life and joy to us.
An idea…be sure to visit Siamsa Tire when it opens again….you will get a big warm welcome. Now walk all around Siamsa…it’s a very round building, through the grassy area, up the steps and back into the Park.
Together: Glory be to the Father.
7th Station: Jesus falls and is pressed to the earth Walk to the Community Garden
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
This is a garden where all the work is done by volunteers. Look over the fence and you will see the different beds for vegetables and flowers. When they plant the seeds here, the volunteers press the seeds into the ground where they lie, and kind of die really, so that the seed breaks open and sends up a shoot that might become a tomato, a lettuce or even a nasturtium. Jesus is getting so tired and exhausted in his journey now that he falls down again and touches the earth…he is almost pressed into it. This earth or soil is so precious. Do you know that ‘A single teaspoon (1 gram) of rich garden soil can hold up to one billion bacteria, several yards of fungal filaments, several thousand protozoa, and scores of nematodes’. As people who care for mother earth how can we care for her soil, her skin?
An idea. Try not to use sprays in your garden….and one more idea…plant some seeds for veggies this year…water…wait and watch them grow!
Together: Glory be to the Father
8th Station: Jesus meets the women. Walk to the Rose of Tralee Statue
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
The girl in this statue is Mary O Connor, who lived more than 100 years ago, a shoemaker’s daughter and he is William Mulchinock, who fell in love with her. You can read this story another day.
On his journey with the cross, Jesus met some women, just like Mary O’Connor. Where is Jesus meeting women today? Maybe in faraway places like the Amazon where they are struggling to protect their children and their homes as big businesses cut down the precious trees of the tropical forest, their home or, maybe in South Sudan where they are working to build peace. But he wants to meet us too right now, right here and just think, he will stay with us always, no matter what.
If you see a bench nearby why not sit for a while and relax, just be. Look at the fountain, look all around. Give thanks for this special time in this beautiful park.
Together: Glory be to the Father….
9th Station: Jesus falls a 3rd time…rises and staggers on Move to dead hollow tree just past entrance to CBS The Green School.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
The tree looks as if it is dead and it probably is, but now it is a home for many creatures, some were living there even while the tree was alive and some have moved in since the tree died eg in the summer it became a home for wild bees, until someone disturbed them (the bees). In nature nothing is ever wasted.
This is called a habitat ‘which can be defined as a place where animals and plants live in a community, where they have access to food, water, shelter and their fellow creatures.’ Transition Kerry. Jesus’ energy has nearly run out now but somehow he gets up and staggers on. Of course we know the end of the story don’t we! We can feel like that at times too but it’s so important to get up again and so we see that sometimes new life comes after a really terrible or difficult time, like for this tree. It is now supporting new life and needs to be left alone or/ and protected. We have different habitats here in the park and around Tralee, wooded areas or boggy places like the Wetlands. Have you ever visited the Wetlands and taken the boat trip through the reeds in the evening as the birds are coming in to roost for the night? It’s a magical experience.
Now we pray that we look after the different habitats around us and that includes our own homes where we live….all part of our common home for people and all creation.
Together: Glory be to the Father…
10th Station: Jesus is stripped of his clothes Move on to another tree in the Park.
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
We have seen and touched the bark of the tree, this is like the tree’s skin and then of course come the leaves. If the bark is removed it can allow disease get into the tree. But for thousands of years some people have used this skin for various purposes, like paper for writing eg from the Birch tree. Now that Spring is here the trees are beginning to put on their beautiful clothes, the leaves. Do you know that National Tree Wek is 21 March to 27th March and is about “All things trees”. www.treecouncil.ie The leaves of each tree are different, I wonder how many can you recognise? Tip: Look in the Hub window in St John’s for some answers. Trees too are in the names of places eg in Tralee Oakpark, Cluain Dara (Dair is the Irish for Oak)
Now we are thinking of Jesus being stripped of his clothes, be sure to find this station in the church one day..What a horrible experience for Jesus. All of our bodies are precious and beautiful and like the trees we want to look after them and sometimes give them a hug too. Why not hug this tree!
Together: Glory be to the Father
11th Station: A strange quietness as Jesus is nailed to the cross Go to the Sensory Garden and find the Horns of Clogherclemin (of course these are replicas ie copies, the real ones are in the National Museum I Dublin.)
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
These bronze age (2000-500BC) horns was found in a bog at Clogherclemin, Tralee in 1875. These horns were made by ancient Irish people even before Jesus walked on the earth…imagine!
This shows that the bog is a special place where many precious items have been preserved, it is anaerobic ie has no oxygen and. Now we realise that the bogs of Ireland ae places where carbon is stored. They are really like Ireland’s ‘tropical forests’. Now we are trying to protect them as a habitat to help to reduce climate change. Jesus never heard about Climate Change and now it has become very quiet as Jesus is lying on that wooden cross and being nailed to it. We hardly want to think about that. Did he get some comfort from the feel of the wood and the people standing there like Mary his mother? And so we are silent and say a prayer in our heart for anyone who is suffering pain whether it is outside or inside. We think of children and their families in places where there is suffering due to climate change, war and famine like…Yemen, Syria and South Sudan. BE STILL and QUIET for a few minutes.
When you’re ready, blow or make a loud oooo up the trumpet as you decide to play YOUR part, no matter how small, in helping people and mother earth …both are suffering and need our help.
Together: Glory be to the Father.
12th Station: Jesus dies. Go the standing Stone
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
The stone is aligned with Queen Scotia’s Glen on Sliabh Mis Mountain
and looks back to a mythical time when the Milesians defeated the great
Tuatha de Danann and Scotia’s son Amergin named the island ‘Eire’.
Today and right now we think of Jesus on the cross, on the wood from some tree in what we now call the Holy Land. That land is holy for Christians, Jews and people of the Islamic faith…here now it is as if we are standing beside your mother Mary at the foot of the cross. Jesus who always helped poor people, sick people, he wanted everyone to live life to the full without discrimination or racism but to live a life where the biggest truth is LOVE not power. He had no fear but as he died he cried out to his father, God. We too can cry out if we ever feel lonely or abandoned or really sad because Jesus now is beside us and within us to strengthen us, to take away our fear and to fill us with His love so that we can share that with others.
Together: Glory be to the Father…..
13th Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross. Stand beside the priests’ graves at the back of St Johns Church
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
After 3 hours, Jesus is taken down from the cross, his mother Mary and some special friends were there to hold the body tenderly and with great love but their hearts were broken though relieved that Jesus was not going to suffer any more. If a person is dying sometimes we want to hang on to them, we don’t want to let them go. And when they die we need time just to be with the body, to cry, to mourn, to grieve and to kiss it gently too. During this terrible pandemic that has not been possible for many families, making death even harder.
In some parts of our world people are now dying from Climate change and we need to let go of many things but not really things but ways of living, like using too much fossil fuel to travel, heat our homes and what about the food we waste and lots more. This is difficult so maybe we can do it one step at a time eg walk or use the bike more, only cook what we need and learn to compost. In this way we will be cultivating or sowing seeds of hope.
Like Jesus’ friends looked after Jesus body so carefully we too are called to look after our earth with tenderness and great care.
Together: Glory be to the Father…
14th Jesus is laid in the tomb. Return to the small Rowan Tree
I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.
Jesus’ journey of 2000 years ago is over…in the Holy Land Jesus’ body had to be buried before the holy day of the Sabbath. Now Jesus’ body is resting…it is very quiet.
We need quiet times in our lives too, times to rest and become aware of the breathing of the Spirit of Jesus which is alive within us and in our world. We can do this in nature, when we walk and sit, listen to the birds, the wind, water running…in so many ways…and of course we can do it in our own gardens or in any quiet place.
Remember you can make this journey again another time if you wish and one day you might like to look at the beautiful paintings of the Stations in St John’s Church the Church, most were the work of a famous artist called Sean Keating, I wonder which one will be your favourite?
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Hub window too where you can see and learn a lot about caring for creation, our common home.
Together: Glory be to the Father…..
Sylvia Thompson talks about this unique route for The Stations of the Cross on Horizons on Radio Kerry at 9 Sunday morning 7 March 2021.
March 2021
https://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/2021/02/outdoor-stations-of-the-cross-st-johns-tralee/
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HISTORY: from the 19th and 20th Centuries
February is Black History Month—a time to reflect on Black history, culture, and heritage in the US. To celebrate, The Library of Congress has published a Flickr album of widely requested photos of Black activists; important figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, or Malcolm X, who paved the way for generations to come. The collection includes 39 portraits of African American civil rights activists from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. All of the images have “no known restrictions,” meaning no copyright restrictions affect their use.
The following is a small list of some of the most influential leaders you’ll find in the Library of Congress’ collection:
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January 2021
Diocese Kerry Mission
https://www.facebook.com/KerryDiocese/videos/717527225615552
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Reflection
We cannot see the stars in the bright light of day,
but only in the darkness of night.
The Magi saw the star only because
they were not afraid to travel in the dark.
In a sense, all of us are night-time travellers.
However, we need no longer fear the darkness,
because with the coming of Christ
a light has come into the world,
a light that shines in the dark,
a light that no darkness can overpower.
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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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Lough Derg
Dear friends, Fr La will celebrate a Memorial Service of Prayer on Sunday 22nd November at 7.00pm. It will be broadcast via live webcam from St Mary's Church in Pettigo. link https://www.churchservices.tv/pettigo
This will be a service for us to remember dear departed pilgrims and supporters of Lough Derg.
It is my hope that this Memorial service that we are preparing would be a kind of Lough Derg “family time”: time simply to be together before the mystery of death and life: time to recall with thanksgiving those who have gone before us and of course to pray for them; a time perhaps to open our own hearts to God’s grace of healing for the pain of separation and loss that perhaps is still real for many of us.
If you like to give us the name of someone who died in the past year that you would like to be particularly remembered in this service we’ll be glad to have that from you; you can contact us in the following ways - Phone 00353 (0) 719861518 (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm) or
Email : info@loughderg.org
GRATITUDE
All too often we think of gratitude as the thing that comes along after a gift.
But gratitude is surely a wonderful gift in its own right. It makes all
the difference. It costs nothing but it is absolutely priceless. It can turn the day around, make a bad situation good, lighten a heavy heart and can be applied with no training or notice whatsoever. We ought to be constantly grateful for it
There are three things you can do today to help you to take stock of your life
and face up to whatever challenges are presented to you
1. Think back with thankfulness for the life you have enjoyed
2. Think forward with hope in your heart.
3. Look heavenward and feel the self-confidence within you.
LAST WORD: You cannot feel good about yourself while you are holding anger and resentment towards others
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Pastoral Message to the people of the Diocese from Bishop Ray
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Peace I bequeath to you. John 14: In common with the whole country today we begin six weeks under Level 5 restrictions. With other leaders in the state and in civil society, I encourage everyone to hold your heads high, and in a spirit of unity and concern for one another give 100% cooperation regarding the requirements of Level 5 and the basic Public Health Guidelines: social distancing; face covering; washing / sanitising our hands. This is key to getting the virus under control once more. As a united, loving, caring people let us give full cooperation to NPHET and our Government. Level 5 severely restricts our movements: many of our plans are cancelled. Being asked to stay in our own homes as much as possible is very difficult for some. People have great concerns about their employment or business. Together we face these six weeks, supporting and encouraging one another. Level 5 is due to end on the 1st of December, in time to allow us all celebrate Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is a true source of hope all year round, and especially as we face the next six weeks. Remember what the prophet foretold of the child Jesus born to Mary: He shall be called EMMANUEL a name which means ‘God is with us’. Mt 1:23God is with us always. Encourage one another to turn to God and put your trust in him. Four points to keep in mind that will keep us strong in the weeks ahead. Put your trust in God. God our Father is at work in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Turn to him in prayer each day. Back in Springtime there were so many wonderful examples in the community of care for each other. Reach out in support to those in your community who need it. Love one another. Think of others. Think and speak of the positive more than the negative. The corona virus is forcing us to live quieter, simpler lives. United together, supporting one another, we have sufficient to live good, happy lives. Positive talk lifts our spirits. Unite with all in the diocese in prayer, -praising God and asking for all the graces we need. Thank God our churches are open for personal prayer, sanitise your hands as you enter and exit. Join in offering the Mass in whatever way you can, -via radio, television or online. Pray each day, alone and together, pray as a family. Pray with your children and talk to them of God’s love and care for us all. Hundreds of times in the Bible God’s comforting word is, ‘Be not afraid’. Our Lady health of the sick, pray for us.
Be assured of my prayers.+ Ray Browne.
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Thought for the day:
Jesus does not pluck his summary teaching from the air–he quotes from the Shema Yisrael, the great daily prayer of Judaism found in Deuteronomy 6. The second part about the love of neighbour is taken from Leviticus 18. This mission statement stands as a resounding appeal to us today. We are asked not just to believe that there is a God, but to love God. We are asked not just to respect our neighbour, but to love our neighbour. Love is not only the truth about human beings but also the truth about God, who is love itself. Prayer: Great and loving God, your love for us is beyond what we can grasp with our minds and hearts. Let such great love for all awaken in us a true love of you and lead to authentic service of our neighbour. Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.(Ephesians)
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The Great Realisation It was a world of waste and wonder, of poverty and plenty. Back before we understood, why hindsight’s 2020.You see the people came up with companies, to trade across all lands. But they swelled -and got much bigger than we ever could have planned. We always had our wants, but now, it got so quick. You could have anything you dreamed of, in a day –and with a click. We noticed families stopped talking, that’s not to say, they never spoke. But the meaning must have melted, and the work-life balance broke. And the children’s eyes grew squarer, and every toddler had a phone. They filtered out the imperfections, but amidst the noise –they felt alone. And everyday the skies grew thicker,‘til you couldn’t see the stars. So we flew in planes to find them, while down below-we filled our cars. We drive around all day in circles, we’d forgotten how to run. We swapped the grass for tarmac, Shrunk the parks, ‘til there were none. We filled the sea with plastic because our waste was never capped. Until each day when you went fishing, you’d pull them out –already wrapped. And while we drank and smoked and gambled, our leaders taught us why. It’s best to not upset the lobbies, more convenient, to die. But then in 2020,a new virus came our way. The governments reacted and told us all to hide away -----------------------------------------------
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But while we all were hidden, midst the fear and all the while. The people dusted off their instincts ,they remembered how to smile. They started clapping to say “Thank you” and calling up their mums. And while the car keys gathered dust, they would look forward to their runs. And with the skies less full of voyagers, the earth began to breath. And the beaches bore new wildlife, that’s cuttled off into the seas. Some people started dancing, some were singing, some were baking. We’d grown so used to bad news but some good news was in the making. And so when we found the cure and were allowed to go outside. We all preferred the world we found, to the one we’d left behind. Old habits became extinct, and they made way for the new. And every simple act of kindness, was now given its due. But why did it take a virus, to bring the people back together. Sometimes you’ve got to get sick my boy, Before you start feeling better. Now lie down and dream of tomorrow, and all the things that we can do .And who knows if you dream hard enough, maybe some of them will come true. We now call it the Great Realisation and yes since then, there have been many. But that’s the story of how it started and why hindsight’s 2020!
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Pope Francis Didn’t Change Church Teaching on Marriage
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BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE
The most destructive habit - Worry
The greatest joy Giving
The greatest loss Loss of self- respect
The most satisfying work Helping others
The ugliest personality trait Selfishness
The greatest “Shot in the Arm” Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome Fear
The most effective sleeping pill Peace of Mind
The most crippling failure disease Excuses
The most powerful force in life Love
The most dangerous act A Gossip
The world’s most incredible computer The Brain
The worst thing to be without Hope
The deadliest weapon The Tongue
The two most powerful filled words I can –
The greatest asset Faith
The most worthless emotion Self-Pity
The most beautiful attire Smile
The most prized possession Integrity
The most powerful channel of communication Prayer
The most contagious Spirit Enthusiasm
Life ends when you stop Dreaming. Hope ends when you stop Believing.
Love ends when you stop Caring. Friendship ends when you stop Sharing.
LAST WORD: Time waits for no one, so love what you have before life teaches you to love what you lost….
Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Ben Aldridge.
Several years ago, I found myself in a dark place. I was struggling immensely with severe and debilitating anxiety and felt that I was losing control of my mind. I was having back-to-back panic attacks and honestly thought that I was dying. It was a truly terrifying experience and I felt overwhelmed with fear. My lack of education on mental health at the time meant that I didn’t understand what was happening to me. This made everything even more frightening. The fear of the unknown can often do this.
Sister Mary of the Rosary, OP: ‘The Little Flower of Alabama’
When she entered the Dominican cloister, Lalia Jones said that she wanted to become a nun ‘like the Little Flower.’
Dear sisters and brothers,
I invite you to join with families all over Ireland each day this October in praying together the Rosary, or even a decade of the Rosary, in your homes for God’s protection during this time of coronavirus. These past six months have reminded us of the importance of the “domestic Church” –the Church of the sitting room and kitchen –the Church that meets every time members of a family stands, sits down or kneels to pray together! Parents are the first teachers and leaders in faith and prayer in the home. Pray the Rosary, or even one decade, each day during the month of October. Rosary resources available at www.catholicbishops.ie •Pray that all will give good cooperation and thus keep the virus at a low level in Ireland. •Pray for your own family and loved ones and for all those whose health or livelihood is being seriously impacted by the coronavirus crisis. •Pray that we will be good neighbours to the housebound and those who live alone. •Pray for deep trust in God, that in dark difficult moments Christ will be our light. Let us have a Family Rosary Crusade, and faith hope and love will be a strength and comfort to all of us as we cope with the virus through the winter months. Spread the word online using the #FamilyRosaryCrusade or #OctoberFamilyRosary. Using this hashtag feel free to send in a picture or a short sound clip of your family saying a “Hail Mary”, “Our Father” or “Glory Be”! Wednesday 7thOctober is the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary. God bless you all.
+Ray Browne October 2020
Angels and Ministers of Grace, Defend Us!
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, rule and guide. Amen.” —Prayer to Your Guardian Angel
May this new month of July bring you many blessings from God.
Yoking for Life or Death
To whom or to what do you yoke yourself? We all need help, especially in the face of suffering and death. Consciously or unconsciously, we yoke our self to someone or something to help us bear our burdens. Therefore we need to ask: What or whom am I yoking myself to? What’s a yoke? It’s a wooden device that joins two oxen or horses together to pull a heavy load. One dray horse can pull two tons, but yoked another they can pull eighteen tons. This is called synergy – collaboration that produces much more than one individual could produce alone. Jesus’ Church begins this week with an invitation and a promise: “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. Your souls will find rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Mt 11: 28-30) Just as Jesus, in His human nature, yoked Himself to His Father to help bear the burdens of His life on earth, so now Jesus invites everyone to let Him yoke Himself to them to help them bear the burdens of their life productively. The hymn, “You Raise Me Up” expresses it thus: “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains/ You raise me up to walk on stormy seas/ I am strong, when I am on your shoulders/ You raise me up … To more than I can be.” Why, then, doesn’t everybody let Jesus yoke Himself to them?
It requires child-like trust, which we sadly tend to lose as we get older. Jesus thanked His Father, “for what You have hidden from the learned and the clever You have revealed to the merest children.” (Mt 11: 25) Jesus’ invitation to people to yoke themselves to Him is heard only by those who have a child-like trust in His promises. Jesus warns us: “I assure you, unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mt 18:3) This change requires humility and meekness to recognize that people totally dependent upon God for their very life. This is why Jesus teaches us to, “learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Meekness and humility are gifts of the Holy Spirit. Their opposites are arrogance and pride, especially intellectual pride. It’s these vices that cause people to sin, alienating themselves from God and from one another thinking, like Adam and Eve, they’re better off yoking themselves to someone or something else other than Jesus.
Arrogance and pride are some of the weapons Satan uses in his efforts to destroy Jesus’ credibility by creating division through heresies and apostasies in His Church. These divisions, lesions in His Church’s skin, came about mostly through Catholic priests and those with seminary training who arrogantly put themselves forward as knowing more than Jesus’ Church, e.g., Arius, Pelagius, Nestorius, Luther, Calvin, etc. They influenced others to follow them and break from the Body of Christ. Instead of synergizing with Jesus in His Church they separated from her and conceitedly rejected her authority by promoting private interpretations of the Holy Bible and rejecting the Magisterium. Due to the lack of humility and meekness, arrogance and pride prevailed. The same is true of members of the Church today who want to change her teaching or decide to leave because other members, especially the leaders, are less than perfect, as if they were without sin themselves.
Two kinds of spirit are operative in human life, namely the Holy Spirit and the spirit of evil personified in Satan. Each of us allows our self to be led either by one or the other, consciously or unconsciously. The spirit that leads us reflects that either God or the devil is yoked to us. This is reality. Because the choice is ours it’s all the more reason to be clear as to who is influencing our spirit. St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasized the importance of discerning which spirit was leading us in order to know whether we’re being led to Jesus in His Church or away from Him.
The Holy Spirit is necessary to prepare our spirit to allow Jesus yoke Himself to us so He can raise us up and help us bear our burdens. “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ he does not belong to Christ … All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Rom 8:10, 14) We know the Holy Spirit is leading our spirit when we’re focusing on the things of Heaven rather than on earthly things. The signs of His presence are: charity, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, humility, chastity, and faith. (Gal 5:22-23) The spirit of evil brings the greatest burden of all, namely sin. When we let Satan yoke himself to us we seek popularity, instant gratification, power to dominate, possessions at the expense of others, give in to lust, pride, sloth, wrath, covetousness, greed, an obtuse spirit, expressed in “self-indulgence, fornication, gross indecency and sexual irresponsibility, idolatry and sorcery, feuds and wrangling, jealousy, quarrelling, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies.” Gal 5:18ff)
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)
The dihydrogen monoxide parody involves calling water by an unfamiliar chemical name, most often "dihydrogen monoxide" (DHMO),
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrogen_monoxide_parody
Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide!
The Invisible Killer
Dihydrogen monoxide is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and kills uncounted thousands of people every year. Most of these deaths are caused by accidental inhalation of DHMO, but the dangers of dihydrogen monoxide do not end there. Prolonged exposure to its solid form causes severe tissue damage. Symptoms of DHMO ingestion can include excessive sweating and urination, and possibly a bloated feeling, nausea, vomiting and body electrolyte imbalance. For those who have become dependent, DHMO withdrawal means certain death.
Dihydrogen monoxide:
https://www.lockhaven.edu/~dsimanek/dhmo.htm?fbclid=IwAR0QraB61daw479wDneB6Ualz79MjdxVS2GF8Hvcm5uJbuDuePFzz5RHACA
is also known as hydroxyl acid, and is the major component of acid rain.
contributes to the "greenhouse effect."
may cause severe burns.
contributes to the erosion of our natural landscape.
accelerates corrosion and rusting of many metals.
may cause electrical failures and decreased effectiveness of automobile brakes.
has been found in excised tumors of terminal cancer patients.
Contamination Is Reaching Epidemic Proportions!
Quantities of dihydrogen monoxide have been found in almost every stream, lake, and reservoir in America today. But the pollution is global, and the contaminant has even been found in Antarctic ice. DHMO has caused millions of dollars of property damage in the midwest, and recently California.
Despite the danger, dihydrogen monoxide is often used:
as an industrial solvent and coolant.
in nuclear power plants.
in the production of styrofoam.
as a fire retardant.
in many forms of cruel animal research.
in the distribution of pesticides. Even after washing, produce remains contaminated by this chemical.
as an additive in certain "junk-foods" and other food products.
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.
Dr Julian Fidge, a firefighter from Wangaratta in north east Victoria says the devastating bushfires are a result of “neglect” based on “magical Greens policies which have the opposite effect of what they are trying to achieve”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4WYt0nm8c
Prayer
God of the covenant,
you anointed your beloved Son
with the power of the Holy Spirit
to be light for the nations
and release for captives.
Grant that we who are born again
of water and the Spirit
may proclaim with our lips the good news of his peace
and show forth in our lives the victory of his justice.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendour of eternal light,
God for ever and ever.
Dec 2019
At least 400 people have died since anti-government protests began across Iraq in October. The Associated Press reports that Iraqi security forces have used live fire, tear gas and sound bombs against the thousands of Iraqis protesting in the streets of Baghdad.
October 22, 2019 by Amy Welborn
Yeah, I’m fed up.
Time to return to trans issues. Why now? Because while it seems to be something that’s sucking all the air out of every single room every single day, over the past couple of weeks, we’ve seen an uptick in the news:
https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2019/10/22/peak-peaking-peaked/
Athlone woman Marion Carroll was on deaths door when she arrived at Knock Shrine in 1989. Today, she reflects on her miraculous healing from Multiple Sclerosis.
https://www.mercierpress.ie/irish-books/when_heaven_answers/
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan is the largest provincial Fleadh in Ireland as thousands of musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and visitors from the six counties of Munster and beyond gather for an annual celebration of our Irish cultural traditions. The town of Ennis is steeped in tradition having recently hosted Fleadh na hÉireann in 2016 and 2017 and also has proven itself to be a most suitable venue for the Fleadh following a hugely successful Fleadh na Mumhan in July 2018.
Munster Fleadh competitions where competitors from the six counties of Munster will compete for a place in the All-Ireland Fleadh in Drogheda.
https://youtu.be/0_EN4vsQrkc
Abbeyfeale Volunteers July 2019
Just a Thought
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.
If in our heart, we still cling to anything –
anger, anxiety, or possessions –
we cannot be free
Thich Nhat Hanh
Valerie Batta
Cross-Culture and Diversity Specialist
“I believe there are different approaches to solving the same problem: what I mostly believe is that how my words impact others is more important than how I feel about those words.”
What Should We Do about Our Aging Prison Population?
By Hope Reese
In the U.S., more people are dying of old age in prison than ever before. American prisons, in other words, are holding a swelling population of elderly inmates. According to Bureau of Justice figures from 2017, nearly 200,000 people aged 55 and older are incarcerated in America. And by 2030, the number of elderly prisoners is expected to reach 400,000.
(Break)
Of the 1.5 million adults currently in state and federal prisons, the 55+ demographic represents roughly twelve percent, which represents a 300 percent spike in the elderly population since 1999. In the six years between 2001 and 2007 alone, 8,486 people over the age of 55 died behind bars.
(Break)
” Maschi told me. “But it costs $68,000 a year to keep an aging person in prison, whereas it’s only $22,000 for a younger person.”
(Break)
Also, roughly 50 percent of prisoners reportedly suffer from mental health issues, according to the American Psychological Association.
Just a Thought
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.
If in our heart, we still cling to anything –
anger, anxiety, or possessions –
we cannot be free
Thich Nhat Hanh
Valerie Batta
Cross-Culture and Diversity Specialist
“I believe there are different approaches to solving the same problem: what I mostly believe is that how my words impact others is more important than how I feel about those words.”
WORDS TO THE WISE – “Learn to see a hidden blessing in every obstacle.” – Anon.
We are always inclined to accuse others of our own faults.
Recently a politician accused another of being like a supposedly hated figure, if the truth be known, he may be talking about himself.
NEW YEAR RESOLUTION 2018 – “Do all the good you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can,” – Wesleyan Chapel Plaque, Church Street.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas & a Peaceful New Year.
Christmas Greeting from Fr. Crawford
It is my privilege to send a Christmas Greeting and a New Year Blessing to all the Homes and people of the Parish, as we celebrate the birth of Christ and look forward with hope and confidence to the year ahead. I congratulate the families who celebrated Baptisms, and the young couples who got married. I offer my sympathy to those families who suffered bereavement in the past year. I have enjoyed sharing in your joyful family events , Celebrating Mass for your various intentions, and at your service in all your spiritual needs. I sincerely thank you for your generous support to me personally and to the Church in 2018 . To all who are involved in the various ministries of Word & Sacrament, to all involved in the administration of the Parish and all who help create a friendly and caring community,I say a big thank you . I congratulate our two Schools, their Teachers and all Staff members, The Boards of Management , the Parents and Children. There were some great school events during the past year and lovely moments to celebrate and remember. I would like to congratulate, bless, and encourage the work of all the Organizations in the Parish. You have organized many enjoyable events and welcomed lots of visitors to Glin . Ni neart go cur le cheile (our strength lies in unity)
The Diocesan website( http://www.limerickdiocese.org) also the Glin .info page will help you to keep up with developments and news.
I offer you the “Gospel Tree” for your reflection.
The Christmas Tree is a fitting image to prepare for the year ahead . You are the branches and the lights to help us face the many challenges . The Priests and people of our new Pastoral Unit will be working together to map out an uncertain future .Team Ministry and active involvement of Parishioners are key to the success of this new Pastoral Plan. The box of envelopes, delivered to your home is an invitation to continue your support for the work and upkeep of your local Church. You have been very generous and I thank you for your continued financial support. The envelopes allow me to record your contributions , be fully accountable for your donations and to claim back tax where possible.
I wish you every Blessing in the coming year.
Nollaig Naofa is Bliain nua mhaith agaibh go leir.
Fr. Tom Crawford.PP.
President Trump, with the help of the Republican House and Senate, has an impressive list of 289 accomplishments in 18 categories, culminating in the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh
http://www.politicalresponsibility.com/LongerTrumpAccomplishments.pdf
Sean Sheehy
Wed, Nov 14, 1:32 PM (2 days ago)
to me
Keep the End in Sight
Everything in this world comes to an end. Success or failure is determined by whether we achieve or fail to achieve our true end. To be successful is to be fulfilled. To fail is to be unfulfilled. You and I will reach the end of our life as successful if we achieve our true purpose. If we don’t we will die as failures. What is our true purpose? It is to live a life committed to deepening our knowledge and love of Jesus present in His Church, and demonstrating it in humble service to those in need. This translates into a life lived well and prepares us to die well.
When we know our true purpose we’ll resist the voices that tempt us into following other paths promising us a “good time.” Knowing our purpose will ensure we’ll live and work with the end in sight, namely total happiness with God and all the saints. The world in which we live is in denial when it comes to death. It glosses over death by referring to is as “passing away.” People console themselves by saying the deceased “has gone to a better place” as if that was a given or automatic. How do they know? They never seem to focus on what’s necessary to get to “the better place.” Ironically, our western culture is, as St. John Paul II labelled it, a “culture of death.” Death is seen as a tool to get rid those who’re inconvenient, as in abortion, euthanasia, murder, war, but isn’t seen as the time of judgment on how we lived life. So the culture cons us into ignoring what follows death. Knowing that we’re going to die and living with that reality keeps us alert as to how we’re living and encourages us to prepare to meet our Judge. Jesus Christ is the Judge of the living and the dead. No one escapes His judgment. He will judge everyone according to his or her deeds. Mt 19:26; Lk 2:30; Jn5:22, 27, 30; 8:15-16, 26; 9:39; 12:47-48; Acts 10:38-42; 17:30-31; Rom 14:10; 2 Cor 5:10; 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 5:9; Rev 19:11)
If you were driving on the highway and spotted a police car following you what’s the first thing you’d do? Wouldn’t you quickly glance at your speedometer to make sure you were observing the speed limit? Living our life conscious of Jesus’ presence as our Judge will surely influence us to act in such a way that He’ll be able to say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21) rather than “Away from me, you evildoers.” (Mt 7:23) Christianity isn’t like a coat that we put on or take off depending on the weather, who we’re meeting, or where what’s fashionable. Christianity is a lifestyle that prepares us to meet Jesus who warns us that, “None of those who cry ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven.” (M7 7:21) Jesus describes the scene on Judgment Day: “When that day comes, many will plead with me, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name? Have we not exorcized demons by its power. Did we not do many miracles in Your Name as well?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Out of my sight you evildoers.” (Mt 7:21-23) As T.S. Elliot wrote, “The last act is the greatest treason. To do the right thing for the wrong reason.” Saying “Lord, Lord” or invoking His power to boost one’s own ego or reputation is doing the right thing for the wrong reason.
Living the Christian life means humbly giving witness to faith in Jesus Christ both privately and publicly. He promises that, “Whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Whoever disowns me before men I will disown before my Father in Heaven.” (Mt 10:32-33) If Jesus disowns us we cannot enter Heaven since He stated clearly that, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6) What Jesus says He means and it applies to everyone, believers and non-believers. Hence the urgency to spread the Gospel so people can prepare for a successful end to their life. Jesus alone shows us “the path to life, fullness of joys in Your presence, the delights at Your right hand forever.” (Ps 16:5-11)
Jesus has come as our Saviour, is here now saving us through His Church, and will come again. “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather His elect …from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” (Mk 13:27) He assures us that, “The heavens and the earth will pass away but my words will not pass.” (Mk 13: 31) No one, except God the Father, know when the world will end. However the world will end for you and me the moment we die. Will our end see us as successful or as failures? It depends on whether we fully embrace Jesus’ words preserved, interpreted, and taught by His Church inspired by the Holy Spirit until the end of time. What we “pass away” to is determined by our daily choices – Heaven or hell. (frsos)
SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Gardener of life, form us …
Vine of life,
in Your branches we are nestled taking shelter and sustenance in the shade of Your strength.
With thanksgiving we celebrate the growth and hope we have found in placing our roots in You,
for in life You nourish us and Your Holy Spirit encourages us
to reach our full potential in the gifts we have been given
that others may know of Your love.
Lord, make us more than sour grapes and unripe olives.
In the hardships of the world
may we look beyond the bitter politics and divisions to find Your love
at the core of our relationships.
There may all people work with what we have in common
that we might grow to be a people of respect and trust.
May our branches bow with the weight of the fruit you have bestowed.
Help us to look beyond our own needs, to recognise those
who are hungry for food, love and justice.
May we offer others the shelter needed under the weight of Your branches
so they find a rest from the cold and darkness,
the hatred and loneliness of this world.
Instead may Your Spirit enable us to value the gifts and talents of all.
May our leaves soak up Your light.
When we meet those who are worn down with illness, loneliness, grief and abandonment,
may the light of Your presence shine in the encounters they have with others
that all might know Your compassion.
Gardener of all life, as You trim and shape us for Your purpose
may we place our prayers into Your hands and trust that new seeds may grow
from tired and empty thoughts.
Amen.
HEALING THE WOUNDS OF THE HEART
All of us are wounded by sin.
The part of us which is most deeply damaged by sin is the heart.
The heart is so beautiful, so innocent,
but it can be betrayed, scorned and broken.
Darkness of the heart is the blackest night of all.
Emptiness of the heart is the greatest poverty of all.
A heavy heart is the most wearisome burden of all.
A broken heart is the most painful wound of all.
Only love can heal the wounds of the heart.
Lord, send your Holy Spirit to us,
to heal the wounds of our hearts,
so that we may produce the fruits of love.
A thanksgiving prayer; Prayer of Saint Boniface
Eternal God, the refuge and help of all your children,
we praise you for all you have given us,
for all you have done for us,
for all that you are to us.
In our weakness, you are strength,
in our darkness, you are light,
in our sorrow, you are comfort and peace.
We cannot number your blessings,
we cannot declare your love:
For all your blessings we bless you.
May we live as in your presence,
and love the things that you love,
and serve you in our daily lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
written by St. Boniface (ca. 672-754)
The Miracle of Fatima
On October 13, 1917, tens of thousands of people gathered near a small Portuguese village to witness the fulfilment of Our Lady's promise.
"More than fifty thousand devout, sceptical, and curious people gathered at the Cova, and those watching from afar, experienced something overwhelmingly miraculous. …
First, the rain stopped abruptly, and the sun grew luminously brighter. The sun started to spin and shoot beams of light, causing everything to turn different colours. But it was not a rainbow that people were seeing. The sun increased in size as if it were being hurled towards the earth. People felt sure that there was no escaping death at this point and dropped to their knees praying fervently and crying out to God for forgiveness. Even the sceptical and cynical suddenly found reason to pray."
How the Miracle of the Sun dazzled the sceptics
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/issues/october-13th-2017/how-the-miracle-of-the-sun-dazzled-the-sceptics/
THOUGHT: There is no man that lives who does not need to be drilled, disciplined, and developed into something higher and nobler and better than he is by nature. Life is one prolonged birth.
Henry Ward Beecher
“You duped me, Lord. You tricked me, coerced me, seized and overpowered me. You were too strong for me. You won and I lost. Now I’m a laughingstock. Everyone mocks me, makes fun of me all day long.”
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/steven-greydanus/homily-16
THOUGHT: The Kingdom of Heaven the way God wants the world, a world of peace, justice, and love is the good seed.
The darnel is the sin of the world, selfishness, insincerity, arrogance, judging and criticising. Each of us has sin and grace, darnel and wheat in our lives, Lord you said "let them both grow till harvest". We thank you for the patience, love and mercy you have given to us so that we can grow in your goodness. Lord help us to wait patiently for each other trusting only in Your judgement.
Sean Sheehy
Jul 12 2017 ; Bloom Where You’re Planted
St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), archbishop of Geneva, was known for his wirings on spiritual direction and his gentle approach in dealing with conflicts resulting from the protestant reformation. He encouraged Christians to “Bloom where you are planted.” There’s a Gaelic proverb that says “Faraway hills are greener.” So often we don’t bloom where we’re planted because we think the grass is greener somewhere else and therefore feel we’d be much more effective if we were there. More often than not the reality is that when we go the where we think the grass is greener we find that it’s not as green as we imagined it would be. The reason the grass is greener on the other side is because someone keeps it watered and manured. Perhaps the grass where we are isn’t green because we’re not watering or nourishing it!
To bloom where we’re planted requires the proper nutrients to keep us healthy and working together so that we can be productive human beings wherever we’re located, despite the obstacles. Human productivity requires not just a body but also a soul that’s well nourished. That nourishment comes through letting God’s Word take root in our heart. God’s Word enlightens, inspires, purifies, and enlivens us to be continuously fruitful. He reveals, “For just as from the heavens the rain and the snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (Is 55:10-11) This revelation was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus – the Word-made-flesh. Jesus was reinforced the necessity of God’s word when He instructed His followers to, “Live on in me, as I do in you. No more than a branch can bear fruit of itself apart from the vine, can you bear fruit apart from me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who lives in me and I in him will produce abundantly, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:4-5)
God plants His Word in us so that it can bloom in our soul and make us bearers and witnesses to His truth that sets us free to be productive men and women. An American writer, Herbert Agar, noted that “The truth that makes men free is for the most part the truth which men prefer not to hear.” Without embracing God’s Word in our heart through union with Jesus, as a branch is attached to the vine, Christians won’t be able to persevere in witnessing to God’s truth where they are. The German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer, wrote in the 19th century that truth passes through three stages, first, it’s ridiculed; second, it’s violently opposed; and third, it’s accepted as being self-evident. To reach the third stage the truth needs bearers and witnesses who persevere in promoting it. That’s made possibly only by letting God’s Word take root in our heart.
Jesus identifies four basic attitudes toward God’s word and describes them in the Parable of the Sower. (My 13:1-23) God sows His word through Jesus’ Church and calls each of us to receive it. When the Holy Spirit invites our spirit to receive God’s Word what kind of reception will He get? Will we be like a footpath hostile to the Word? Will we act like stony ground giving the Word little chance to grow and therefore quickly abandoned? Will we be like a briar patch occupied with worldly worry, busyness, and the lure of money that chokes God’s Word? Or will our spirit be receptive to God’s Word with openness, gratitude, and humility letting it possess our heart where it takes root and enables us to bloom where we’re planted so that we can beautify, purify, magnify, and deify our neighbourhood and our world?
God is the Planter and we’re the recipients of His seed – His Word. We determine the kind of recipients we are. It’s our choice to respond to the seed of God’s word like footpaths, stony ground, briar patches, or rich soil. God has given us ears, eyes, and a heart to receive His Word. But we must accept that letting God’s Word root itself deeply in our heart is necessary for our productivity as human beings. If we don’t, we’ll listen to other voices and rely on other means to bloom in our surroundings. However, those other voices and means won’t only prevent us from blooming but they’ll cause us to wither and die. Therefore, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near.” (Is 55:6) When you seek the Lord in His Church that proclaims His Word and His presence in her Sacraments, where He’s near to you and wants to be in your heart, then you’ll definitely bloom where you’re planted and won’t waste your time wishing you were somewhere else. “God has placed you here for a purpose/ Whatever it might be;/ Know He has chosen you for it/ And labour faithfully” (Anon) There’s no one in the wrong place to serve God if he or she chooses. (frsos)
Sean Sheehy
Jul 19 2017
Mercy + Justice: Essential for Humanity
St. Thomas Aquinas noted that “Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.” Mercy reflects compassion, kindness, or pity for an offender. By itself, mercy is the “mother of dissolution” because it lets the offender avoid having to make restitution for the crime. It stamps the wrong with a perceived seal of approval that causes the victim to seek revenge thereby causing more wrongs which results in the dissolution of order in society. Justice is about conforming to truth, fact, law, or reason. It’s about what a person or community deserves. By itself, justice tends to be cruel, like Shakespeare’s Shylock demanding his pound of flesh. Mercy and justice must partner each other to preserve the dignity of the person, whether offender or victim. Justice and mercy aren’t opposed because their goal is the same, namely and expression of love for the preservation of the dignity of the human person.
God is both just and merciful toward us. The inspired author of Wisdom proclaims, “There is no God but You who have the care of all … for Your might is the source of justice … Your mastery over all things makes You lenient to all …You rebuke temerity ... judge with clemency … You gave your children ground for hope that you would permit forgiveness of their sins.” (Wis 12:13, 16-19) He revealed that “those who are just must be kind to their fellowman.” (Wis:12:19) God combines justice with mercy and commands you and me to do likewise if we’re to be His children. God reveals what He is like and what it means to be like Him through the Psalmist: “You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You … You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity. Turn toward me and have pity on me; give Your strength to Your servant.” (Ps 86:5, 15-16) We focus more on God’s mercy than His justice. But mercy calls for justice because to be merciful is to give the offender another chance to change and act justly. We must know what’s just before mercy can have any meaning. That’s why God gave us His Commandments first and then sent Jesus with His gift of forgiveness.
Some of us tend more toward justice while others lean towards mercy. Why is it so difficult for us to be both just and merciful simultaneously? We tend to be more judgmental than merciful because we focus more on “the splinter in the other’s eye rather than on the plank in our own.” (Mt 7:5). We emphasize punishment over rehabilitation. Our fallen nature seeks to avenge offenses rather than redeem the offender. I’ve often heard people wish that offenders would “fry” in the electric chair or “rot” in jail? Without mercy our cry for justice is a cover-up for revenge or anger ventilation. Feelings of self-righteousness – a “better than thou” mentality dismisses mercy. Hence justice needs mercy and mercy needs justice to keep each other balanced.
Jesus told the parable of the Sower (Mt 13:24ff) to teach His Apostles that the solution to ridding the wheat crop of weeds is to let both reach full maturity and then gather the weeds in separate bundles for burning. Their immediate plan to get rid of the weeds before maturity risked pulling up the wheat as well. Upright people in the name of justice want to get rid of those whom they judge to be “bad”. But Jesus warned that when you set out to destroy “bad” people you risk destroying the “good” as well. You can only get rid of evil by developing and promoting the good – what is of God. Justice condemns evil actions but mercy reaches out to offenders calling them to repentance and make restitution by giving them opportunities to make up for the damage they caused and live upright lives. As someone said, “There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill becomes the rest of us to be judge and jury on any of us.”
Jesus is “the Judge of the living and the dead.” (2 Tim 4:1) Each of us will be judged by Him “according to his deeds.” (Rom 6:2:6-11) Jesus is the only one who can judge us because He is the only one who knows what’s in our heart. “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7) While we can’t judge a person we must judge his or her actions as good or bad according to Jesus’ commandments. Mercy keeps us conscious that no one is the sum total of any action. Every person is capable of good, and it’s our job to bring out that good in him or her. In all our judgments we must remember that to be just we must be merciful and to be merciful we must be just. “Near indeed is His salvation to those who fear Him … Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss.” (Ps 85:10-11) In calling people to the truth we must be merciful, and true justice always leads to peace. (frsos)
TEN SECOND SERMONS
A person’s character is like a fence –it cannot be strengthened by whitewash. The best time for you to hold your tongue is when you feel you must speak or burst. Remember the tortoise only makes headway when he sticks his neck out. The man who waits for something to turn up finds his toes do it first. Common sense is instinct; enough of it is genius.
Credit makes cheap things dear. The Saints are the sinners who keep on trying. A good memory is needed once we have lied.
If people look up to you it does not mean you should look down on them.
PRACTISING OUR CHRISTAN FAITH
What is Christ asking of us in this weekend’s Gospel? That we leave our jobs, rush out and get involved in a whirlwind of good works? I don’t think so. Rather I believe He wants us simply to practise our Christianity not just in Church but out there in the real world in whatever situation we happen to find ourselves in. All the more so if by reason of our position we happen to be situated on some ‘hilltop’ where all can see us and where people look to us for light and not for darkness. Allow me to explain with some examples:
IF I’M A POLITICIAN, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I work for the good of the country and not just for my own good. A corrupt politician has a lot to answer for, but then a good politician can bring a lot of light into the lives of ordinary people.
IF I’M A GARDA, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I would uphold the law and enforce it fairly and that I would not try to bend it or break it myself.
IF I’M AN EMPLOYER, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I would pay a fair wage and create decent working conditions for my employees. People who are doing this are shedding a lot of light around them.
IF I’M A WORKER, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I know my job and try to do it to the best of my ability.
IF I’M A REPORTER, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I deal in facts not in half-truths, gossip and lies.
IF I’M A SHOPKEEPER OR BUSINESS PERSON, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I do not overcharge and that I give value for money.
IF I’M A TEACHER WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I teach well, and that I refrain from showing favouritism. If I show favouritism, then I bring light to some and darkness to others. If a Christian teacher should show any kind of favouritism, it should be towards the children who need learning support.
IF I’M A PARENT, WHAT DO MY CHILDREN EXPECT OF ME?
That I am at home and that I take more interest in them than in my career or overdoing the socialising.
IF I’M A PRIEST, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
That I would practise what I preach and I am guided by Church teaching. And so the list can go on and on as how best to practise our Christianity. How we can be ‘salt’ and how we can be ‘light’ among those we come in contact with daily. The Gospel is about quality of life or goodness. But my goodness must not be a put-on thing in which I seek to bring glory to myself. Every Parish in Ireland needs Christians who remain Christians. I am blessed and delighted to live and work in a Parish that has many good Christians.
Drug trade is a “callous trade in death”
The drug trade is a ruthless trade in ruining lives, a callous trade in death, the Archbishop of Dublin said at a service held annually to remember those who have died from substance misuse and related causes.
“It is a ruthless and cynical and diabolic trade which has no respect for any life. It thrives on destroying the lives of the weakest, whether of those who fall into abuse or those who they trap into becoming agents of their despicable trade.”
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin was speaking at the 18th Service of Commemoration and Hope in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Sean McDermott Street on Wednesday 1 February.
While remembering those who have died from substance abuse, the multidenominational annual service also offers hope to families still struggling with addiction or in recovery.
Addressing these families, the Archbishop of Dublin spoke of his great enjoyment each year when he celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation in Sean McDermott Street Church. “At Confirmation you see young boys and girls at their best,” he said. “Their smiles portray how proud they are of themselves and of their families and of their school. It is wonderful to see real hope in their faces.”
Nothing made Archbishop Martin so sad and angry as “to see the hope of a young boy and girl robbed and be slowly destroyed through them falling victim to substance abuse. Their youthful smile becomes replaced by a despairing stare. Their hope is replaced by a tragic trap which despite all their efforts they find it harder and harder to break out of without a helping community.”
But he added, nothing touched his heart as much as “trying to imagine what it means to a young person to experience the freedom that comes with recovery, to be their true selves once again”.
He said “We are here to show any young person who becomes trapped in addiction that there still is hope as we let them know that there is a helping hand willing to pick them up – no matter how many times they fall – and help them along the difficult path to recovery.”
But the Archbishop of Dublin had a warning, from the words of Jesus, for those who ruin the lives of the young: “If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
He told those present at the service that “Those who trade in death bring that condemnation on themselves rendering themselves despicable.”
He continued: “We gather to speak words of hope. We remember those who have died. They went through hard times but their loved ones remember them for the goodness that always remained there hidden within their troubled lives.
“We speak words of hope and support to the young people of this community who are our hope and we commit ourselves to carry them in our hearts and our helping hands that they can realise their hopes and go through life with those smiles of hope.”
The Annual Service of Commemoration of Hope was organised by the National Family Support Network in Dublin’s North Inner City. This self-help organisation supports family support groups and and raises awareness of the difficulties faced by families in coping with drug use while recognising their important role in supporting the recovery of the drug-using family member. It was established in 2000 following the first Service of Commemoration and Hope.
Its membership consists of representatives of family support groups, individual family members and those working directly with families of drug users across the island of Ireland.
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INTERESTING STATISTICS FROM LISTOWEL PARISH. FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS
Year 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Baptisms 84 69 72 70 69
Confirmation 83 88 64 81 75
Marriages 19 14 10 17 16
Funerals 52 71 64 71 48
DEFOMATION ACT 2009:
Publication or utterance of Blasphemous matter. Section 36 of the Act is a criminal offence and states:
36 (1) A person who publishes or utters blasphemous matter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €25,000.
THOUGHT: You save an old man and you save a unit; but save a boy, and you save a multiplication table. Gypsy Smith.
A team of astronomers have used the SPHERE instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope to image the first planet ever found in a wide orbit inside a triple-star system. The orbit of such a planet had been expected to be unstable, probably resulting in the planet being quickly ejected from the system. But somehow this one survives. This unexpected observation suggests that such systems may actually be more common than previously thought. The results will be published online in the journal Science on 7 July 2016.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – NO TIME FOR CRITICISM OF OTHERS
To forget past mistakes and press on to greater achievements.
To make our work a real joy.
To spent so much time improving yourself that you haven’t time for criticism for others.
To be kind to all.
To take every disappointment as a stimulant.
To smile
To talk and walk with God.
THOUGHT: Many times in life we are faced with the reality of our vulnerability and brokenness. For various different reasons we carry a cross upon our shoulder. We get weighed down by the drudgery and the endless struggle and we can see no light at the end of the tunnel. But even in these times of trouble and worry we are being consoled and carried by the God who knows each and every one of us by name. We are not alone....Margaret Theresa Naughton.
THOUGHT: The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You'll feel more patient and less pressured. Rick Warren
Pray devoutly, but hammer stoutly. W. G. Benham
When we lift our voice in worship and the devil loses his! Seth Dahl
If somebody writes a great poem, people don't run around applauding the pencil, saying 'Oh, what a great pencil," I'm a pencil in God's hands. Keith Green
Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire,--that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only.
Thomas a Kempis
"Where is God? Where can I find him?" we ask. We don't realize that's like a fish swimming frantically through the ocean in search of the ocean. Ted Dekker
Unholy tempers are always unhappy tempers. John Wesley
Life is a story in volumes three,
The Past - - the Present - - - and yet to be
The first is finished and laid away,
The second we are living day by day,
The third and last of the volumes three,
Is locked from sight, God keep the keys.
CHRIST IS THE HEAD.
Christ is the head of this house,
The unseen guest at every meal
And the silent listener to every conversation.
RECIPE FOR CONTENTMENT
“Those who don’t have what they like.
Must learn to like what they have”.
THOUGHT
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
Chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
A house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, Brings peace for today,
And creates a vision for tomorrow. (Melody Beattie )
Fr. Henri Nouwen has a delightful book entitled “MAKING ALL THINGS NEW”, he points out that worrying is a major hindrance of Spiritual Growth. I quote; “One of the most notable characteristics of worrying is that it fragments our lives. With many things to do, to think about, to plan for, the many people to remember to visit, or to talk with, the many causes to attack or defend, all these pull us apart and make us loose our centre. Worrying causes us to be “all over the place”, but seldom at home. One way to express the Spiritual crisis of our time is to say that most of us have an address, but cannot be found there. We know where we belong but we keep being pulled away in many directions, as it we were still homeless”.
Real Power
The English Catholic historian, Lord Acton, stated that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The word ‘power’ comes from the Latin and means having the ability to act. The Greek ‘dynamis’ gives us the English word ‘dynamic.’ No person wants to be powerless or helpless. Power and authority usually go hand-in-hand. Authority is the right to say or do something. One without the other is either ineffective or destructive. Power is abused when exercised without authority. Some people seem to think that the Golden Rule means “Them that has the gold makes the rules.” As human beings, inheriting a fallen nature, our use of power to do what we want can easily tend to corrupt our thinking and our choices because of our tendency to selfishness, sin. This is why we need to understand where power comes from and who authorizes us to use it.
In His exchange with Pilate, Jesus identified God as the source of all power. Using his power and authority as a Roman Governor, Pilate, threatened Jesus, “Do you not know I have the power to release you and the power to crucify you?” Jesus replied: “You would have no power over me whatever unless it were given you from above.” (Jn 19:10) As the Creator, all power comes from God. Christians acknowledge this in the doxology at the end of the Lord’s Prayer: “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.” It’s God who gives us the ability to change. But it’s not change for the sake of change, but the power to make life more liveable, loving and hopeful for everyone. No one wants to change things for the worse. Even when people make changes that are bad, they see them as good for themselves. That’s why we need a vision of what is truly good so we can use our power for everyone’s good.
Jesus brought us this vision that was lost through Adam and Eve’s sin. He came to show us that since only God is good, He alone decides what is real, true, good, and beautiful. Jesus taught His disciples that true power is exercised in serving others, not in making others our servants. “Let the greater among you be as the junior, the leader as the servant.” (Lk 22:26) Power must be used to make things better especially for the weakest, poorest, and most dependent among us. “You know how those who exercise authority among the pagans lord it over them. Their great ones make their importance felt. It cannot be like that with you. 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.” (Mt 20:25-26)
Since all power comes from God, we depend on Him for power. Jesus invited Peter to participate in His power and authority when He asked him three times, “Do you love me more than these?” Each time Peter declared his love, Jesus authorized and empowered him to, “Feed my lambs; Tend my sheep; and Feed my sheep.” (Jn 21:15-17) What Jesus asks of us He empowers us to accomplish. After His resurrection Jesus appeared to seven disciples on the lake shore. They were fishing but caught nothing. Jesus said to them, “Cast your net off to the right side of the boat and you will find something.” (Jn 21:6) They did and the nets were filled with fish. God’s power always accompanies God’s will. After Jesus’ Ascension Peter and his fellow Apostles exercised their power and authority from Jesus in the signs and wonders they performed in service to the sick and those searching for the truth. Their authority was challenged by the Jewish leaders who forbade them to teach in Jesus’ name. Peter responded, “Better for us to obey God than men.” (Acts 5:29) They knew that Jesus’ authority and power superseded human power since humans are dependent on God for their authority and power.
We all want power because we need to be able to change things for the better. The song, “Let there be Peace on Earth” has the line, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” If we want to change the world we must begin with our self. If I change myself, my world will automatically change. The world is made up of the worlds of each of us. But in order for change to be effective we need the kind of power that effects change that is good for all of us. That power comes from God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. Every day we need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us the ability to change our thinking, choosing and acting in order to focus on serving rather than on being served. This is how we participate in Jesus power to bring the world back to His Heavenly Father. Thus we make sure our use of power perfects us rather than corrupts us. (frsos)
Just a Thought
Having begun a New Year, for many it is a time to make new year resolutions and reflect a little on our lives. Give time to the lonely and elderly … Seek out a forgotten friend … Share some treasure .. Give a soft answer .. Encourage youth … Apologise if you were wrong .. Try to understand .. Be kind .. Be gentle … Laugh a little .. Laugh a little more … Express gratitude… Pray .. Go to Mass .. Mend a quarrel.. Welcome the stranger .. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth .. Thus may our celebration of our Mass be a real expression of Christian community living. Speak your love .. speak it again And allow the Child King to fill your heart with Christmas joy throughout 2016.
THOUGHT: I may never see tomorrow, there’s no written guarantee.
And things that happened yesterday belong to history.
I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past
I have just the present moment, I must treat it as my last.
I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away,
And be lost to me forever as a part of yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet.
Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete
The unkind things I do today may never be undone
And friendships that I failed to win may never more be won
I may not have another chance, on bended knee to pray
and thank God with humble heart for giving me this day
THOUGHT:
LINCOLN DIDN’T QUIT
THE SENSE OF OBLIGATION TO CONTINUE IS PRESENT IN ALL OF US. A DUTY TO STRIVE IS THE DUTY OF US ALL. I FELT A CALL TO THAT DUTY”, ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Probably the great example of persistence is the late Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn’t quit, look no further. He was born into poverty, and was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost 18 elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest Presidents in the history of the U.S.A.
Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up. This is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House.
1816 His family were forced out of their home and Abraham Lincoln to had to work to support them
1831 His Mum died
1831 Failed in business
1832 Ran for state legislature – Lost also lost his job, wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in
1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year was bankrupted. He spent the next 17 years paying off this debt.
1834 Ran for state legislative again - Won
1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died suddenly and his heart was broken
1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for nine months
1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – Defeated
1840 Sought to before elector – Defeated
1843 Ran for Congress – Lost
1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won, went to Washington and did an excellent job
1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – Lost
1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state - Rejected
1854 Ran for the Senate – Lost
1856 Sought the Vice – Presidential nomination at convention – got less than 100 votes.
1858 Ran for Senate again – and once again he lost
1860 Elected President of the United States
After his very many defeats and all the elections Abraham lost, he had a special few lines that kept him focused and ready to re-start. These are his own words, and maybe they might just help all of us too not to quit. “The path was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other one out of my way, but I recovered and said to myself “it’s a slip and not a fall”.
THOUGHT
THOUGHT: Helping people takes time, and free time is a commodity most of us have in scant supply. It is probably, at least partly true, for that reason that the time we give to others is such a treasure to God.
Stephen Fortosis
MEMO FROM YOUR CHILD
1. Don't spoil me; I know quite well that I ought not to have all that I ask for.
2. Don't be afraid to be firm with me; I prefer it. It makes me feel more secure.
3. Don't let me form bad habits; I have to rely on you to detect them in the early
stages
4. Don't make promises you can't keep; remember I feel let down when promises
are broken
5. Don't protect me from consequences; I need to learn that way sometimes.
6. Don't be inconsistent; that completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you
7. Don't correct me in front of people if you can help it.
8. Don't nag; if you do I will need to protect myself by appearing deaf.
9. Don't make me feel that my mistakes are sins.
10. Don't forget that I can't thrive without lots of love and understanding, but I
don't need to tell you that, DO I?
Tipperary Priest in Siberia
Fr Robert Bradshaw born Tipperary 1929, his father was a butcher in the Town and his mother Josephine Ryan was from Hollyford, he was of a family of ten. He wrote a letter from Krasnoyarsk, Siberia in September 1993, the letter arrived the day of his death 23 September 1993. He mentioned it was a long time since he wrote and as others were receiving this bulletin for the first time, he was going to give extra details of his Parish. Which was 2,000 miles long and 700 miles wide it has only three priests in the heart of Siberia. Many towns and villages the most distant town is three hours by plane . In 1935 the communists shot the priest and converted the church into a theatre. No priest there for 57 years, 25 old Catholics heard mass for the first time in 57 years one old lady of 93 travelled four hours by train to receive the sacraments before she died. First Mass was said in classroom, later Polish priests and nuns arrived. St Vincent de Paul Society was established and the Legion of Mary was a great help. Weather in winter maybe 40 degrees below. Women pull their children behind them in a sleigh during winter. The summer, dry hot weather June, July and part of August. When the priest was taken away one lady baptised local children who in their old age are receiving their first communion now. Building new church 200 kilometres away in town of 30,000. Because of distances a newsletter is produced, the Legion are a great help in distributing it, a correspondence course is also available. Russian Academy of Science held a conference and invited Fr Bradshaw to speak. A container of clothes was donated from Iceland to his parish and distributed to the needy. He also bought a cottage and garden on the edge of the forest to grow food and have a place to rest, besides potatoes, several fruit varieties also can be grown. He was blessed with helpers Debbie Cummins and Rachel Geraghty from Dublin. He thanks all who have given help and prayers. Fr James Costelloe was with him at the time of his death. Fr. Robert Bradshaw was buried at St Michael’s Church Tipperary on 30th September 1993.
Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical and expecting more than others think is possible.
Kris Vallotton.
Only when we have enough mental stress to force us to see our own bankruptcy of power, do we trust in God, and only when we trust in God can we make a contribution which will not collapse.
Kenneth L. Pike
THOUGHT: Have you ever noticed that Jesus is never recorded as taking a holiday? He retired for the purposes of his mission, not from it. He was never destroyed by his work; he was always on top of it. He moved among people as the Master of every situation. He was busier than anyone; the multitudes were always at him, yet he had time, for everything and everyone. He was never hurried, or harassed, or too busy. He had complete supremacy over time; he never let it dictate to him. He talked of "my time;" "my hour." He knew exactly when the moment had come for doing something and when it had not... a life lived in God is a life that masters time. One can see the distractions for what they are and centre down on the things that really matter. But of course this doesn't mean that Christians do less than other people. (Look at Jesus again, and think of those people - many of the busiest you have known - who have something of this quality.)
THOUGHT
We retain excuses for our past failures. So
in the first place, it is important to remove
all the negatives from your life.
Face your prejudices, depressions, glooms
and fears. We build up such an arsenal of
alibis and excuses so that when we try to
take a new way, the selfish ego holds on to
these defences & rebels. For example, if
you feel a bit depressed, tell yourself in
some detail how much there is to be cheer-
ful about and thankful for. If you feel
lonely, choose an interesting task and think
how valuable it is to be able to work with-
out interruption.
Always try to substitute a strong, positive picture
for the negative one in your mind.
At the end of each day, list all the happy things
that have happened. Even remember that it has
been a fine day, if it has. Most people remember
only when it has not been so. Get rid of the use-
less waste which can be poisonous if you let it
accumulate.
TALK THE WAY YOU’D LIKE TO BE, AND
YOU’LL BE THE WAY YOU TALK.
Talk courageously and you’ll be brave. If you
want to be a leader, speak with confidence. If you
want friends be sure all you words are friendly.
You talk the way you are. If you want to be a
different, alter your speech. Watch for revealing
negative words and change them to positive ones
at once. There is a positive side to everything. A
new word means a new picture: an new picture
means a new life.
In your efforts to improve, go slowly, don’t try to
bite off too much at once. Mental food takes the
same processing as any other. It must be chewed
well and digested before we try to take in any
more. Take it unit by unit.
A statement like: “Today I am going to learn and
grow” is good. Affirm it and hold it for a day.
Keep coming back to it. Try it just for a day.
When tomorrow comes take it again as new day.
When you get tired, try a new affirmation, but
don’t hurry y to change.
From this springs creativity in work and play,. So
that life is full of happiness, helpfulness, and hope
can develop. It is a simple practical programme
for positive living.
THOUGHT
The Sacred Heart Review > 29 January 1916
O Connell.
Father Dc Smet interested in his " dear Indians " would fill pages. Daniel O'Connell was one of the leaders he met. Bishop Hughes who accompanied the missionary on his second European trip introduced " the Apostle of the Indians " to the great Irishman. With the Father's own reminiscence of the incident we shall bring this review to a close. His letters form a very interesting part of the story:— " I have been present," writes Father Dc Smet, "at a gathering of two hundred thousand people, and had the honor of sitting in the same carriage with the great liberator, Daniel O'Connell. The people's enthusiasm knew no bounds; we were literally carried in triumph to the meeting-place. . . . Not a word of the stirring discourse escaped me. That day Irish eloquence resounded in all its glory. " What a spectacle it was for me, a missionary who, after being buried for five years in the heart of the American desert, and now thrown by chance on Irish soil, found myself beside one of the greatest men of the day—the only agitator who has ever instigated a revolution without spilling one drop of blood. '' What a man ! I can not express my sensations and feelings on that occasion. Never did I behold a brighter eye, a more benevolent face, a more imposing and commanding person. His words flow like honey from his lips; he enraptures and captivates and places you at your ease in a moment, just like an old friend and acquaintance."
http://newspapers.bc.edu/cgi-bin/bostonsh?a=d&d=BOSTONSH19160129-01.2.15&srpos=21&e=-------en-20--21--txt-IN-kerry+born+bishop----#
: Do not hurry as you walk with grief.
It does not help the journey
Walk slowly,
Pausing often.
Do not hurry as you walk with grief
Be not disturbed by memories that come unbidden.
Swiftly forgive and let Christ speak for you
unspoken words.
Unfinished conversation will be resolved in Him.
Be not disturbed.
Be gentle with the one who walks with grief.
If it is you, be gentle with yourself.
Swiftly forgive, walk slowly, pausing often.
A flea is tiny beside an elephant but as soon as the flea enters the ear of an elephant it goes crazy.
The elephant’s ears are so big, the elephant itself is so big and yet a tiny ant makes it go wild. In the same way, if I allow the slightest defamation of anyone go through my ears, I lose all my spirituality. I lose all my value because I start interacting with others on the basis of what I have heard about them. Pay attention to this! We have to be very, very selective in what we allow to enter our ears.
Let me learn to see only virtues and specialities. Let me not concentrate on any-one’s weaknesses.
http:
Some ways to celebrate the year of faith as individuals
Make a pilgrimage
Take a retreat, go on a day of recollection
Consider how you celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Spend more time in prayer and Eucharistic Adoration
Explore ways of deepening your understanding of the Mass
Grow in devotion to Our Lady, especially through the Rosary
Consider ways of putting your faith into action by serving others
Build a small shrine or prayer focus in your home for the Year of Faith
Join a prayer group or study group
Take up regular spiritual reading
THOUGHT:
”If thou thinkest twice before thou speakest once, thou wilt speak twice the better for it.”William Penn
Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade him to move things our way, but an exercise by which we are enabled by his Spirit to move ourselves his way.
Leonard Ravenhill
The heart is rich when it is content, and it is always content when its desires are fixed on God.
Miguel Cordero-Munoz
If you're going to worry, there's no need to pray and if you're going to pray, there's no need to worry.
Tiffany Berry
Tuesday, January 22, 2013.
It marks the 40th anniversary of Roe Versus Wade, the landmark decision by the Supreme Court that effectually makes abortion legal in the USA.
Since the case’s decision in 1973, roughly 50 million abortions have taken place legally in America. That’s about 1.2 million abortions last year alone.
//vimeo.com/52129103
SOUTH America; In Paraguay is a town called Cateura, built on top of a landfill. Garbage collectors browse the trash for sellable goods, and children are often at risk of getting involved with drugs and gangs. When orchestra director Szaran and music teacher Fabio set up a music program for the kids of Cateura, they soon have more students than they have instruments.
That changed when Szaran and Fabio were brought something they had never seen before: a violin made out of garbage. Today, there’s an entire orchestra of assembled instruments, now called The Recycled Orchestra.
Our film shows how trash and recycled materials can be transformed into beautiful sounding musical instruments, but more importantly, it brings witness to the transformation of precious human beings.
Watch the trailer below.
December 11, 2012
Does Belief in the Afterlife Diminish Man?
by Donald DeMarco
It is commonly asserted, especially among atheists, that belief in an afterlife cools one’s enthusiasms for this life on earth. This God-centered or theocentric view allegedly prevents human beings from truly being themselves and living up to their full potential. As a consequence, they fail to appreciate fully the richness and rewards of this world.
Two most influential champions of this man-centered or anthropocentric (or secular) view are Auguste Comte (1798-1857) and Karl Marx (1818-1883). For Comte, the Father of Sociology (which he initially termed “social physics”), belief in an afterlife produced “slaves of God.” In order to develop “servants of Humanity,” according to Comte, men had to turn away from the fictitious notion of a life after death and concentrate on the life they are living. His grand objective was to bring about “the triumph of sociability over personality.”
Karl Marx held that belief in an afterlife robbed man of his only opportunity to be fully himself. The practice of worshipping an unreal Supreme Being, he claimed, alienated man from his better self. Therefore, Marx could say that “It is easy to become a saint if one does not want to be a man.” “Atheism,” he wrote, “is a negation of God and seeks to assert by negation the existence of man.”
Historically, anthropocentric humanism has not fared very well. Evaluating the devastating influence that it has had on the modern world, Jacques Maritain observed that it brought about a tidal wave of irrationalism that swept Western culture in the form of racism and materialism. Albert Camus asked the piercing question, “Why did the enlightenment lead to the blackout?”
There is no basis, however, for the contention that belief in an afterlife causes a dulling or loss of interest in this life. No one argues, for example, that students lose interest in high school because there is higher education ahead, or that minor leaguers do not apply themselves too hard because the Major Leagues beckons to them. No one believes that we must get rid of higher education and the Major Leagues so that high school students and minor league athletes can perform un-distractedly and at their best.
Orthodox Christianity teaches that there is continuity between this life and the next. A true Christian does not think of himself as someone standing at a bus stop and doing nothing more than waiting for the bus (that will take him to heaven). He understands that what he does in this life determines his reward in the next. If we are faithful to the commandment to love God, ourselves, and our neighbors, that love will secure our place in heaven. The existence of the afterlife should supply people with a strong motivation to live well in this life. On the other hand, if there is no afterlife and we are all headed for oblivion, what is the point in being loving and decent human beings in this life? Under such circumstances, life would be comparable to the uneventful tenure of a lame-duck politician.
The real problem is scarcely ever stated. And it is this: by clinging to the present world, believing it to be the only world that is real, we can become highly reluctant to recognize its faults, no matter how glaring they might be. It is like a doting parent who cannot abide any criticism of his only child, or the youngster who cannot tolerate anyone disparaging his baseball card collection. Human beings have an inveterate propensity to overvalue what they have and turn a blind eye to their imperfections they contain.
The Christian regards his life as a gift from God and holds it sacred. He also valuates it in terms of an ideal, which is to say, something more perfect. Heaven is the reward for a life well lived. But if a person identifies his life with the ideal, it may not occur to him that it stands in need of considerable improvement. As a result, he loses an important incentive to work hard to improve himself. Would a factory worker expend himself if he knew that at the end of the month, there would be no pay check?
The theocentric view is inclusive inasmuch as it includes man, whom God embraces with his Love. The anthropocentric view, by definition, excludes God. But it also excludes, by implication, man, since it closes him off from the Infinite to which he is naturally inclined. In other words, the anthropocentric view, in addition to denying God, diminishes man.
It is only in the light of what should be that we can properly evaluate our present state. Can America, in her present moment in history, he sufficiently critical of her faults to take the necessary steps to overcome them? Or will she remain morally complacent at an hour when pornography sweeps over the country, when traditional marriage is routinely defiled, when the out-of-wedlock birth rate is over 40%, when education sacrifices itself on the altar of political correctness, when illegal drugs are a national plague, when sexuality is reduced to a banality, when the Bible is scorned, and Christianity mocked? Secularism is not self-sufficient even though it is self-congratulatory. The real problem is that when God and the afterlife are denied, society loses all sense of higher standards and lapses into egoism. And egoism is the catalyst for mayhem and brutality.
The individual person is an evolutionary being. He must pass through many changes and moral renovations. But his evolution does not lead to or terminate in death. There must be something beyond death that offers him the crown of his evolutionary journey. To be with God is both man’s end and the reason for embracing the challenges presented to him in this world.
The Irish seminary at Douai (then part of the Spanish Netherlands) was founded around 1577 by Fr Ralph Cusack. King Philip endowed the Irish seminary in 1604 with 5,000 florins. (Incidentally it is little understood today just how crucial the support and generosity of the Kings of Spain was to the survival of Catholicism in Ireland.) After the Flight of the Earls, Hugh O’Neill would stay at the seminary in 1607 on his way to Rome (where Paul V welcomed him lavishly and the same King Philip awarded him with a substantial pension).
Dungannon,
31 December, 1599.
Since nothing can be more beneficial to a Christian commonwealth than to have men, eminent in learning and virtue, to sow the word of God, instruct the people, and eradicate vice from the minds of men; of which men, alas, this realm is destitute, owing to a lengthened war and the activity of heresy; wherefore, most powerful King, nothing could be more desirable for our commonwealth than to have such men, whom we cannot possess, unless Your Majesty, in your wonted kindness for the welfare of the whole commonwealth, the exaltation of the Catholic faith, and the extirpation of heresy, assign some allowance to our college at Douai, containing nearly one hundred students, living solely on the liberality and alms of others.
Almighty God long preserve Your Majesty to the universal Christian commonwealth and to us Irishmen.
Your Majesty’s most faithful subject,
O’NEILL.
by Matthew Warner Monday, August 15, 2011 1:30 AM Comments (10)
Kids are not getting taught a very important lesson in life. At least not many of the kids here in the United States. Their school teachers, youth ministers, pastors, coaches and, most especially, their parents are dropping the ball on this one. And the dropped ball has caused two massive problems:
1) We have a lot of bad marriages (that aren’t really marriages) that end in divorce.
2) We have too few priests.
So what do kids need to be taught to fix these things? They need to be taught that their vocation needs to be discerned. And along with that, they also need to know:
1) What a vocation is.
2) What their options are.
3) How to discern it.
Most children grow up just assuming they will get married one day. And they never even consider (especially not seriously) the option of becoming a priest or entering the religious life (or even remaining an unmarried layperson). And truly, they never even consider if they’re called to marriage, either. They simply assume it. And while most people are clearly called to marriage, to assume as much does a great disservice to both marriage and the religious life - to both families and to the greater Church. And at the most basic level it does a great disservice to the child.
Our vocation is the practical call in our life that brings about our sanctification and gets us to heaven. It’s kind of a big deal.
And it seems that many parents haven’t really encouraged their kids to even consider the priesthood or religious life (you know, so the next generation can receive the sacraments?). And in the process they’ve presented a kind of “default” option: marriage. Meaning that by default when the time is right you just get married…requiring no real discernment at all. Not only does this approach lead to terrible marriages, broken families and a lot of heartache for people and society, but it also leads to a lack of priests and religious. So why are parents failing to teach this important lesson to children?
Well maybe they only have one or two kids and vows of celibacy would lessen the chances of grandkids. Well, that’s understandable, but ultimately selfish.
Maybe they think the life of a priest is hard, and they don’t want that burden on their kids. But guess what’s a much heavier burden on your kid? Choosing the wrong vocation. Not following God’s call. I think we should worry much more about that. Oh, and - news flash - marriage is pretty hard, too (especially when it’s not properly discerned and set up for failure from the beginning).
Maybe they don’t have faith that what God wants for their child is truly what’s best for them. And that God will always provide enough grace to persevere no matter what challenges our children face in life. We need to teach them to accept that grace, not to run from their vocation.
Or maybe they just think that priests and religious are weird. And that it’s unnatural and a waste of life to deny one’s self a spouse or to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. But I think anyone who really thinks that just hasn’t hung out with enough amazing priests.
A few recommendations for such parents:
1) Share your own story of discernment with your kids. Develop such relationships with them that they’re willing to open up to you about their own discernment.
2) Teach them what a vocation is and that it is something you are actively called to by the Creator of the universe Himself, not something you fall into by default or convenience.
3) Teach them how to pray and to discern God’s will in their lives. And you can start by practicing with them on smaller matters when they are small.
4) Hang out with other families who have great marriages. Oh, and make sure you have an amazing marriage yourself.
5) Hang out with some great priests and religious. Make them a part of your life.
6) Don’t be scared of your kids choosing a vocation. Be scared of them choosing the wrong one.
7) Don’t worry, trust God and pray for your children every day. It’s your job to get them to heaven.
In the end, living the vocation one is called to is what leads to the most peace and joy in life. If you want that for your kids, then also have the courage and care to teach them how to do it.
Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/matthew-warner/teach-your-kids-this-and-help-save-the-world?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NCRegisterDailyBlog+National+Catholic+Register&utm_content=Google+Reader#When:2011-08-15#ixzz1VDxpPQP1
By Jessica Kelmon, Associate Editor
Fatherly love is critical to a child's development. In fact, it’s one of the single greatest influences. What’s more, a father's love sometimes outweighs a mother's in terms of child development. These are just a few of the findings from a September 2011 study published last month in Personality and Social Psychology Review.
“It’s not that mothers aren’t important – they are – no one would ever argue that they aren’t,” study co-author Professor Ronald P. Rohner is quick to point out, but in his long-term research on acceptance-rejection theory across 13 nations, he’s uncovered some interesting news about a father's parenting role.
For one, when fathers act as nurturing (primary or secondary) caregivers, their kids benefit in terms of social-emotional and cognitive development, according to Rohner. Does this seem obvious? It’s not, he insists.
For about 300 years now in the U.S. and the western world, we’ve collectively assumed that kids mainly need a loving mom for positive child development. In just the past 10 years, though, we’ve learned that mindset is fundamentally wrong, Rohner says. “Dads have as great or greater influence in a variety of contexts,” he says, “so we need to encourage dads to get involved in caring for their kids in a loving way. … And we need to encourage moms to let dads play that role.”
What’s more, young adults who remember feeling accepted by their dads show a greater sense of well-being, and a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness than those who remember acceptance by their mothers, Rohner says.
Rohner’s research centers mainly on parental acceptance-rejection theory – and hinges on a child’s perception of each parent’s actions in four areas: warmth and affection, hostility and aggression, indifference and neglect, and the child’s general sense of being loved.
Across cultures, national boundaries, and families, these four areas have proven important in children’s perception of their parents’ affection, he says, and translates to a cluster of seven personality and behavior traits – either positive or negative – in the kids. If a child rates his parent positively, then he’s likely to show low hostility and aggression; independence; positive self-esteem; positive self-adequacy; emotional stability; emotional responsiveness; and a positive worldview. If that child rates his parent as cold, aggressive, indifferent, and generally unloving, though, then the opposite of those seven traits tend to surface, with the child exhibiting increased anxiety, insecurity, hostility, and anger; less emotional stability; poor self-esteem; and dependence issues.
“Everywhere in the world, kids who feel rejected by their parents tend to have mental health problems,” Rohner says. “Fathers show up more than mothers in these situations: if kids feel rejected by dad, they’re more likely to have behavior problems, delinquencies, depression and depressed affect, and substance abuse [problems].”
Results from more than 500 studies have established that, in many cases, a father’s perceived love (or lack thereof) can have greater impact than a mother's. The enduring question for Rohner has been: why? Rohner’s work with the International Father Acceptance Rejection Project, which has conducted research in 13 nations, has allowed Rohner and his colleagues to proffer an explanation. It has to do with the child’s perceived interpersonal power and prestige of each parent. Basically, if a child perceives Dad to have more interpersonal power and prestige than Mom, then Dad’s level of acceptance (or rejection) will have more sway over the child’s development. And vice-versa – Mom may be the one with higher perceived interpersonal power and prestige, and then the child’s perceived acceptance (or rejection) from Mom will have more influence. Could other factors play a part as well? Absolutely, says Rohner. His research continues.
But armed with this info, Rohner says there are a few important takeaways for parents. First, a child’s misbehavior shouldn't automatically be attributed to the mother's parenting, he says, warning that there’s way too much “mother bashing” in the world today. In many cases, a second look at the father's parenting may be in order.
Second, if parents notice the cluster of seven negative traits in their child, it’s worth investigating. “If parents see that in their kids,” he says, “the odds are that their kids are experiencing some significant rejection in some context. … And kids can very often tell you about it if you ask in the right way.”
But most important is the good news: that dad’s love matters. “Bottom line,” he says: “Dads, get involved. Get involved in a loving way in caregiving for your kids if you want to maximize the likelihood of healthy social-emotional and cognitive development of your children.”